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instincts he hadn’t tapped into for years. Not that she needed protecting. Her resultant awkward rambling had proven incredibly endearing. Her utter lack of pretension captivated him, so unusual in someone so accomplished. In spite of her sometimes aloof manner, she’d exhibited signs of an incredibly soft, tender heart.
    Hearing Shelby describe her close relationship with her father in such open, sentimental terms drew him to her even more. After she’d pulled out the mysterious envelope at lunch and explained its origins, Harrison better understood her need to meet Pops. To think she’d traveled all the way to Edinburgh because of the promise to her father? That blew his mind. How many women, how many people , would do the same thing?
    Twisting in her seat, Shelby graced him with a warm smile. Harrison figured infatuation must be branded across his forehead. He couldn’t recall the last time he’d been this taken with a woman so soon after their first meeting. An inner alarm sounded somewhere deep in the recesses of his mind, but he chose to ignore it.
    Brought out of his musing, he listened as Shelby asked Pops questions and commented on landmarks and points of interest in the city’s Old and New Towns. Chuckling at some of her refreshing and funny observations, he took mental note of the places she said she’d like to tour, including the Edinburgh Zoo, Mary King’s Close, the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions as well as the Royal Yacht Britannia.
    Shifting sideways, Harrison stretched out his legs. The cramped little cars in Britain and Europe drove him crazy. Made him miss his car garaged in Mobile eighty percent of the year. What he wouldn’t give to have it right now, all the windows down, and take it out on the open road with Shelby beside him. Being forced to stop for a sheep crossing was always a strong likelihood in Scotland, but he had the feeling she’d find the adventure in it all.
    “What do you say we check out the farmer’s market at the base of the castle?” Robert said, turning a corner. “It’s always held on the third Saturday of every month. Last time I checked, that’s today. I’d like to grab a few things if you don’t mind.”
    “Sure. Let’s go,” Shelby said, brightening with enthusiasm. “One of my favorite things growing up was going to the farmer’s market in Lexington on Saturday mornings with Mama. Nothing tastes better than fresh fruits and vegetables.”
    How surprising such an accomplished woman would take delight in the small, simple pleasures of life. Did she cook much? Somehow, she seemed more the type to order Chinese takeout when she worked late. She was right about one thing: he shouldn’t presume to know about her life. Harrison couldn’t begin to know what she’d say or do next, but one thing he did know. He definitely looked forward to finding out.
     
    ****
     
    One of the local vendors at the farmers’ market engaged Shelby in a lively conversation, and Harrison stood to one side, content to listen and observe.
    Robert walked over to stand beside him, holding a brown bag brimming with fresh produce. “I’m surprised you’re not photographing her. You could get some good shots from this vantage point.”
    “That’s a great idea, but I’d feel disingenuous if she’s unaware. Not sure she’d take kindly to it.”
    “She’s worth the risk.”
    Harrison kept his gaze fixed on Shelby. “Care to elaborate on what risk you’re talking about?”
    “The risk you’ve been afraid to take.”
    Harrison slanted a sharp glance Robert’s way. “It’s not fear. I took the risk once, and you know how that worked out. All the traveling I’ve done for the foundation in the past few years makes it difficult to form anything solid. Anything…lasting.”
    “Still sounds like fear to me,” Robert said, returning Shelby’s wave. “You’re on the downhill slide into thirty, my friend. Maybe it’s time to think about settling down in one place and