Chapter 17
The next morning they headed out, taking two vehicles that were packed. The talk was excited, and everyone was in a great mood. They’d had a fast breakfast before leaving, but he could tell by lunch they would all be hungry.
Finding a security system that would work for Elowen was easy and after a few quick questions they had an automatic locking deadbolt that would fit her front door. Griz was satisfied the two would work together to make her safer.
They stepped out of the store and Elowen bumped his shoulder.
“I feel safer already.”
“We’ll get the lock installed this evening along with the security system.”
Elowen lifted up on her toes and kissed his cheek. “Thank you. You all helping me feels great. I’ve not had anyone who would help me, and honestly, it feels good having you here.”
“I like being here.”
Her eyes sparkled as she looked up at him. He lowered his head and brushed his lips across hers. The kiss was sweet and quick, but the spark down his spine was like a wake-up call. If he wasn’t careful, everyone would know how much he desired Elowen.
“Let’s catch up with the others. I think the guys are in the hunting store.”
Elowen turned and craned her neck, looking for the women. “I see Danika entering the secondhand store.”
Griz nodded. “That’s her. I’ll walk you over there.”
“Thank you. You don’t have to. I think I can make it on my own.”
“I know you can, but I like being with you.”
She smiled up at him, her lips spread into a sweet smile. Looking into her face when she smiled like that was almost like looking into the sun.
He couldn’t keep the words to himself. “You’re very beautiful.”
“I think you look incredibly handsome.”
His chuckle slipped out. “I’m average at best.”
“No, you’re freaking sexy.”
“I don’t see it.”
“Of course you don’t. It’s not something most of us focus on. Instead we look at our flaws.”
He laughed more. “I have a lot of flaws.”
Her laughter joined his. “So do I. But I’m okay with my flaws.”
“I don’t see them.”
She shook her head as she kept laughing. “You haven’t looked hard enough. They’re there. “
They were at the secondhand store and he went in with her, surprised by the variety of stuff. He spied a wall of knives behind the counter and was drawn to it.
The woman working behind the counter lifted her eyebrows. “This display always draws men like you. Then they voice their displeasure of going into the hunting store first instead of coming here.”
He met her gaze and nodded. “Can I take a photo and send it to my friends? They’re all over at the hunting store.”
“Sure. Get them before they make any purchases over there.”
He sent the photo, and the guys responded with shocked face emojis and said they were on their way over.
“Why so many knives?”
“Holiday warriors. They don’t know what they’re doing and they buy an expensive knife before they go play in the wilderness.
When their vacation ends they realize they can’t carry the knife back on the plane and they come by here or the other store we have in Los Angeles and sell it.
Bob down the street at the pawn shop has the used guns. ”
He nodded. “Nice. The knife that is on the left side one in from the end, third row up. The Benchmade. How much is that?”
She turned then spun back to him and smiled. “That one is a gem. New it’s three hundred. It’s one fifteen here. It was used a few times by the guy. I checked it over and my husband has looked at it a few times. He says it’s good.”
“Can I see it?”
“Sure.”
The door opened and his buddies came in. He waved them over. Griz noticed the women were looking at cast iron skillets.
“You have a lot of nice things here.”
She nodded. “My daughter and son-in-law go to garage sales in Los Angeles and San Francisco. They’re very discerning buyers.” She laughed. “I shouldn’t be telling you this, but…”
“I won’t tell anyone. This is a great place, though.”
“Travelers know about us, and they stop here when they pass through. The cast iron is top-notch. She doesn’t buy anything that can’t be rehabilitated.”
“Well, I appreciate what you’ve done and I’ll keep your secret. I think it’s great. Recycling at its best.”
She chuckled then his friends came over and they all started looking at the knives. He bought the one he’d been looking at, and four of the other guys bought knives. They were all in excellent shape and though they’d dropped money, they had gotten a bargain.
The women came over carrying various cast-iron pans. From what he could tell the store had made a lot of money on them. When they stepped out, he had his arm around Elowen. It felt good being out with her.
“I’m hungry,” Amelia said.
“Same,” Sharp said.
“We should eat,” Elowen said. “The place I was telling you all about isn’t far from here.”
Elowen was surprised she’d had a good time shopping with the other women. She’d never really had much fun shopping, but she did with these people. They were women she knew she would be friends with even if she hadn’t met them just because they knew Griz.
When they were on their way to the vehicles, she had an odd feeling, like people were watching. But they were a big group in the middle of town that wasn’t well populated. Vacationers always got stares, and she guessed this group fit that description.
“You okay?” Griz asked as he slung his arm over her shoulder.
She nodded. “Yeah, fine.”
“Good. You sent the address for this place to the drivers, right?”
She turned toward him and placed her hand on his chest. It felt good touching him. She’d never been touchy feely with any of the guys she’d ever been with, mainly because they acted like she was a possession. Griz acted like she was an equal.
“I did. This has been a really good day.”
He kissed her again, and she liked how the kiss felt like a promise for later. A shiver slid down her back and he pulled her closer, laughing.
The drive over took them less than five minutes and they piled out, going to the window to order. The owner of the place seemed thrilled to have such a big crowd. The guy came out after they’d received their food to make sure everything tasted okay.
Griz stood and shook his hand after wiping it off on the napkin. “That is one of the best burgers I’ve ever eaten.”
“Well thank you, son.”
She watched as Griz pointed to the man’s arm. “I see you’re a Marine.”
“Yes, I served for six years. I wasn’t a cook, though. Tank crew.”
“Nice. That’s awesome.”
The man’s eyes narrowed and his lips thinned. “You guys are military, right?”
“Yes, sir. We’re up here on vacation.”
“That’s good. Well, I hope you enjoy your time in the mountains.” The man’s demeanor changed almost immediately, and he shook his head.
Elowen turned to look at what the guy was disgusted by. She saw a truck turn down a side street and drive away.
“Sorry. That guy is banned from coming here. I thought he was going to stop in.”
Griz said something, but she didn’t hear. Was that the truck she’d seen earlier? She stood and moved to the man.
“Why was he banned?”
He frowned and shook his head. “Nothing you all need to worry about.”
“I think I saw that truck close to my cabin. I own a place not too far from town.”
“Oh, I know you now. The Winters woman. You bought that shabby place a few miles out. We all thought you were crazy, but no, you’re talented.”
“Thank you. So why was he banned?”
“Just some jerk who was rude to the women customers. He’s not welcome in a few places in town.”
“Oh?” she asked, wanting more information.
“Yeah. He backs down fast when you challenge him. Basically a coward. He’s fine picking on the ladies, but if a man stands up to him, he’s weaker than hot jello.”
Elowen nodded. “Thank you. I’ll keep an eye out for him.”
“You do that. Stay safe.”
“I will.”
They finished their meal and headed back to her house. The car ride back was quieter, and she thought that had to do with people being tired.
When they arrived at the cabin, Griz told her to wait for him so he could put his knife up in the room. Danika pulled out a plate of cookies and they headed out to the porch to sit in the shade and relax.
Griz came down, and they headed over to her cabin. She liked how he held her hand as they walked over.
Elowen sighed and pulled him closer. “It has been a while since I’ve had this good of a day.”
“Same. Today was amazing. I really enjoyed spending time with you. I like this thing that is developing between us.”
“It’s good.”
When they stepped into her cabin, he shut the door then pushed her up against it, giving her a kiss that made her knees weak. They were going to be twisted up in bed this afternoon, and she was ready for it.
“I’m falling for you, Elowen Winters. I just want you to know that all the feelings I’ve had for you over the years are only growing.”
“That’s good, because I’m falling for you. I want you in my life because I don’t think I could live without you.”
Having this man close was great, and she would miss him when he headed home. For now, she was going to show him how much she loved him.