Troy wasn’t in her class, or her league, or anything at all that she could be part of.
She and Troy might as well exist on different planets and spheres.
She wasn’t a big city girl. She didn’t like social functions. She loved disappearing into bed with a wonderful story.
And yes, one day she hoped to find true love... that wasn’t in a romance novel... and she was sure, one day, she’d find Mr. Right, and when she did, he would make sense to her, and suit her, and reflect her morals and values.
He’d be a simple man, too. A homebody. A man who loved books and... and....
Taylor frowned.
What else would he love?
Sports? Hiking? Skiing? Mountain climbing?
Her frown deepened.
She didn’t do any of those things. But she did like movies, and she enjoyed some good quality television programs.
She loved B&Bs and scenic drives. She loved visiting historical spots, too, and hoped one day to visit all the national parks in the States.
Surely there was a man out there who’d like her, and want to do those things with her, too.
Surely.
And when she did find him, she’d know he was right. He’d look right. He’d feel right. He’d be right.
Troy had been waiting for the committee meeting to come to an end so he could speak to McKenna. He wanted to come see TJ one night this week while he was home but the moment the meeting did end, McKenna was on her feet and bolting out the door.
Troy tried to follow but Tricia stopped him and asked a question about the suite being donated to the Great Wedding Giveaway for the bridal couple, and by the time he’d answered her question and made it into the hallway, McKenna and TJ were long gone.
He was still standing there, when Paige and Taylor exited the board room, and Taylor locked the Crawford Room door behind her.
“Everything okay?” Taylor asked him, as Louise emerged from the back, turning off lights as she went.
“Yes,” he said, but he was frustrated. He loved McKenna. Loved TJ. He didn’t want to lose them and he was beginning to worry that maybe he already had.
“Were you hoping to catch McKenna?” Taylor asked.
He nodded.
Taylor hesitated.
Paige glanced from Troy to Taylor, and then said goodnight. Paige and Louise left the library together. Troy and Taylor remained in the hall.
“I’ll walk you out,” Troy said. “Make sure you get to your car safely.”
“I’ll be fine. Marietta’s safe.”
“I’ll wait,” he answered.
And he did, while she double checked that the computers were off and the lights were off in the restrooms. They walked out the front door and Taylor locked the door and set the alarm.
“It’s cold,” Taylor said, shivering.
“It’s been a long winter for most of the country,” he agreed.
“I take it you all haven’t been suffering too much in California?” she asked, shooting him a wry look.
“No. It’s been a really mild winter on the West. We could use some good storms in California. Need the rain. We’ve been in a drought for quite some time.”
“Why do you like California?”
“I like startups. Technology. There’s a lot of economic opportunity for me there.”
They were heading down the stairs for the parking lot and Taylor shot him another quick assessing glance. “You don’t miss Montana?”
There was no easy way to answer a question like that, and Troy hesitated, trying to decide how he should answer. “Marietta will always be home, but it’s a complicated relationship.” He smiled, and shook his head. “That sounds ridiculous, I know. Sorry.”
But Taylor seemed fascinated by his response and she stopped walking to face him. “I have a very complicated relationship with Hopeville, too, so it doesn’t sound ridiculous. I actually find it rather reassuring.”
“So you don’t go home often?”
“No.”
“You don’t get along with your folks?”
“I get along fine with them, or at least, I used to until I took my brother under my wing. They didn’t appreciate my interference.” She shrugged. “But they were neglectful. They didn’t treat him the way he deserved.”
“That must have been hard for you. You seem very protective of him.”
“I am. And it was hard. But it’s not Doug’s fault. None of it was his fault.”
“So you’re not just his big sister, but his surrogate mom now.”
“You could say that.”
Looking down at her small, heart-shaped face with the resolute press of her pink lips, he felt a pang. She really was the most intriguing thing. “Would you want to grab a quick bite with me at Main Street Diner? I think they’re open for another hour.”