Annie had waited all day for Damien to return but he didn't show up. She had thought he was avoiding her because of what happened between them.

　　No, he wasn't one to flee from a woman because of something as little as that, she thought. It was getting late and she couldn't wait for him any longer. She had to get home, though she had told Naomi that she would be out of town for a week, there was nothing to do here, especially as she was all alone. Mrs. Harper had left earlier ...