“I’m not sure yet,” Amber said, having learned that she could often get paid more if she let the customer set the price. “What do you think it’s worth?”
The woman said, “Oh, I think three hundred dollars. Easy.”
“Really?” the guy with her asked. “I mean, I like it, but that seems a little steep.”
“If you’re interested, I’ll sell it to you for two hundred.” Amber shrugged. “And if you want me to add you into the painting, it will be three hundred.”
“Oh, please, honey, can we buy it?” The woman cajoled.
The man smiled at her. “All right, sweetheart.”
Amber smiled. “I can have it done today unless you want to be added in. Then it might take until tomorrow. If you want to be added in, I’ll need an advance deposit of half.”
“Do you take credit cards?” he asked.
“I do.” She pulled out her phone and plugged in the tiny mobile attachment. “Do you want to be added in?”
“Yes,” the woman said. “Definitely. It’ll be like being photobombed by Dracula.”
After running the transaction for one hundred and fifty dollars, Amber took several photos of the couple in different poses. “If you’ll give me your phone number, I’ll text you when it’s done and we can make arrangements for you to pick it up.”
After they continued down the street, Amber looked at Wolf and grinned. “This town is going to be a treasure trove for an artist.”
“I’ve found it to be so,” said a woman behind her.
Amber spun to find a woman in what looked like a gypsy outfit admiring her painting. She wore a long, flowing, red-flowered skirt, and a peasant blouse. Delicate gold chains dangled from her neck and gold bangles graced her wrists. Her long, unruly red hair was barely tamed by the matching red bandana that she wore about her head. Her feet were nearly bare as the sandals she wore were just thin straps.
Amber said, “Oh, hi. You’re an artist, too?”
“Yes.” The woman held out a hand to Amber, and said, “My name’s Chicory. I’ve been coming here to paint for the last five years. I’d be glad to give you tips on what tourists want, though it seems as though you may have already figured that out.” She pointed to the easel. “I love the colors you’re combining.”
“Thanks,” Amber said in satisfaction. “What do you paint?”
Still studying the painting, Chicory said, absently, “I do face and body painting. I prefer doing floral designs, but I can do other things if people want. And when I’m painting just for me, I love painting sunsets over Moonchuckle Bay.”
“I’d love to see one of those.”
“The sunsets or the paintings?”
“Both.”
“I’m usually here in the afternoons. There’s more of a crowd then, and into the evening. How long will you be in the park?”
“My friend Samuel is coming back to pick me up at four.”
“Samuel?” Chicory stilled.
“Samuel Winston.” Amber continued to add touches of paint here and there as she talked.
“Really?” The other woman sounded intrigued. “I bet his parents are fuming over that.”
“Why?” Amber couldn’t figure out why Samuel’s parents could possibly be upset.
“Because they want him to marry Olivia Paxton. He’s told them no, but they keep insisting.”
“Huh. Kind of pushy, are they?”
“Yeah, you could say that.” Chicory straightened and pushed her hair off her shoulders. It flowed right back as soon as she lowered her hands. “I’ve got to go help my mother in her photography shop. Tourists go into Dorian Gray’s Photography to have their pictures taken with props and in front of backdrops that make it look like they’re flying on broomsticks or sitting next to a skeleton or mummy, or other cool movie-type special effects. But if you’d like to meet me at the coffee shop tomorrow, I’d love to continue our chat.” She motioned across the street.
Amber checked it out. Beans and Boos Coffee. “I’d like that.”
“Two o’clock ...?”
“Yes.” Amber was smiling broadly. She loved meeting new people, and rarely had the chance to make a friend.
Chicory looked pleased as well. “Good to meet you. We’re going to be good friends. I can tell.” She smiled. “I can always tell.”
Amber was thrilled. She had a good feeling about Chicory, too. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Chicory strode off, her skirt swaying in a feminine yet confident way as she walked. Every man she passed — whether human or fake monster — gave her a second glance.
Chicory paused to chat with a couple. It took a moment for Amber to realize that she knew the woman. It was Olivia. With a guy. Samuel’s parents wouldn’t be pleased by this development, either.
What was Olivia to this guy? Cousin? Friend? Girlfriend?
Amber really needed to get to know people in town better so she could stop playing these stupid and unhelpful guessing games in her own mind.
When Olivia leaned in to whisper in the guy’s ear, and he wrapped his arm around her waist in a proprietary manner, Amber thought she could guess.
Turning back, she caught a glimpse of something ...
A wolf! Holy cow! A huge one!
Spinning around, she scanned the crowd, but couldn’t see it again. She turned all the way around.
The hair on Wolf’s back was standing up, so he’d apparently sensed it, too.
There was a wolf in Town Square Park!
She couldn’t see it now, though. Where could it have gone so fast?
“Hi, Amber.”
She twirled again at the sound. Samuel!
Wolf went crazy, leaping and barking.
He raised an eyebrow. “You’re jumpy today.”
“I just saw a wolf!” Amber couldn’t stop glancing around the square, trying to catch another glimpse of it.
Without responding, Samuel moved close enough to reach down and pet the dog. He unclipped the leash and sat on the grass as Wolf jumped all over him.
“Samuel! Did you hear what I just said?” Amber was practically bouncing. She couldn’t believe he was still sitting there unfazed when she’d just told him she’d seen a wild animal in the square.
He just blinked at her. “What?”
“There’s a wolf in the park! I just saw it!”
Samuel looked surprised for a second. “Oh. I’m sure it’s just one of the movie things.”
“This didn’t look like a monster movie thing. Okay. Yes, it did. It was a huge black wolf.”
“Was it a handsome wolf?”
She stared at him. “What kind of a question is that? It was a dangerous wolf.”
“We have sightings like that all the time. It’s just studio stuff. Don’t worry.”
“Can’t we at least call animal control?”
“It’s okay. Trust me.”
She took a deep breath. Okay, he was the sheriff here in town, and he’d lived here most of his life. Maybe she was mistaken. Probably. A trick of the light, perhaps, or maybe somebody’s pet. This was, after all, a monster town.
He held out two paper bags and offered her one. She took it, trying to convince herself that she’d imagined the wolf or that it had been part of a movie thing, as he’d suggested. “What’s in the bag?”
He grinned, and her knees went weak. She sat on the grass beside him and opened her bag.
Pulling out a large chef salad, two hamburgers, and an order of fries, she looked at Samuel. “I must look like quite the hearty eater.”
“Not at all.”
“Plus, I figured you’d want to share with your silly little dog.” He petted Wolf’s head. The little dog heaved a sigh and settled in against his leg. “Your brother told me you were a talented artist and good with kids. And you seem to be good with puppies, too.”
She smiled wryly. “Though I notice the puppy went right to you when you got here, entirely forgetting I even exist.”
Samuel chuckled.
“They say dogs can tell about people.”
“They can’t tell much, though,” she said and laughed.
He raised an eyebrow and scooted in closer to her. “You’d be surprised what dogs can say. In body language, of course.”
“Okay,” she said, pointing at Wolf. “What’s he saying right now?”
“That he’s relaxed and enjoys my company. He feels safe.”
She didn’t blame the little dog. She felt safe around Samuel too. “Okay. What’s he thinking?”
“He’s pondering whether he’ll be eating beef or turkey dog food for dinner tonight.”
She laughed. “Or maybe he’s wondering if this hamburger will be his soon.” She broke off a piece of the burger and tossed it to Wolf, who caught it in midair. “Impressive.”
She fed him a few more pieces before starting on her chef salad. “This is good. Thanks.”
“I figured you might be getting hungry.”
That was true enough. She hadn’t eaten well in the past year, and her body had grown lean. She looked at him. “Very thoughtful of you.”
“Don’t sound so surprised. I can be thoughtful when it’s appropriate.” He leaned closer. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”
She found herself leaning in toward him and nodding.
He leaned even closer … and then he kissed her!
His lips touched hers softly, then more insistently. He raised his hand to cup the back of her head. With her heart hammering in her chest and warmth spinning through her, she wrapped an arm around his neck and kissed him back. His lips were warm against hers, and his body felt good against hers. They just seemed to fit.
The kiss was swoon worthy — and if they hadn’t been sitting down, she just might have.
When he pulled back, his silver eyes had gained a golden glow. He released his hand from her hair and they both leaned back.
Immediately, he looked sheepish and said, “I shouldn’t have done that. I apologize. It won’t happen again.”
Oh yes, she definitely hoped it did happen again. “It’s all right.”
He drew himself up awkwardly, sputtering, “Still, it was inappropriate for me make a move on you like that.”
She smiled at him, still feeling the tingle on her lips. “I liked it.”
He stared at her, and his lips quirked a little. But then he shook his head. “I’ve got to get back to work.”
“Okay. See you later. Thanks for lunch.”
As he walked toward his truck, he glanced back at her a time or two. When he was gone, she smiled and touched her lips.
Samuel had kissed her!
He still liked her.
And that gave her hope. She might just win him, after all.
With that encouragement, she decided to up the ante.
She’d start by making dinner while he was out running this evening. Something with substance. A manly meal. Served in a romantic candlelight dinner setting.
What had he done? Couldn’t he control himself any better than that?
Disgusted with himself, Samuel drove toward the sheriff’s station to check in after lunch.
He’d kissed her! Right there in public — in the middle of Town Square, for Pete’s sake.
Who could blame him, though? She’d sat there looking adorable with a paint smudge on her cheek. She’d pulled her long dark hair into a casual ponytail and her sparkling green eyes were lined with impossibly long lashes. Her scent had pulled him in, and — bam! He’d been stupid.
What was he thinking?
She was going to be here for thirty days. This was only Day One, if he counted full days. Twenty-nine more to go.
Adam had asked him to protect Amber, not put the moves on her.
Even if Samuel wanted to get involved with her — he’d definitely like another kiss — they could never be together. Not after what he’d done to her brother. She’d never forgive him, if she knew. He couldn’t forgive himself.
Samuel needed to back way off and remember that his buddy’s sister was off limits.
When he went running tonight, it was going to be a really long run.
Tell Me When You Start
SAMUEL HADN’T RETURNED FROM HIS run yet.
He’d dropped Amber off at home after work, reminding her that there was food in the fridge, and then he’d gone running again.
She’d been excited to have a nice dinner ready for him when he returned. If she were honest, she was hoping for another kiss. That first one had been … well, she wasn’t even sure how to describe it. It had been warm and inviting and loving and caring and wanting. All in one long, sweet kiss.
She sighed as she looked at the table she’d set. She’d found a tablecloth and had set the dishes and silverware alongside a candle and crystal candlestick she’d found in a cupboard.
It looked very romantic — but the food was getting cold.
Wolf nudged her foot. She looked down into his big eyes and sighed. “I don’t think he’s coming home anytime soon. What do you think?”
The little dog waved his tail and leaned against her. She patted his head. After a moment, he settled down at her feet.
Last night he’d run for less than an hour. Tonight he’d been gone two hours already.
With another sigh, she blew out the candle and sat down to eat her dinner. She wasn’t going to let her mother’s enchilada recipe go to waste. She loaded it up with salsa, green onions, sour cream, and the guacamole she’d made.
Wolf sat back up, and she told him, “Your food is right over there, little mooch man.”
He chuffed and walked over to the bowl she’d filled with his dry food.
She turned back to the table.
Where was Samuel? She had to assume he was safe. He was a grown man, after all. But accidents did happen. What if…? No, she wasn’t going there. He was all right. He had just decided to leave his houseguest all alone.
Her enchiladas and salad were as delicious as ever, but she barely tasted them.
Afterward, she covered everything and put it all in the fridge, then washed her dishes and the pans. She put the candlestick and candle back into the cupboard where she’d found them, and folded the tablecloth.
She pulled out a piece of paper and wrote a quick note — Dinner in the fridge — and laid it on the now-empty table.
Pausing, she wondered what she ought to do now. Looking down at her new running shoes, she grinned.
Two people could play the running game. She needed to get out and work off some of her disappointment.
She added a line to the note: Went running. See you soon. She did some stretches in her running shorts and T-shirt, then slipped into her vest with its many handy pockets. She had a small flashlight in one, bear spray in another. She wasn’t paranoid. She’d been stalked. She was prepared for any contingency.
As she moved to the front door, Wolf came running after her. She lifted him, and carried him toward the back yard. “You know what, little guy? I’m going to put you in the kennel while I run. I’ll play with you again when I get home.”
Wolf sat on his haunches, staring balefully after her. Reproachfully.
“I feel like I need to leave you here tonight. I don’t know why, but I have learned to follow these feelings when I get them.”
He tipped his head, and she put up her hand. “Ack! Stop using your powers of cuteness! I’ll be back in thirty minutes. I promise.”
She walked away from the kennel, debating which direction to run. Samuel’s house practically backed up to the forest, with a jogging path running behind the houses, parallel to Black Cat Drive. She wasn’t foolish enough to go into the trees, but she decided she’d run the path and enjoy the beauty of the forested area.
She bounced on her feet a few times, and then started off, picking up her pace as her muscles warmed up.
A couple jogged past her. It was the woman she’d seen walking the huge dog in town. Beside her jogged a large man, but the dog was nowhere in sight. They passed her and wave
d. “Evening.”
“Hi,” she said with a nod.
The moon was just coming up over the mountains, visible even though it wasn’t completely dark yet. She picked up her pace again and stretched out her legs.
It felt good to run. As she pounded down the path, her breathing came harder and her tight muscles began to relax.
After fifteen minutes, she turned to go back — and caught the gleam of animal eyes!
In the moonlight and increasing dusk, she saw the outline of the same huge black wolf that she’d seen at the square earlier.
She froze and carefully pulled out her bear spray. This wolf might attack, but he’d be really sorry. Knowing that didn’t stop her heart from pounding so loud that she could hear her own heartbeat. The wolf probably could, too.
It took a step closer. She was not going to become Wolf Chow! She moved the protective piece on the bear spray and lifted it into position for spraying the wolf. Raising her other hand high in the air, she made herself as big as she could, and started smack talking in as tough a voice as she could manage.
“You just chose the wrong girl, wolf.”
She began to back away from the wolf, cutting across a yard toward Black Cat Drive where there would be more people and lights and the wolf would be less likely to follow.
She stumbled and flung out both arms to regain her balance, glancing quickly at the ground. In the split second her eyes were averted, the wolf had moved.
She sprang back to her feet, bear spray at the ready, turning to see where it was.
It had gone — disappeared into thin air.
Thank goodness! Staying alert, she put her hands on her thighs and breathed heavily as the fear ebbed from her body.
Then she headed toward the front yard of this — lucky for her — unfenced yard. Turning the corner around the house, she ran straight into a wall of muscle.
She screamed and brought up the hand with the bear spray again.
“Hey! Watch it with that,” Samuel said, grabbing her arm and holding it straight up.
Samuel?
She froze again. “What are you doing here?”
“Out running, remember?” He was barely breathing hard. The jerk. “No reason to spray me.”
The Artist Cries Wolf Page 5
