She held the heart chimes up and stared at them. She’d give David some space and worry about him later if she didn’t hear from him. Right now she had something else to do. “Are you sure you want me to use this, Pierce? It’s awfully kind of you and I can see the love that went into this piece. You could sell it easy enough.”
He shook his head, his eyes bright behind his round wire framed spectacles. “No, I’ll never sell this piece but I’d be more than happy to give it to you on a permanent loan after what you’ve done for me.”
Chapter Seventeen
Mari, Bella, Dakota, and April sat up on the front upstairs balcony of the Lake Hotel.
April sipped her wine, sighed in pleasure. “This is one of the things I’m enjoying living here, having you all in the same place.”
“It is rather nice to have each other to call on for a change. It was so hard when we were all spread out.” Mari picked up her glass. “I propose a toast. To the Moore Sisters of Cherry Lake, Montana.”
“To the Moore Sisters.” They all clinked glasses.
“We didn’t come here just to drink. What’s going on, April?”
She glanced at her sisters, one after the other. They all had small grins and knowing looks on their faces. A shiver of tension tickled down her spine. It was impossible to keep a secret from these women. “What are you talking about?”
Dakota leaned forward. “You and Pierce Linton. I heard from Jake when he called in to get Adam for drinks that David thinks you and him are having a fling of sorts. Isn’t he a little bit old for you?”
How much fun would it be to tease them along and get their reactions? They’d murder her afterwards though. April tucked her feet under her flowing skirt and laughed. “You’re only as old as you feel. Age is a number.”
“Please tell me you’re not serious.” Mari frowned into her glass. “I know you like his art but isn’t that taking things a bit too far?”
“You guys are killing me. No, I’m not having a fling with him. Yes, I like his art and I like him, too, as a person. He’s an absolute sweetie. And, no, it’s not any of your business.”
Bella piped up. “Everything each of us does is our business and don’t you forget it.” She accepted high five’s from the other girls. “Our significant others are downstairs in the bar consoling David because he’s in love with you and thinks you and Pierce are an item.”
“Can I help it if he jumps to conclusions? I offered to have a relationship with him and even take it slow so he can ‘get back into dating,’ as he so nicely put it. He was hurt before, I get that. But that doesn’t mean he can jump to a stupid diagnosis, especially when someone is just being nice to me. Even the cleverest men can be stupid when it comes to matters of the heart.”
“No, that’s true.” Mari said thoughtfully. “But do you think it might be wise to tell him the truth so you two can get on with a relationship? Nothing good will happen if he thinks you’re with Pierce. Jealousy is a terribly destructive thing.”
Her sister made sense but how was April going to explain what Pierce meant by his comment about love. “Yes, it is and I agree. But, in my defense, he jumped the gun. I never once indicated that I was interested in Pierce in anything other than on a platonic basis because I admire his art so much.”
“Maybe the guy is so blinded by love he can’t see the wood for the trees.”
April leaned forward and gestured with her glass, glad someone had the same thoughts as she did. “That’s what I said and I want him to see me, not the stupid woman who dumped him. I want him to see me for me, not stick me in the same category as her.”
“The way he’s acting, he’s seen you alright and wants you. I think if you’re not going to stuff up this emerging relationship, you need to take the next step.” Mari sat back in her chair.
“I’ve been thinking the same thing but I’m afraid I’m going to scare him off. I don’t want it to be my decision that he stays here.”
“Who cares? There’s nothing wrong with being bossy, April, if you have the best of intentions. The thing is to counteract your bossiness with something that will appeal to David. Do you seriously think the men are downstairs talking about fishing or hunting?” Dakota tapped her finger to her nose. “No. They’ll be talking about how much hard work we are and trying to find a way to soothe the poor man’s ego. I can almost guarantee it.”
“You might be surprised.” Bella sipped her wine. “Jake was saying he and Rick were trying to nudge David in your direction. They’ve all decided that it’s high time he found someone and stopped playing the wounded victim. Not that he’ll see himself like that of course.” She leaned back in her chair. “You, dear sister, need to come up with a plan for total seduction. He’s a goner and we all know it. The only one still in the dark is David.”
*
“It’s not going to work. She’s got Pierce fawning all over her.” David couldn’t help the sinking feeling in his stomach. “You should see what he brought her the other day. It’s not right. He’s too old for her.”
“But didn’t you say she wanted a relationship with you?” Jake put his beer on the table, crossed his arms. “Why on earth would you think she’s even remotely interested in him?”
“Because he’s there, in her face all the time. Giving her his artwork with hearts and
