Chapter 14
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
APOLLO
“ A re we on for tonight?” I ask June as I press the phone to my ear with one hand and pull the door open with the other. It’s early December, and it’s damn cold outside, so I’m grateful for the heat that hits me when I walk inside.
“Yep,” she says. “I’m going to call the girls today and find out when we can all get together for dinner. I think it’s time you and I can come clean with everyone and stop hiding since I don’t plan to stop having sex with you anytime soon.”
That makes me grin. “Good, because I don’t plan to stop either. Let me know what they say.”
I walk into the living room of the house I’ve been working on for a few weeks, and my happiness turns to rage.
“Did you stop by the Thomas project yesterday?” I ask June, my voice calm.
“No, I haven’t been by in a few days. In fact, no one has because we’re waiting on some special orders that Mrs. Thomas wants, so we’re at a standstill. Are you over there?”
“Yeah.” I sigh and prop my hands on my hips. I want to punch someone in the goddamn face. “You’re going to want to come over here.”
“What’s wrong?” There’s urgency in her voice now. “Your voice sounds weird. Tell me what’s going on.”
“Just come over. Trust me.”
“Okay, I’ll be there in ten.”
She clicks off, and I blow out a breath. “Fuck.”
I’d like to paint over the words on the wall and save her from seeing this, but she’s the boss of this project, and she needs to be the one to decide how to proceed.
One thing that I’ve learned about June over the past couple of months is that she isn’t as tough as she makes herself out to be, and she gets her feelings hurt like anyone else.
She just never lets anyone see it.
I think this is going to hurt her, and that pisses me off almost as much as the words on the wall.
I’m still staring at them when her car door slams outside, and I hurry back to the door so I can meet her.
“I don’t even want to consider how fast you drove to get here so quickly,” I say as I step outside and find her marching toward me.
“What’s wrong?”
“Come on.” I lead her inside, and when we get to the living room, she stops short.
“Holy shit. What in the actual fuck?”
Spray painted in bright red letters on the big wall of white drywall is: FUCKING CUNT!
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” she mutters and rubs her eyes. “It’s an easy fix, obviously. We haven’t started to paint and texture yet, but for fuck’s sake.”
“Has anything else like this happened that you haven’t told me about?” I ask her.
“Not like this, but”—she winces and refuses to look me in the eye—“I’ve had a few small things go missing.”
“Why in the hell haven’t you called the cops? Christ, Juniper, your brother is the cops. Call him.”
“I figured it was Josh and asked Rob to keep an eye on him,” she admits. “He’s young and stupid, but this could ruin the rest of his life, and I was hoping that after he got the temper tantrum out of his system, he’d get bored and move on.”
“Yeah, well, obviously, that’s not the case. This is unacceptable.”
She nods and pulls out her phone, dialing her brother and putting the call on speakerphone.
“Yo,” Cullen says in greeting.
“Hey. I need you, if you’re on duty.”
“Tell me.” His voice is hard and all business now.
“There’s some vandalism at one of my job sites.”
She gives him the address, and after he promises that he’s on his way, she hangs up.
“I can’t believe that pulling crap like this makes that kid happy,” she says, pacing the floor. “It’s stupid.”
“People hold grudges, and sometimes, it keeps them from thinking straight,” I remind her. “You held a grudge against me for years. ”
“I never spray-painted cunt inside your house.” She offers me a small grin. “Although, that probably would have been fun.”
“You wouldn’t do that.”
She shrugs and returns to pacing. “Okay, I wouldn’t. You’re right, you can hold a grudge without being destructive.”
Cullen walks inside and scowls when he sees the writing on the wall. “That’s some creepy-ass serial-killer shit.”
“Is that the professional word for it?” June asks, in full sassy mode. “Because I’d agree.”
“Did you put up cameras like I told you to?” Cullen asks before walking through the house and checking the rooms to make sure nothing else has been messed with.
“That costs money , Cullen. Besides, we live in Huckleberry Bay, where this shit doesn’t happen.”
“Obviously, it does happen because I’m looking at it right now. I’m a cop, and I know exactly what happens in this town. Get yourself some goddamn cameras, Juniper.”
“Fine.” She sighs and closes her eyes. “Although, I don’t need cameras for this. I know who it is.”
“Who?”
“Josh, the young guy I had working for me for a while.”
“Didn’t you fire him more than a month ago?”
“I did.” June swallows hard. “He’s been causing little issues here and there, but nothing quite like this.”
“And you’re sure it’s him?”
“I can’t think of anyone else that would do this.”
Cullen swears under his breath. “I’m going to throttle you. What kind of goddamn issues is that little son of a bitch causing? Better yet, why in the hell didn’t you tell me?”
“I’m pretty sure he’s stolen a few tools here and there and ruined a saw that I’d left on a site, but there hasn’t been anything destructive like this.”
“She was trying to be noble and keep him out of trouble,” I add and raise an eyebrow, challenging her to argue. June only pins me with the look that says, you’re in so much trouble.
“That’s stupid,” Cullen says to his sister.
“I thought he’d go away.”
“And how is that working out for you?”
June gestures to the paint on the wall and sighs. “Not too well, if I’m being honest.”
“I’d go find and arrest the little shit,” Cullen says as he paces the floor. “But I need proof that he did this. Otherwise, it’s hearsay, and the charge won’t stick.”
“Do you want fingerprints?”
“No, I wish you had put up cameras so would have video footage of him doing this.”
“Fine,” June mutters. “I’ll install some today.”
“Good.” Cullen takes a few photos of the wall. “I’ll take these to have on file, but you and Apollo should both file police reports anyway so we have documentation of it happening. Get me proof so I can lock him up, but be careful.”
“I will.”
Cullen looks over at me. “Keep her safe.”
June’s jaw drops. “He’s not?—”
“Oh, shut up,” Cullen says, clearly irritated with his sister. “I’m not blind, am I?”
With that, he shakes his head and marches out the door.
“I guess we don’t have to tell him.” I turn back to her and see frustration all over her gorgeous face. “When do you want to go shopping for cameras?”
She scrubs her hands over her face and groans low in her throat.
If it wasn’t mildly terrifying, it would be sexy as hell.
“I don’t have time for this bullshit.” She turns back to the red paint and fists her hands at her side. “I was not mean to that kid.”
“You’re right, you weren’t mean, and you didn’t do anything wrong. He just didn’t like that you were his boss.”
“Maybe, but I’m the one being punished. Now I’m really pissed. He wants to ruin a saw so I have to replace it? Fine. He wants to steal a drill or a nail gun here or there? I’ll get over it. But this ? This is such bullshit.”
“I won’t disagree with you.” I step to her and drag my hand down her back. She leans her head on my shoulder. “Don’t let it hurt your feelings, babe. He’s a punk kid, and he’ll be dealt with.”
“Yeah. Okay, I’m over it.” She sniffs, squares her shoulders, and firms her chin.
Then, just like that, she’s done beating herself up.
“I’m going back to work,” she says and pats my shoulder. “Have a good day.”
“I think I need more than a shoulder pat.”
Her eyes narrow. “No funny business on a?—”
“Shut up.” I grip her shirt in my fist and tug her to me, dropping my lips to hers. The kiss is long and slow, soothing us both, and when I pull back and smile down at her, she smiles back. “Have a nice day, dear. I’ll see you tonight.”
“Right.” She swallows hard. “Tonight.”
I nod and back away from her and toward the area of the house where I’m working, but she doesn’t move for the door.
“June?”
“Yeah?”
“You’re not working on this site today.”
“Oh.” She blinks, shakes her head, and laughs. “Right. See you.”
She turns and walks out the door without looking back at the message on the wall, and I nod in satisfaction.
I did my job and distracted her.
“I want ice cream,” June announces as we walk out of Three Sisters Kitchen after having the best dinner I’d had in a long time.
“A minute ago, you said you were full.”
“I am, but there’s always room for ice cream. Besides, if we walk over to Huckleberry Delight, we’ll get some of the food already in our stomachs to move down. It’s a whole strategy.”
“Your wish is my command.” I take her hand in mine, threading our fingers, and we walk at a leisurely pace down the street toward the ice cream shop. “People we know saw us tonight.”
“I know, but you know what? I don’t care. We’re having dinner with the others tomorrow night, and we’ll spill the tea to them. I’m not going to hide anymore, Apollo.”
“I think a few people were surprised.” I shift to my left a bit, silently moving her so that she goes around some glass on the sidewalk instead of walking over it. “It’s pretty well-known that we don’t like each other.”
“You know, I think it’s good to keep people on their toes.” June laughs a little. “Also, it’s none of their business. I know they think it is because we live in a small town and they’ve known us all our lives, but it really isn’t. I mean, my brother obviously figured it out, but it’s none of the rest of the town’s concern if they’re not connected to us in a more personal way.”
“No, it’s not.” Before we can walk into the shop, June’s phone rings.
“Speaking of my brother,” she mutters and answers, putting it on speaker. “Hey, what’s up?”
“We arrested Josh today, not long after I left the crime scene, actually.”
“What? How? All we have is hearsay, remember?”
“Yeah, well, he was pulled over for speeding, and he was completely shitfaced. So, he was arrested for DWI and underage intoxication, but we also found empty cans of red spray paint in his car. He was so fucking drunk that he laughed when we asked him about them. Then he admitted to the whole thing after his rights had been read to him, so it’s admissible. He won’t be bothering you anymore, sis.”
“Good.” June sighs in relief. “I’m glad that worked out, but I can’t help but feel bad for him.”
“He’s not your responsibility,” Cullen reminds her. “Have a good evening.”
“You, too. Love you, bye.”
“Love you, too.”
She hangs up, and the smile she gives me is stunning. “This calls for two scoops of ice cream.”
“I like the way you celebrate.” I laugh, pulling open the door to Huckleberry Delight for her. Montana, the owner, is wielding an ice cream scoop and manning the counter, which is surprising.
“Hi, you two,” she says, giving us a hesitant smile. “Are you hanging out together voluntarily ? I didn’t think you got along.”
“Not everything stays the same,” June says with a shrug.
“Okay, then. You have excellent timing because the rush just ended, and it’s finally calm in here.”
“I’m glad you stay busy because I don’t know what I’d do if you ever went out of business,” June says as she peers down into the glass-top freezer holding at least a dozen tubs of fresh ice cream.
“Don’t even put that out into the universe,” Montana says with a cringe. “I plan to be here for a long, long time. So, what’ll it be? I have some of the signature fall flavors left. Apple pie à la mode has been popular this season.”
“I always get the same thing,” June says with a grin. “Two scoops of the huckleberry ice cream in a dish with hot fudge drizzle.”
“You got it.” Montana turns to me with a smile. “And for you, Apollo?”
“I’ll try that apple pie, please. Just one scoop in a waffle cone.”
Montana is quick with that ice cream scoop and is passing our treats to us in no time.
“Anything else?”
“Not for me,” June says, already digging in. “Oh, my god, Montana, you’re a damn genius.”
“Hey, could you write that down and leave the review online for me? That’s one I’d like to print out and put on the wall.” Montana winks as she passes me my change. “You two have a good night.”
“Thanks.”
We wave at her as we walk out of the shop, headed back to my truck parked at Three Sisters, but then June moves to a bench along the sidewalk and takes a seat.
“Let’s eat this here and watch people walk by. I don’t ever just sit in the middle of town and enjoy it, you know?”
“I guess I don’t either.” Sitting next to her, I kick my feet out and cross them at the ankles. “I wonder if anything’s ever going to go in where the hardware store used to be.”
I gesture with my chin to the empty storefront, and June nods.
“I heard that someone bought it, and they’re splitting it into two sides. One side will be a clothing boutique, and the other is going to be a spa of some kind.”
“Maybe when they open, you could go get a massage. Relax a little.”
She snorts. “I don’t like being touched that much, remember? So, having someone getting all handsy with me sounds like torture.”
I look her up and down and then meet her gaze once more.
“You don’t seem to mind when I get handsy.”
“I’m getting used to it.” She shrugs, finishes her ice cream, and tosses the empty cup into a nearby garbage can. “I definitely don’t want strangers touching me like that. Ew. No. Gross.”
I laugh as I toss my napkin into the trash and reach for June’s hand. “Come on, let’s go back to my place.”
“Are you going to get handsy?” Her eyes are full of humor as I pull her to her feet.
“Hell yes, I’m going to get very handsy.”
“Then lead on.”
“It’s getting so cold in the evenings.” June dances back and forth beside me as I unlock the door, blowing on her hands to warm them up. “Winter is definitely almost here.”
“It’s not that cold out there. You were fine on the bench.” I push the door open and let her walk in ahead of me.
“I know, but I’m suddenly so cold. ” She shivers and heads straight for the couch to wrap herself up in one of the many throw blankets she’s tossed about over the past few weeks. “Is the heat on in here?”
“Yes.” I join her on the couch and pull her into my arms. “Come on, I’ll share my body heat.”
“It only helps if you’re in the blanket.” She hurries to shift the throw, covering us both and snuggling up next to me. “But this is not a cuddle session.”
“Of course not. It’s a warming-up session. Out of necessity.”
“Exactly.” She sighs as she wraps her arms around me and rests her head on my chest. “This is nice and warm.”
“Good.” I kiss the top of her head and breathe in the delicious scent of her hair. “Where do you get your red hair from?”
“No idea.” She chuckles softly. “No one else in the family has it, so I assume my biological father or his family. It kind of reinforces the idea that Lauren, Cullen, and I have different fathers. We really don’t look that much alike.”
“I see a resemblance, but definitely not in your coloring.” I kiss her hair again, and her hand starts to drift over my stomach and up my chest. “You must be warming up.”
“Hmm.” She shifts to straddle my lap so the blanket is around her back and she’s resting her hands against the back of the couch. When she leans in to kiss me, it’s not a soft kiss, but it’s not hard and demanding either.
It’s familiar. It’s the kind of kiss that she gives because she knows me and is comfortable taking what she needs.
I fucking love that.
“Want you,” she whispers, and between kisses, she crosses her arms in front of her, grabs the hem of her shirt, and pulls it over her head. She’s wearing the hot-as-hell green bra that I love on her as much as I love it being on the floor with the rest of her clothes.
I sit up, wrap my arms around her, and unfasten the bra, and she lets it slide down her arms.
“I know this is going to sound sexist as fuck.” I lean in and brush my nose across the tight nub of one nipple. “But I love your breasts.”
“It’s a hell of a lot better than hating them.” She laughs and pushes her fingers into my hair as I kiss and lick her chest, her perfect breasts.
Suddenly, she stiffens, and my head whips up so I can look her in the face.
“What is it?”
She swallows hard. “I think I’m going to blow chunks.”
“How romantic.”
She tries to smile, but then she’s scrambling off my lap and dashing to the bathroom. The door slams loudly behind her, and I’m left sitting on the couch, wondering what in the actual hell is happening.
Did she eat something that had spoiled at Three Sisters?
Something tells me that I wouldn’t be at all welcome in the bathroom with her, so I grab her a glass of water and a cool washcloth before going to wait outside the bathroom door. I can hear her retching, and I feel bad for her.
With the water and cloth on standby, I hurry back to the bedroom and get some comfortable clothes ready for her, shifting my focus from sex to taking care of June while she works her way through whatever has decided to make her feel like shit.
Either way, I get to spend the night with her, and I consider that a win.