by Nicole James
He staggered to his feet, disappearing into the smoke.
She pulled on the cuff.
A moment later, she heard the extinguisher. It went on for about thirty seconds and then it sputtered out. Something clattered to the floor. “Liam!”
He appeared back in the doorway and paused to rest against the frame, hacking and coughing. Then he collapsed to the floor.
“Liam! Help us! Help!” Velvet screamed and screamed for help. Finally, she heard glass shatter from the front of the shop.
“Velvet?” It was Sanders.
“We’re in here! Hurry!”
He appeared in the doorway, a blue windbreaker with FBI in bold yellow letters on and an ax in his hands. She saw some activity behind him as more agents rushed in, then she heard the sirens of a fire engine pull up outside.
“We’ve got a man down in here!” He stepped over Liam and moved to Velvet, dropping the ax to the floor. “Are you hurt?”
She shook her head. “I’m okay. Get Liam out; he needs oxygen!”
Two agents bent over him and dragged him toward the front of the building.
Velvet looked up at Sanders with tears in her eyes. “He has to be okay.”
“He will be. Let’s get you out of here.” He reached in his pocket for keys, squatted down, and fumbled with the cuffs.
“Never thought I’d be happy to see you,” she said, watching him.
The corner of his mouth lifted. “Mutual.”
“It took you long enough.”
“Sorry about that. We were busy chasing Vano.”
“Did you catch him?”
“Yes, ma’am. Him, three bricks of heroin, and a shitload of cash.”
“Not to mention the money in all those accounts he has.”
“Right, we’ve frozen them already.”
He unlocked the cuffs, and she drew her arm down, rubbing her wrist. She nodded to her phone on the floor. It lay face up, its screen shattered. “I recorded his confession on that, but I don’t know if it saved it, the battery died, plus I just broke it.”
He shoved it in his pocket. “If there’s anything on it, our guys will be able to pull it off, don’t worry.”
“So, we almost died. Have I done enough to get that immunity?”
He nodded. “I think so, Ms. Jones. We got our man, with your help, of course.” He pulled her to her feet, and she swayed. “You okay?”
“I’m fine. Just take me to Liam. Please.”
“You got it, lady.” He scooped her up in his arms and carried her out the front door.
A fireman was administering oxygen to Liam, who was just coming around. When he saw Velvet, he ripped the mask off and started to move toward her. It took three firemen to hold him down.
Sanders carried Velvet to him and set her on the ground next to him. “Easy, big guy. She’s fine.”
They fell into each other’s arms. Velvet clung to his neck, and Liam’s arms went around her back, crushing her to him. She never wanted to let go. She wanted to stay here in his arms forever.
“I thought I lost you,” they both murmured simultaneously, and the emotion of the situation overwhelmed them, and they broke into big smiles, their eyes sparkling with emotional relief.
“I love you, Velvet.” Liam smoothed her hair back from her face, and she broke down in sobs. He crushed her to him. “Don’t cry, baby. We made it.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
“I love your new style,” Liam murmured as he ran his fingers through her shorter hair. It was no longer jet black. It was now the color it had been when she’d first walked into his shop as a fifteen-year-old—her natural color, she’d told him. They were on his sofa, her head in his lap and her legs resting up on the back of the sofa.
She held up her finger. “Shush.”
He smiled as she followed along with her finger on the page of the book she held in her hand, sounding out the words carefully. She paused on one of the longer words.
“Pra-pra… What’s this word?”
“Sound it out.”
She let out a huff of frustration. “I was.”
“Practice.”
“Practice,” she repeated.
“Um hmm, practice. How about we practice what we were doing in the shower this morning,” he teased, leaning down to kiss her forehead, his hand reaching toward the waistband of her jeans.
She smacked his hand away. “I’m reading.”
Liam’s phone went off. He dug it out of his pocket and looked at the screen. It was Jameson.
“Hello.”
“Hey, what are you doing?”
“Not helping you move that heavy-ass piano, that’s for sure.”
“Ha ha. That’s not why I’m calling, and yes you are—next Sunday.”
“So, why are you calling?” Liam grinned down at Velvet who was frowning up at him, mouthing the word, piano?
“Is Velvet there?”
“Of course.”
“Can the two of you come down to the shop?”
“Why?”
“Can you just come down? I’ll tell you when you get here.”
“Hmm, I don’t know. Sounds suspicious.”
“Just get your asses down here.” Jameson hung up.
Liam pulled the phone from his ear. “Rude son-of-a-bitch.”
“What’s going on?”
“He wants us down at the shop.”
“Why?”
“He wouldn’t say.”
She twisted and set her feet on the floor. “Let’s go.”
“No, he was rude. I say we stay home and have wild, crazy, monkey sex.”
“Monkey sex? Ew.”
“Wild, crazy, alpha-male, bondage sex?”
“Uh, let’s go.”
“What’s in it for me?”
“There has to be something in it for you?”
“Uh, yeah.”
“I’ll buy you one of those fried doughnut things.”
“They’re called Spritzkuchen.”
“You want one or not?”
“Fine. I’ll go. But only because I’m hungry.”
Ten minutes later, they strolled into the shop with a bakery box. The shop was closed, and no one was on the first floor, but the sound of a guitar drifted down from upstairs, so they headed up to Jameson’s office.
Rory was sitting on the couch, his feet up on the coffee table, playing licks on his guitar. Jameson and Ryan Kelly were sitting in adjacent chairs.
“What’s in the box?” Jameson asked.
Liam pulled it back a few inches. “Depends on why you wanted us down here. Nothin’ for you, if I don’t like the answer.”
“You’ll like the answer,” Ryan said. He stood and extended his hand to Velvet. “Velvet, it’s good to see you again.”
She shook it. “Ryan, what brings you here?”
“You.”
“Oh, really?” Liam asked. “Why’s that?”
“Why don’t you both sit down, and we’ll talk.”
Liam moved to the other side of the couch. When Velvet moved to sit between Rory and him, he pulled her onto his lap instead. His arms encircling her waist, he said, “So talk.”
Ryan looked to them both. “The issue with the two of you on the cover did phenomenal sales. Only second to the cover we did with Jameson, and the best we’ve ever done with a couple on the cover.”
“Really?” Velvet’s face lit up, and Liam couldn’t be happier for her. That kind of thing didn’t matter to him, but he was happy to be a part of it if it made her this happy.
Ryan nodded. “The response to the article and interview with you was overwhelming. Jameson told me you two are together now. The magazine wants to do another issue with the two of you as a couple, and I’m sure they’d love an article on how you found each other.”
Liam rubbed his hand up Velvet’s back, and she twisted, meeting his eyes. “I think I’d like to keep that story private, how about you, babe?”
She nodded.
“Well, you wouldn’t h
ave to share everything,” Ryan jumped in, trying to persuade them. “Think about it. In the meantime, there was something else I wanted to talk to Velvet about.”
“What’s that?” Liam asked as she turned back to face the reporter.
“Did you like the article I wrote?”
“I did. Liam read it to me. You did a good job.”
“I’ve found a publisher interested in your story. They’ve offered us a book deal, that is, if you want me, I’d love to be your co-author and tell your story.”
“You talked about this, but I never really thought it would happen.”
“They’ve made a good offer, which of course they would present to you officially, but I can tell you unofficially, it was a fifty thousand dollar advance.”
Liam watched the expression on Velvet’s face. It was enough money for the coffee shop she’d dreamed of. He squeezed her. “That’s wonderful, baby.”
She gave him a blank look. “I…I don’t know. I’ll have to think about it.”
Liam frowned. “Why? What’s to think about?”
“Liam, this wouldn’t be a three page magazine article; they’d want enough to fill an entire book. I’d have to reveal things in much more detail. I just don’t know if I’m ready. And with Vano’s trial hanging over my head…”
Liam nodded. “Of course. No pressure. Whatever you want to do.”
“I understand your concerns, Velvet. If you’d like we could work up a draft outline, just to see it all laid out. That might help you to decide if you’d want to proceed. I don’t want to pressure you into anything either.”
“Thank you. I suppose we could do that.”
“Perhaps we can schedule some time next week?”
She nodded. “All right.”
“Wonderful. I’ll be in touch. Oh, and one other thing. The magazine was interested in shooting a calendar with you and Liam.”
“Really?”
“I don’t think you realize, you two are the “It Couple” in the tattoo world right now. You both should capitalize on that while you can.”
“We’ll let you know,” Liam told him. He didn’t want everything to overwhelm Velvet.
Ryan nodded, his gaze shifting between them. “They’ll need to know on that by the end of the month, deadlines and all that. Well, I’ll give you time to think it all over. I think you have some amazing opportunities in front of you. I’ll be in touch.” Ryan stood and shook their hands, then shook Jameson’s. “Jameson, thank you for your time and for the use of your office.” He turned to Velvet. “I look forward to hearing from you.”
While Jameson walked Ryan out, Liam caught Velvet’s face in his hand and turned her to meet his eyes. “That’s some offer. What do you think?”
“I don’t know. I’ll have to think about it long and hard. I don’t want to jeopardize what we have.”
“And how would it jeopardize it?”
She shrugged. “It’s a lot to put out there. My past, my family, the crimes they’ve committed… I just don’t know.”
Liam nodded. No way in hell was he going to push her into this; he didn’t care how much it paid. He glanced down at his watch.
“You got someplace you have to be, brother?” Rory asked.
“Actually, I do.”
Velvet frowned. “You do?”
“Yeah, I, uh, had something planned today, someplace I wanted to show you.”
“What?”
“Let’s take a walk, and I’ll show you.” They stood, and he turned and patted Rory’s knee. “I like that riff. You got words to go with it?”
Rory put the guitar aside and stood. “Nah. I struggle with songwriting. Not my strong suit.”
“Maybe you just haven’t found the right topic yet. Dig deep, brother. I’m sure there are a bunch of great songs in there.” He tapped Rory’s chest with his fist.
“Thanks.”
“See ya later.”
Liam and Velvet exited the shop, and he drew her to the right. “This way.”
“Where are we going?”
“It’s a beautiful day, and it’s only a short walk. You’ll see.” They walked hand in hand through town. Liam glanced over at Velvet. “Do you like this town?”
She smiled brightly at him. “I love it. You’re here.”
“I mean the town itself.”
“I love this area. Main Street has so many great shops and restaurants. It’s really a happening area, especially with the street fairs and farmers market.”
They walked two blocks and Liam stopped them on the corner. “We’re here.”
“What’s here?” She looked around.
He nodded to the business on the corner. “This used to be Randall’s Western Wear. Place has been here for thirty-seven years. Old man Randall died last year and his son has no interest in the business. They finally closed the doors last week.”
“O-kay, and…?”
He pointed up to the sign in the multi-paned bay window. “Can you read that?”
She studied it. “Re-tail Sp-ace… I don’t know those other words on the second line.”
“It says Retail Space Available For Lease.”
“For the coffee shop, you mean?”
He nodded, smiling. “It’s a perfect location.”
“Yes, but those are usually so expensive.”
“Mr. O’Rourke?”
Liam turned to see the woman he’d been expecting. “Yes, ma’am.”
“I hope I’m not late. I had a showing in Fruita this morning.”
“Not at all. You’re right on time. We just got here.”
He caught the confused frown on Velvet’s face.
“Velvet, this is Janet Parker. She’s specializes in commercial real estate.”
The woman extended her hand. “Pleased to meet you, Velvet. Liam’s told me what you’re looking for and I think this could fit the bill. It just became available and it’s a hot property.” She jangled some keys in the lock and swung the glass door open, flipping on the lights. “The place has only been vacant two days. You’re the third showing I’ve had. If you like it, we should probably move fast. Locations on this part of Main Street never last long.”
Liam and Velvet followed her inside.
“Being that it was a western wear store, its kind of rustic as you can see with wood planking for flooring and the stone fireplace on that wall. I think it has a certain sort of charm though especially with the bay window in front and the multi-paned glass.” She looked at Velvet. “Do you think this would suit your needs? Is the space large enough for you?”
Velvet studied the space and nodded, her eyes glazing over.
Liam glanced over at Ms. Parker. “Could you give us a moment?”
“Of course. I’ll be outside making some phone calls. Take as long as you need.”
After she’d exited, the bell that still hung over the door jingling, Liam turned back to Velvet and pulled her to him. “Baby, what’s wrong?”
She looked up at him and shook her head. “It’s perfect.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
She shook her head, and then blew out a breath. “For my coffee shop to be successful, I have to have customers.”
Liam frowned. “You will. The location is amazing and—”
She cut him off. “Liam, if I do the book, would people in town think differently of me? Would they ever let me put my past behind me? Would they ever accept me into the community? Because if they don’t, how will my business ever succeed? And yet, I need the book money to make that dream come true, don’t I? It’s a catch-22, isn’t it?”
“Velvet, you’re worrying about things that haven’t even happened yet.”
“All right, let’s talk about something that has already happened—the damage I’ve done to you and your family. Liam, maybe it would be best for everyone if I didn’t stay in town.”
“That’s bullshit.”
“Is it? What happens when everything about my brother’s trial comes out? Ma
ybe I’ll never be accepted in this town after everything that’s happened.”
“And maybe you will be.” He took her upper arms in his hands. “Velvet, you are not your brother, and no one is going to hold you accountable.”
“I don’t know. This is a big gamble.”
“The biggest gamble I ever made in my life was going after you, and it pays off every day I am with you. I swear to you, this is going to work.”
She studied him. “You seem so sure.”
“I am sure. When something feels right you don’t question it.”
“I’ve always wanted to be accepted, to ‘belong’ in a community. I’m just worried that in this town I’ve got more to overcome than I would in another town.”
“Velvet, it’s not just about you anymore. I’m in this, too.”
“I realize that.”
“Do you? I have family in this town. We have a business in this town. We have roots. I have every reason to want to stay here, but if you’re telling me it’s a choice between you and staying in Grand Junction, then I’ll pack my bags and leave it all to be with you. Because I love you, I would do that. I guess I’m hoping you won’t make me make that choice.”
“I would never want to make you leave your home and family and work.”
“So what are you saying? Because whatever we do, we’re doing it together. I love you, Velvet.”
“I love you, too, Liam.”
“Then say yes, to me, to Grand Junction, and to making all your dreams come true—together.”
But still she worried that she was going to be a bad influence in the eyes of the town, and she wasn’t sure she could do that to Liam and his business. She’d always wanted to be accepted by the town, not shunned.
“I’m standing here, willing to risk it all for you. You have to be willing to take that risk with me, Velvet. Together we can do anything. Because our love is worth any risk we have to take.”
“I love that you make me feel like anything is possible.”
“Because it is possible, as long as we’ve got love, and each other, anything we want is possible. So let’s sign the lease and walk down the street to the jewelry store and put a ring on your finger.”
She burst out in happy tears and hugged him. “Yes, yes, I want all those things.”
EPILOGUE
