Excerpt of Tides of Autumn by Amanda McIntyre

“You're a wealthy woman now, Darci Cunningham. You've got to watch your back.”

The words hit her like a sudden gust of wind, causing her to stumble. She fumbled with the cup in her hand, catching it before it crashed to the floor. Exasperated with the bluntness of his words, she straightened and pierced her longtime family friend and financial consultant, with a narrow look. “Peter, I didn't realize that you could put a dollar amount on heartache.”

The sigh that followed was much the same as she’d heard from him in the last few months as they worked together to manage her dead husbands last will and testament. They'd only recently begun to dabble in the investments he'd left behind. This was the one area that she'd left to her husband, her attention somehow always on rearing their children and volunteer community efforts.

“Look, I have to be able to see above the emotion.” Peter stated and then emitted another sigh. He stood then, loosening his tie as he walked toward her and removed the coffee cup from her hand, setting it on the kitchen table.

His hands settled all too comfortably on her shoulders. Darci wanted to slip from beneath his captivity, but an awkward sense of gratitude held her gaze to his.

“I'm just looking out for you the way I feel Matt would have wanted me to,” he said softly. His thumbs massaged her skin in concentric circles, his gaze held firmly to hers.

“And I appreciate that, I do. But what I need now is a financial advisor, Peter.” Darci pinned him with a look. “I doubt Matt would have meant for you to look out for me on any other level.”

He shrugged, dropping both hands to his sides. “I've known the two of you a long time. Since college and you know that I would never cross any lines where I wasn't welcome.”

“Glad we're clear on that.” Darci picked up her cup and walked into the kitchen, a queasy sensation forming in her stomach.

Peter followed, sauntering up to the kitchen sink beside her.

“You know,” he chuckled quietly as he stood shoulder to shoulder with her as they looked out the kitchen window. “I used to have a mad crush on you–I mean, before Matt beat me to the punch.”

“I don't want to talk about this now, please.” Darci gripped the edge of the cabinet, her insides swirling like a tidal pool with decisions that she’d never planned on making at this stage in her life. Fighting off a would-be suitor–in particular, one who was her husband's best friend–was the last thing she needed or wanted.

“Okay, calm down. I understand, but I want you to know you can count on me for–anything.” He leaned forward, placing a kiss on her temple, the true implication of his offer in the way he lingered.

She turned away, trying to be polite as possible. Peter was sweet, always had been, and he was the only Uncle her children had ever known. That meant a lot to both her and Matt, but with Matt gone now, she wasn't comfortable with this changing of the tide.

Peter hesitated then sighed. He picked up his briefcase as he headed for the front door. “Remember what I told you, Darci.” The door clicked softly behind him.

Road to Romance Reviewers Choice award -April 2003

2002 Best New Romance-Online Chapter RWA From the Heart

2003 Golden Quill Finalist

2003 Eppie Finalist-Best First Book