Chapter Two

      The Painted Lady Inn, a beautifully restored Victorian complete with turrets, gingerbread trim and a large wraparound porch, was located on the east side of Destiny, which turned out to be a much smaller town than Priscilla anticipated. Intent on following the GPS directions and still a bit flustered from her encounter with the handsome stranger, she hadn’t taken much time to look around as she made her way to her destination.

      She’d seen brick-front businesses, many with colorful awnings and blooming flowers out front, surrounding a gazebo in the town’s center green. It all looked a bit dated, but charming. There seemed to be more people on the sidewalks than cars in the streets, and most turned to look as she drove past.

      Pulling into the gravel lot next to the inn, Priscilla parked and locked her car, having raised the roof before leaving the river. She then walked inside with as much dignity as her appearance would allow, a small suitcase in one hand and Snake, this time with his leash attached, in the other.

      She’d done her best to dry off before she got behind the wheel, tugging her jacket back on over her see-through dress and twisting her hair up again and clipping it in place, but she’d been unwilling to risk changing her clothes.

      Who was to say another Good Samaritan wouldn’t come along? One who’d also be well over six feet tall with powerfully built arms and a crazy dog?

      She had to admit the stranger’s size had been intimidating at first. She’d been wary of both him and his dog when he’d called out, but then the dog’s exuberant greeting and wagging tail had won her over.

      At least until she’d spotted the gleam of interest in the man’s eyes.

      That was the last thing she needed or wanted right now.

      He’d done his best to be charming and she had to admit the dog was awfully cute, but then to find out just how sheer her pink silk tank top and skirt had become when wet—

      “Hello, you must be Miss Lennox.” A petite older woman with snow-white hair that brushed her shoulders and stylish gray glasses perched on her nose spoke from behind the counter on the other side of the front hall. “And I’m guessing this is your pet?”

      “Yes, that’s me.” Suddenly exhausted, Priscilla was thankful the woman pointedly ignored her damp hair and clothes. She set her bag at her feet and shook the woman’s hand. “And this is...well, he goes by his nickname, Snake.”

      Up went the lady’s brows. “What an interesting moniker. I’m Minnie Gates, one of the owners of the Painted Lady. Welcome to our inn. We’re glad to have both of you with us.”

      “Thank you.” Having grown up in the hotel business, Priscilla could spot a person putting on airs a mile away, but this woman’s charm and grace equaled that of her inn, making Priscilla feel instantly at home. “You have a beautiful place here.”

      “Thank you, we’re quite proud of it.” Minnie smiled and took Priscilla’s credit card. Moments later she returned it along with an ornately fashioned key. “I’ve put you on the fourth floor. There are only two rooms up there and you’re in our largest suite. If you’d like to head straight up, I can arrange to have the rest of your luggage brought to you.”

      Priscilla guessed she’d been watched as she parked, so the innkeeper would know she’d left her remaining cases in the backseat of her car. “That would be wonderful.” She handed over her car keys, then spotted the small sign on the counter that listed spa services available at the inn. Just what she needed. A glance at her watch told her it was almost six o’clock. “Oh, a massage would be terrific after— well, after being behind the wheel all day. Is it too late to set one up?”

      “If you can wait about thirty minutes, I should be able to arrange something for you.”

      “You’re an angel, Ms. Gates.”

      “Please call me Minnie. All our spa services are done here on the main floor. Come down whenever you’re ready.”

      Priscilla smiled her thanks, grabbed her bag and headed for the elevator. Once inside, she pulled Snake to her chest and graced him with a gentle kiss on his head. “Thank you for being a perfect gentleman with Minnie. I know the last couple of days have been rough and that scene down at the river didn’t help.”

      Snake snuggled close and sighed. Priscilla remembered the first time the dog had done that. Her sister had brought the tiny creature home, presenting him with great fanfare, but then soon had gone off on another adventure, leaving Snake behind. A few days later the pup had followed Priscilla into her home office late one night. He’d weighed less than her briefcase when she picked him up and seconds later he’d made himself at home in her lap with the same contented sigh.

      The elevator doors opened and Priscilla found her room at the end of the long hall. Stepping inside, she smiled as she took in the large space decorated in French country style. The bed linens, pillows and walls were done in soothing pastel colors such as aged ivory, lavender, pale yellow and green. The suite had a sitting area, complete with a fireplace on one side and a four-poster bed on the far wall. Her trained eye picked out the handmade, ornate Aubusson rug beneath her feet and the antique desk that sat directly in front of a set of windows that looked out over a beautiful garden and patio.

      It didn’t take long to get Snake settled before her luggage arrived. Then she pulled out her cell phone to charge it, noting she had two more messages from her father. That made six since she’d left Beverly Hills.

      Forcing herself to enter her passcode, she listened to the last one he’d left for her around lunchtime today.

      “Priscilla, where are you? It’s been two days since the gala. An event you walked out on halfway through, I might add. I can’t reach your sister, either, but that’s no surprise. Call me. This situation needs to be handled. Now. This isn’t like you. You know how much I count on you being the responsible one—”

      Cutting off the message before he could finish his lecture, Priscilla noted her father sounded more angry than worried by the fact he couldn’t seem to reach her.

      She itched to return his call, to tell him someone else needed to handle things this time, but she’d already tried twice today and ended up leaving a message with his efficient secretary. She’d asked that he be told she was fine, still planned to be out of town for the foreseeable future and would call when she was settled.

      Deciding that would do for now, she peeled off her damp clothes and slipped into a pair of dry panties, comfortable yoga sweats and a simple top. She hesitated for a moment, but then left her hair in the messy knot on her head and gave the large claw-foot bathtub in the adjoining bath a longing glance before realizing more than a half hour had passed and she was supposed to be downstairs.

      First a massage, then she’d order some dinner from a local restaurant chosen from the list she’d found on the desk and crack open a gourmet doggy-food packet for Snake.

      After all that, she should probably call Bobby and let him know—surprise!—she was in town.

      She went downstairs and wandered around the first floor, walking through two beautiful parlors filled with comfortable antique furniture, fresh flowers and lots of books. But she didn’t see her host anywhere.

      “Can I help you?”

      Priscilla turned