Paxton snorted with disbelief. “No one has called me sweet. Ever.”
“Maybe I see something others don’t, just like you see a part of me others don’t. While you’ve teased me, it’s never been done meanly. It’s been your way of showing that you respect my knowledge of art. When I called you for help, you came. When you held baby Chase, he smiled. I’m sure that’s hard for your ego to handle, but I see it. There is kindness underneath the hard exterior. You’re actually not all that different from Ryker.”
“Ryker? The billionaire?”
“There’s more going on there than he ever shows, but that’s his story to tell. Just know I see you. All of you.”
Paxton felt as if he’d been punched in the gut. He wanted to pull her tight against him and kiss her with all the feelings swirling through him, but he couldn’t. “You say you trust me, and trust me when I say I wish I could kiss you right now. I promised I wouldn’t let anyone hurt you and that includes protecting you from myself. I want you, but I’m still planning on going back to Violent Gangs.”
He felt Tinsley’s body sigh against his. “See, I told you that you were a sweet guy.” Tinsley lifted her face toward his and placed a slow, soft kiss on his cheek before standing up. “Goodnight, Paxton.”
“Goodnight, Tinsley.” Paxton watched her head upstairs to her room and a sense of panic almost overtook him. He was watching his future slip away from him, and he’d been the one to send her away.
Tinsley had spent another sleepless night in bed. Her eyes were puffy and she resembled a raccoon with dark circles under her eyes. This morning it took three layers of concealer to hide the exhaustion. Before last night, she’d had a physical attraction to Paxton. Now it went much deeper. The more time they spent together talking, the more she fell for him. She wasn’t trying to fall for him, but here she was, walking by his side down the closed Main Street, laughing and getting deeper and deeper into trouble.
“I’ve never seen anything like this,” Paxton said as he took in the Summer Shadows Festival.
“It’s one of our fundraisers for the church. Twenty-five percent of all sales go to fund our self-defense classes and to hire a specialized metal worker to come in and sharpen all the weapons. You have to be careful with swords that are hundreds of years old,” Tinsley told him as they stopped to get an iced tea for him and a lemon shake-up for her.
“Weapons? Why does the church have weapons?” Paxton asked, and Tinsley laughed.
“It’s not a normal church.”
Paxton shook his head in wonder. “I’m beginning to think there’s nothing normal about Shadows Landing.”
Tinsley smiled up at him and winked. “I knew you were a smart one.”
They strolled down the street and stopped at each table, checking out decorations made from coconuts or palms. They bought baked goods, looked over artwork and furniture made from reclaimed wood. But then Tinsley’s steps faltered as her hand flew to cover her mouth. Paxton instantly went on alert next to her and even moved to block her from danger.
“What is it? Is it Maurice?” Paxton asked as he scanned the people around them.
Tinsley shook her head as a giggle escaped around her fingers. She lifted her other hand and pointed. She knew when Paxton saw it because he smothered a laugh under a cough.
“Why is there a huge banner with a picture of your cousin Trent naked except for an apple pie over his package?” Paxton asked slowly as he worked to control his laughter.
“That’s Miss Winnie and Miss Ruby. They make the best apple pie and Trent isn’t the only one in my family who has posed nude with their pie,” Tinsley laughed as they approached the stand. It was only then that she noticed Paxton go stiff. “What is it?”
“They’re the ones who stopped me after knitting club.”
“Are you telling me you’re so scared of two little old ladies that you won’t even go over there to get a piece of the best apple pie ever?” Tinsley crossed her arms and stared him down.
“Yes,” Paxton said with a nod of his head. “That is exactly what I’m telling you.” Tinsley clucked at him like a chicken and he rolled his eyes at her. “I have lived through very dangerous situations by being smart. It is not smart to go over there. No, Tins, don’t!”
Tinsley smirked at him and waved to Miss Winnie and Miss Ruby as she walked toward them. She saw their eyes light on her and then lock onto Paxton, who was trying his best to hide behind her. The older women shared a look and suddenly Tinsley was worried she’d made a mistake.
“Tinsley, sweetie, how are you doing? Did you come for a slice of our famous pie?” Miss Ruby asked as she cut two pieces for them.
“We sure did. I told my new employee, Paxton, that your pie is the best around,” Tinsley said with a smile that fell slightly when they zeroed in on Paxton with mischievous eyes.
“Employee, huh?” Miss Ruby didn’t sound convinced.
“Here you go.” Miss Winnie handed him a slice of pie and a fork. “Pie so good it’s been known to make people’s clothes fall off. I sure hope it’s that good in your case.”
Tinsley gaped at Miss Winnie as the lady winked at Paxton. Okay, maybe Paxton was right. They’d walked head first into an ambush.
Paxton took a bite and groaned. “I can understand the picture now. I’d probably strip naked for a pie, too.”
“Tell us, young man,” Miss Ruby said, holding up a second slice of pie. “What are you really doing in Shadows Landing with our sweet girl here?”
“Sweet?” Paxton laughed before taking another bite. “I mean, she is sweet, but there’s a naughty side, too.”
Tinsley felt her face flame with embarrassment.
“Not like that,” Paxton hurried to supply. “I don’t know about that yet. I meant she doesn’t back down from anything or anyone.”
“You should see her with a rapier,” Miss Winnie told him proudly.
Tinsley saw Paxton look confused, but then shrug it off as he finished his pie.
“So an FBI agent is working for Tinsley and just what, exactly, are you doing about keeping her safe?” Miss Ruby asked as she held out the second slice of pie to him.
“I didn’t say I was with the FBI,” Paxton said as Miss Ruby made his eyes cross by slowly bringing the pie right under his nose so he could take a deep breath of it.
“No, but we’ve already heard about you. Trying to stop an art thief. That’s very good of you. But how much danger is our girl in?” Miss Ruby asked as she teased handing the plate over to Paxton’s outstretched hand.
“That’s why I’m working with her. So I can keep her safe.”
“Where are you staying while here?” Miss Winnie asked, and Tinsley just shook her head. Paxton broke like a thin sheet of glass at the first hint of pie. Now she understood why he feared the granny gang.
“He’s staying with me. Now stop interrogating him and give him the pie.”
Paxton grabbed the pie and sighed. “I cracked like an egg, but it was worth it. You’re right. This is the best pie I’ve ever had.”
“So you want to become our new poster boy?” Miss Ruby asked, brightly, and Tinsley had to drag him away. He was just one more piece of pie away from stripping down on Main Street.
“I told you they’re dangerous,” Paxton muttered around another bite. “I’d totally strip for a whole pie.”
“Good thing you didn’t tell them that or you’d be naked right now.”
“Would you sneak a peek?”
“I’m used to the nude male form. I was an art major after all.” Tinsley tried to pull it off, but her mind was saying, just a peek?
“Fibber,” Paxton said before taking his last bite of food.
Tinsley couldn’t form the denial. She was already lost in a daydream of Paxton posing nude as she drew him.
Paxton continued to flirt with her as the day wore on. After last night, she didn’t think he would, but by the end of the festival he reached out for her. His large hand covered hers as they walke
d back down Main Street. Today had been the best day. Tinsley had forgotten about the case. She’d forgotten about Paxton wanting to go back to Violent Gangs. She’d forgotten they weren’t a real couple. Instead she got lost in the feeling of what could be.
What could be if Paxton didn’t leave? What could be if they were a real couple? What could be if he stopped holding back and they both took a leap of faith? If today was a glimpse of what could be, it was worth fighting for.
Paxton drove her home after nightfall. They laughed, talked, and lived in the moment. They were still in that bubble when they arrived back at her home.
Tinsley felt her heartbeat with every step they took upstairs toward their bedrooms. They stopped at the top of the stairs with their hands interlaced as they gazed at each other. Paxton and his seriousness stood before her with desire in his eyes. The seriousness changed into playful banter. His roughness was still there. Only the edges seemed to have softened.
Tinsley reached out with her free hand and placed it on his chest. She felt the muscles go taut under her palm. When she let her fingers flutter over his pecs, up to his shoulder, and then to tease the back of his neck, she felt his breath hitch, coming as fast and shallow as hers as their eyes locked.
Paxton slowly lowered his head until his forehead rested on hers. Together they simply breathed each other in.
“I’m sorry, Tinsley.” Paxton’s whispered breath flickered over her cheeks.
Tinsley opened her eyes and looked into his. “For what?”
“I told you I’d protect you,” he whispered as his hand dropped hers only to come up and grab her hair gently. She felt the slight tug as his fingers fisted her hair at the nape of her neck. “But I can’t protect you from me any longer. I tried so hard to do the right thing, but I can’t stop myself. I don’t want to stop myself.”
“Stop yourself from what?” Tinsley’s breath was a little more than a puff of air as she felt her whole body begging to be his.
“I can’t stop from wanting you.”
Paxton’s hand tightened in her hair. He used his grasp to angle her head to his lips. His kiss wasn’t the timid first kiss she normally experienced. No, Paxton kissed the way he lived—all in. There was no hesitation or self-doubt. Paxton took command of her mouth with his and together they sparred for control. He pushed and Tinsley pushed back. When the kiss finally ended, they were both clutching the other and breathing heavily.
“I should be sorry. I find that I’m not sorry at all. Goodnight, Tins,” Paxton said as he brushed back some strands of hair from her cheek with his fingertips.
“I’m not either. Good night, Paxton.” Tinsley rose up on her tiptoes and placed a soft kiss on his lips before slipping into her bedroom.
She fell onto her bed and stared at the ceiling as her fingers touched her mouth. Wow, that had been everything she’d ever dreamed of in a kiss. Paxton was worth fighting for. They were worth fighting for. Now Tinsley was going to show him just that.
9
Tinsley woke to the smell of brewing coffee. She heard Paxton in the kitchen and grabbed a hair tie on her way downstairs. By the time she made it to the kitchen she had her long hair in a sloppy bun and her robe tied.
“Good morning, Paxton,” Tinsley said as she spied him making eggs.
“Right on time. Your breakfast is ready.” Paxton set down a plate of eggs and toast and poured Tinsley a cup of coffee. “What is on the schedule today, boss?”
“I thought we could start laying the groundwork for our call to Maurice. What work do you need to do before we see him?” Tinsley asked.
Paxton took a seat across the small kitchen table from her. “I think I should be in contact with local law enforcement in case we need backup. Do you know them?”“Yes, I do. I can call them if you’d like.”
“Do you trust them?” Preston asked before taking a sip of his coffee.
“There’s no one I trust more.” Tinsley gave a little smile when Paxton acted as if he were wounded by her answer. She pulled out her cell phone and sent a quick text to Granger, the sheriff of Shadows Landing. Within seconds he texted her back. “We can meet him at the sheriff’s station in an hour.”
“Eat up. Today we lay the groundwork to trap Maurice and Murray.”
Paxton insisted on taking his own car in case he needed to run errands while Tinsley was at work. He followed her closely to the sheriff’s station and soon they were chatting with the secretary as they waited for Granger.
“Show them back, please,” Granger’s voice sounded over the intercom.
Tinsley waved the secretary back to her seat. “I know the way. See you at self-defense.”
Tinsley took the lead and Paxton followed her to Granger’s office.
“Hey, Granger. This is Paxton Kendry. He’s the FBI agent in charge of art crimes. He wanted to meet with you about the case we’re working.”
“That you are working?” Granger asked as he raised an eyebrow at Tinsley.
“That she’s assisting me with,” Paxton answered for her.
Tinsley put her hands on her hips and turned to face him. “Excuse me, but I’m pretty sure I’ve gotten you real, usable evidence and two suspects. What have you done so far?”
Granger sat back in his chair and grinned. “This sounds like Tinsley’s case. Something super dangerous like a man in his basement who forges art?”
Tinsley saw Paxton’s eyes narrow as they both measured each other’s mettle.
“High-end art thieves involved with a dangerous gang, actually. I’m sorry I interrupted you doing . . . well, nothing.”
Granger stopped smiling and glared. Tinsley rolled her eyes. “Paxton, don’t be an ass. Granger, don’t be a jerk. This is what we’ve got.” Tinsley began to explain to Granger about the case until she could tell he was interested. Then she let Paxton take over as they discussed Tinsley’s role, the security setup, what evidence he was hoping to collect, and what, if anything, Paxton needed from Granger. Granger called in Kord, the deputy sheriff, and they went to work detailing the ins and outs of the town. Tinsley took a seat and let the professionals finish making plans. It was her job to draw Maurice and Murray into the gallery for the sale. As soon as the sale was complete, Paxton would have the evidence needed to arrest them.
Paxton stood up and shook Granger’s and Kord’s hands. The three of them were smiling as they ended their meeting. Apparently the bond between law enforcement professionals had won them over, once they stopped acting like idiots.
“Hey, Tins. Can I have a private word with Paxton? It won’t take but a second,” Granger asked but it wasn’t a request. Tinsley nodded and thanked them for their time. The door had just closed when she heard Granger’s deep voice.
“What are you doing with her, Kendry?”
“That’s none of your business,” Tinsley heard Paxton snap back. Whatever camaraderie had formed was gone in a second as she shamelessly eavesdropped.
“She’s my friend. That’s what business it is of mine,” Granger practically growled.
“Mine too,” Kord added.
Men. Tinsley rolled her eyes again. Women didn’t sit around blustering and posturing for king of the hill. No, they smiled, threatened through compliments, and then served iced tea.
“Tinsley is sweet. She’s an innocent about things like this. I’m not about to let some hardened agent come in here, use her, and then dump her once the case is closed. I know about you undercover gang agents. I know you saw some dark shit. Tinsley isn’t like that.”
“No, she’s not,” Paxton said seriously. “She’s the light that eradicates the shadows. I’m not using her. I know her brother thinks I don’t deserve her. The truth is, I don’t. But that doesn’t mean I’m not going to do everything I can to try to be the man she deserves. Now, you can report that back to Ridge and Ryker. I personally don’t give a shit what you all think of me, but I do appreciate that you’re looking out for Tinsley.”
The room went quiet and Tinsley stepp
ed closer to the door. She cupped her ear and held her breath, afraid she’d miss a single word.
“I don’t know what to make of you,” Granger finally said. “At least you’re not Stephen. I think we were all worried Tinsley would end up with someone soft like him.”
Tinsley stuck her tongue out at the door, hoping Granger felt her displeasure. Stephen Adkins? Did they really think she was such a weak, delicate flower that she’d go for the boring, safe, and totally pompous Stephen Adkins?
“Who is Stephen?” she heard Paxton ask with as much dislike in his voice for Stephen as she felt.
“Stephen Adkins runs the historical center in town. He went off to college and came back with no accent and a nose so far up in the air that birds land on it. He’s had a thing for Tinsley for years. He sees her as his intellectual and cultural equal since she’s spent time studying in Paris and Italy. We’ve all been worried she’d end up with him. Skeeter said he overhead Stephen practicing to ask her out on a date.”
What? Tinsley couldn’t hide her reaction and she was horrified. They really thought she’d go out with Stephen when he was so mean to her friends?
“Why would you think Tinsley would even consider going out with him?” she heard Paxton ask.
“As annoying as Stephen is, he’s the only guy in town who can really sit down and talk about art without sounding as if he’s repeating it from an Internet search,” Granger told Paxton. “Look, we have your back on the case. Just know if you hurt Tinsley you might accidentally get caught in friendly fire. Nothing too serious. Maybe just a shot in the ass.”
“I’ve already survived three to the chest. I think I can handle it. Thanks for your help.” Tinsley heard Paxton shake hands as she jumped away from the door. Seconds later, when Paxton walked out, she was seated at a table a good fifteen feet from the door.
Paxton spent the rest of the morning watching Tinsley around her gallery. He saw how she processed orders, watched as she completed an online sale of one of her pieces, and then she showed him how she packed art for transport.
Framed Shadows: Shadows Landing #6 Page 7
