by Cindy Stark
Shit. If he’d have been properly dressed, she wouldn’t have had her normally-reasonable brain scrambled by testosterone. “Breakfast will be ready in like…twenty minutes.”
She glanced down again, unable to stop herself from feasting on the hard contours and planes of his chest. “And put some clothes on. We have guests here.”
Her cheeks heated, and he chuckled, forcing her to hurry away as opposed to walking like she didn’t have a care in the world.
If he was in her way every time she turned around, her two weeks with Annabelle would not be as fun as she’d expected.
Chapter Five
Breakfast was as pleasant as she could have hoped. Annabelle sat next to her this time, keeping Rick on the other side, at the head of the table. At first glance, it seemed like a much-preferred seating arrangement, until she realized every time she glanced up, Rick was in her line of sight. And it seemed he constantly watched her.
“Besides Coraline’s at the end of the street, are there any other things we should see while we’re here?” Mary asked.
“All of the shops have fun, eclectic tourist items. If you’re into shawls, make sure you visit Kendra’s Creations. She weaves all of her own yarn and creates some amazing shawls and scarves among other things.” Annabelle glanced at Rick as though asking for his opinion.
“If you’re not opposed to driving, you should follow the road through town and head up into the hills,” he added. “Back when the town was first settled, an artist named Christoff had a large piece of granite hauled into the hills. He chiseled an elaborate cross that’s been standing for over a hundred years. Just follow the signs. It’s a bit of a hike, but well worth it.”
Erin wanted to see the cross, too, but she supposed it would be too much to ask to tag along with the newlyweds, and if the hike was difficult, she couldn’t very well expect Annabelle to accompany her. Besides, she wasn’t afraid to head into the hills alone as long as the sun shone.
Rick pierced her with a sharp gaze. “I could go with you, Erin, if it’s something you want to see.”
Mary raised her eyebrows at Erin in an I-told-you-so look.
The last thing she wanted to do was spend alone-time with the man. “Sure, maybe. If I decide to go. I was really hoping to spend most of my time with my aunt. I’m barely getting to know her, and she’s the reason I came.”
“Suit yourself,” he responded with a disinterested look. He focused on his breakfast casserole and shoved in a bite. She was sure he’d only offered because he’d felt obligated, but she was capable of handling herself.
Annabelle patted her hand. “Isn’t that sweet? But don’t waste all your time on me, love. I’ll slow you down.”
“No, you won’t. I’m more than happy to go any speed you’re comfortable with.” She took a sip of orange juice, needing to switch up the conversation. “I do want to see the town, though. Do you think we might have time today?”
“Of course.” Her aunt’s eyes lit up. “I was hoping we might, too.”
“Sounds like we’ll see you there,” Scott said.
* * *
Downtown Argent Springs was a hopping hub of about thirty shops and restaurants, most of them located on Main Street. Annabelle had insisted on walking and had worn her favorite boots to keep her feet from getting tired.
As they crossed the street, Erin had the sense they were strolling down the road in an old frontier town. It didn’t take much to picture cowboys and proper ladies walking the streets while the prostitutes watched out the windows. She wondered if Rosa had preferred the life of a painted lady, or if she’d secretly wished her circumstances had been different and she could have been a respected member of the community. Originally, Erin would have thought respectable, but when Rosa had been offered that opportunity, she’d blown it.
Why?
“It’s such a beautiful day,” Annabelle commented. “I’m glad you waited until fall to visit. We have the most glorious days in October.”
“It’s amazing here,” she agreed. Golden sun warmed her shoulders and kept the cool temperatures from making them uncomfortable. In the bright sunshine, the various colors of buildings stood out like crayons in a box. All different colors. All trying to be noticed.
“Where should we go first?” Erin asked. “I want you to take me to your favorite places.”
“That would be Walton’s Pottery, then. In my younger days, I dabbled with pottery, but I could never quite get the hang of it. Still, it’s one of my favorite forms of art. The colors, the clays, the way each piece has its own character. Do you know what I mean?”
“I do. It’s kind of like photography. Different photographers can shoot the same area, but depending on who’s behind the camera and what settings they use, a photo can come out looking very different.”
Annabelle slowed as they stepped up onto the wooden sidewalk. “It sounds like you know something about it.”
“It’s a hobby of mine. When I have extra time, I’ll usually pull out my camera. But it seems lately, there hasn’t been enough of it.”
“You’ll have time while you’re here. I’ll make sure of it.”
“I’d love that. These mountains that surround us are amazing. I can’t imagine going home without taking some of this with me.”
“You really should have Rick take you up to see the cross. I’d expect you could get some wonderful photos looking down on the town while you hike.”
“Is there any reason I can’t go alone?”
“Is there some reason you don’t want Rick to go with you?” Her aunt was a very discerning woman, it seemed.
“It’s just that when I shoot, I like to go alone. That way I don’t have anyone influencing my photographs.”
“I see.” Annabelle stumbled and grabbed Erin’s arm for support. “Damn uneven sidewalks.”
Erin smiled when Annabelle didn’t let go of her. She liked being able to give something back to her great aunt.
They’d made it up one side of the town and halfway down the other when Annabelle led her into a small café. “This is my favorite place to eat lunch. I’d really like you to try their fish and chips. They’re the best in southwest Colorado.”
The café was bigger than it looked on the outside, the narrow room going deep instead of wide. The floor had been built with rough planks, and the heels of her boots clomped on the wood as they walked inside the dim building. A large, polished bar, backed by bottles in many shapes and colors rested along one side with an old-fashioned chandelier hanging above it. Erin could easily imagine it looking like the saloons of old.
“Well, hello, Cassidee and Jensen,” Annabelle stopped a couple heading toward the exit, introducing Erin to the strawberry-blonde and the dark-haired man who accompanied her. “How is married life treating you?”
“It’s great, Miss Annabelle,” Cassidee answered, slight dimples showing in her cheeks. “How are you doing?”
“Absolutely fabulous.” She turned to Erin. “I introduced these two.”
“Yes, you did, though I was sure you were half-crazy when you said she was the one for me,” Jensen replied. “Now, I’d say you’re our resident matchmaker.”
Annabelle beamed. “I just call things how I see them.”
The group laughed and then said their goodbyes, and Erin hoped one day she’d feel part of a community like Annabelle did.
“I love the old-time feel of everything around here,” Erin said as they sat at a table near the front. From her view out the window, she could see a little bar called “Krog’s”. She expected it would have quite a different feel than the downtown clubs in Salt Lake, and she couldn’t wait to try it. “I swear the surroundings make everyone move at a slower pace. It’s a nice feel.”
“You’re catching on quick, love.” Annabelle spread the paper napkin across her lap. “The winters here can be harsh, but the community is tight-knit for the most part, and we all love our way of life.”
“I can see why.” Salt Lake might
have an electric night-life, and she was sure for those who lived in Argent Springs it would be an all-day trip to shop for a new dress instead of running to the mall across the street from her apartment, but folks around here didn’t seem to care. Living the slow-down-and-smell-the-roses kind of life clearly appealed to them.
A woman near her age approached, wearing jeans and a t-shirt with an apron tied around her waist. Her blond hair had been pulled back into a thick, luscious ponytail. Long bangs had escaped the elastic and fell forward hiding shy brown eyes. “What can I get you?”
“Hello, Piper,” Annabelle said with a bright greeting.
The waitress blushed. “Hello, Miss Annabelle.”
“How’s that little boy of yours?”
“He’s well, ma’am. Thank you for asking.”
“This is my great niece, Erin. She’s come to stay with me for a couple of weeks.”
Erin reached out a hand to shake, and the woman tentatively accepted it.
“It’s very nice to meet you, Piper.”
The woman’s hesitant gaze flitted from Erin to Annabelle. “It’s nice to meet you, too.”
“I think Erin should try the fish and chips while she’s in town, don’t you?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Her awkwardness eased a bit. “We serve the best.”
“Okay, I’ll have that then.” She glanced at her menu. “And a cherry coke.”
“I’ll have the same,” Annabelle said. “Give me my usual addition as well.”
Piper nodded and headed off. Erin was pretty sure she knew what the addition was.
“A little Jack never hurt anyone, right?” her aunt said.
“I would guess not.” But was it really only a little? It seemed her great aunt was a bit of a lush.
“Piper’s a good girl, but she sure caught the raw end of a bad deal,” Annabelle whispered.
Erin leaned closer. “What do you mean?”
“She’s always been the shy sort, not one to flirt with the men. A couple of years back, a certain councilmember decided he liked her. He flirted with her non-stop, and poor Piper with no real social skills fell hopelessly in love and ended up pregnant.”
As long as he loved her back, that didn’t sound too bad. “Did they get married?”
“Hell, no. The dirty, lying scoundrel who knocked her up already had a wife and kids, and as long as she wasn’t kicking him out, he wasn’t leaving.”
“Oh.” Erin couldn’t imagine the pain or difficulty of raising a child on her own.
“What’s worse, the jackass denied the baby was his, called her a liar in front of the whole town.”
“What did Piper do?”
Annabelle straightened as the waitress approached with their drinks. “Thank you, love,” she said as though she hadn’t been discussing the woman’s personal life.
“What could she do?” Annabelle said when Piper was far enough away. “She was stuck. A baby was growing inside her, and she had no man to help her. Her grandma said she refused to ask for a paternity test. So the asshole had his fun at her expense, and she’s paying for it. She does have a sweet little boy, though. Cute and good-natured. She paid a hefty price, but I think he’s been a blessing to her.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
“It divided the town, though, just like in the olden days. The self-righteous people won’t give her the time of day, and the rest of us do what we can to help her. She’s a good girl.”
“She seems like a nice person.” Erin couldn’t imagine being stuck in such a difficult situation. Her own family might be totally dysfunctional, but her parents had kept her in nice clothes and had made sure she’d received a good education.
They walked a little farther after lunch, and Erin picked out a lovely pair of silver nugget earrings that would always remind her of her time in Argent Springs. For whatever reason, her vacation held that once-in-a-lifetime kind of feeling, even though now that she knew Aunt Annabelle, she was sure she could come back whenever she wanted.
Annabelle paused in front of a small shop called Enchanted Hearts. Wind chimes and mannequins draped with silk scarves filled the window. “Do you mind if I stop in for a minute? I’d really like to introduce you to Livia, and I have some legal business I need to discuss with her.”
“You discuss legal things with a souvenir shop owner?” Erin stepped inside a store full of books on karma and mindfulness interspersed with crystal jewelry and other stones. Amber incense teased her senses.
“She’s a lawyer as well. Most people in this town have more than one skill. The guy who owns the café where we ate? He also repairs skis in the winter. That’s part of the reason Rick lives with me. He doesn’t always make enough at his car repair shop, so he helps me out when he’s not busy, and I give him free rent.”
She gave a non-committal reply. So the guy was good with cars as well? Yay for him. If she were lucky, there would be a lot that would break down while she was in town, and she wouldn’t have to see him so much.
The first word that struck Erin’s mind when she met Annabelle’s friend was colorful. Erin would guess Livia to be a few years younger than she was with long, flowing dark hair, silver bangles clanging on her wrist, and flashing green eyes.
“Erin,” Livia said, taking her hand. “So glad we’re finally meeting. Miss Annabelle here hasn’t stopped talking about you since she visited Salt Lake. She was worried you might not make it.”
“Are you kidding?” Erin glanced to Annabelle who gave her a sheepish smile. “I came as soon as my job would let me.”
“She’s a massage therapist,” her aunt interjected.
“That sounds like a fascinating field to work in, being able to use your hands to create energy and a feeling of well-being.”
“I enjoy it,” Erin said. “I like knowing I’m easing the stresses and pains of others when they come to see me.”
Livia rolled her eyes. “It’s a hell of a lot better than knowing you’re making good people’s lives miserable. I learned several years ago that I didn’t have the stomach for representing the earth’s worst inhabitants.”
“She was a defense attorney,” Annabelle said, filling in the blanks.
“Handling trusts, wills and family estates makes for a nicer living. Maybe not as much money, but that’s what this shop is for.” She indicated the beautiful items around her.
Erin glanced around at the shelves of tarot cards and the display cases of crystals, turquoise and other stones. Some eastern-sounding music, heavy with chimes played in the background. She’d stepped into a world of relaxation and dreams. “You’ve built a beautiful place here. Who would want that type of life when you could have this?”
“Exactly.” Livia pointed a manicured fingernail at her. The sparkle at the tips caught Erin’s attention.
“Do you drive out of town to get your nails done?” She couldn’t imagine the little town of Argent Springs having a salon.
“Actually, no. A friend of mine and Annabelle’s does them. Piper,” she said to Annabelle, clarifying.
“I just met Piper. She seems very nice.”
“She’s a doll. She comes across as pretty quiet, but once she gets to know you, she can be downright hilarious.”
Erin smiled. She couldn’t picture the quiet, downtrodden girl as hilarious, but she, herself, never let anyone see the real her unless she trusted them.
Annabelle took her hand, her fingers feeling cold and frail. “I hate to ask this, Erin, but would you mind tending the counter for a few minutes. I need to speak to Livia in private.”
When Erin glanced at the old-fashioned cash register, Livia chuckled. “It’s pretty straightforward to use. If you’re not comfortable with it, I can close the shop down for a few minutes.”
There were a few people perusing her wares, and Erin hated to cause a disruption to them and to Livia. “No, I should be fine. I’ve worked a cash register before and a credit card machine. I’m sure I can figure it out if you trust me to.”
Erin’s insides warmed from the friendliness emanating from Livia. She’d always wished for a girlfriend that she could really connect with, but her previous friendships had always seemed shallow and fleeting. Erin had assumed it had been faulty wiring on her part that she couldn’t trust someone enough to let her see the real person.
But something about Livia seemed different. She seemed was authentic and very likable. “You guys go. I’ll be fine.”
Annabelle took Livia’s arm as they headed into the back room. Erin couldn’t help but wonder what Annabelle needed to talk about, but really, she had no right to ask. She and her aunt might be family, but they hadn’t known each other that long. Annabelle was entitled to her privacy.
Two girls in their late teens approached the counter, one carrying an ornate looking cross encrusted with jewels. The multicolored stones glittered in the afternoon light shining in through the large window next to the cash register.
“Will this be all?” Erin asked.
“Uh-huh,” the shortest girl said, pulling out her wallet.
Erin rang up the sale. “Sixteen seventy-five, please.”
The girl pulled out a twenty, and Erin made change before wrapping the cross in tissue paper and putting it in a sack. As the girls walked out the door, she smiled to herself. She didn’t mind being a cashier at all. In fact, she enjoyed helping people get what they wanted or needed.
As the young girls bounded away from Livia’s shop and down the sidewalk, a man walked past the storefront window and slowed to peer inside. His dirty, unkempt appearance left her uneasy. It wasn’t so much his appearance that bothered her. It was his eyes. They were hungry for something, and that sent a chill racing through her.
He glanced away, and she was grateful when he continued down the street.
