She’d never felt so pleased or so possessive about any library she’d worked in before.

The entire town had helped her get it open—especially Gabe.

She shook her head. He was driving her crazy. Seriously crazy.

He’d run upstairs with coffee and her favorite cookies or pastries, then stay and simply talk. Like friends. About fishing and hiking, about some of the police work he’d done that day, although he never gave her names or specifics. They’d talk about whatever work she was doing for a client.

She knew he wanted her—and wasn’t that simply amazing?—yet, he smothered his desire enough that she never felt pressured. He didn’t ask her out or try to see her anywhere but in public.

The jerk. Now, she was past ready to knock him over the head and rip all his clothes off.

Ah, well. She was the one who’d said no to him more than once. It was up to her to change that to yes.

Why did the world have to be so complicated?

For now, though, it was opening day at the library.

Two people were already at the computers. Three were browsing the stacks.

Behind Audrey in the children’s section, Sarah sat in an oversized armchair with her daughter on her lap, reading a book the girl had chosen.

Audrey grinned as she found the book she’d been looking for—The Cat in the Hat.

Still on her knees, she turned and handed over the book. “You might try this one. It’s perfect for someone who can sound out short words.”

“I had this when I was a child,” Sarah said. Her eyes filled.

“Sarah?”

“I’m all right.” The coffee shop owner wiped the tears away. “Just hormones. And happiness. You see, Rachel won’t be an only child in a few more months.”

Aww. “Congratulations. And congratulations to you, too, Rachel.”

The little girl wiggled in delight. “I’m going to be a big sister. And we have to pick out names, boy and girl names, just the right ones. What’s your name?”

“Audr—” God, what was she saying? “Uh, Julie. My name is Julie.” Turning, she pushed to her feet—and realized that Gabe and the other law enforcement officer stood on the other side of the hip-high bookshelves.

From the narrowing of Chief MacNair’s eyes, the two men had heard her slip-up.

Eff-it-all.

Her name started with Audr. Gabe smiled, enjoying the dismayed expression on “Julie’s” face. Nice of her to give him a clue.

“Good day, gentlemen,” she greeted politely…and fled toward the back.

Poor lost sweetheart. Now, what could the rest of her name be? He’d known a girl named Audra. Audre, maybe? Audria, Audris. No, probably just Audrey. It suited her quiet nature far more than the name Julie. Audrey. Yeah.

“Sounds as if she’s using an assumed name.” Baumer frowned after her.