It was obvious now that Nate hadn’t told his twin sister anything about the ending of their relationship. And maybe that wasn’t such a surprise. Nate had always been protective of their relationship. I just want you to know, he’d told her once, that what happens between us is between us. I’d never talk about it with anyone. By “anyone,” he’d meant Mel, his twin, and Joanna had liked that because it had made what they had special. It meant that there was a part of Nate that was hers and no one else’s. But she could see now that by not being truthful about the breakup, he’d caused Mel pain.

“I’m going to look around first, in case I see something I like more. I have a strict budget, so I need to make sure I spend it well.” Ashley glanced at her. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

“You look a little freaked out. Are you stressing about someone seeing us and calling the press?”

“I’m not stressed.” She didn’t add that having sat on the deck in full view of the world for several hours, it was almost inevitable that someone would call the press. “Why don’t I buy these for you? My treat.”

“No, but thank you.” Ashley gave a determined smile. “You’re already giving me support and a place to stay. It’s enough.”

“Consider it a loan if that helps. When you’re back on your feet, you can pay me back.” She had no intention of asking for the money back, but if it made Ashley feel better, then it was worth saying.

“That’s kind, but I still want to make sure I’ve seen everything.” True to her word she proceeded to explore every store in town, lingering over sparkly earrings, trying on clothes, salivating over a pair of shoes.

Joanna hovered close by, looking out of the window and thinking about Nate.

She thought about the moment when she’d walked into the office and slammed straight into him.

The shock of that unexpected physical contact had almost had her running out of the door. Only the knowledge that Ashley needed her kept her from leaving.

She’d tried not to panic at the powerful response that engulfed her. She’d told herself it was shock, but she knew it wasn’t shock. She told herself that it was anxiety or lack of food—but she knew it was neither of those things, either.

Sexual attraction.