His aftershave smelled woodsy, and I leaned forward, breathing it in. He lowered his head, and I tipped mine instinctively to meet his mouth. The kiss was soft and tentative at first, but then I felt the space between us disappear as he put his arms around me. The sparks I’d felt earlier turned into full flames when his lips touched mine. His kiss was tender and I let myself relax into his arms, my mouth moving against his as he held me close.
When he finally pulled back, his grin had brought out a small dimple under his eye I hadn’t noticed earlier. “Can we play again?” he whispered.
I laughed and lifted up on my toes to place a kiss on either side of his mouth. “If I win, what’s my grand prize?”
He pulled me closer and nuzzled my ear. “Maybe I’ll just give you the consolation prize right now.”
“Oh?” I tilted my head, my eyes focusing too much on his strong jaw and the bit of stubble on his chin, which made me want to kiss him again.
His hands ran up and down my sides, and suddenly he was tickling me, and I was screaming like a ten-year-old. I got away and ran into my living room. “That’s not a prize.” The couch stood between us, and I darted from side to side, laughing.
“It is.” Travis jumped over the couch and grabbed me, pulling me down on the cushions.
I squealed, and he started laughing. “Let me explain how it works.” His voice was husky. “I tickle you until you beg for mercy, and then I give you the consolation prize.”
He kissed me again, and when I parted my lips, I could taste the desire he’d been holding back. My arms encircled his neck, and I returned the kiss, loving the way he held me gently against him, when moments before, he’d elicited squeals by tickling me. The moment felt perfect, like I never wanted to let go of Travis.
Then my phone buzzed from the kitchen.
Travis pulled back slightly, his face inches from mine. “Do you need to get that?”
“Definitely not.”
He chuckled, kissing my top lip and then sucking on my bottom lip before sitting up on the couch. “Wow. I definitely want to beat you at Yahtzee again.”
“You know this means war.” I tried to sound serious.
He raised his eyebrows. “This soldier is tired, but I’m seeing you again tomorrow, right?”
“I wasn’t quite finished with my consolation prize.”
Travis tickled me, and I squealed again. “Not that!”
“Oh, okay. Just one more.” He gave me a quick peck. “Would you like to get together for lunch tomorrow?”
“Yes, but how about if it’s my treat? I make a mean picnic with the best macaroni salad you’ve ever tasted.”
“A man never turns down home-cooked lovin’.”
I blushed and scolded myself for wanting to kiss him again. The tips of Travis’s ears were pink, and I stifled a giggle as he opened the door. “Good night, Jillian. Can’t wait until tomorrow.”
As soon as the door closed, I sighed, because Travis was the best kisser ever, and he’d pretty much ruined me for any other guy. Ten minutes later, my phone buzzed again. I checked my texts. The first was a banking reminder, but the second had my lips tingling.
Hey Yahtzee queen. I think we need a rematch. Thanks again for tonight.
Chapter Seven
I mixed up the macaroni salad and set it to chill in a large cooler before leaving for work. Travis said he could meet me just before noon. We wouldn’t be staying in the park. I planned to take him up to some magnificent rose gardens I admired on the other end of town.
It took me about an hour, but I cleaned up the shed in preparation for winter. Most of my work for the fall was done, which meant I needed to start thinking about the lean times of winter and where I might make a little extra money. Last year I did some substitute teaching during the snow-covered months to offset the few hours I worked at Silver Cascade, but this year I had some ideas brewing about landscape design consulting for larger companies on their grounds. It was a big dream, but one that I felt was possible. I wanted to talk to Travis about it to see what he thought. My mouth twitched with a smile, because I knew he’d think the idea was great and encourage me to pursue it. He was that type of person.
After the shed was organized, I walked around the park, mentally drawing up a list of what else needed to be done before November. I stood in front of the fountain for a few minutes, watching the light dance across the water. Behind me, someone cleared their throat, and I startled, dropping a bag of tulip bulbs at my feet.
“Hi, Jillian.”
I turned to face my ex-boyfriend. “Caleb?”
He took a step forward; I took a step back. “What are you doing here?”
“I’ve been trying to find you all morning. I really need to talk to you.” He held out a paper bag with a large green ribbon tied at the top. “I brought you something.”
I tentatively took the sack and pulled the ribbon off. Inside was a set of new gardening tools— nice ones. Sharp silver blades met the dark red ergonomic grip of the trowel. I pulled out the shears and the trowel, examining them. “Thank you. These look like they’re high quality.”
“I’m glad you like them. I hoped I’d picked out the right kind.” He stepped forward again, and this time I didn’t back up, although my body tensed at his proximity.
“You didn’t have to bring me anything, but I appreciate it.”
He put his hands on my arms. He was thirty-three, but he looked younger and more vulnerable when he was freshly shaven. I could smell his expensive cologne— he must have shaved before coming to see me.
“I love you, Jillian. I made a huge mistake— actually, a lot of mistakes, but if you’ll just give me a chance, I can show you how much I’ve changed. You cared for me once, and I hurt you deeply. I understand why you don’t want to see me, but please, reconsider.”
His words flowed out and tumbled around in my mind, mixing with old emotions I’d tried desperately to banish. I shook my head. “I’m not ready to have my heart broken again. I don’t want—”
Caleb pulled me close and kissed away the end of my sentence. For half a second, I relaxed into his embrace and savored the familiar softness of his lips. Then my mind snapped back to attention, and I pushed Caleb away.
“What are you doing? You can’t kiss me like nothing has happened.”
“I want another chance,” he said. “Please?”
I turned and folded my arms, directing my gaze away from the helpless expression in Caleb’s eyes. As I turned, I caught sight of a figure retreating down the sidewalk.
“Oh no!” I brushed past Caleb and ran after Travis. I started gaining on him near the parking lot, but by the time I reached the asphalt, he was already getting into his car.
“Travis, wait!” I yelled as he peeled out of the lot, zooming toward the road.
Just before he turned, I thought he caught sight of me in the rearview mirror, but I couldn’t be sure. My shoulders slumped in dejection. Could anyone have worse luck?
“Jillian, what’s going on?” Caleb ran up beside me and moved to put his arm around me.
I clenched my fists and swallowed a scream as I pulled away.
“I’m dating that guy. He must have seen you kissing me.”
“Hey, you were kissing me back.”
“Seriously?” I wanted to slap him, but refrained. I rested my forehead on my hand, feeling a tightness behind my eyes. Blinking rapidly, I looked up and glared at Caleb. “I’m dating someone else— or at least, I’m trying to. Please give me some respect and leave me alone.”
“I’m sorry,” Caleb said.
I turned and walked back to the flowerbed. He started to follow me. “If you’d just give me another chance.”
“No!” I spun around, putting my hand out to stop him. “My answer is no. Go home.” I turned and ran in the opposite direction.
When I reached the flowerbed, I saw the gardening tools Caleb brought me, and I growled. Stupid, stupid men messing up everything. I hated the way my heart
was pumping with anguish, fear, and the tiny niggling voice that said maybe I should give Caleb another chance. I shook my head. If Travis would listen, I could explain everything. But my hopes deflated, knowing how I’d feel if I caught him kissing another woman.
Lunchtime arrived and passed by. I didn’t bother to look for Travis. I called and left him a message explaining my persistent ex. It was a safe bet that he’d heard my message, so I kept praying that he’d believe my words instead of what he saw with his own eyes. At two o’clock, my stomach rumbled so loud I couldn’t ignore it anymore. I broke down and ate some of the macaroni salad, but it didn’t taste right without Travis there to share it with me.
I left the park at three forty five, dirty and dejected, with a hot shower in mind to melt away my problems. When I got home, the shower helped, but the peanut-butter brownies I’d made for our picnic were just what I needed. A large dollop of vanilla-bean ice cream and hot fudge were practically anti-depressants in my book. I swirled the brownie around the melting ice cream and sucked the concoction off my spoon, closing my eyes and wishing I’d punched Caleb instead of letting him kiss me.
Ladling another sugar-coated bite chased the thought away, and I sighed as I munched the creamy goodness that only came from the perfect proportions of chocolate and peanut butter. My doorbell rang, and I sat up straight, glancing at my bowl full of illegal goods and swiping my hand across my mouth. When I checked the peephole, my stomach flipped, and I licked my lips, checking for any stray bits of hot fudge. Travis stood on my doorstep with a worried expression. I swung the door open.
“I’m so sorry about today,” I said. “I’ve been having a pity party all by myself, wishing you’d seen me punch Caleb instead.”
“You punched him?” Travis’s eyebrows rose.
“No, but I wish I had.” I stood to the side. “Come in.”
Travis hesitated. “I’ll be honest; I would be home licking my wounds, but something important has happened, and I needed to make sure you were okay.” He stepped inside, and I closed the door.
“What is it?”
“Someone broke into my apartment and searched through everything.”
“What?” My knees felt weak with fear. “Let’s sit down.” I motioned toward the loveseat.
“They broke out a back window and climbed through.” Travis followed, sitting close to me and resting a hand on my arm. “They didn’t trash the place, but it’s a mess. At first, I panicked, thinking they’d go for you next, but the police wouldn’t let me come until they took a statement and searched everything.”
His worry was evident, and my mind was already racing through scenarios. What if someone was waiting outside right now?
“My house looked fine when I came home, but now I’m scared.” I didn’t like how tense Travis looked.
“The police will patrol the area around my home, Kami’s, and yours. I told them everything and gave them the letters— all the info I had. They’re taking it seriously. Nothing was stolen, so it has to be connected to Craig’s murder.”
My mouth felt dry, and I swallowed away the taste of terror building in my throat. “But how could they know that you found anything?”
Travis shrugged. “Maybe they don’t. I’m hoping that they were just being thorough, but my gut tells me that isn’t near the truth. Someone must have been tailing me.”
“You mean tailing us? Because we’ve spent a lot of time together the past few days.” I shuddered.
He pulled me into his arms. “I know it’s scary. I don’t want you to be worried, but then I can’t stop worrying either.”
Not gonna lie, I loved the feeling of his arms around me. I nestled my head against his shoulder. We sat there for a moment, the clock on my living room wall ticking against the otherwise silent room.
“What did the police think of Craig’s letters?” I asked.
“They were interested, but there wasn’t much time to discuss them. Maybe they’ll come up with something. In the meantime, we’re supposed to be extra cautious.”
I swallowed. “I don’t like the idea of some crazy person out there watching us.”
“Me, neither.”
The way he looked, I knew Travis wasn’t trying to be macho by pretending this wasn’t the real-deal-freak-out we both knew it potentially was. I sniffed and caught the tiniest whiff of fudge brownies. My mouth watered, remembering the decadent dessert I’d been devouring moments before. I reluctantly moved out of his embrace and stood. “Come in the kitchen. I’ll make you the most sinful treat you’ve ever tasted.” I tugged on his hand, and he smiled.
“That sounds dangerously good.” He stood and stretched.
I went ahead so that I could grab my bowl before he saw just how big my sweet tooth was. The fudge needed to be reheated, but the brownies were still perfectly moist. I topped off my bowl and fixed a larger helping for Travis. “Here you go.”
Travis took a seat at the table and loaded his spoon with a giant bite. “Mmm, this is amazing,” he said around a mouthful of brownie. He chewed for another moment. “Is there peanut butter in here?”
“Gluten-free chocolate and peanut-butter brownies— my secret recipe. The best remedy when you’re stressing over crazed murderers invading your house.”
Travis laughed. “I’d have to agree with you there.”
My spoon clanked against the bowl as I scraped more hot fudge from the side. “I want to apologize again for what happened at the park today. I know it sounds lame, but Caleb took me completely off guard, and it didn’t help that I was pretty messed up emotionally after we broke up.”
“I was mad, but I’ve been thinking about it all day, and I realized two things— first, I don’t own you. You can date whomever you please.”
I sat up straight, shaking my head. “But—”
He held up a hand. “Second, you’re not the type of girl to lead guys on or play hurtful games.”
I relaxed. “Thank you. That means a lot.”
“But that doesn’t mean I don’t have some make-up kisses coming my way.” Travis took another bite of brownie and winked when I blushed.
We finished our brownies over light banter and more veiled teasing about kissing. Travis helped me clean up the dishes then waltzed me around the kitchen and into the living room. We were both laughing; this was the best I’d felt all day. He pulled me close, and our eyes met.
“Jillian, you’re a smart woman, and I know your mind is working hard on solving the mystery I dragged you into, but I want you to stop now.”
“Stop what?” I tilted my head, drawing my focus away from his lips.
“Let’s not do any more investigating. The police will figure it out.”
“But we’re so close,” I replied. “I can feel it. The missing piece is hovering right there.” I motioned to the air around us.
Travis chuckled. “All the same, I’d feel better if you gave it a rest. Please be careful at work. I’m sure someone’s been watching us.”
I shivered, and Travis held me tighter. “I don’t like that feeling.”
“I know. Would you consider going to work a little later tomorrow? You know, so more people will be at the park? I don’t want you to be alone.” Travis rested his chin on top of my head. “I thought about taking off work and spending the day with you, but the Freightliner I’ve been overhauling is almost finished, and the owner is breathing down my neck.”
I touched his cheek. “Don’t worry about me. I’m a big girl, and the bad guys are after you, not me, right?”
“I hope so.” He stared at me, and I could see the gears of his mind working and worrying. I leaned forward and kissed him, felt his mouth smile against mine with his arms encircling me.
He kissed me tenderly then with an urgency that I sensed conveyed his feelings for me. My heart double-timed a staccato beat, and my mind whirred with possibilities. Caleb hadn’t ruined everything. Travis was giving me another chance. Did I dare hope that my heart could finally be healed with some
one I could trust? My fingers threaded through his hair, and I leaned into the kiss. Hope felt good on my lips.
Chapter Eight
The next day, I immersed myself in my work, continually pushing the questions and worries about Craig’s murder from my mind. It worked for a while, and the way my lips tingled when I thought of kissing Travis helped distract me further. He called to check on me a couple of times during the day and apologized that he wouldn’t be off work until seven. We arranged to meet at his place.
After work, I showered and dressed in denim shorts with my new favorite blouse, a sheer red top over a snug white tank top. While brushing through my hair, my mind wandered again to the clues we’d found. A new idea came to me. I set the brush on the counter and stared at the gray circle around the blue of my iris.
“It has to be,” I whispered.
Glancing at the clock, I hurried out the door and headed to Travis’s house. It was barely ten after seven. I hoped he’d be home from work so I could share my idea. When I pulled next to his driveway, he was just getting out of his car. He smiled at me then frowned at the grease and dirt stains on his shirt.
“It’s great to see you. Sorry I’m so dirty.”
I placed one finger on his chest and leaned forward. “This spot doesn’t look too bad.” I carefully placed a kiss on his cheek.
“You look beautiful. Give me fifteen minutes, and I’ll be ready. I’m starving.”
“I came early because I thought of something— I think I know what Craig was trying to tell you.”
Travis shook his head slowly and frowned. “I talked to the detective today. They have some leads, and he seemed optimistic about the possibilities.”
“Good, but I think Craig did hide something in the park, and I know where to look.” I felt buoyant with the idea of solving the murder. “We can go there as soon as you’re ready.”
Travis shook his head slowly. “I can’t risk your safety. Let’s go down to the station so you can tell them your hunch.”
“I need to check out my design binder first to see if I’m right. It won’t take long. We could figure this out.”
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