Chapter 21
“Is she being nice to you?” Megan sounded surprised. They were standing in Paisley’s office and Fern had just left after coming to ask about one of the reading group sessions they were starting to host in the library.
“I don’t know that I’d call it nice,” Paisley said. “But she spoke to me and didn’t glare, so I guess that’s an improvement.”
Maybe Ethan’s not so subtle threats had worked.
Fern had been angry and denied she’d painted the door or sent the text, but she might have realized she had no ground to stand on.
At least when it came to the paint. She didn’t want the police poking around her basement or garage, looking for a can of paint that matched her door.
Even if it hadn’t been her who’d done the vandalism, it looked bad that the shade was the same as her front door.
“I’d say she was almost respectful,” Megan said with a grin. “Guess it doesn’t suck to have a hot, muscled hunk of a man willing to call her out on her bullshit.”
Warmth spiraled through her. “I’m sure that didn’t hurt.”
“Sooo,” Megan said. “Are you dating him?”
“We’re friends.” Damn, it was hot. Maybe they needed to dial the AC down a couple of degrees. And why didn’t she just say that, yes, they were kind of seeing each other?
“Ah, okay. Well if you don’t want him, send him my way. I’d like to see what’s under that snug-fitting shirt of his.”
Paisley arched an eyebrow. “Oh, is that all? No interest in what’s under the rest of the clothing?”
Megan snorted. “All the interest. It’s been months since Dan and I broke up. Mama’s feeling a little neglected, if you know what I mean. Wouldn’t mind taking one of those One Shot Tactical hotties for a spin. But there’s only two of them left now, alas. I’m always a day late and a dollar short.”
Paisley laughed. “Hey, that’s still two chances to score.”
Megan shook her head. “Not really. I think Ethan’s more interested in you than he ever would be in me, so maybe climb on and ride that thang while the riding is good.”
“You’re ridiculous. But fun.”
“Heh, I am, aren’t I? Okay, lemme go make sure that Fern is behaving herself. Mr. Watson usually shows up about this time. He may have promised to dial it down, but I’m not sure he’s capable of it.”
“Oh lord, please let him be capable,” Paisley muttered.
“Amen, sister. Oh, don’t forget that the librarian from Angels Cove called. She wanted to discuss a joint book festival with you.”
“Got it. Is this something we’ve done with them before?”
Megan shook her head. “No, and I’m honestly not sure how she expects it to go.
Angels Cove is on the other side of the river.
The car ferry is the connection point between our towns, unless you drive to the Tennessee River bridge on I-65, which is even farther.
Not that it can’t be done, but we’re both small towns so what’s the idea and all that? ”
“I guess I’ll find out when I talk to her.”
“Don’t get me wrong, I love Angels Cove.
It’s peaceful and quiet, not that Sutton’s Creek isn’t, but we get more traffic from Huntsville because we’re on the same side of the river.
The ferry isn’t reliable since it doesn’t always run as scheduled, though you can drive to I-65 or the 231 bridge if you miss it or don’t want to wait. Just takes longer.”
“I’ve been meaning to take Violet over there on a day off and explore, but I haven’t done it yet.”
She’d been busy, and she’d been wary. It’d felt like leaving the confines of Sutton’s Creek meant exposing herself, though last night had proven she didn’t have to go anywhere to feel unsafe.
“It’s really pretty. There’s a protected cove where you can swim. It’s shallow because there’s a sandbar, so it’s great for kids. The town is a lot like this one, with quirky shops and restaurants, and there’s also has a thriving art community. Worth a trip when you get time.”
Maybe it was something Ethan would want to do with them. Paisley imagined the three of them crossing the river for a day out and felt nothing but quiet joy at the idea.
After Megan left, Paisley got to work calling the librarian, getting the details about the book event she wanted to do, and then turning her attention to emails and other things that had to get done.
People sometimes thought that librarians just got to read books all day, but that was so far from the truth it wasn’t funny.
She might have gotten into the profession because she loved to read and thought she’d be surrounded by books, but libraries were actually community centers.
And, unfortunately, when people needed help and nobody had an answer, they often sent those people to the library, as if the librarians could find the answers.
Need your taxes filed? Go the library. Need a place to sit inside the air conditioning because it was hot and you didn’t have AC or maybe a home at all? Go to the library.
Librarians didn’t file taxes and didn’t fill out the forms for you, but they could give you forms. And though she was happy to have people shelter from the heat in the library, what happened to them when it was closing time and they still had nowhere to go or no AC?
By the time Paisley felt caught up enough for a lunch break, it was after one o’clock.
She headed for the small break room to retrieve her sandwich from the fridge and carry it back to the office when her phone rang.
She kept it on her at all times, in case her aunt or Mrs. Park called about Violet, but it was Ethan’s number that flashed on her screen.
Her heart skipped for a different reason as she answered the call.
“Hi, Ethan,” she said.
“Hey, Payz. You free?”
She glanced around the library. Everything seemed under control. Fern was calmly assisting a patron. Megan was on the computer. “I could be. I was just about to eat lunch at my desk. Why?”
“Nah, don’t do that. I picked up a Reuben for you. I know how much you like those.”
Her belly growled. She hadn’t indulged in a Reuben in too long.
Mostly because it was cheaper to fix her own lunch and bring it to work.
She had to watch every penny. Even though she lived in Aunt Hettie’s house for free, she still had lawyer bills.
And taking care of Violet, which was a delight but also cost money.
“I do like Reubens. But you didn’t have to do that.”
“I know. Did it anyway. I’ll be there in five minutes.”
In precisely five minutes, Ethan strode into the library, looking ridiculously handsome in jeans and the One Shot Tactical polo.
He’d left her house early this morning, after they’d stood in the yard and drank coffee, because he needed to go home and change for work.
Violet hadn’t been awake yet, which meant no explanations had been necessary.
He carried a bag from the Kiss My Grits Cafe that smelled divine and gave her a grin that made her belly clench.
“Hey, babe. Got time to eat with me? Or should I drop yours off and see you later?”
Every female in the library had stopped what they were doing to look at Ethan. Even Fern, though maybe she was looking for a different reason.
Paisley swallowed. “We can eat in my office.”
She led the way, conscious of the stares and grateful for the moment they passed into the small hallway that hid them from view.
Ethan didn’t close her office door behind them, for which she was grateful.
She’d have asked him to open it if he had.
Didn’t need the staff wondering what she was up to in her office with the handsome shooting instructor.
She’d surfed over to the One Shot Tactical web page a few days ago. The testimonials from women who’d taken instruction from the men were often laughably obvious in their appreciation for the masculinity on display. Just like Michelle Harney had been last night.
Paisley’s favorite review on the site was an anonymous one about Ethan.
Very thorough instruction! Ethan can show me anything and I just can’t look away! That’s how good an instructor he is! Also, his chest and arms are swoon-worthy!
Aside from the copious exclamation points, the woman—person?—had a point.
Ethan took the sandwiches from the sack along with two bags of potato chips. “Figured you had drinks here.”
“Yes. We have water and Coke products. What do you want?”
“Water’s good. It’s hot out there today.”
Paisley went to the break room to grab a water for him since she already had a half-finished bottle on her desk.
When she returned, he had everything laid out for her.
The paper was unwrapped and the chips were open.
He’d pulled a chair to the side of her desk and was currently sitting in it, waiting for her.
“This is really sweet of you,” she said when she was sitting at her desk with the wonderful smell of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing invading her senses.
“You gotta eat, I gotta eat, and I wanted to see you.”
“You just saw me a few hours ago.”
He grinned. “Yeah, but I wanted to see you again.”
Paisley bit into her sandwich, moaning as the flavors filled her tastebuds. “So good. I saw these on the menu at Kiss My Grits but hadn’t managed to try one yet.”
“Wendy makes a pretty good Reuben. For a Southern lady.” He winked with that last bit, and Paisley shook her head though she was smiling.
“One of these days, I want to go to New York and try all this food you keep insisting is the best.”
“Maybe we can go next year. You, me, and Violet.”
Hope was a fragile flame inside her. “Next year. That might work.”
“You sound a little doubtful.”
“Sorry. It’s just that I’ve been so focused on the day to day, getting through the divorce proceedings and staying safe, that I haven’t thought a lot about what happens next year. I haven’t even thought about next month more than I have to, if I’m honest.”
He ate a potato chip. “How long will the proceedings take? Do you know?”