Like the crabbiest old woman alive.

Like Margaret Houghton, Marietta’s head librarian.

But Taylor wasn’t Margaret, nor was she crabby. Taylor was an optimist. And a closet romantic. But even optimists and closet romantics had to know when they were out-classed.

Troy wasn’t in her class, or her league, or anything at all that she could be part of.

She and Troy might as well exist on different planets and spheres.

She wasn’t a big city girl. She didn’t like social functions. She loved disappearing into bed with a wonderful story.

And yes, one day she hoped to find true love… that wasn’t in a romance novel… and she was sure, one day, she’d find Mr. Right, and when she did, he would make sense to her, and suit her, and reflect her morals and values.

He’d be a simple man, too. A homebody. A man who loved books and… and….

Taylor frowned.

What else would he love?

Sports? Hiking? Skiing? Mountain climbing?

Her frown deepened.

She didn’t do any of those things. But she did like movies, and she enjoyed some good quality television programs.

She loved B&Bs and scenic drives. She loved visiting historical spots, too, and hoped one day to visit all the national parks in the States.

Surely there was a man out there who’d like her, and want to do those things with her, too.

Surely.

And when she did find him, she’d know he was right. He’d look right. He’d feel right. He’d be right.

Troy had been waiting for the committee meeting to come to an end so he could speak to McKenna. He wanted to come see TJ one night this week while he was home but the moment the meeting did end, McKenna was on her feet and bolting out the door.

Troy tried to follow but Paige stopped him and asked a question about the suite being donated to the Great Wedding Giveaway for the bridal couple, and by the time he’d answered her question and made it into the hallway, McKenna and TJ were long gone.

He was still standing there, when Taylor exited the boardroom and locked the door on the now empty room. “Everything okay?” she asked him, even as Louise emerged from the back of the library, turning off lights as she went.

“Yes,” he said, but he was frustrated. He loved McKenna. Loved TJ. He didn’t want to lose them and he was beginning to worry that maybe he already had.

“Were you hoping to catch McKenna?” Taylor asked.

He nodded.

Louise glanced from Troy to Taylor, said goodnight, and then headed out, leaving Troy and Taylor in the hall.

“I’ll walk you out,” he said. “Make sure you get to your car safely.”

“I have a few things to do first,” Taylor said. “So don’t wait. I’ll be fine. Marietta’s safe.”

“I’m not going to leave until you’re safely at your car,” he answered firmly.

So he waited while she double-checked that the computers were powered down and the lights were off in the restrooms, and just when she was ready to go, she remembered the reading she’d needed to do at home, and returned to the staff room to grab a stack of industry magazines.

“Are you going to read all that tonight?” he asked, nodding at the stack she’d bundled against her chest.

“I’ll skim everything. It’s good to stay up on industry news.”

His lips curved and it was all he could do to not comment on what must be a wildly exciting industry. There was no point in baiting her. She took her job very seriously and he had to admire her commitment.

They exited the front door and Taylor locked the door and set the alarm. Her teeth were chattering as she punched in the alarm code. “It’s cold,” she said, slipping her glove on.

“It’s been a long winter for most of the country,” he agreed.

“I take it you all haven’t been suffering too much in California?” she asked, shooting him a wry look.

“No. It’s been a really mild winter on the West. We could use some good storms in California.