Pity he wasn’t a pickpocket. The historical house known as Fallingwater had sounded like the perfect setup for a heist, but after surveying the grounds, Jake wasn’t so sure. He pretended to admire the pale-pink springtime foliage and the building in the distance, but it was the people in line that drew his attention as he studied them for possibilities and wondered if the lines were always this long. Crowds cramped his style.
“Your wife drag you here, too?” asked the overweight middle-aged man in line behind him. The lady by his side frowned and rolled her eyes.
“Worse.” Jake grimaced. He had no desire to make a temporary friend but leads for jobs came from unexpected places. “This was supposed to be our first date, and she canceled on me. Since I’d already bought the tickets and was halfway here, I came anyway.” He shrugged. “I’m a glutton for punishment.”
“Oh, you’ll enjoy it,” the lady said. “I’m Dal, and this is Sam.” She ran her hand through her short, bleached-blonde hair. “This is our third trip here. I’m trying to come once each season, and this is the first time I’ve seen the rhododendrons in full bloom. I can’t wait to see the inside of the house because the sunlight in the interior changes as the seasons do. With the clear skies, it should be spectacular!”
The day was looking up. With a built-in tour guide like Dal, Jake would get the details the normal tour guides glossed over. Plus, he’d spotted a lady with a large diamond ring on her right hand. It would take no work at all to liberate the diamond from the prongs holding it in place. Shoot, if she noticed it missing, he’d join the crowd looking for it. The diamond wouldn’t be worth much at a pawnshop, but the thrill was the real payoff.
Walking up the narrow stairway to the second floor, Jake became convinced the ample rear of the diamond lady was a marvel of modern technology. It didn’t sway nearly as much as it should have as she struggled up the steps.
The moment happened with no help from Jake. Diamond lady tripped on the lace of her heeled sandals and tumbled to the concrete stairs.
“Are you okay?” Jake placed one hand on the small of her back and the other on her shoulder.
She pushed herself off the stairs and, with a little sob, clung to Jake’s arm. Dal offered a tissue, and between steadying the lady, wiping the dirt from her hands, and helping her the rest of the way up the stairs, it was a done deal.
By the time the tour was over, and he’d spent ample time wandering the grounds, Jake was more cheerful than he’d been in days. The diamond was tucked into the slit in the hem of his pants. He’d spotted at least one flaw in the security setup of the exhibit hall. Dal and Sam had insisted on buying him lunch at the overpriced museum cafeteria. Plus, he’d gotten the number of one of the female employees. It would only take a couple of dates to get her to reveal the employee entrance. Yes, things were looking good.
****
Things looked even better from the second-floor balcony of the Oak Grove Library as Jake watched Duprie hustle around on the first floor, putting books away and talking to the library’s customers—no, patrons. He needed to attract her attention. What could he ask to get more than a simple yes or no answer? He had never spent much time in libraries even when he was in school, ages ago. He’d have to rely on instinct.
Jake spotted his opportunity when she picked up a large stack of magazines and opened one to read as she strolled towards the other side of the library. he grabbed a random book off the shelf and sneaked down the stairs. He didn’t want her to hear him coming.
As she turned a corner, he walked in front of her, pretending to read his book. His timing was perfect. She ran right into him. The magazines tumbled to the floor. Her brown eyes, magnified by her thick glasses, were cartoonishly large.
“I’m sorry,” she said as she knelt to retrieve the magazines. “I have a bad habit of not watching where I’m going.”
Jake, chuckling, knelt on the floor to assist her. The pink in her cheeks revealed her embarrassment, and he wasn’t above using that to his advantage. The way the magazines had fallen, it was easy to make sure their arms bumped as he helped pick them up. As he handed her his share of the loot, the pink turned to a deep red.
When she stood, she almost lost her balance. With his swift reflexes, he was able to grab her arm and hold her steady. Her eyes got even bigger as he leaned in. “It seems Fate has decreed that we meet. Third time’s a charm and all that. I’m Jake Hennessey. And I’d offer to shake your hand but I’m afraid you’ll drop those magazines again.”
The blush spread, but she recovered her manners and held out her hand. “I’m Harmony Duprie, the research librarian. Thank you for your help, Mr. Hennessey.”
“Just the person I need! Do you have any books about the history of the old houses in Oak Grove? Victorian era?” The question came out of nowhere, but based on the way her eyes lit up, he’d found the right button to push. Jake felt guilty for taking advantage of her naivete but holding the cash in his hands after he sold the book would wash away the guilt.
“We only have one. You have to use it in the library.”
“That’ll be fine.”
“I’ll show you where we keep it. But if you don’t mind, I need to put these away first.” She bounced the magazines in her arms.
Jake reached out, afraid she’d drop them again. “Perhaps I can help you. That way the job will go faster.”
They spent the next five minutes putting the magazines in their places. With the information he’d gathered from the library in Pittsburgh, Jake knew enough to sort them by date. After watching her straighten each stack of magazines, he did the same. It earned him points—it showed in the way she kept checking out how he was doing.
The need to whisper made it hard to flirt, putting him at a disadvantage. He pretended to show interest in several of the business magazines, but that was as far as he took it. When they finished the job, she led him to a musty, small room. Shelves holding books with faded and tattered covers lined one wall.
“A historical group released this book back in the 40s,” she said, removing an oversized gray volume from the shelf. “I know a few families have copies in their personal collections, but this is the only one the public has access to, so please be careful with it.” She placed it on a small table in the center of the room.
“The library kept it all these years?” Jake asked.
To his surprise, a hint of red blossomed in her cheeks. “No, it came from a local pawnshop a few years ago and was donated to the library.”
Why would that make her blush? Unless she was the one who ran across it. He flipped through the first few pages to see if there was a notation of where it came from. Not finding one, he tucked the information into his memory to retrieve if it was needed later.
He spent an hour scanning the book. Duprie would wander by every so often, but he pretended not to notice. He was wary of coming on too strong or too fast. She’d never make the first move and he had to plan his with care. Supper sounded like a good idea. Leave without saying goodbye, return later and spring the invite on the unsuspecting lady. Jake would have her right where he wanted her.
****
Flowers would be too much. Jake suspected she’d like them, but he’d hold off for now. From across the street, he studied the flow of patrons in and out of the library. If he asked her out in front of witnesses, would it be harder for her to refuse? Too much of his plan was riding on this, and he had a moment of doubt. Ripping off a spoiled rich girl was one thing, but she didn’t fit that category.
But a job was a job. And this one held the promise of a rich reward. He straightened the sleeves of his suit coat and climbed the steps that led to the library. He’d scouted out the wheelchair ramp in the back, and the employee entrance in the basement, but wanted to make a grand entrance if she happened to be watching.
Which she wasn’t. She sat at the front desk with several piles of books hiding her face. A short line of people waited for her attention, and he took his place at the end of it.
When it was his turn, he plastered on his best smile and waited for her to look up.
“Oh! Mr. Hennessey!” She blinked rapidly as if trying to focus. “Is there something I can help you with? Another book? You’ll have to apply for a card if you want to take anything out of the library.”
She was rambling, showing her nervousness. That evened the score.
Jake grinned. “You can help me, but not with a book. I’m in need of a companion for dinner, and I wonder if you would accompany me? When you get off work, of course.” He regretted the way the words came out. He’d over-planned and messed up.
Duprie frowned. “Sorry, but the 1930s called. They miss you and want you to go home.”
So, the lady had a sharp tongue under that quiet exterior. This could be fun. Jake allowed his grin to grow. “I got carried away. Blame it on anxiousness. Let’s try this again. How about supper? My treat?”
She hesitated long enough to worry Jake. “What time?”
“Six?” Jake’s internal smile matched his exterior one. “You pick a place. I’m not familiar with Oak Grove’s restaurants.” Although he’d checked out a few of its less-reputable bars.
“Do you like Italian?” she asked, after a moment’s thought.
He lifted an eyebrow. “You wouldn’t be referring to Mama D’s, would you? I stumbled across it a few nights ago and can’t wait to go back.” That was the truth. It offered big-city quality Italian food at small-town prices.
“I’ll meet you there,” she said.
Jake had wanted to pick her up at her place. That would have given him an opening to walk her up her stairs and maybe farther. But he’d play by her rules for the moment. He didn’t allow his smile to slip. “See you there.”
A fifty—part of the proceeds from the sale of the diamond—ensured the best booth and the best server at Mama D’s. Jake probably could have gotten by with less. He had the impression Mama D herself had a soft spot for Duprie, but, struck by the urge to make the night magic, he opted to make a big splash.
She arrived promptly at six. With a genuine smile, Jake rose to greet her. She’d switched out of her dull-gray business suit into a simple deep-blue dress that sparkled in the light as she moved. If he could talk her into wearing contacts and changing her hairstyle, she’d be absolutely stunning.
He caught himself before the thought went any farther. She was a job, he reminded himself. Get the book and disappear. No long-term relationships allowed.
“I never understood why the band kids and the art kids didn’t get along.” Jake finished what was left of his glass of red wine. “It seems to me they were all creative, just headed down different paths.”
They’d wandered into the topic from a discussion about the homeschooled kids that Harmony dealt with regularly. Jake couldn’t put a finger on the exact moment she’d moved from being Duprie to Harmony in his head, but he’d fight with himself about it later. He was too busy enjoying the conversation and the company.
She took a sip of her iced tea. “Which one were you?”
He’d never tell her the truth. But what subject could he claim that wouldn’t trip him up? “Neither. I was into archeology.” He leaned forward and put his hand on top of hers. “Were you part of the creative writing group?”
Her laughter sparkled. “Heavens, no. I was a history fanatic. That’s where I found my love of old houses.”
That was his perfect in, but she didn’t give him the chance to use it.
“They’re getting ready to close.” She tilted her head towards a waitress filling salt and pepper shakers. “We need to leave.”
Jake wasn’t ready for the night to end. Harmony had been surprisingly good company. Witty and smart, not what he’d expected from a small-town librarian. He unwillingly let go of her hand and stood. “I guess we should get out of their way.”
“You pay at the register up front,” she said as she followed his lead and pushed her chair away from the table. “I’m going to make a quick trip to the restroom, and I’ll meet you there.”
It would give him time to regain his mental balance. Something about her threw him off. That was dangerous. He nodded. “I’ll be waiting!”
The brief delay after he paid was worth it to see her coming in his direction with a shy smile on her face. The blue dress clung to her in all the right places, and for a moment, he regretted his career choice. “Did I tell you how beautiful you are?” he asked when she reached him. He loved making her blush.
Harmony hit him lightly on the shoulder. “You’re such a flatterer.”
All in the game, Jake thought. But she made it easy. “You deserve someone to flatter you every day. Can I walk you to your car?” He held the door open for her.
She pointed across the street. “It’s right over there.”
“The little red one?” he asked, although he knew better.
She giggled. “No, the blue Pinto. His name is George.”
Jake stopped in the middle of the street. “George?” He waited for two heartbeats. “There’s a story behind that I’d love to hear.” A car coming their direction forced them to hurry the rest of the way. “But not tonight. If I ask you to come to my hotel, you’ll turn me down and that would hurt my ego.”
They reached the car, and Jake waited while Harmony dug through her purse, looking for her keys.
“Thanks for supper,” she said. “I had a great time.”
So had Jake. “Can I call you the next time I’m in town?” He half-expected her to turn him down, but she rattled off her number. He pretended to not get it the first time around, so she had to repeat it. After entering it in his contacts, he dialed it immediately. “This way you’ll answer it and not think it’s a spammer,” he said, grinning.
From the depths of her purse came a melody he almost recognized. It came to him just before she answered.
“Hello,” she said, smiling at him.
“Goodbye,” Jake replied, and hung up the call. “John Denver? That’s another story you need to tell me.”
Harmony tucked her phone back into her purse. “But not tonight.”
He nodded. “Not tonight. I should be back in a couple of weeks. I’ll hold you to your promise then.”
She unlocked her car. “Thanks again,” she said.
“How about a goodnight kiss?” What was he doing? That wasn’t part of the plan. But he couldn’t back out now.
She lifted her chin and stared into Jake’s eyes. He had to keep this light. He leaned in and barely touched his lips to hers before pulling away.
It wasn’t enough. Not letting her change her mind, Jake mashed his mouth against hers. He ran his tongue over her lips and pushed his body against hers. His arm wrapped around her waist, tugging her closer, and she melted into his embrace. It still wasn’t enough. A car horn blared, and she pulled away.
She reached up and touched his cheek. “Good night, Jake.”
He’d been dismissed. He wanted more but took the hint and held the door open while she climbed in and fastened her seatbelt. With one hand on the door, he bent over and kissed her forehead. “Good night, Angel,” he said, before straightening and closing the door.
He was in so much trouble.