Echoes of Edinburgh (12 page)

Shelby remained silent for a long moment as he helped her into the car. “Why did you break up?” Before he closed her door, she put a quick hand on his arm. “You don't need to tell me if you'd rather not.”

He wanted to tell this woman everything she wanted to know, but answering that question was difficult without revealing more about his personal connection with the foundation. He trusted Shelby, but—for whatever unknown reason—he couldn't bring himself to tell her the Miriam Foundation was named after his mother, and that Harrison Reed sat at the head of its board. All she had to do was Google his name and she'd find it. He'd been surprised she hadn't already done so. He'd checked out Harmony Lane and found Shelby's page on the website of her stock brokerage firm the first day he'd met her. Maybe it was a sad fact of the modern age, but it was curiosity and interest that sparked his interest, nothing more. He'd discovered she was an honest-to-goodness dynamo, a rising star in the brokerage firm. Not that he was a bit surprised.

After he closed the passenger door, Harrison moved around the front of the car, sliding behind the wheel. “Tiffany made it clear she wanted a physical relationship without the benefit of a wedding ring. I had to break it off in order to maintain my sanity, my testimony, and still be a God-honoring man.” He inhaled a quick breath. “I realize that might sound strange since usually it's the woman saying it, not the guy.”

Starting the car, he glanced at Shelby as he pondered where to take her next, not wanting the time with her to end. She stared out the front window, twisting her fingers in her lap.

“I think Tiffany wanted the money and the prestige of the foundation more than she cared for me. She worked for one of our biggest contributors, the youngest daughter of a wealthy Atlanta family.” He hoped he hadn't revealed too much with that information. “I hope you don't think I sound judgmental.” Maybe he did, but it was the truth.

“No,” she said, shaking her head. “You don't. Like you told
me
once before, you're being honest, and that's a very appealing quality. Thank you.” Shelby's voice was quiet, her manner subdued. “Harry, I have some things I need to do tonight. Do you mind taking me back to the hotel now?”

“Not at all.” Harrison's stomach clenched. He hoped what he'd told her hadn't scared her off in some way. His past wasn't anything to be ashamed of, by any means.

The woman beside him deserved the absolute best, and he wanted to be that man for Shelby. He
needed
to see her again after she left Edinburgh. As much as the need to breathe, he'd make time for Shelby, make it a priority. Scheduling frequent stops in Chicago was well within the realm of possibility with all the traveling he did on the foundation's private plane. He'd even started to ponder opening a satellite office in the Windy City, something he never would have considered before. Was he crazy or totally out of his mind in love with her? Maybe it was a little bit of both.

Pulling up to the hotel entrance a few minutes later, Harrison left the car idling, waiting for Shelby's cue. He already ached at the thought of not spending more time with her tonight. Time was precious, especially since she'd be leaving in only a few more days. The thought sent a sharp, shooting pain through his entire being.

I don't want to say good-bye to her, Lord.

Harrison raised Shelby's hand, turned it over and planted a light kiss on her warm, open palm. When he felt her shiver, it pleased him. So much he wanted to say, not sure how to say it, or how she'd react. Perhaps it was best if he didn't walk her inside the lobby tonight. His thoughts were getting carried away, and he'd be better served to remain in the car.

“You're quiet again. Care to share?” Hearing the tremor in Shelby's voice, he knew he needed to reassure her.

“I'm thinking how blessed I am to know you. Thinking how you're the most beautiful woman I've ever met. In every way.”

Shelby leaned toward him and kissed his cheek. “She was a fool to let you go, Harry.”

A minute later, she was gone, slipping out of the car and disappearing into the lobby of the hotel. Harrison slumped in the seat, staring at the entrance, lost in thought. What just happened? As much as he wanted to run after her, lift her in his arms, and carry her off into the sunset, he could only sit, speechless for once in his life. Unable to even move.

From the things she said—as well as the things she
didn't
tell him—he knew no romantic skeletons hung in Shelby's closet. She'd told him only two relationships lasted longer than a few months. More or less, she'd been “married” to her career as she'd made her way to the top in her male-dominated office. That single-minded focus had also kept her sweet and protected from men with less-than-honorable intentions. Maybe he shouldn't be thankful she'd been a workaholic, but he was secretly thrilled.

Lord, keep her strong and safe from all the circling vultures
.

Pops was right. Shelby was worth every risk and then some. No longer could he deny the depth of his feelings for her. He was completely and utterly in love with a woman he'd known less than a week. Now, perhaps the hardest task of his life lay before him.

He had to convince Shelby.

 

 

 

 

16

 

Late Friday Afternoon, Day Seven

“I hope I'm not just another summer romance to you, Harry.” Shelby's eyes sparked with passion, making them more beautiful. In spite of what she said, her tone of voice and the way she'd employed his nickname encouraged him. No reason to worry.

“Enlighten me.” They'd used that expression a few times since they'd met, and it seemed appropriate now. Squinting in the sunlight, Harrison glanced up to the face of the woman at the top of the Ross Fountain in the Princes Street Gardens. “Tell me what I've done now.”

“For one thing, you can stop staring at her. She's...”

“Naked and gold. Would you rather I stare at the equally naked, gold nymphets at her feet?” He quirked a brow and pressed his lips into a thin line lest he burst out with laughter. Shelby was even more adorable when she was jealous, especially when she had no reason.

“No, but it's good they're sitting. Covers up...a few things.” Gesturing to them, Shelby rolled her eyes. “Never mind. Naked, gold women make me crazy.”

“Don't tell me you're jealous of a statue.” Giving into his grin, he stepped closer. “The nymphs represent the arts, science, poetry, and industry.”

When she grunted, he laughed. “The celebration of the naked female is typical of classical French design. This statue was shown in the Great Exhibition in London and bought by Daniel Ross, a gun maker and philanthropist. It arrived in Edinburgh in 1872 in over a hundred pieces.”

“A philanthropist? You don't say.” Tapping her foot, Shelby frowned. “I hope
you
won't get any ideas about naked ladies, gold or otherwise.”

He'd ignore that comment. “If it helps, this statue's been called ‘grossly indecent and disgusting' by some right here in Edinburgh.”

Tilting her head, she surveyed it. “I wouldn't say it's disgusting, exactly. The mermaids below the tier are rather pretty,” she said, her lovely smile emerging. Much better.

He pushed his hands in his pockets, wanting to mask the fact they were as shaky as his emotions, and rocked on his heels. “We need to talk, Shelby love. You're leaving in less than two days—”

“I'm very aware of that. Don't remind me.” The irritation in her voice tipped him off that she was on edge. She'd been antsy and impatient most of the day, in fact. Even though he felt the same way, he thought he'd done a decent job of masking it. Shelby didn't want to leave. He didn't want her to leave. They'd been dancing around each other.

“You know I want to see you again when we're both back in the States.”

“I feel the same way, but maybe what happens in Edinburgh...stays in Edinburgh.” She flinched. “Sorry. That was really corny.”

“No reason we can't Skype, Facebook, e-mail, talk on the phone, text, or anything else they'll invent to stay in touch at a moment's notice.”

Tears filled her eyes, and Shelby shook her head. “It's not the same thing, and you know it. As much as we might want it to be.”

Frustration settled in his gut. “I can visit you in Chicago. I'd love to see Harmony Lane. Unless you'd rather I don't come.” He blew out an exasperated sigh and raked one hand through his hair. “I'm certainly not going to invite myself where I'm not wanted.”

“Stop talking now, please.” She cradled his cheeks between her palms. “Scots believe it's bad form to express strong feelings in public and demonstrating too much warmth or friendliness is inappropriate. It's deemed overly familiar and crass.”

His lips curled. “Says the woman with her hands on my cheeks. In answer to that ridiculous statement you made a minute ago, this isn't a throw-away summer romance. We both know it.” Slipping both hands around Shelby's small waist, he drew her close, gratified when she didn't resist. “You've become a very precious person in my life, Shelby Harmon.”

She made a feeble attempt to push him away. “We'd best leave now, since I'm sure we're about to incur the wrath of the good people of Edinburgh by exhibiting a blatant display of American impropriety.”

Harrison's gaze trailed a leisurely path over her features. “Let them talk,” he murmured, his voice husky as he brushed his mouth over hers. “They half expect this kind of behavior from us, anyway. Might as well give them what they want.” He tightened his hold, loving the feel of her so close, the scent of her. “At this moment, I'm extremely proud to be an American. Time for some rough wooing.”

 

****

 

She should push him away, stop Harrison from making a public spectacle, but Shelby couldn't resist him. “Harry…” Apparently, the whispered nickname was all the encouragement he needed. He kissed her again, much more thoroughly than the first time. A deep, soul-dragging, heart-stopping, win-at-all-cost kiss. The man was extremely persuasive.

With a final, lingering kiss, Harrison stepped back, forcing distance between them. His chest heaved a bit, his breathing ragged. Lifting his shoulders, he gave her a sheepish grin as she tried to recover her emotions. “I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me. Well, I do, but I should have shown more restraint. I hope you can forgive me.”

“You're not alone, Harry. You'll notice I didn't put up any resistance. None at all, as a matter of fact.” Glancing around, Shelby was somewhat appeased to see no one else was nearby to witness their shamelessness.

“I like wooing you. We're good together, you and me, but I sure hope you don't have a guy back in Chicago that you kiss like that.”

“That doesn't even warrant a reply.” She crossed her arms and fumed. “Now who sounds jealous? I hope you know I also don't make it a habit to kiss men in foreign countries.”

“I think you just did, and I also think it's a fair statement considering how...”

She'd started to walk away but spun around on her heel. “Considering how desperate and lonely you think I am? How needy? I sure hope that wasn't a pity kiss, because—”

“Raising the white flag here,” Harrison said, putting up one hand. More infuriating was the grin tugging the corners of his mouth upward. “I was only going to say how beautiful you are. Shelby, you're an amazing, absolutely
incredible
woman. Everyone else can see it, but for whatever reason, I don't think you can. The men in Chicago, in Kentucky, and everywhere else on the planet, are fools.”

Lowering her gaze, Shelby paused to gather her thoughts. Although his words flattered her, unwelcome doubts pushed their way to the forefront of her mind. “Harry, please answer a question for me.”

“Shoot.”

“How is it that you've had so much time to spend with me? Please don't misunderstand. I've loved every second we've spent together, but I have to wonder how a man so committed to his work can spend half his days showing me around Edinburgh.”

Harrison glanced into the distance and blew out a breath. “I have the freedom to extend my stay in any city as the need arises.” He returned his gaze to hers. “I also have a number of accumulated vacation days, and I choose when to take them. After I met you, I made the conscious decision to spend some of those days with you, Shelby. Please know that neither our time together—nor any of the places we've gone—have
ever
been at the expense of my time for the foundation.”

Shelby could only nod. He probably thought she was questioning his work ethic and that wasn't at all what she'd meant to imply. Or was it? Perhaps the thought
had
lingered in her subconscious. Not that she was proud of her thoughts.

Harrison's phone buzzed in his pocket.

“Go ahead. Answer it. It might be important,” Shelby said, turning away and running a hand over her hair. Not wanting to eavesdrop, she walked a few steps away. What was that conversation all about? More than that, what was wrong with her? She'd been snapping at him on and off throughout the day. As usual, he'd been wonderful and done nothing to merit her wrath. Poor guy must think she was a lunatic. She'd certainly acted like one lately.

Harrison talked for a couple of minutes before disconnecting the call and returning the phone to his pocket. “Pops has requested the honor of our presence at his house tomorrow night for dinner, since it's your last night in Edinburgh.”

“Sounds good,” she said. “I hope you accepted for us.”

“I did.” He fixed his gaze on her. “Pops said he wants to explain what was in the envelope from your dad.”