Shamus took the paint chips from her hand. “Why don't we get five or six samples of the yellow and green? That way we can do some test patches on the walls. Maybe you'll like some of the colors for the bedrooms upstairs."

"Good idea.” She hung back as Shamus strode to the counter and ordered their sample cans of paint.

Cyndi strolled off to check out a lighting display while Shamus dealt with Barton. She figured the man would be less hostile with her not around. Standing back, she peered up at the lights hanging from the ceiling. She wanted new light fixtures for some of the rooms, but she wasn't sure that the ones here were exactly what she was looking for.

She glanced over at the counter only to find Barton glaring at her. Her stomach sank, but she ignored the sickening feeling as she strode toward Shamus. “I'm going to wait outside."

"You sure?” Shamus’ eyes narrowed as he frowned.

"Yes. I could use the fresh air.” Plus, she could stand to be away from such open hostility.

"I won't be long.” She could tell he wanted to say something else, but left it at that. She was grateful. The last thing she wanted was an even bigger scene.

"Take your time.” Clutching her purse tight to her stomach, she left the store and stepped outside. The sky was overcast, but it wasn't too windy. Cyndi sucked in a breath of clean, cool air and let it out slowly.

"You've got some nerve coming back here."

Cyndi whirled around at the venom in the voice behind her. An older woman in about her mid-sixties was glaring at Cyndi, pure hate glowing from her eyes. She was dressed simply in a blue-checkered blouse and black pants. Her hair was twisted in a bun and her face was heavily lined. But it was the despair in her eyes that struck Cyndi the most.

"Do I know you?"

"No. But I know you. I know all the trouble you caused years ago, striding around town like you owned the place. I know that your father foreclosed on the farm that had been in my family for five generations. The house is empty now, has been for six months."

"I'm sorry."

"You're sorry,” the older woman spat.

"I had nothing to do with you losing your farm.” She'd never had anything to do with her father's business dealings.

"You're a James. That's all that matters.” The woman's hands were fisted at her sides and she was shaking.

Cyndi knew then that she not only had her own reputation to live down in this town but her father's as well.

"From what I hear, you're already causing problems."

Cyndi had heard enough. “I'm sorry, but I need to go now."

The older woman smiled cruelly. “Not here a week yet and you've already causing trouble in a company that employs a lot of folks around here."

Totally bewildered, Cyndi stared at the older woman. “I have no idea what you're talking about.” Her stomach began to roil, and she knew that she didn't want to hear what this woman was going to tell her.

"My son was at Jessie's Diner this morning and overheard Shamus O'Rourke and his brother-in-law having words this morning. Seems that Burke Black don't want to do business with you, but young Shamus does. Now Shamus is on vacation. Vacation,” she spat. “Probably gone for good. Bet that makes you happy."

Cyndi thought she might be sick then and there. It was only sheer effort that kept her from losing the contents of her stomach. “You'll excuse me.” She turned quickly, leaving the woman standing in front of the hardware store. She could feel the other woman's eyes on her as she all but ran for the truck.

What had she done? Her presence here had caused more of a split between Shamus and his family than she thought. Now she knew what had been on his mind earlier. She'd thought it might be serious, but she'd had no idea just how much. Bypassing his truck, she decided to walk home. She had to make the break from Shamus now, before this got any worse. There was still time for him to mend the breach with his family.

She heard her name being called, but ignored it as she stumbled down the road, practically blind as tears filled her eyes. She swiped them away and kept on walking.

A heavy hand descended on her shoulder, spinning her around. Not knowing who it was she jerked back, ready for another attack, whether verbal or physical.

Shamus held up his hands and took a step back. “What's wrong? What happened back there? What did Sadie Hargrove say to you?"

Cyndi was past all caution and control. “What's wrong? I'll tell you what's wrong.” She took a step toward him and poked him in the chest with her index finger. “I'm not welcome in this town because of who I am. Not only that, I find out from a complete stranger that my father foreclosed on their family farm. And, by the way, I also managed to drive you away from B & O Construction this morning.” She was panting heavily now. Her head was pounding, her stomach sick. Grief and anger filled her, making her heart ache. “You have to stay away from me."

She whirled around to leave, but he caught her with both hands. “You're not to blame for the actions of others. Your father had plenty of enemies in this town. That's got nothing to do with you."

"That's got everything to do with me. No matter what my name is or what I've done with my life, in this town I'm a James.” His fingers tightened around her shoulders, but she wouldn't turn and face him. Stubbornly, she looked out over the street. If she looked at Shamus, she'd never be able to walk away. And she had to. For his sake.

"You're more than just a name, Cyndi. You're a beautiful, stubborn, kind woman. This town doesn't know you at all."

"And you do,” she snapped.

"Yeah.” He buried his face in her hair and inhaled. She could feel his lips lightly caress her. “I do know you. The real you. A woman who lived through a horrific past and came out stronger and wiser. A woman who has a dream and isn't afraid to tackle it even though it won't be easy."

She gave a bitter laugh. “Not so strong. I was just thinking it would be best for everyone if I packed up and left."

His arms slid around her waist and he pulled her back against his chest. “Not best for everyone. Not for me.” The low, intimate tone of his voice tugged at her heart, but she hardened it.

"Not for you,” she retorted sarcastically. “Look what my being here has done to you.” Her voice almost broke. She felt such pain for him.

He swayed with her in his arms, rocking her gently from side to side. “That's not your fault. Burke and I had a disagreement, and I took some vacation time so we could both cool off, and I could help you with your renovations. That's it. You didn't do anything. I offered to do the renovations at your place. It was my decision."

She could hear the hurt in his voice. “I'm so sorry, Shamus.” She clasped her hands over his, squeezing gently. “But the disagreement with Burke was over me."

"Maybe it was, but it was about more than just you,” he insisted. “My family needs to let go of the past and learn to trust my judgment when it comes to my personal life.” He loosened his hold and turned her in his arms.

She didn't resist. The need to comfort him overrode all else. She laid her palms flat on his chest as she looked up at him. “I'm so sorry."

He gave one hard shake of his head. “Not your fault. The fact is Burke won't let go of the past. They can think whatever they want about you, because they don't really know you. They know me, or at least I thought they did. They should trust my decisions, and me, but they don't. That's what this is all about."

He drew her tight against his chest and she rested her cheek against his heart. It pounded slow and heavy, soothing her battered soul. “I want to help. I don't want to make things worse."

"Then don't walk away from me.” She jerked slightly in his arms. “Don't deny it,” he continued. “I know you, Cyndi. You'd walk away in a second if you thought it was for my good. But it's not. You've become very important to me in a very short time."

"More important than your family?” She needed to make him see, make him understand the consequences of his actions.

"It doesn't have to be a case of more or less. You're all important to me. But my family has to have some faith in me or our relationship is built on nothing but air. They'll come around in time. I know they will."

His pain was palpable and Cyndi didn't know what to do to make things better. All of a sudden, she realized they were standing on the side of the road, giving more fodder for the gossipers of this town.

"Let's go home. We can talk there.” She shifted in his arms, taking his hand in hers and walking back toward the truck. Shamus followed her, ignoring the few folks who'd stopped and were blatantly staring at them.

When they reached the truck, Shamus held her door for her before going around and climbing in on the driver's side. “I got the paint samples.” He pointed to a small box on the seat as he turned the key in the ignition, put the truck in gear, and pulled away from the store.

The paint didn't matter any more. She was too upset to even get remotely excited about the renovations. Maybe she should just sell the place and go back to Vermont. She had more than enough money to live on even if she never worked another day in her life. She didn't want to leave. She wanted, no needed, to put her past behind her. But she'd leave in a heartbeat, if it would help Shamus mend the breach with his family.

That realization hit her like a ton of bricks. Shamus's well-being had become more important to her than facing down the demons of her past.

Shamus made a sharp turn and it interrupted her musings. “This isn't the way home.” She glanced around. He was driving down Peach Street.