Chapter 14
Chapter Fourteen
AIDEN
I f my life were a dry fuse leading to a powder keg, Bubba’s claim that the Kraven Corporation has something to do with this case lights the end. Dire possibilities crackle and burn in my mind. If this is true, I’m not sure I stand a chance.
When they catch wind that I’m the agent on the case, it’s game over for me.
Better to enjoy late spring doing community service with a beautiful woman than to dwell on what’s suddenly a more dire situation than I could’ve fathomed. While I can, I’ll make my last-ditch efforts to save Butterbury.
When I saw Tinsley standing on the worksite at the end of the day looking delightfully dirty and disheveled, I couldn’t help myself. Life is too short. Mine perhaps more so now.
Her lips drew me close, but I don’t want to move too fast, to make her think this is anything but the real deal. I’ve never felt so overwhelmed, so drawn, so consumed by a woman.
My mind is like a switchback trail and returns to the Kraven brothers. We go way back. In addition to the fuse with the powder keg, there is also a timer attached to explosives. I’m not their favorite person and they’re not the kinds of people to play nice or fair. Me neither. I won’t go down without a fight, but it’s not one I’m confident that I can win. After all, it’s two against one.
I wait for Tinsley while she changes out of her work clothes. She and Bubba stand in the doorway. She wears a friendly smile at something he says.
At first, her uncertainty and discomfort at coming here were beyond obvious. Bubba is big and harry, but he’s a good guy. Much more so than Puma and the other people she kept company with in Los Angeles. There’s no denying he looks like a Sasquatch, but he’d offer a place at his table to anyone, even Puma.
Well, probably.
Tinsley moves slower than usual when she approaches the bike.
“Long day?” I ask.
“Bubba asked me if my dogs are tired.”
“What did you tell him?”
“I said they’re dead.”
I stare at her, aghast.
The corners of her lips drop. “We lost the cocker spaniels during my senior year at boarding school. I didn’t get to say goodbye. My mother has standard poodles now. Porter and Paris. They hate me.”
I take Tinsley’s hand. It’s small and soft, warm and sends a thrill racing through me. “I’m sorry.”
“That my parents or the dogs hate me?” Tinsley asks without humor.
“Both. I’m sure that’s not true. Your parents can’t hate you.”
“I haven’t given them a reason to like me.”
“That’s not entirely your job.”
“Yeah, but I could’ve been less of a spoiled brat.”
“Were you a spoiled brat?” I ask with a semi-air of disbelief because the Tinsley I’ve been with the last couple of days isn’t much like the high-maintenance, manipulative girl Taylor warned me about or the person I assumed she’d be based on the situation with Puma.
“I was the worst. But I can do better, and I’d like to start with some pie.”
The corner of my lip lifts with a smile. “You want pie? I know just where to go.”
She gazes at her feet. “Yep, my dogs are tired. Dead tired.”
“I take it that Bubba told you what that expression means.”
She gets on the back of the motorcycle. “Sure did.”
I welcome her arms around me. Her touch is better than pie.
We leave the exterior of Bubba’s BBQ in slightly better shape than when we arrived. Twenty-nine days to transform the place...or less, depending on the extent of the Kraven brothers’ involvement.
After we stop back at the trailer to freshen up, we take the car to dinner at the Starlight followed by two jumbo slices of Derby pie with pecans and chocolate topped with homemade whipped cream. My body wants to curl up on a blanket under the stars with Tinsley. However, my mind volleys between the case and the Kravens. It goes back and forth, left to right, reminding me I’d better check on Twinky and play with her or else she might tear apart my office.
Even so, now would be a good time to pull out my phone and look at cute cats. To summon calm. Or is this when I call upon the lion? I don’t know if I should bring the case to my superiors, or tell them that I’m out. Conflict of interest. The other option is to attempt to bring the Kravens to justice and potentially die trying. They have their hands in more pockets than most and not because they’re a particularly charming pair. No, they have dirt on everyone in politics, finance, media, and the whole shebang. They also have thugs to do their dirty work.
And trust me, all their work and money and intentions are dirty.
What the Kravens want, the Kravens get and it’s all because of me. Granted, they were never on the straight and narrow, to begin with, but after time in jail, they didn’t repent for their sins. No, they went all in and have been tearing people, businesses, and countries apart ever since. Maybe space too if what Bubba said is true.
What would Aslan do?
While Tinsley uses the bathroom, I rest my head in my hands. A shadow falls across the Formica table that’s as old as the diner itself. When I look up, Rhondy smiles. “You’re better together.”
“Did I ask any of the questions rattling around in my head out loud?”
Rhondy laughs. “No, you just look like you have a lot on your mind. As for me, I take stubborn situations to God first then Paul, my friends, and my family. When I take the word me , and turn it to we , I often find that I was the one being stubborn.”
I tilt my head, thinking. “Thanks for the pie and the advice.”
“I’m always here if you need me, offering up my unsolicited thoughts.” She winks.
Unsolicited maybe, but definitely a welcome reminder.
I can’t do this alone. I need help, but that would mean endangering the people I love. It’s too big a risk.
Tinsley comes back and we chat with Rhondy for a moment before settling the bill.
“You okay?” she asks as we step outside. “When I came back from the ladies’ room you seemed...”
“Preoccupied? Yeah. Before we head back to Toby, do mind if we make a pit stop?”
“Considering you’re the one shuttling me around, it’s your call.”
“Are you allergic to anything, say cats?” I ask.
Tinsley’s brow furrows. “Just tarragon. It gives me hives.”
“That’s very specific.”
“Ruined a trip to France once. They use a lot of that herb in their cooking. Which is something I don’t know how to do.” She eyes the glowing Sweetheart Bakery & Café sign.
I take her hand, offering assurance. In addition to the normal chest rumble at her touch, she anchors me now. I have someone, in addition to my beloved family, who is special to me. Rhondy’s words echo in my mind. “Better together.”
“Hmm?” Tinsley asks.
Suddenly self-conscious because this isn’t my usual approach with women, my ears heat. Thankfully, it’s dark. “Oh, um, I know how to grill. I could teach you and you’ll learn how to bake at Sweethearts. That’s a start.”
“Yeah, it’s just not how I expected my life to go.”
“What did you expect?”
“Earlier, you asked me about my dreams and now my expectations. I guess I thought it would always go up, up, up, or at least stay the same. I didn’t realize I was riding a roller coaster,” she says as if suggesting her life has gone downhill.
The rumble intensifies because with the kiss earlier and our hands clasped now, I feel like this is an adventure, filled with highs and lows, sure, but also thrills and excitement.
Maybe she doesn’t feel the same.
We cross the street and climb the stairs to my office.
“You’ll meet Aggie who owns the bookstore soon. Suffice it to say, she’s a character.”
“I was just thinking that I should start reading more.”
“You came to the right place.”
Upstairs, I slowly open the door and a pair of eyes shine then disappear when I flip on the light.
After closing the door behind us, I click my tongue and crouch. Twinky struts out from under my desk.
Tinsley looks around at the desk and bookshelves then gasps when she hones in on my office buddy. “You did steal the cat!”
“I rescued her. Stoll stole the cat. Scouts honor.” I lift my three fingers in a salute.
“Why would the mayor of your town do that?” Tinsley pets Twinky who purrs.
“Collateral. A trade.”
“For what?”
“Not what. Who. His wife. Sibling. Cousin.” I wince. Maybe. It only occurred to me as a possibility when I learned he met with the Kravens. It has to.
“Gatlin Stoll stole a cat to trade to get a relative back?”
“It’s a theory.”
“Why would he need to do that? Why would someone kidnap his wife, sibling, or cousin?”
“Still trying to figure that out,” I say, but wonder if it has to do with the Kravens.
Tinsley narrows her gaze. “I’ve gathered that the mayor doesn’t have many fans in Butterbury, but is that a reason to steal the cat that he stole?”
I shift from foot to foot, trying to figure out on the fly how much to tell Tinsley, considering the guys now know about my role in the case. As they say, the cat is out of the bag. “It’s complicated.”
“Are you some kind of small-town vigilante?”
“Only after hours.”
She checks the clock on the wall as Twinky rubs her leg.
“It’s almost eight pm. Does this count as after-hours?”
“Depends on the day.”
“Are you speaking in riddles?”
“No, but this case is one. What do you say, Twinky? Are you going to tell us your side of the story?” I catch myself, worried Tinsley heard me slip by using the word case . I clear my throat, reminding myself that I can’t get sloppy.
Tinsley pets the cat. “Aren’t you Miss Fancy Pretty Kitty—” She leans forward and squints, examining something. “Wait. You say her name is Twinky, but that isn’t what is embroidered on her collar.”
“That’s what Stoll called her.”
Tinsley loosens the clasp and holds it up to show me.
I just see sparkly thread at first, but then letters take shape.
Tinsley points. “Look, it says Cindy then there’s a red gem. Next is says Claw followed by a white gem. Last it says Ford with a pink gem.”
“Cindy Clawford?”
We both laugh and then look at the Persian cat with her swishy tail. She looks back at me like I’m a numbskull and then at Tinsley like she’s brilliant at finally figuring it out.
“So your name is Cindy Clawford?” I ask.
She purrs loudly.
Tinsley runs her fingers over the embroidered letter and gems then flips it over. She tilts her head and looks more closely. “This looks like a number on this side.”
“More like an abstract design.”
“No, look, this is a two, a seven, and a nine.” She goes on and reads two more sets of digits.
I grab a pen and paper and then write them down. “Could it be a code or a coincidence?” I ask absently.
“A code to what?” Tinsley says.
But I’m not sure because I’m overwhelmed by this unexpected woman of my dreams. She was talking about dreams and expectations. I didn’t know what mine were either, but it was like my future, what I didn’t know I was waiting for, is sitting right in front of me.
The case, the town, none of it makes my pulse race the way her smile does, her laugh, her eyes.
Tinsley looks up at me and our gazes meet. A question vibrates between us. The answer is on my lips.
I incline my head and say, “Tinsley, you’re a surprise in my life. Summer rain on a sunny day.”
Her expression brightens and then dims. “Usually rain is considered an inconvenience. Ya know, the whole parade thing.”
“Not if you’re a farmer. Not if it brings a rainbow.” Everything I’m saying is strictly confidential. No one can know about these sweet somethings and that I mean them.
The distance between us flirts with inches instead of feet.
It’s impossible not to inhale Tinsley’s dewy scent which reminds me of lilies and fresh rain.
My fingers dance just above her shoulders, her arms, and back up again as if I’m afraid of what will happen when we touch.
Tinsley wraps her fingers around my biceps. “Cheese curls.”
“What?” My lips press together with a smirk because it’s obvious what we’re doing to each other.
“I didn’t mean to say that out loud,” she breathes.
The rumble inside grows along with my pulse. “Hmm. I prefer to think of them as pie-ceps, considering Rhondy always pushes a slice on me when I go to the Starlight.”
Her giggle turns into a ragged inhale as she catches her breath. “You smell good,” she whispers.
“You said that out loud too,” I reply.
“I did?” Her voice takes on a dreamy, detached quality like we’re both floating dangerously toward the same place. “I did,” she repeats, a statement rather than a question.
Sight, smell, touch...I can’t help but wonder what she tastes like. I brush my lips across hers then come back and linger briefly before pulling back so I don’t fully kiss her. It’s the softest press of lips, the logical progression from her hand earlier then to her wrist.
She sighs and then presses the pads of her fingers to her mouth. She hides a smile, but it reaches her eyes.
I’ve never been the kind of guy to take it slow, but I want to savor every moment with Tinsley. I don’t want to rush through the first kiss or make her feel like I’m just passing through. That goes for every first, second, and third too.
No, I’m here to stay. I’d like her to as well.
“That was some smoosh,” she says, breathy.
“A smooch?”
“No, a smoosh. I’ve never been smooshed. It’s between a smooch and a kiss, the warm-up if you will.”
“A smoosh. I like it.” Especially because it’s something that’s all our own.
I take her hand as we exit the office to ward off the reminder of the countdown—twenty-nine days for her and possibly fewer for me when the Kraven brothers find out that I’m going to do everything in my power to keep them from taking over Butterbury.
Outside, familiar laughter filters from the street. Bess and Cassian go still. Like a teenager caught by his parents, my instinct is to drop Tinsley’s hand, but my heart tells me to tighten my grip. Not to let go. Not to back down.
Bess’s gaze lands on our joined hands. “Hey, bro. Whatcha doin’?”
Cassian, usually serious, wears a smirk like he’s about to watch some entertaining reality TV.
“Leaving the office. Had to check on some things. Long day over at Bubba’s.”
“Oh, right. Your community service,” Bess says.
“Hi, guys.” Tinsley gives a friendly wave. “I also had my first day at Sweethearts.”
Even though she’s not here, I can practically hear Mae making a snarky comment about how she’s thankful the place is still standing or she’d say something about how hard it must be for Tinsley having to work like a regular person.
Instead, Bess smiles. “What do you think of Bubba?”
Ah, she’s being civil, but this is a test to tell whether Tinsley is one of us or still the selfish, social media-obsessed, city girl Mae likely warned her about. I know my sisters well and I wish I could caution Tinsley.
“My first impression of Bubba was that he was a bit dim,” she starts.
Bess gasps.
“You asked. I’m being honest. My second impression was that he was a squatchy, conspiracy theorist what with all the hair and the comment that Stoll is wrapped up in some deal to sell Butterbury to Kraven Casinos.” She flips her hand dismissively.
I don’t miss the sharp look Cassian throws my way.
Tinsley goes on, “My third impression is that Bubba uses more of his brain than most people. His hands too. He’s the best pitmaster in the world for sure, not that I have anything to compare his BBQ to, but it was amazing. Lastly, like Rhondy, he’s a Butterbury staple and I’m willing to fight for him not to lose his business if someone plans to plunk a casino down there.”
Even though we’re on Main Street, if someone dropped a pin, a feather, or something equally small and light, we’d be able to hear it.
“Okay, she passes,” Bess says.
“I saw him with his kids. He’s a loving dad. I heard him talking to his wife. If a guy looked at me like that, even if he was a hairy beast, I’d know I was loved. But he’s worried. I’ve been to the casino loads of times for concerts and events. It’s fine, but the world, or at least Butterbury, needs Bubba more than it needs another casino. Also, I think whatever is in the secret sauce is addictive.”
Cassian laughs like he agrees one hundred percent.
“Wish Mae could’ve heard that Ted Talk,” Bess says.
Tinsley’s eyebrows pinch with concern.
I say, “I don’t think you need to prove anything to her. Just be yourself.”
Bess nods in agreement. “We were with Mae and Taylor at the Creamery, but they went home. She didn’t feel well.”
“Too much ice cream?” I ask.
Bess holds her arms in front of her belly. “And a lot of baby.”
“I’ll stop by the farmhouse tomorrow. We’d better get back. Another full day ahead of us.”
We wave goodbye to my sister and Cassian and head back to the property in the Maybach.
Tinsley and I talk about Bubba’s BBQ and after her impassioned speech, she’s fully onboard to fix up the place and even contributes a few ideas like a live edge bar by the windows for customers dining alone or in pairs, a backlit metal sign that reads Bubba’s BBQ hand worked by Buck in his forge, and some plants to add a splash of green to the otherwise neutral décor.
Even though it’s still spring, the windows are down and Tinsley’s hair blows in the wind. Wearing a smile, and floating her hand on the breeze, she looks wild and free, totally at ease.
Totally Tinsley. More herself than I’ve seen her. Totally the woman I want to kiss more than anything.
“Aiden, watch out,” she says abruptly.
Like with the cat in my office, a pair of eyes reflect in the headlights of the car. Thankfully, I am far enough away that I’m able to stop in time.
A very tall and elegant llama stands in the middle of the road.
“What is it?” Tinsley asks.
“That’s Svetllama.”
“What-llama?”
“Mae and Taylor’s llama, Svetllama. She keeps escaping, trying to visit Archie at night.”
Tinsley looks at me with concern.
Getting out of the car, I chuckle. “Once again, welcome to Butterbury where the animals have a lot of character.”
Tinsley locks the doors.
“She’s harmless. Perfectly safe. Just big and intimidating in the dark.” I greet the llama with soft words. She knows me, but putting her nose in the air, she turns her back on me. “Oh, don’t tell me Mae turned you against me. Svetllama, you of all people should understand forbidden love. You’re sneaking around to meet an ostrich.”
She makes a humming sound which could mean anything.
“Listen, if you’re concerned about Tinsley, don’t be. She’s sorry for what happened with Taylor and Mae.” I pull out my phone to call Svetllama’s owners before I actually give Tinsley cause for concern.
Tinsley’s eyes were wide but now they’re soft with curiosity. I guide the llama to the passenger side of the car and gesture that she rolls down the window.
“Mae and Taylor are on their way. Svetllama, don’t spit,” I warn when I sense her stiffen.
“She spits?”
“Only at people she doesn’t like.”
Tinsley’s eyebrows crimp, but she gets out of the car.
I take her hand in mine and show her Svetllama’s favorite place to be pet.
“She’s so soft.” Then she clears her throat. “Svetllama, you’re so soft.”
Svetllama hums again as if approving of the comment and leans into us.
A truck rumbles our way and brakes on the other side of the road. Once more, with Tinsley’s hand in mine, I feel like I’m in trouble, but we don’t pull apart even though Tinsley draws back a little. I flash a look of confidence even though if anyone is going to take my head off, it would be Mae.
She follows Taylor slowly out of the truck.
I let him take care of Svetllama and hurry over to my sister.
“Hey, you okay?”
“I’m pregnant. Very pregnant.”
It’s then I remember that while I was preoccupied with Cindy Clawford aka Twinky, the due date came and went.
We chat for a few agonizing moments where I anticipate she’s going to blurt that Bess informed on us, that we were holding hands, or that she saw it with her own eyes.
Instead, preoccupied, Mae mumbles about being tired but not being able to sleep then gets in the truck and is promptly snoring while Taylor loads Svetllama in the trailer.
“With the belly, lately, she sleeps better sitting up,” Taylor whispers. “Don’t worry. I won’t leave her in here overnight.” With a chuckle, they drive off.
Tinsley and I return to Toby. Not exactly wanting tonight to end, but being tired myself, I walk her to the door as anticipation builds inside of me.
“Could it have been the llama out here last night?” she asks.
“Probably not. Archie, the love of her life, is in the other direction. His pen is on Cassian and Bess’s property.”
Tinsley’s lips twist with a secret smile. “I bet you were the kind of guy who’d sneak out to meet up with girls.”
I nod as memories sneak back. “Yes, very much so. I imagine you broke rules like that too.”
Tinsley’s nod and expression match mine. “All the time. I’d force my parents to make rules just so I could break them.”
“So you were a troublemaker?”
“In a sweet, subtle way.”
“I bet you were a handful.” I wrap my hands around her waist.
“I liked getting what I wanted.”
“Me too,” I agree.
“Oh yeah? And what do you want, Aiden Fuller?”
My gaze floats to hers then bobs to her lips. “I want you, Tinsley.”
She shimmies her shoulders and then laces her hands around my neck. “Funny, I want you.”
“Then will we both get what we want?”
“I think so,” she answers, voice husky.
My lips quirk as the space between us diminishes.
If there were a red button that I wasn’t supposed to push. Too late. Finger locked and loaded. Beep, beep, beep. My internal alarm sounds with a warning. Explosion commencing in three, two, one.
It’s time to give in to temptation.