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minute,” she told him when she felt his hand on the back of her head. “I’m sorry. I’m being an awful lot of trouble.”
    “No, but I’d definitely prefer it if you didn’t faint again.”
    “I won’t. I was just a little light-headed for a second.” When the phone rang, she jolted, then sat straight up. “I’m taking too much of your time.”
    “Sit.” He pointed, then snatched up the phone. “Deb, tell whoever it is I’ll get back to them.” He hung up again, narrowed his eyes and felt a genuine wave of relief that her color was back. “Better?”
    “Much. I’m sorry.”
    “Stop apologizing. It’s a very annoying habit.”
    “I’m—” She pressed her lips together, cleared her throat.
    “Good.” He picked up the stack of bills and handed it to her. “Go shopping,” he suggested. “Go play. Get a massage or a facial, sit by the pool. Enjoy yourself. Have dinner with me tonight.” He hadn’t meant to say that, hadn’t a clue where it had come from.
    “Oh.” He was frowning at her now, which was only more confusing. “Yes, I’d like that.” Feeling awkward, she rose and pushed the bills into her pocket. She hadn’t brought the lovely little shoulder bag the boutique had sent her, because she’d had nothing to put in it. “I don’t know what to do first.”
    “It doesn’t matter. Just do it all.”
    “That’s a wonderful way of thinking.” Unable to help herself, she beamed at him. “Just do it all. I’lltry that. I’ll let you get back to work.” She started for the door, but he went to it with her and opened it. She looked up again, groping for the right words. “You saved my life. I know that sounds dramatic, but it’s the way I feel.”
    “You saved it yourself. Now take care of it.”
    “I’m going to.” She offered her hand, and because it was irresistible, he lifted it to his lips.
    “See you later.”
    “Yes. Later.” She turned and walked away without her feet touching the ground.
    Mac shut the door, then, dipping his hands into his pockets, stood staring at it. Darcy the Kansas librarian, he mused. Not his type. As far from his type as they came. The little pull he felt, he assured himself, was just concerned interest. Almost brotherly.
    Almost.
    It was the eyes that were doing it, he supposed. How was a man supposed to resist those big, wounded fawn eyes? Then there was the shy little hesitation in her voice followed by those quick bursts of enthusiasm. And the genuine sweetness of her. Nothing saccharine or cloying, just innocence, he supposed.
    Which circled right back to the point. Not his type. Women were safer when they knew how to play the game. Darcy Wallace didn’t have a clue.
    Well, he couldn’t very well hand her the money then toss her into the fray without a shield, could he?
    Just steer her in the right direction, he promised himself, then wave goodbye.
    With this in mind, he went back to his desk and picked up the phone. “Deb, get me Caine MacGregor’s office in Boston.”

Chapter 3
    It was a different world. Perhaps even a different planet. And she, Darcy thought as she stepped cautiously into the sparkling boutique, was now a different woman.
    The Darcy Wallace who so often had her nose pressed against the window of such pretty places was now inside. And she could have whatever she wanted. That gorgeous beaded jacket there, she thought—not daring to touch it—or that fluid column of ivory silk.
    She could have them, both of them, all of them. Because the world had turned upside down and somehow had shaken her out and dumped her right on top.
    She stepped in a little farther, peeked into a long glass display cabinet. Beautiful, sparkly things. Foolishly wonderful decoration for ears and wrists and fingers. She’d always wanted to wear something that sparkled.
    Odd, she’d never felt that special thrill she’d expected when she’d worn Gerald’s ring on her finger. His ring, she realized now. Of course, that was it. It