10. Lyric
TEN
LYRIC
I released Sheba from the back of my Jeep, and she ran ahead to the front doors of Trick or Treat. It was a Sunday, and the store didn’t open until noon, so I had a precious few hours to myself.
I grabbed my work bag and the white paper bag from Sugar Rush. I couldn’t resist their savory scones.
As I got to the front door, I noticed a sleek red rocket of a car parked near the door.
Well, damn. There went my quiet morning.
It wasn’t Nova’s ancient truck. Nope, it looked as if Tatum had the same idea.
Maybe that meant she was meeting with another vendor today. We’d signed on three for our soft launch in March. It wasn’t guaranteed we’d end up with nice weather—living in a lake town in Central New York meant the snow could stick around until Mother’s Day. But people in the northeast were a hearty bunch.
And I had a feeling the deep freeze of winter would make people eager to shop when the days started getting longer.
I put in my passcode and Sheba darted inside. Her happy barks led me into the office area.
Sure enough, Tatum was crouched in the community space with a forgotten coffee on the counter while Sheba wiggled around her doing tricks for treats. Hmm.
“You’re spoiling her.” But there was no heat in my voice. I was just happy everyone loved my dog.
Tatum smiled up at me, her hazel eyes dancing. “I can’t help it. That face! How do you resist her?”
“Practice.”
She shook her head. “I couldn’t do it.” She stood and tossed a long bully stick at Sheba, and she snapped it out of the air before she trotted off.
We both followed her into my office. Happily, Sheba crawled under my desk to enjoy her treat.
I set my bag on my desk. “Speaking of Sheba, do you know someone who makes dog treats?”
“Actually, yes.” She motioned to my Sugar Rush bag. “They make them at Sugar Rush. The owner, Tabitha, made some because her mom's dog had a wheat allergy, but she makes different kinds for different allergies and preferences. Definitely fits with the whole Trick or Treat deal. I can’t believe I didn’t think about it before.”
“Yeah, I bet they’ll go over big here. We have a lot of dog lovers in the Cove. Huh, wonder if they’d do ones for cats too?”
“Definitely. That has to be a thing, right? Maybe I’ll contact Doctor Grant at Thorny Paw Vet Clinic, see if he’d like to sponsor a spot or if he’d like to offer some treats in his business. The more community involvement, the better!” Tatum typed a little more, then she shoved her phone into the back pocket of her jeans. She wore a kelly green sweater that looked as soft as a cloud and skimmed the top of her belt. “I have a meeting with Ronan Parrish today. He and his wife were excited about grabbing a booth in A Place for All.”
“Oh, good. I really liked Kira.”
“She’s super nice. They also want to get in on the fall bazaar. Apples and all.”
“Excellent. Might want to look into other orchards too. We have quite a few smaller ones that might be interested in getting seen. Brothers Three is a huge operation, and I think we can spread it around.”
“Good plan. I checked with a few regarding possibly doing a farmer’s market in the summer.”
Excitement kicked in my belly. That was exactly what I wanted. Community. I wasn’t sure how I didn’t think about a farmer’s market before. “Check to make sure we don’t need a permit for that kind of thing. But it’s such a great idea.”
She nodded and pulled out her phone to make a few more notes. “I signed on Hadley. She wants the corner booth and is willing to pay extra for it.” Tatum started reading off a list. “She wants in on the soft opening. And will push hard for us. Ginger Bellows is a go as well. Bell Flower Soaps definitely wants the shelves we have.”
“You are on fire.”
Tatum grinned. “You haven’t even heard the best part yet. I got Billie Torres.”
The name vaguely hit, but I’d been staring at names for a week now. “You’ll have to give me more.”
“She’s the chef who just started her own line of mixes, sauces, and herb blends. She’s based out of Syracuse, but she loves the ideas of getting her name out to different areas. Especially with our touristy foot traffic.”
“Oh, no way.” I sat in my chair, Sheba still chomping delightedly by my feet. I opened Billie’s website, and the cascade of food made my stomach growl.
Tatum laughed. “My stomach did the same when I was researching her. I went by her shop, and dear God, the smells in there. I walked out with fifty dollars worth of things I don’t even know how to use.” She sat on the edge of my desk and leaned over to point at the herb blends. “I even convinced her to do a cooking demo.”
“You did not.”
“I sure did. I already contacted Asher Wainwright at the paper to have someone here to cover our soft launch. Next, I’m going to bug Macy Gideon. Her chef over at the Haunt just won two regional awards. He’s got that hot chef look that could bring in people too.”
“So, are you just angling for a raise or what?”
Tatum laughed and hopped off my desk. “I wouldn’t mind a raise.”
“We’ll definitely see about making that happen if we can get A Place for All off its feet.”
“Working on it, boss.” She checked her wrist where I could see a flood of notifications scroll by on her watch. “I actually just got another person to check in with. I’m on the fence with this company. They don’t respond as fast as I’d like. If they can’t respond when I’m trying to help them, I can’t help wondering if they’ll be hard to work with.”
“On your wrist?”
She grinned. “I know. I can’t escape the notifications. I also keep track of the replies to our posts.”
I definitely couldn’t handle that kind of thing. I got anxious if there were too many emails in my inbox. I couldn’t have my phone or wristwatch blowing up with all that. “Are you in the office today?”
She shook her head. “Nope. Just stopped in to pick up a few packets to drop off when I go shopping for my sister’s birthday. I’ll let you know how it goes with Ronan and Kira.” I rose and walked out of my office with her. I needed some coffee to keep up with Tatum.
I stopped at our Nespresso maker. I didn’t play when it came to coffee. I set a pod to brewing and pulled out my foaming attachment to fill with creamer.
Tatum jogged over to her smaller office and came back out with a backpack that looked like it could hold Sheba. “Text me if you need anything.”
“Sounds good.”
She was gone as quickly as she’d been here, but now the office felt like all the energy had left with her. I pulled out my phone and put a playlist on through the Bluetooth speaker in my office.
With my coffee made, I went back to my desk. My dog snoozed away as I attacked my email. The hours whisked away, and I didn’t even realize noon had come and gone. I hadn’t even opened my jalapeno scone, dammit.
I stood and stretched. Sheba popped up and I realized she probably had to go outside and do her business. The offices were closer to the new expansion than the main part of Trick or Treat. We didn’t keep the new section closed off and I actually found a few kids doing videos in the vast empty space.
They spotted Sheba and squealed. As usual, my dog lapped it up and the young boy and girl begged to add Sheba to their video. She was such a ham.
After they were done, I waved to the kids and let Sheba out the back door for a quick potty break. When I returned, the girl was doing a very impressive twirl through the wide room.
I spotted a woman leaning against the wall, watching with a soft smile on her face. “Sorry. My kiddos can’t resist.”
“All good.”
“Are you guys doing something with the space?”
I nodded. “We’re bringing in a bunch of local artisans to sell their products.”
“Oh!” The woman’s face lit up. “That would be amazing.”
“We hope you’ll be back to shop.”
“I definitely will.”
I gave the mom a friendly smile and headed into Trick or Treat. We were only open for a few hours more today, but it looked like the store was bumping. I sent Sheba into my office and went to help out.
The new Ghostface statue was a big hit, as were the new vegan gummy bears that were highlighted there. Nova was in her element, smiling and taking care of customers.
Marshall was on the floor doing the same. A few of our new employees were jumping in to help box, wrap, and bag up our products.
Nova had wrapping stations for the holiday traffic. Most people were happy to spend an extra five bucks, so they didn’t have to worry about prettying up their gift. Especially the male customers.
Finally, the customer traffic started to slow down, and Nova sagged onto the stool she kept in the corner. “Holy crap.”
“Think this is the busiest we’ve been since Christmas. So many customers are loading up for V-Day.” Quickly, I went into the breakroom beyond the counter and came back with waters for everyone. “Why don’t you guys take a quick break?”
The two new hires nodded and headed to the front of the store for some fresh air.
Nova cracked her water. “Thanks for helping out. I have a few more interviews tomorrow for more help stocking and register. Whatever Tatum is doing with the social media stuff is working.”
“She’s scary.” I laughed and sipped my own water. “We’re filling up spaces for A Place for All too. She’s a wonder.”
“You know, I was afraid I’d end up with nightmares with all the horror stuff in here.”
I laughed. “Me too. I’d always been fascinated with Nolan’s work, but I wondered what went on in his head to get there.”
“Probably how people feel about Stephen King.”
“You’re probably right about that. Nolan is happier than ever with his haunted house and badass wife.”
“Wait. Haunted house? Why didn’t I know that?”
“He doesn’t talk about it much. His nonbeliever status was rudely rescinded, thanks to a few book missiles coming at his head from a very unhappy ghost.”
Nova sat her water down. “I’m sorry. Come again?”
“I know. Harriette is pretty particular about who she lets in her special spaces in the old Victorian on the lake.”
“She has a name?” Nova’s eyes were wide with fascination.
“Yep. She was the original owner of the house. She is much happier these days. I think she was just lonely.”
She sighed. “Now I gotta see for myself.”
“She doesn’t show herself all that often these days. Sometimes you can see her in the window from the beach.”
Nova gave a little shudder. “Of course, Nolan would have a haunted mansion. It’s just too perfect.”
“Dahlia thinks it’s pretty amazing. You’ll have to ask her when she come in for a visit.”
“You better believe I will.”
I laughed and something out of the corner of my eye drew my attention.
Jensen .
He stood just inside the doors to Trick or Treat. A black sweater hugged his ridiculous chest and arms. The collar of the sweater was a little stretched as if he pulled at it in annoyance. Faded black jeans hugged his thighs, which were accentuated by his stance — legs apart—and motorcycle boots that were unbuckled and somehow almost defiant.
His hair was shorter than the last time I saw him. A severe fade that climbed up to hair that was somehow spiky and overlong at the same time. A hank fell over one dark eye, giving him a decidedly dangerous air.
At the park, he’d been almost…soft. Now he was rough and hard edged, at least until he flashed a crooked smile at me.
And my chest tightened in reaction.
The instinct to run and hide was strangely quiet. Instead, I capped my water. “I’ll be back.”
Nova’s gaze followed mine and her mouth dropped open. “Who’s that?”
“Jensen Turner.”
“Dear Lord, he’s hot as f -- uh...heck.”
I couldn’t help the snort of a laugh. “Unfortunately, I’m pretty sure he knows it.”
“Maybe. That’s not a bad thing unless he’s too cocky. I wouldn’t mind him working here again.”
“You’ll be getting your wish, but not at Trick or Treat.”
“Dammit.”
I glanced away from Jensen to Nova. “Holler if you need me.”
She sighed. “Can I holler for him?”
Nova was probably a better fit for Jensen. I was older than him and far too fucked up mentally to be good for anyone. Not that I was interested in him.
Was I?
No.
It was just our strangely entangled moment from the fire. That was all.
Instead of incriminating myself, I didn’t reply, just walked around the counter to the main aisle that led to the front door. As I got closer, he pushed his sleeves up then he tucked his hands into his pockets.
“Hey, Lyric.”
The black and purple ink that climbed his arm distracted me. Had he added to his tattoos? Vaguely, I remembered the swirling black ink that started at his wrist, but I’d been too busy trying to ignore my attraction for him before.
Knowing he wasn’t for me allowed me to compartmentalize most of my attraction.
“Jensen.”
“Thought I’d drop in and see if you wanted to go to lunch.”
I glanced at the intricate steampunk clock over the door. “It’s three o’clock.”
“Early dinner then.”
“Why?”
His crooked smile slid into a grin. “Because you need to eat. If I remember correctly, you often go for a little something sweet, then you forget to eat the rest of the day.”
Annoyed that he was correct, I crossed my arms over my chest. Then I was irritated that I’d missed out on my scone—which was savory, thank you very much. “Why would I go with you?”
“I brought my sketchpad. Thought you could look at a few of my ideas.”
“I told you we didn’t have people yet.”
He lifted a shoulder. “So? I remembered the ones you mentioned. Besides, they’re just sketches.”
“How would you know what size we need?”
“I have eyes. I was here a few days ago.”
“You didn’t take photos or figures.”
“I’m good with spatial design. But all my drawings can be altered too.” He stepped forward and my stomach jittered.
Would I ever be able to relax around him?
Then again, I’d been hard pressed to keep myself under control when he’d worked under me, as well. It always seemed like he saw too freaking much. It made me want to crawl under my desk with Sheba.
“We’re closing in an hour.”
“Do they need you?”
I sighed. “Probably not.”
“Then come out with me. Just for an hour or two.”
“Two? How many drawings do you have?”
“A few.”
“I don’t know.”
“I think it would be good for us. I’m going to be working here a lot of hours. You should probably get used to me being around.”
“And lunch is going to help there?”
“I hope so. I hope you won’t always flinch when you’re near me.” His voice lowered and something inside of me flickered to life.
“I didn’t.”
“Oh, you did. The minute I stepped closer to you, your body started tensing up.” He reached out and drifted the very tip of his finger between my brows. “And here.”
I pulled back.
“See?”
“That’s just how any woman reacts to a man she doesn’t know well.”
“You know me, Lyric. Don’t give me that bullshit. It’s just lunch.”
“I have Sheba.” Frustrated with myself and why I was being difficult, I practically pouted. What the hell was wrong with me?
“Then bring her.”
I could bring her anywhere. But I didn’t want him to know that Sheba was more than just my dog. That I needed her as much as I needed air. That she’d kept me from falling off the ledge so many damn times.
She must have heard my voice. The tapping of her nails registered before she showed up. And once she noticed Jensen, her little buttactivated a high wiggle. She glanced at me, registering my tension and instead of going to Jensen like I knew she wanted to, she sat down at my feet, staying close.
Jensen’s dark eyes narrowed as he glanced from the dog to me.
“I’m feeling a burger.” Dammit, why had I said that?
“I can always do a burger,” he said with a low grumble.
This wasn’t a good idea. I should just go into my office and tell him no.
Sheba leaned against my thigh, and I automatically lowered my hand to her head to bury my fingers in her fur. She could always feel my tension.
It was just lunch.
It was just Jensen.
It wasn’t a world-ending moment.
Jensen glanced from me to Sheba then back again. Then the intensity that seemed to always be a part of him just flowed out of him. “It’s just a meal,” he added with a persuasive smile.
“A business meal.”
His jaw tightened. “Fine. A business meal.”
“I need to get my bag.”
I escaped into the offices. Unfortunately, he didn’t seem to have any problem following me. My usually big office felt suddenly smaller. His bonfire scent wrapped around me as he waited at the doorway.
Would he always be associated with fire?
It was a different kind of fire. Not the suffocating, acrid scent. Not the burnt plastic and metal from that awful night that had seeped into my pores and stuck to my skin for weeks.
Because it had been burned into my flesh.
Singed hair, seared skin.
Sheba pressed into my leg.
“I’m fine, girl.”
She set her chin on my thigh and stared up at me with those arctic eyes that always saw too much.
“Lyric?” Jensen moved from the doorway, stopping a mere step away from me.
“It’s fine. I’m fine. It’s nothing.”
“It’s not nothing.”
“PTSD isn’t a kind or linear thing. Sometimes a trigger can hit me out of the blue and I just need a second to reset.”
His fingers tightened into fists at his side. “I’m sorry.” His voice pitched low, ragged with emotion.
“It’s not your fault.”
“Maybe if I’d?—”
I looked up, meeting his gaze. “Maybe if you’d what? Been a superhero? Because there was no way you could have gotten down to me.”
“Perhaps if I’d been smarter. If I’d not been so frozen and helpless, I could have found a way.”
“And maybe if the electrician had been paying more attention, it wouldn’t have happened at all. And maybe if the code enforcement guy hadn’t missed the cracks in the floor, it wouldn’t have caved in. And maybe if the fuse box wasn’t from the freaking fifties, then maybe the fire wouldn’t have happened. There’s a whole lot of maybes.”
He took that final step until he was in my space. He wrapped his arm around me, and he dragged me in.
I stiffened in his arms, his bonfire scent now fully a part of me. But there was something else there, as well. Graphite and old paper. Dryer sheets and soap. My fingers twisted in the hem of his sweater. I couldn’t quite let myself melt into him, but I didn’t pull away.
He set his chin on top of my head for a moment before he finally stepped back. “I’ll be outside.”
Then I was alone again.
A small whine dragged my gaze down to Sheba. Well, not alone.
I’d never be alone again, truly.
But the room felt empty without him.
And I wished I’d hugged him back.