The Troublesome Angel. Valerie Hansen

have been better for everyone if she hadn’t misunderstood his motives when they’d first met, years ago. The disillusioned look on her young face was one he’d never forget. He hadn’t wanted to hurt her. He’d simply known she was wrong for Mark and he’d said so, as much for her benefit as for his brother’s. Stacy had been naive. Innocent. Shy. The strong-willed Payne family would have swallowed her up and crushed the radiant spirit he’d sensed beneath her unsophisticated demeanor. He ought to know.

      Only now she wasn’t shy, was she? Maybe she wasn’t naive, either, in spite of her supposed sweetness. Either way, he didn’t intend to stick around and find out. No, sir!

      Coming to his senses he stepped off the porch and headed for the yard where the dogs were kept. He’d done his good deed for the day. He’d brought Missy to see her rescuers. Now, it was time to start home.

      Graydon’s gut knotted again when he thought of his unsettling reaction to Stacy. Clearly, it was past time for him to make a hasty exit. Way past time. The sooner he got himself away from her, the better he’d like it.

      He went to find Missy.