by Tara Randel
Pushing away the reality, he said, “From what I’ve read about you, you’ve kept true to your initial concept and made it a success.”
“I’ve always loved to draw. Being able to make a living from my gift is more than I could ever have imagined.”
“Why is that?”
“I guess I wondered if I’d be fortunate enough to go after my dream.” She rubbed the inside of her wrist the way he’d noticed before. Silence blanketed the room, not in an awkward fashion, more a comfortable stretch in time. “It was tough for us after my mom died.”
He reached over the counter and gently took her right hand in his. Felt the soft shudder when he turned her hand to reveal angel wings tattooed on her inner wrist. “For your mom?”
She nodded. Swallowed. “When she left...it felt like our entire world had fallen apart.”
He knew the feeling. Had experienced it in his own way.
She pulled her hand from his and rested her palms on the counter. “We had a few rough years. Things got better when I went to high school.”
“Then I’m happy to see your hard work has paid off.”
She glanced around the store. Smiled so brightly it made his chest ache. “It has.”
“You did promise to have a little fun.”
“I can’t help it. Even if it’s closing time I let people stay and browse.”
“It’s Saturday night, Serena. Don’t you ever stop being a store owner?”
“Is that even possible?”
“Yes. So why don’t you get changed and we’ll join the others, who are way ahead of us in the partying department.”
She sent him a sheepish grin. “I get it. Time to join the party.”
Within minutes she had the cash register emptied and the lights off, and they closed the back door.
“I need to run upstairs to change.”
“Take your time.” He followed her up. “How’s the ankle, by the way?”
“Better. I kept off it all week to be sure, but this morning I went out for a long-overdue run.”
“I suppose I don’t have to tell you to be more aware of your surroundings?”
“Left the earbuds home today.”
She unlocked the door to her apartment and led him inside. It was cozy and homey, like he imagined Serena’s place would be.
Really? You’ve been imagining her place?
He swallowed a groan. Yeah, he had. And not in a professional, PI kind of way. What was wrong with him?
“Be right back.” She went to one of the bedrooms and closed the door. While she was changing, he’d have a few minutes to check out the place.
As much as this wasn’t his intention when he’d come to collect Serena, he took advantage of the situation. Quickly, he went through her kitchen drawers. Nothing useful. Rifled through a basket on the counter filled with receipts. Opened her personal phone book. Nothing under “Stanhope.” Flipped through to find any family names. Found a number for “Dad.” One of many, he discovered. The five previous numbers had been crossed out. He made a mental note and continued his search.
Her reading choices were eclectic. Her living room neat as a pin. No way could he safely check out her bedroom, so he’d have to be happy with the one thing he did find. Taking a seat on the couch, he pulled out his cell and added the number he’d memorized to his notes. A door opened and Serena joined him.
“Thanks for waiting.”
“It was well worth it,” he said as he rose, his gaze sweeping over her. She’d changed into a swirly patterned blouse and jeans, and touched up her makeup. But best of all, she had released her hair from that restrictive bun and let it flow freely around her shoulders. He walked over. Lifted a section. Was overcome with the scent of lavender again. “I see you took my words seriously.”
A becoming red stained her cheeks. “Don’t think for one minute that I did this for you. I like my hair down.”
He leaned close to her ear. “So do I.”
With a small laugh, she pushed him away. “Let’s go. We wouldn’t want to keep the gang waiting.”
As they walked through town, it was all Logan could do not to take her hand in his. This wasn’t a date, he had to keep reminding himself. He suspected she had information about the man he’d been hired to investigate. He needed to keep his wits about him. Yes, Serena was beautiful, but she clearly had secrets he needed to ferret out.
As they passed the park, fireflies flitted about in the entrance. Serena laughed, clearly enchanted.
“Oh, my goodness.” She pulled her phone from her back pocket. “I have always wanted to do a series of cards featuring fireflies.” After snapping a few pictures, she scrolled through the gallery. “I can’t think of anything more beautiful than twinkling lights coming from these tiny creatures.”
Logan stood back, watching the joy on her face. “I have to admit, I don’t give them much thought.”
“Then you’re missing out.” She turned to him. “Did you know there are over fifty species of fireflies in Georgia, each with their own distinctive flash?”
“I do now.”
“The male puts on a light show to attract a mate.”
“Really? Now, that is interesting.”
“You probably don’t think about them much since you live in the city. All the bright lights hide their magic. To be honest, I never really noticed them until I moved here.” She smiled at the tiny lights dancing in the air. “I don’t know. They have a way of making me happy. Especially after a long day at the store.”
“So you come here to visit with your flashy friends?”
“Don’t laugh. They’re easier to talk to than people sometimes. No judgment. No back talk. They listen, blink their lights and go on their merry way.”
“And it bothers you that people judge?”
She lifted a shoulder, as if her admission was no big deal. “Sure. Doesn’t it bother you?”
“Only if I let it.”
She blew out a sigh. “Then you’re tougher than I am.”
They stood in the deepening shadows, enjoying the light show. The smoky scent of cooking meat wafted their way from Smitty’s. After a few moments he turned. Glanced at Serena. Wondered why she looked so sad. Or what she was hiding.
She noticed his attention and laughed. “You probably think I’m silly.”
“Far from it.” He ran his fingers over her hair. Placed a finger under her chin and tipped her head back. She blinked at him. Interest shone in her blue eyes. Taking a chance, he lowered his head and brushed his lips over hers. Lightly, just like the fireflies darting about in the air. When she returned his kiss he moved closer, placing his other hand on her waist. The air was cool, the night special, and he was falling for a woman he should be investigating.
She pulled back. Gazed up at him, a gentle smile on her lips. “Let me guess. The fireflies got to you?”
“No. You did.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
SHE GOT TO HIM? The idea boggled her mind. Or maybe it was the lasting warmth of his kiss. Either way, she couldn’t take her eyes from his.
“You’re quite the charmer.”
“Not really. I’m big on the truth.”
There it was. That one word alone was enough to sober her mood. “Well, then, here’s a little truth for you. I’m starving.”
“Those sandwiches we had at lunch were not very big.”
“Or filling.”
As the final glow of the setting sun wrapped the last of its tendrils around them in a warm embrace, Serena found it hard to leave this intimate sanctuary. It was as though everyone in town had secretly plotted to leave them alone in this romantic tableau, giving them permission to explore the budding attraction zinging between them. Her gaze moved to his lips and heat crept up her neck. She never allowed herself to let go, but the promise of the night a
nd the curve of his lips had her contemplating throwing caution to the wind and kissing him again. She was tempted—that much she knew—to the depths of her soul, until common sense threw a bucket of chilly water over her intentions.
“The others are going to wonder where we are.” With regret, she stepped away from him. Took one last look at the fireflies flitting away from them and held back a sigh.
Logan waited until she turned back to him and said, “Ready?”
She laid a hand over her growling stomach. “Definitely.”
In a few minutes they were inside the rowdy and crowded Smitty’s. Logan led her to the table where the gang, as she’d come to think of them, were engaged in a rousing conversation, their voices loud as they spoke over the clamor.
“It isn’t baseball unless there’s hot dogs and beer,” Jamey explained to Carrie, who rolled her eyes.
“Or peanuts,” Heidi added.
“Baseball?” Serena asked as she stopped beside her friend.
Heidi nodded in greeting. “The guys started talking smack about sports, Carrie asked why the big deal about baseball and it went downhill from there.”
“Look, either you’re a Braves fan or you aren’t,” Jamey argued.
“I’m not anyone’s fan,” Carrie said, which started Reid and Jamey counting down the merits of rooting for the home team.
Logan nudged Serena with his elbow. She took the drink he offered her.
“Did anyone order Jamey’s special?” Logan asked the group. As well as serving huge sandwiches and delicious stews during the winter months, Jamey had added a beer cheese dip to the menu. Served with crusty pieces of toasted bread, it was a hit.
“We already went through one,” his brother told him. Logan tapped Jamey on the shoulder, stopping the pub owner’s conversation with Carrie to order another appetizer.
“Coming right up,” Jamey said, all smiles as he made his way back to the kitchen, calling out to regulars along the way.
Serena wrinkled her nose. “Beer cheese?”
“Do not judge until you’ve tasted,” Logan ordered.
The pub was packed. Locals blowing off steam after a busy week. A rousing game of darts was happening in one corner, and a guy with a guitar was setting up in the other. It was noisy, the scent of the savory food hung in the air and, for once in her life, Serena felt like she belonged. She and Logan stood a small distance from the others, yet they were still included in the never-ending baseball debate.
“Do you have an opinion?” Logan asked.
“On sports? No. Other than my daily run, I’m not very athletic.”
“We should go sometime.”
“To what?”
“A baseball game.” He chuckled. “It’s America’s favorite pastime.”
“Then why are we talking about it in a pub?”
“Good question. I’d advise you not to mention that fact to Jamey.”
She sipped her drink. Drank in the warmhearted camaraderie. She had friends here in Golden. For the first time in forever, she could let down her guard and enjoy herself.
Logan laughed at something Jamey said when he returned with the cheese dip. While everyone else dug in, Serena couldn’t take her eyes from Logan. Never in a million years would she have imagined kissing him in the twilight. Yet she had. And she’d felt it all the way to her toes.
Warmth washed over her and she wondered why she’d let him close. She’d walled herself off from the world, keeping people at arm’s length for so long, yet this man had breached her defenses. This man who made it very clear that if you messed with his grandmother, you’d answer to him. A man who’d dressed up in a suit and tie to attend a ladies’ luncheon because his grandmother asked. In the short time she’d gotten to know him, he’d gotten under her skin. He made her feel special. Even though she’d hidden from personal entanglements—Serena against the world, for so long—he seemed determined to pull her into his world and make sure she had some fun along the way.
So caught up in righting the wrongs her father had committed, and her, by extension, she hadn’t been living life. Hadn’t stepped out from under the cloud of shame. She’d thought that with each name she crossed off the list she was one step closer to freedom. But what would happen when she paid back all the money? Would she really be free? Not if she didn’t start engaging in life around her. She didn’t know what that looked like, but Logan had changed her perspective. Should she reach out and grab her chance?
She could continue to cover up her past. Or was it time to trust people? Carrie and Heidi had become more than just friends, yet she was hiding a huge part of herself from them. And Logan? After that kiss, how did she move forward knowing he valued truth? Right now she didn’t have the answers, but she was determined to enjoy the night with these people who had rallied around her, the people who had become friends. She glanced at Logan. She was willing to take baby steps toward the truth for the man who was beginning to steal her heart.
“C’mon,” Logan called. “You’re missing out.”
As her stomach growled again, she moved closer to the table. Logan held out a piece of pumpernickel bread, cheese on top, ready for her. “Prepare to be dazzled.”
She opened her mouth, took a bite. Let the warm cheese slide onto her tongue and chewed the bread. “You’re right. That is the best thing I’ve ever tasted.”
Jamey took a bow.
“Aren’t you supposed to be behind the bar?” Logan joked.
“My fans requested more of me.”
The group laughed. Serena picked up a small, empty plate and filled it with bread and cheese, then munched away.
“I can’t believe you’ve never had Jamey’s signature dish,” Logan remarked.
“To be fair, I’ve only been here for the Oktoberfest meetings. All business and no eating.”
“You don’t come here to unwind like the rest of Golden?”
She shrugged. “Usually I have paperwork to do. Or I’m busy sketching a new series.”
He shook his head and tsked. “Miss Stanhope, you have got to learn to have fun.”
“Sure. Right after I run the store, teach classes, pay taxes—”
Logan cut her off. “I get it. You’re all about your business. But don’t forget about the other wonderful things life has to offer.”
He was right. She needed to get out more. And maybe with her friends, it was possible. When she looked up at him, it was easy to get lost in his coffee-colored eyes. There was something there, a strength she could learn from. Logan was not the kind of man to sit back and let life pass him by. Suddenly the future didn’t seem as dire as she’d always viewed it.
She leaned closer to say thanks. His gaze moved to her lips and for one exciting moment she imagined he might kiss her. Here. In front of the people of Golden. But then she blinked and the look was gone. Embarrassed by her reaction, she turned away only to have Logan speak softly into her ear. “Yeah, I was thinking about stealing a kiss.”
She felt the heat rushing up her neck. Was she that transparent? And if she was, what else could this man read about her?
A couple of people walked into the pub and cheers rose up from their table. Deke and Grace came over to join them. Welcomes abounded from all around, but Serena tensed. Deke had never been anything but cordial to her, but there was an undercurrent between them. Before she knew it, Deke and Logan had moved to the corner of the pub.
“I swear, Deke is always discussing business,” Grace said as she slipped off her sweater, reached for a piece of bread and dipped it in the cheese.
Serena smiled at her friend, but it was an effort. Taking another taste of the dip, she watched the two men in deep discussion. That old feeling of needing to look over her shoulder engulfed her. Logan glanced her way, with the same assessing look he’d had on his face as when he’d first arrived in town and asked questions
about her store and family. Was that what his undivided attention and kiss were all about? She hoped not, but after noticing the furtive looks the men sent her way, she fell back into safety mode. The taste of the dip turned to ash in her mouth.
They could very well be discussing the weather. Maybe making plans to attend a baseball game. Excuses ran through her mind, but the only common denominator she could come up with was her. And she didn’t like it.
Placing her plate on the table, she was debating leaving when Carrie came over.
“You okay?”
“Sure. Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Two minutes ago you were smiling and laughing, and now you look like you want to run off and hide.”
Good grief. She really needed lessons on how to control her facial expressions.
“It’s been a long day.”
A sly smile tipped Carrie’s lips. “You and Logan seem cozy. I noticed it took a while before you two showed up here.”
“I had to close up the store and change.”
“Nothing else?”
“Like what?”
“I don’t know. A stroll through the park maybe?”
“We did stop there for a few minutes but it was no big deal.” Liar.
“Then did somebody say something?” Carrie sobered and glanced around. “I bet it was Jamey, wasn’t it?”
“No. It’s nothing.”
“But you’d tell me if something was wrong?”
Before Serena could reassure her friend, Logan and Deke returned. As Deke passed, he nodded at her, then slid his arm around Grace’s waist. Logan walked her way and the warning bells in her head clanged louder than before. Where before Logan had been kind of flirty, now he was more serious. What had caused the change?
