The Trumpet and Vine Collection by Judy Christie

Author:Judy Christie
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ebook
Publisher: Zondervan
Published: 2014-07-01T00:00:00+00:00

Magnolia Market

For Paul

Chapter 1

Avery Broussard rearranged a stack of cashmere sweaters on the antique cypress table and straightened the lamp shade. The cozy glow settled her nerves on the gloomy Louisiana afternoon.

She moved behind the counter, then shuffled a stack of credit-card receipts, a small smile visiting her face. Devoted customers, undeterred by a steady January rain, had swooped in for the shipment of Mardi Gras gowns, extra profit flying through the stained-glass door. Only a couple of women had whispered loud enough for her to overhear, but today their snide words did not sting.

Last year had been tough, but the store was at its peak. Everything was in order.

She savored her long-buried happiness.

The tinkling of the bell on the front door snuffed her optimism, though, and she glanced down for a quick assessment of her appearance. The form-fitting knit dress and leather boots whispered style and competence. Her white-gold bracelet reminded her of what was at stake.

Prepared, she plastered on a smile—but balked before the practiced words of welcome escaped.

The guest was not who she expected.

A man, more than six feet tall, stood under the blue awning, just beyond the threshold. His khaki canvas jacket was soaked, and his short, dark hair—brown or black, it was hard to tell—glistened with rain.

Despite the blast of frigid air, warmth washed through Avery at his easy grin. When he stepped to the threshold, his presence infused the space with a dose of male energy that caused Avery’s heart to thud.

He was as unlike the rare males who dashed in for a gift certificate as the boutique was from a Dollar Store.

The attraction fizzled when he stomped his boots, leaving a pile of mud at the entrance.

“Sorry for the mess.” His attention didn’t leave her as his deep voice, with a trace of southern drawl, preceded him into the store. “Your intercom out back isn’t working.”

He carried an olive-drab tool bag and looked vaguely familiar. He wasn’t their regular deliveryman—and surely not a customer.

She straightened her shoulders.

Whoever he was, she wanted him on his way before Evangeline arrived.

He set his tools down and stood on the terra-cotta tile inside the door. “I’m here to start on the repairs. I’ll add that intercom to the list.”

She shook her head, hoping her smile would soften the words. “I’m afraid you’ve got the wrong address. This is Evangeline’s Boutique.”

His dark brown eyes narrowed, forming a tiny furrow between his brows.

“I’d be happy to take one of your business cards,” she added. “I’ll need to have a few repairs done in the spring.”

The furrow deepened, and he glanced at his black sports watch. “I was sure we agreed on five.” The grandfather clock in the corner punctuated his remark.

The five somber chimes caused Avery to draw in a breath. “I hate to send you back out into this weather, but I have a business meeting. Would you like to use the phone to—?”

The creak of the back entrance interrupted her, and she scurried past the sweaters to grab the guy by the arm.

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