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attended church one or two times a month.
“So, are you and Peter serious?”
Allison’s stomach fluttered. “Well, we’re dating . . . and we—”
Tyler held up his hand to stop her. “Sorry, that’s none of my business.”
Now she felt awful. “No, it’s okay. I don’t mind your asking. If you were dating someone, I’d probably ask you the same question.” She chewed her lip a moment. “You’re not dating anyone, are you?”
Tyler’s gaze held steady. “No, I’m not.”
Relief washed over her, then embarrassment. “Well . . . I’m sure there’s someone very special out there for you.”
Tyler nodded, a small smile lifting the corners of his mouth. “I’m praying for her.”
Confusion swirled through her. What did he mean? Was he talking about her? But she’d just told him she was dating Peter. She didn’t want to give him the wrong idea about them, but if he knew how uncertain she felt about Peter, it might encourage him to pursue her again, and that would be—
“I’m sorry I haven’t gotten back to you about the designs for your teashop. I still want to do that work for you.”
“Oh, that would be great!” Relief washed over her. “I love that rose and teacup design.”
His smile returned. “Good. I’ll start working on it today.”
“But you’re sick. You need to rest.”
“It’s okay. I have my computer with my design programs here at home.”
“If you’re sure it wouldn’t be too much trouble.” She glanced at her watch and took the empty basket from the counter. “I better go. I don’t want to leave Tessa shorthanded for too long.” She walked into the living room and picked up her jacket.
Tyler followed and helped her slip it on. “Thanks for coming.”
She turned back toward him, suddenly wishing she didn’t have to leave, or that she could do something else for him. “Would you like to borrow some DVDs? I could bring them by after work tonight.”
“Thanks, I appreciate the offer, but I don’t have a DVD player or a TV.”
She glanced around the living room. His apartment was nicely furnished with a leather couch and chairs, full bookshelves, a computer desk in the corner, and original art on the walls. Money didn’t seem to be a problem.
He grinned. “I know, that sounds weird, doesn’t it?”
“I have a small TV at home you could borrow.”
“Thanks, but I don’t really want one.”
She lifted her brows. “How come?”
“I used to complain my life was too busy, so one of my friends challenged me to get rid of it for six months. It was hard at first.” He chuckled. “Guess I was addicted. But I like it now. And I have more time for important things like studying my Bible and reading.”
“Oh.” Allie didn’t know what else to say.
“I’ve started running and playing racquetball again,” he added. “And I’ve set aside a couple evenings a week to spend time with my mom and my brother Jeff and his family. My dad’s remarried and lives down in Florida now, so I try to keep in touch with him by phone.”
She stared at him. How could that be true? During the last few months of their relationship, Tyler’s parents had finalized a messy divorce. Tyler blamed his father for his unfaithfulness, but he also scorned his mother for her vengeful response. Then he cut himself off from his family, and a few weeks later he’d left her, as well. She could understand the pain and disappointment he felt toward his parents, but why had he turned his back on her when she truly loved him and had tried to be there for him through the whole ordeal? Now he spoke to both his parents each week?
“Thanks for coming by. I’ll call you when I have those designs ready.”
“Okay.” She walked out the door, feeling more confused than she’d been before their visit.
Chapter Five
Tyler rolled over, opened one eye, and squinted at his bedside clock. Surprise jolted through him, bringing him fully awake. How could it be ten fifteen? He’d already