Chapter 25
Grace
Lingering tendrils of warmth from the morning passion tickled my skin.
The humid day had started off with an incredible moment in the shower, allowing me all the feelings of falling in love.
Viper’s touch had been electric, so much so with every step I’d taken, a sigh seemed to slip past my lips.
In the two days since he’d returned home from the horrific fire, we’d explored each other’s bodies while enjoying the down time with the dogs and the horses.
He’d even had an incident with the chickens that had left me in a fit of laughter.
After my exclamation with the reporter, he’d been unwilling to discuss my warning again.
Other than to remind me that threatening a monster wasn’t in my best interest.
However, I did leave a nasty message with the owner of the Super 8. It had been no easy feat to discover his information and would do me little good, but I felt much better.
But I’d seen something in Viper’s eyes, a fire and brimstone gaze when he didn’t think I was looking indicating he had no intention of letting the arsonist get away. Maybe he truly was the town’s hero after all.
I’d had three perfect little patients, including a sick kitty the owners had been terrified would need to be euthanized. I’d had my first hug being a veterinarian when I’d provided the news an antibiotic should work.
Before Viper had left for work, I’d gotten a call from Shannon that there was to be a celebration at Ziggy’s for the smokejumpers, both Axe and Viper mentioned specifically. Evidently, their fan club bunnies wanted to see them.
And be close to them.
And have selfies taken with them.
And perhaps have hot passion with them.
Nope. Not with my man. I giggled from the thought even now.
But at least I’d convinced him to take a change of clothes with him just in case he didn’t have time to come home.
I refused to allow him to get away with not going.
We had a little line dancing to do. Now that provided a series of hot images in my mind.
I rolled my eyes as I pulled into a parking place.
Tolerating the girls swooning over him had plucked my last nerve.
Especially since he’d seemed quite happy with his newfound popularity, which I never would have guessed possible.
A couple had even dropped by in their short shorts, prompting me to turn into the town bitch. Something I’d be proud of later.
The celebration was for all the smokejumpers, which was wonderful. They deserved to hear and share in the joy of how that we valued their care and protection. That’s what Shannon had said, telling me when and where to be. So I’d used the same tactic on Viper.
Just thinking about him made me a happy girl, more relaxed than I’d been in a long time.
I’d remain that way until he had to go on another mission.
As I seemed to do more often as of late, I was running errands, dropping off a painting I’d felt inspired to tackle on Sunday after the big July Fourth festivities.
They’d seemed more precious this year, to everyone in town as well. All because of the heroic actions of several fine-looking men.
And not just Viper and Axe. The others on the Zullies had been heralded as heroes given the fight they’d had on their hands with the wind and wild storm. Things could have been so much worse.
I pulled the painting from the cab of the truck, giving it one last inspection before heading down the sidewalk. Suddenly, I was also a little famous and I wasn’t certain I liked that one tiny bit. At least a few chicks were giving me the side-eye. Too bad. They could get over it.
Going to the grocery store the day before had turned into an autograph event, although I had to admit the ladies had been far more interested in obtaining a picture with Viper than talking to me. I’d wanted to be insulted.
“Tell Viper we said hello,” one of the girls said.
I should have known their attention had nothing to do with me. Was I the jealous type? Not normally, but it would seem the entire town had gone nuts.
Laughing, I offered her a snooty look. “Of course I will. Not that he’ll think about you when he has me.”
Oh, I could definitely be a little brat when I wanted to be. So what? No chick in pigtails was going to try to take my man.
My man.
Ha. There was the reality to the situation. I could be very catty when I wanted to be.
As soon as I moved into the gift shop, Betsy moved from around the counter. “I’m so glad you’re here with the painting. I hope you have more where these came from.” She took the picture from me, shaking her head. “Exquisite.”
“How could it be sold?”
“Because I had a client insisting on purchasing the picture I had in the front window case. He wanted more, even angry that I didn’t have any in stock. I was so flustered I barely remembered you had this one coming. Then I couldn’t tell him when and he stormed out. Weird guy.”
I glanced out the window for no reason since I hadn’t sensed I was being followed, even stupidly thinking the guy had gotten the hint. “What did this guy look like?”
“Average. Nothing special.”
“Did he pay with a credit card?”
Betsy narrowed her eyes. “No, cash. Why?”
“Just wondering. I’ll work on a few more. If you see him again, will you give me a call?”
“Sure, of course. Anything I can help you with?”
“No, just wanting to thank a huge fan.” The nagging sensations were electrified. Maybe my inquiry about the lighter had created a little fuss. Perhaps I should keep pushing.
“Well, you are famous.” She winked, laughing as she did.
“Ha.” After I left, I stood on the sidewalk, looking up and down both sides of the street. Holden’s pet store was two blocks away. Maybe I was making something out of nothing, but I headed toward the store. Better safe than sorry. Right?
Roxie wasn’t at the front when I walked in; another girl that I’d seen a couple of times was minding the counter.
“Can I help you?” she asked. “Oh, you’re the artist. Roxie must have called you.”
“No, she didn’t, but is she here?” A quick glance and it seemed as if they were redecorating.
“She’s in the back. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind if you joined her.”
“Great. Thank you. Are you guys redecorating?” Several of the pictures I’d painted were off the walls, one of the major displays completely torn apart. The nagging shifted into bitter, icy chills.
The girl huffed. “Not on purpose. When Roxie opened the store yesterday, it was apparent we’d had a break-in. She’s been wrangling with the insurance company all morning.”
“Oh, God. Any idea who?”
“Nah. You know how the police are. They came and dusted for fingerprints, but we haven’t heard squat.”
“I’m so sorry.”
The girl shrugged, but I knew Roxie must be devastated. While I was heading back, I noticed just how many paintings had been removed. Or had been taken.
As I walked into the back, I could hear Roxie’s angry voice. First, she laughed, which was never good. It was a clear sign she was about to launch into whoever she was chatting with.
“That’s fine, Mr. Gallahan. You can check with your superiors, but I won’t let this go. I will continue to call you at work, on your cellphone, and at home until I get an answer. Do you understand what I’m telling you?” Her laugh was positively maniacal, which I adored about her.
She was still refusing to use a cellphone, completely tethered by her landline. But that made for spectacular noise as she slammed the receiver down several times.
“Motherfucking cocksucker.”
I slid into her open door, grinning as I did. “Making new friends, I see.”
With a heavy huff, she blew a fluff of blue hair from her face. If only I had the time she had to alter my hair color every week. “Did Jessie call you?”
“Jessie?”
“My niece, the girl up front.”
“Uh, no, why would she?”
Roxie jerked up, more furious than I’d seen in a long time. “Your paintings were stolen.”
“Is that what happened?” The same creepy-crawly feeling I’d had on and off for weeks was back with a vengeance.
“Yes, I’m so upset and the goddamn insurance company doesn’t see them as tangible inventory. They don’t want to pay me the money to have them replaced, the fucking bastards. They wouldn’t know priceless works of art if they were hit in the ass with them.”
“I don’t know about priceless works of art. What did the police say?”
Her laugh was exactly as before. “Don’t get me started. They dusted. They took my report. The officer laughed. I threatened to punch him. He threatened to drag me to jail. We have a date on Saturday.”
“Wha… what?”
She shrugged. “A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do to get laid. Speaking of which, how is that hunk of a man you hooked up with? I knew the two of you were destined to be lovers the night I saw you together.”
“I hardly think me yelling at him qualifies as the best foreplay.”
“I beg to differ. You are sleeping with him. Right? If you aren’t, then let me stand in line for that fine man.”
“Oh, no. He is so off limits.”
The way she fluffed her hair was so cute. “He couldn’t handle me anyway. I’m sorry about your paintings. I just can’t believe it.”
“Did this person take anything else?”
“Not a thing, other than maybe dog treats.”
“Did anyone try and buy them from you?”
Roxie snorted. “No, and I would have laughed in their faces if they had. Is something wrong?”
“I just came from Betsy’s place. Some guy was a little nutty about purchasing the painting she had on display.”
“That is weird. Tell that man of yours to keep you safe.”
“Yeah.” I thought about how weird it truly was. “Don’t you have a camera in your store?”
“Yes, but someone knew where it was and must have cloaked it. The police wanted the file anyway, although I doubt they will do anything with it.”
“Did you keep a copy?”
“I did.” Her nose wrinkled. “What are you up to?”
“Just checking on a few things. Do you think you can send me that file?”
“Sure thing, sugar. As long as I get an up close and personal greeting from your man tonight.”
“You’re coming?”