Let Me Paint A Picture #2
Every moment confirmed she was nothing like Genn. His ex would tell the story of an attack to anyone who would listen. She would use it to garner attention, sympathy, and media attention.
Esme hadn’t shared it until she worried her past was bringing danger to others.
Wyatt wanted to kick his own ass for doubting her, for ever comparing her to Genn.
Marcus asked Esme for the names of the officers she’d dealt with in LA, and the names of any particularly zealous paparazzi.
After she forwarded him the police’s contact information, she sighed. “The two most persistent photographers are Tristan Downey and Zack Spina, although I haven’t seen Zack in a few months. I think he’s given up on me being interesting enough to get pictures worth anything.”
Wyatt rubbed his thumb over her shoulder, unable to stop touching her. “Are these assholes the reason you don’t post your social media stuff live?”
She nodded. “They show up in places I’ve recently visited, trying to dig up dirt and figure out my next destination.”
“I’m guessing you don’t tell people where you’re heading next.”
She nodded. “I usually don’t know myself, and I never share if I do. I don’t follow a plan.”
But she probably instinctively followed a pattern. Most people did, and these paparazzi were trying to figure it out so they could find her.
He passed her a plate of Mara’s mini-fritters. They’d become a staple at the inn for a good reason. “Eat something.”
He hadn’t meant his voice to be growly, or the words to be an order. Instead of taking offence, Esme smiled as she rolled her eyes and took a fritter. She turned to Mara. “No one ever has to order me to eat these. They make me want to stay forever.”
Mara laughed. “Good, we’d like that. You fit in here, Esme. We’d love you to stay, and forever sounds good.”
Esme sucked in a trembly breath and blinked furiously to clear the tears from her eyes. She turned her attention to her food to hide her reaction from the others, but Wyatt figured they’d all seen it.
As they’d all noticed the attraction simmering between him and Esme. Wyatt had an entire team of wingmen.
Seth stood occasionally to stir the soup he had simmering while Marcus asked questions and took notes.
He spoke to both Amber and Esme, as well as everyone else.
The other guests had checked out earlier that morning, so they weren’t involved.
There could be another reason a person might have been in the garden, but between finding the camera lens and Esme’s past, it was doubtful.
At least one person was following Esme. A member of the paparazzi was most likely, but it could also be whoever had set up the knife attack.
A shiver raced down his spine. Someone had deliberately attacked her and might want to do it again.
He wanted to wrap Esme in his arms and keep her safe.
Stay at her side forever to ensure no one hurt her again.
Wyatt wasn’t a computer expert, but he’d do some research tonight, starting with Esme herself. He knew about her Nans and some of her past, but he wanted to find her social media posts. If he scoured the comments, he might be able to spot ones from the person who wanted to hurt her.
Then he’d check out the paparazzi names and see if he could find any jealous models or ex-boyfriends lurking in the shadows.
With his official resources, Marcus would have better luck doing the research, but Wyatt would do his part as well. The more eyes on the search, the better.
Seth ladled out bowls of minestrone for everyone at the table while Mara put out baskets of rolls. Olivia brought Charlie and Ella back in. Gray added charcuterie boards that were pretty enough to grace any magazine.
Seth nodded at the setup. “Dig in, everyone.”
As they ate, Wyatt watched Esme’s eyes roam the table, as if checking to see if anyone wanted to kick her out. He sensed she wasn’t used to being part of a group.
The others included her in the conversation as the talk spiraled through a dozen topics, from what plants Wyatt could combine to how they would handle the apple harvest to Halloween.
Esme smiled at that topic. “Do you have any Halloween activities planned for your guests? Bobbing for apples? Halloween games?”
That brought a few seconds of complete silence, then Charlie grinned. “That would be awesome. Have you done Halloween stuff on the farm before?”
Heads shook around the table. Knox grinned. “Last year was our first year here and we were a bit overwhelmed. The inn wasn’t open either, but I like your idea. What do you think, Amber? Can we set up some Halloween activities for the guests and us?”
Amber smiled. “That sounds fun, but I have no idea what to do.”
Gray squeezed her shoulder. “You shouldn’t be adding anything else to your list. Running the inn and growing Sprout here are more than enough. Organizing will have to be a team event. I nominate Esme and Wyatt to head up the committee.”
Wyatt laughed while Esme’s mouth dropped open with shock.
Jolie nodded. “Seconded. All in favor?”
A chorus of Yes and Aye filled the room.
Wyatt nudged her with his elbow. “What do you say, partner? You up for organizing some Halloween fun?”
Appearing shell-shocked, Esme’s gaze moved around the table again. Then her gaze returned to him. After a moment, she nodded, “I’m in.”
That brought a round of cheers. Esme’s beautiful skin deepened with a flush as she shook her head in bafflement. “I’m in.”
Perfect.
Because his parents had been serious-minded, and maybe because they’d been older when they’d had him, he didn’t have much experience with Halloween. He was probably the last person who should be co-leading Halloween events, but with Esme as his partner, he couldn’t wait to get started.