by Cindi Madsen
When Faith glanced at Connor, he shook his head. “Making fun of his grandma.”
“Shut it.” Faith shoved him, which ended up being like shoving a wall—he could’ve at least humored her and faked a wobble. “And don’t think I didn’t notice the very little.” She moved to start digging holes for the flowers so she wouldn’t do something stupid like start flirting with Connor. Penny sniffed around the ground next to her for a while before taking off after a grasshopper.
The spade, gloves, and scent of damp earth reminded her of Mom. She used to love gardening, and was always out digging in the soil and watering her plants. Then, after Dad died, she just stopped, always in her room, refusing to go out. Faith had called Mom yesterday and tried to convince her to come down and visit—it’d been almost a year since they’d seen each other—but she’d claimed she was too busy taking care of Grandma and Grandpa to get away. She told Faith that she could, of course, come visit them, though.
Connor’s hammering broke through and for a moment she focused on each swing of his hammer, the echo in the air. “If you had the day off, why were you up at six a.m. to swim?”
He finished pounding in the nail he was working on. “Why not?”
“I can think of fifty reasons at least, number one being more sleep.”
Connor shrugged. “Habit, I guess. Plus, Mrs. Lowery sent out a reminder that the gazebo needed to be done ASAP so it’d be ready for the pie toss. The plan is for the guys at the station to be the victims. You know how Sullivan’s grandma can be.” He flashed her a mocking grin.
“I should’ve known better. Say a bad word about anyone in this town, and odds are someone’s related to her.” Faith patted the damp earth around the orange mums she’d set in the ground. It seemed like a lot of work to plant flowers right in time for them to die a month or two later, but she knew better than to mention that to Mrs. Lowery.
“Don’t worry. Sullivan was complaining earlier about how he’d gotten roped into it.” Connor took a couple steps up the ladder. “So, after you enjoyed your sleeping in, did you go for a run?”
Faith wondered if she could count it as a run, since she’d walked most of it and swore through the running parts. “Yeah. I’m trying to get ready for the Fallen Officer 5K, but thanks to how hectic my last semester of school was, I’m out of shape.”
Connor glanced down at her, one eyebrow quirking higher than the other. “Your shape looks fine to me.” She shook her head, trying to keep a smile off her lips as she dug another hole. “If you want, though, I can train with you.”
“Uh, no thanks. I’m not running next to you.”
“Why not?”
“Because you wake up at the butt crack of dawn to exercise and look like you live at a gym. I’ll do what I can to get ready for the race in the next few weeks and call it a success if I’m not the very last person crossing the line.”
“With my help, you wouldn’t be. And I’m running it, too. We could do it together. I’ll cheer you on the whole time.”
“I’m going to stick with my ‘no thanks’ answer.” Just thinking about running next to him made her want to skip the race altogether. But the event was about more than her and the muppet-flail run she’d probably be doing by the end. “I’ll see you at the finish line.”
“Suit yourself.” Connor tucked a bundle of shingles under his arm and climbed up the ladder.
“Are you sure that roof can even hold you?”
“Only one way to find out.” The ladder rattled as he neared the top, and she jumped up to hold it steady, not wanting to witness him tumble down, even if a knock on the head might be good for his inflated ego. Penny came over as if she were going to help.
“He’s a little bit crazy, you know,” Faith said to the dog, and Penny gave a happy bark, which Faith took to mean she totally agreed.
Once Connor was on the roof, hammering away on the shingles, she returned to her flower planting. She’d made it all the way around the gazebo by the time Grant came back, a can of paint in each hand, his grandma by his side.
Connor was just climbing down from the roof, his hammer in the front pocket of his jeans. Not that she was checking out that area or anything.
“Faith,” Mrs. Lowery said brightly, a huge smile curving her lips, and she thought, Yes! Grant didn’t rat me out. “I’m so happy you volunteered to help.”
So many things she wanted to say to that, but she bit her tongue. She could practically feel Connor grinning behind her as he gave her elbow a light pinch. “She’s a giver, our Faith.”
Faith jerked her arm back, catching Connor in the gut, and his fingers wrapped around her bicep, holding her in place as his low laugh sounded in her ear.
Mrs. Lowery didn’t seem to notice. “I’m sure between you, Grant, and Officer Maguire, you’ll have no trouble getting that gazebo looking good as new.” She handed a heavy plastic bag over to Faith. “Here are the paint supplies. I hear it might rain tomorrow, and we’re going to need at least two coats, so why don’t we see if we can get the first coat done today.”
With that, Mrs. Lowery took off, leaving Faith standing with the bag of paintbrushes, rollers, and mixing trays, Connor still holding onto one of her arms. Faith liked how she’d worded it as we, even thought it was clearly a you. Give that woman an inch, and soon you’re spending all of your free time cleaning up Magnolia Park.
Connor released her arm and took the bag from her. He lifted a roller out of it, and then handed her one, his fingers wrapping around hers. Mischief flickered in his eyes. “I’m so happy you volunteered to help, too.”
…
Connor felt wet against his neck.
“Oops,” Faith said, but she was grinning, leading him to believe she wasn’t all that sorry about the paint that’d dripped onto him. She was up on the ladder, arm stretched above her, a strip of skin showing between her pants and shirt. He ducked as another glob dripped off her roller, moving just in time to keep from being hit.
“That’s why I should be on the ladder.”
“No, you’re tall as it is. Which is why I should be on the ladder. But I need some more paint.”
Sullivan had gone to get dinner, but he was taking forever, which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. It was pretty impressive how much the three of them had gotten done, but his arms were beginning to ache—not that he’d ever admit it.
Faith ran her roller through the paint, and he lowered his arm, watching the motion. Letting her claim the ladder made it easier to steal glances when she was focused on the work in front of her. White paint splattered her hair and face. “You’ve got some on your cheek,” he said, reaching forward to wipe it for her. Only it smudged more than took it off, and he apparently had paint on his hand.
She gasped. “You put more on, I felt it! Oh, you asked for it.” Before he could protest, she ran the roller down his arm. He lunged for her, catching her around the waist, and she let out a cute little squeal. He wiped his paint-coated arm across her.
After that, paint started flying, a stripe here and there, until they were both covered in it. Her chest rose and fell with her breaths as she circled him, roller out, jabbing it like a sword.
When Sullivan showed up, two brown paper bags in his hands, his eyes widened as he took in the scene.
Connor slowly set down his roller and held up his hands. “I give up. I’m too hungry to fight you anymore.”
“Wimp.”
He grabbed her hand and yanked her to him, the wet roller smashing between them. “What was that?”
She laughed, that spark in her eyes—the one that said she was up to no good. “Nothing.” When she wiggled against him, his breath went shallow and blood rushed through his veins. He could feel the paint soaking in, too, but with her this close, he wasn’t so much worried about that.
“Looks like Kaleb came to help,” Sullivan said, and Connor quickly dropped his hold on Faith, the roller falling to the grass between them. Shit. If his partner saw that, he’d have a fit, a
nd it was only a bit of innocent flirting.
With not-so-innocent thoughts mixed in.
By the time Kaleb made it over, they were digging into their burgers, and Connor had made sure there was plenty of space between him and Faith, even though he was still thinking about her laugh and the lightness in his chest whenever she was around. He’d thought he’d do his time here for the town, but he’d never expected how much fun it’d be.
Penny had been off by the lake, but now that there was food, she was down at his feet whimpering. He tossed her the second patty from his burger, trying not to look like he was listening to Kaleb and Faith’s conversation.
“…realize this was where you were all day,” Kaleb said.
“I’m trying to help out,” Faith said. “Well, more like I’ve been ordered to, but it wasn’t so bad. I don’t think I can lift my hands over my head anymore, though, and Anna’s supposed to show me the pottery she’s putting on display.” She finished off her burger, handed her painting supplies to her brother, and gathered up the boxes from the flowers she’d planted earlier.
Kaleb started on the far side of the gazebo, and Connor tossed Penny the rest of his food. He supposed they might as well finish today if they could. He was pouring more paint in the tray when Faith walked past him. She put her hand on his arm and he froze in place, afraid to move because she might let go, and afraid not to because her brother might see.
“I hate to be the one to tell you this, Hotshot, but it looks like you’re going gray.”
Connor ran a hand through his hair, sure it was coated in white. “Cop work I can handle, but painting with you is stressful.”
She smiled, a groove forming in the corner of her cheek. Then she walked on, and he had to force himself to turn toward the gazebo instead of watching her walk away like he would’ve if her brother wasn’t a few yards back, probably paying close attention to their interaction.
…
Anna and Faith walked across the backyard to the toolshed Kaleb had converted to a pottery studio for his wife. Anna undid the deadbolt on the door. “Can’t risk Ella getting in here without me. She’d have the place destroyed in two minutes flat.”
They’d had to set her up in front of Sleeping Beauty with a cup of chocolate milk so Anna could finally show Faith the studio she’d been telling her all about. Anna flicked on the lights, illuminating the plates, vases, and bowls in various colors. A potter’s wheel sat in the middle. She put her hands on her stomach. “With this thing in the way, it’s been a while since I threw any clay.”
“Clay throwing. Sounds violent.”
Anna laughed and described the pottery-making process, from shaping the clay on the wheel to glazing and firing. Her eyes lit up as she talked about it, so Faith asked her more questions, listening as she went into minerals and how they changed the colors, and the different kinds of firing processes. “I’ve always wanted to do a show, and I’m a little nervous for my first one at the festival, but I’m also really excited. Hopefully I can at least make enough money to justify what I spent on supplies.”
“It’s going to be great.” Faith tucked her damp hair behind her ear. It’d taken a lot of shampoo and soap to scrub off the paint, and thanks to her and Connor’s paint fight, she was pretty sure she’d still find random splotches of the stuff for the next week.
“What’s the smile for?” Anna asked and Faith jerked up her head, feeling like she’d been caught.
“I was just thinking it’s cool that you have a hobby you’re so passionate about.”
Anna narrowed her eyes like she didn’t quite buy it, but she let it go. “It’s nice to have something that’s all mine. Being a mom is great, and I love it, but at the end of the day there’s nothing more relaxing than getting my hands on some clay and watching it take shape. I’m still figuring out a few tricks with the firing cycle and glazes. I’m thinking I’ll even try crystals after I recover from having little Jackson.” She rubbed her stomach again, and then picked up a large green and bronze plate. “This one’s my favorite. Well, one of my favorites.”
Faith carefully took it from her, admiring the colors and the smooth line of the rim.
“So, you and Connor just painted together all day? And you somehow ended up covered in it?”
Apparently she wasn’t actually letting it go. “Grant Sullivan was there, too. For most of it, anyway.” Faith handed the plate back to Anna.
Anna arched her eyebrow. “I feel like there’re a lot of things you’re not saying. I get a couple paint splatters, but what you had going on looked like something…more. And when Kaleb called to check in, he was all put out about how the two of you were acting when he showed up.”
Faith was afraid to say too much, because she was trying to convince herself she wasn’t still thinking about how fun today had been. “At first I thought Connor was a total jerk, but he does have some redeeming qualities.” Like how he spent his entire day helping out on a town project and brought his dog. And he was kind of funny. Over-the-top flirty, but a good sport. “We’ve agreed to be friends. But that’s it. He’s a player and a cop, which means I’m not interested.”
“Honey, every woman with eyes is interested in that man. I know he might come off rough at first, but he’s got a good heart. He’s been so good to Kaleb, and he’s great with Ella. I’ve been hoping he’d find a cute girl and settle down.”
“He’s not the settling-down type, Anna. He’s the type to break hearts.” Faith picked up a pink vase and studied it before cautiously setting it back down. She was paranoid she was going to tip something over and send everything crashing to the ground. “And if he’s so great, why would Kaleb care if I spent time with him?”
“Well…he doesn’t see the potential like I do. Plus, I saw the sparks between you two when he came to dinner. I think if anyone could tame him, it’d be you.”
“I’m not interested in taming anyone. Or in being someone’s one night stand.” Faith took a ceramic fish off the shelf. It was blue with a yellow tail.
“I made that when I found out I was having a boy.”
For some reason, it made Faith want to go fishing. Maybe she’d see if Paul or Brynn was up for it. Funny how she used to think it was lame when she had to go all the time, but now she missed it. Not just it, but how life was back then—Dad out on the water with them, laughing and competing with the rest of the guys for who could catch the most fish. “Makes me think of my dad. He’d like it.”
“You might as well bring it inside. I keep meaning to so I can put it in the nursery.”
Anna locked up the studio and they headed toward the house.
As hard as Faith tried to push it out of her mind, her thoughts moved back to what Anna had said about Connor. The competitive side of her wondered if she could win him over. Figure out what made him tick and make him the type of guy who’d be happy with one woman.
But she’d made the mistake of being flattered by the He Chose Me! trick before. Jeff had had a couple of girls after him when they’d first started dating. She’d decided to win him over, and she thought she had. But halfway through last semester, there were times when he wouldn’t answer her calls. When she’d brought it up, he’d acted confused and hurt, making her feel like she was the crazy one. She’d even started thinking she was just being overly paranoid. Especially when he asked her to move in with him.
But deep down there was that prickling, not-quite-right sensation. Didn’t make it any easier when she walked in on him and another girl. And she’d known right then and there that it hadn’t been a one-time thing. It’d taken every ounce of her self-control to stay in Atlanta and take care of all the paperwork to transfer the condo to him instead of driving away like she’d wanted to.
The second Anna opened the door, Ella yelled, “Mommy!” as she dove off a chair onto her mom, who barely caught her in time.
Anna flinched, her hand going to her stomach.
“Come here, bug.” Faith held out her hands and Ella leapt ont
o her. She curled up against her, head on her shoulder, and Faith’s heart expanded with love for her niece. She thought of what she’d seen between Kaleb and Anna since she’d been here. Their life was crazy, but they helped each other, and there was no doubt they loved each other. It wasn’t like Faith was ready for a family now, but someday she wanted that, which meant finding a guy who’d be serious about it as well. Not to mention a guy with a stable, but not dangerous job. Which meant Connor was out.
The plan to find a nice, humble guy who wouldn’t cheat on her was on.
Chapter Six
Connor glanced at the clock as he turned onto the road that led to the helicopter tour office. He was a little early, but he knew if he’d stayed in Cornelius any longer, he would’ve been too tempted to stop by Kaleb’s place to see Faith, while pretending he wasn’t there for that reason. For most of the day, she was all he’d thought about. Replaying their time painting the gazebo had kept him from obsessing over his frustration with the Corbett case. Only now he was obsessing about the feisty blonde. He knew he needed to play it cool—he’d already endured a lot of suspicious looks from her brother yesterday. He was trying not to like Faith, but she’d gotten under his skin. When she was around he didn’t feel bored anymore. He wanted to take her out. Not just drinks—that wouldn’t be long enough.
And now I’m thinking about her again.
Connor pulled his Silverado up in front of the small office, noticing the sign now had Ask about our adventure tours! freshly painted in red under the retouched Charlotte Helicopter Tours lettering. Wes was outside with his fiancée, Dani. Not many of Connor’s friends were single anymore—Kaleb was a family man, and Wes was about to be. Maybe that was why he was suddenly feeling the urge to try dating. Not to mention how Mama had taken to asking if he’d found a nice girl to settle down with yet every time he talked to her. Apparently it went against his Italian heritage to not have a giant family—he suspected she might be making that up, though. And last family dinner, she’d so nicely pointed out that he wasn’t getting any younger. Since when was thirty old?
