The Old Fashioned Way (A Homespun Romance) Read Online Free Page A

had to say to them would have to be said on his own.  Mixed with the flicker of apprehension was a tremor of inexplicable excitement.  She'd better get back to work.  Abby went back to arranging the soft toys she'd taken out of the box. 
     
    Everyone looked up as he pushed open the door of the community room.  For a moment Daniel wanted to turn and run.  Maybe this wasn't such a great idea after all.  He was no good with people in this age group.  If communication became a problem, that would impede progress. 
    As silence spread across the room, Daniel looked at Sarah Trenton and said, "I'd like to take you up on that invitation to stay for dinner."
    He decided to wait till after dinner to offer to look at the books.  Maybe food would change Abby Silver's disposition.
    Sarah looked at him intently and then said, "We'll eat in half an hour.  Why don't you let Abby show you around till then?"
    Daniel looked behind him, but she wasn't there.
    "I wonder where Abby is," he heard Sarah Trenton say.
    "I'll find her," Daniel turned away quickly.
    Don't bite off more than you can chew, Hawthorn.  You need time for yourself, remember? 
    That he did.  But Daniel knew he couldn't concentrate on himself till he took care of this matter.
     
    "You're a good dog aren't you?"
    Daniel had never heard Abby Silver use that tone of voice before.  Gentle, soft, tender.  She stood by the door of the store, her gaze on the sole occupant of his car. 
    Stepping to her side at the edge of the verandah he said, "That's Danube Princess.  Would you like to meet her?"
    Abby hadn't gotten over her surprise at seeing the dog.  "I didn't think you'd have a dog."
    "You mean I'm not the dog type?" he asked dryly.
    That was exactly what she had thought.  People kept dogs for companionship.  To dispel loneliness.  Daniel Hawthorn looked as if he never needed anything or anybody.  Embarrassment had bright color flooding Abby's face. 
    As Daniel stepped forward, the German Shepherd stood up on the car seat and gave a whimper of delight.  There was no doubt about the affection the dog had for its owner. 
    "Good girl," Daniel said patting the dog.  "Good girl."
    The warmth in his voice was real.  Abby frowned.  He seemed so different from the successful businessman she had seen the first day.  Which was the real Daniel Hawthorn?
    "Come and meet her."
    "Princess," Daniel commanded, as Abby reached his side.  "Shake hands with Abby."  Looking at Abby he said, "Put your hand out, please."
    The dog put a paw into Abby's outstretched palm and Daniel's hands covered both theirs.  "Good girl, Princess.  Remember, Abby's my friend."
    Abby felt her face burn.  Daniel's touch was warm, but impersonal.  There was no reason for her heart to tick like a time bomb. 
    "She knows you now, but don't risk trying to approach her when I'm not around."
    If Daniel Hawthorn looked at her he would see how flustered she was.  Abby bent her head.  Her gaze fastened on his hands, narrowing at the sight of the scars there.  Surgery scars.
    As if he'd realized she was staring at them, Daniel Hawthorn let her hand go, stood up, and slipped both his hands into the pockets of his pants. 
    To Daniel's surprise, Abby brought her hand up and let Princess sniff it, before beginning to tickle her neck.  "You're a sweetheart, aren't you?"
    Princess sat with her eyes half closed, her tongue hanging out.  It was her happy look. 
    Daniel stared at the picture.  Princess never let anyone fondle her, not even Ed, the assistant he'd had for the last three years.
    "She likes you."
    Abby's face was hidden behind the curtain of hair.  "Maybe it’s because she can smell my dog on me."
    "You have a dog?"  He hadn't seen signs of one around.
    Abby nodded.  "Muffy's a loafer.  He's probably in the woods behind the house giving the rabbits a reason to exercise.  He'll be back soon.  He's not a pedigree dog, but he's clean and well behaved."
    The last bit ended on a