She pulled out her phone and checked the time. “We should probably wrap it up sooner rather than later.”
The paint was going on easily and we were almost done, which was good news because the carpet guys would be here in the morning. My tile guy was still out sick, but he planned to be here over the weekend so he could get caught up. That meant the vanities could go in the bathrooms later next week. Not quite on schedule, but close. And close was as good as it got in this business.
Audrey had picked the vanities. They weren’t identical to the kitchen cabinets, but had a similar vibe. I’d also had her pick the tile for all three bathrooms, as well as the lights and fixtures. I was basically designing the house to her taste, rather than erring on the side of neutral like I usually would for a rental. Maybe it wasn’t the best business decision, but there was something about seeing her vision for the house come to life that I liked.
Plus, she had good taste.
“We’re almost done anyway. Do you feel like going out after this, or staying in? I was thinking we could get a drink at the Timberbeast.”
“I like that idea.” She smiled. “But do you mind if I invite Marigold? We don’t have concrete plans, but we did talk about hanging out tonight.”
“Sure.”
She moved closer, popped up on her tiptoes, and kissed me. “Thank you.”
“I’ll finish up here if you want to go shower.”
“Am I dirty?”
I set the roller on the edge of the paint tray so I could hook an arm around her waist and drag her against me. “You’re covered in paint splatters.”
“Oops.”
“You did a good job but you made a mess.” I leaned down and kissed her, slow and deep. Her mouth was soft and warm against mine.
So good.
“Sorry about the mess,” she said.
“Don’t be. I just hope you planned on those being your permanent painting clothes.”
“They are now.” She smiled again.
Damn, that woman. Her smile was going to be the death of me. I dipped my mouth to hers and kissed her again, indulging in her taste.
I managed to let her go without ripping her clothes off. But only just. I finished the last part of the wall and cleaned up while she went next door to take Max outside. Concern pressed at me as soon as she left. I didn’t like it when she was out of my sight. So far, the stalker hadn’t attempted to hurt her directly. But that didn’t mean he wouldn’t.
A peek out the window reassured me. She was wandering behind Max while he sniffed the yard. I waited until he did his business and they both went inside.
Cleaning up after a day of painting always took forever. I got everything washed out and put away in the garage, then went next door to get myself cleaned up so we could go out.
I was glad she’d agreed to a drink at the Timberbeast. I was too restless to stay in. Painting was physical enough work, it should have helped me burn off some of my excess energy. But it hadn’t. I hated feeling so useless. Like her stalker could do whatever he wanted and I had no way to answer back.
I kind of hoped he’d be at the bar—finally show himself in public. Then I could give him what he deserved.
The noise of voices and music spilled out into the parking lot when I opened the door. At a glance, it looked crowded but not packed. I could live with that. At least it wasn’t karaoke night.
I put a hand on the small of Audrey’s back as we walked in. A light touch, but it held a message for every man in the bar. Don’t even think about it. She’s mine.
Audrey checked her phone. “Marigold is on her way. I’ll just save her a seat.”
That was fine with me. Marigold had been one of my sister’s best friends for years. Nice enough girl. Probably too nice for most of the guys in this town.
There was an empty table on the left side, so I led Audrey to it and pulled out a chair for her. “I’ll get drinks. What do you want?”
“A vodka soda, with lemon if they have it.”
I scanned the crowd as I walked to the bar, practically glaring at everyone. I was looking for Colin, half-expecting to find him there attempting to blend in. No matter what Audrey said, I didn’t trust that guy. Even Garrett had admitted they hadn’t ruled him out as a suspect.
But there was no sign of him. There were a handful of unfamiliar faces—probably tourists—but most were townsfolk. No pompous, self-important asshole.
Rocco and Hayden were both working the bar but it was Rocco who came to take my order. He was dressed in his typical uniform—red buffalo plaid flannel with the sleeves rolled up over his thick forearms. I ordered a beer and Audrey’s drink, then leaned against the bar while I waited.
I kept an eye on Audrey. Before our drinks were up, someone approached the table. I was half a heartbeat away from barreling over there when I realized it was just my brother, Zachary.
He was a troublemaker, but he wouldn’t mess with my girl.
“Do you want me to start a tab?” Rocco slid our drinks across the bar.
“Sure. But don’t let Z charge anything to it.”
“Make sure he simmers down tonight or he’ll wind up in the parking lot.”
“What’d he do now?”
“Nothing tonight. Just tell him to watch himself.”
“Will do. Thanks, man.”
Hayden glanced my direction as I picked up our drinks, so I tipped my chin to him. He nodded back, although he looked kinda pissed. Not that I blamed him. He probably dealt with all kinds of shit in his line of work, especially on a busy night.
I took our drinks to the table and glared at Zachary until he got up and moved to one of the other chairs. Obviously I could have sat on the other side of Audrey, but sometimes a guy had to put his younger brother in his place.
“Where’s my beer?” he asked as I sat down.
“Get your own.”
“Jerk.”
“What kind of trouble have you been getting into lately?” I asked. “Rocco said to make sure you simmer down.”
Z pretended to look shocked. “I have no idea what he’s talking about.”
Audrey snickered.
“I’m serious. I’m a perfect gentleman.”
I snorted. “You? Hardly.”
He turned to Audrey. “Can you believe this guy?”
“I’m inclined to believe Rocco.” She gestured toward the bar. “He doesn’t look like a guy who messes around.”
“True enough,” Zachary said. “Did he threaten to kick me out again?”
“Yeah,” I said. “Don’t test him. He’ll do it.”
“Wouldn’t be the first time.”
“Aren’t you getting a little old for that?”
He grinned. “Probably.”
Luke appeared, pulled out the other chair, and sat. He had grease under his fingernails and his hair was disheveled.
“What happened to you?” I asked.
“Two of my mechanics are out and we have a deadline. Means I have to get my hands dirty.”
“Good,” Z said, practically spitting out the word. “You spend too much time all cozied up in your office.”
“How would you know?”
Z just shrugged, as if he didn’t care enough to argue his point.
“What’s going on with the stalker situation?” Luke asked.
“Other than someone’s trying to get her fired, nothing,” I said, not bothering to keep the frustration out of my voice. “The whole thing is bullshit.”
“Do you think the patrols are helping?”
“No more dead squirrels,” Zachary said.
“Whoever it is still walked right up to her house and spray painted it in the middle of the night.”
“But at least he didn’t kill another squirrel,” Audrey said brightly.
If one of my brothers had said that, I would have glared at him hard enough to melt his face. But coming from her, it was so cute I almost smiled.
“Good attitude,” Luke said.
“I like to focus on the bright side.”
I loved that about her and I wasn’t about to rain on her parade by reminding her there wasn’t much of a bright side to any of this.
Although it had given me an excuse to sleep at her place every night.
Maybe there was a bright side after all.
I took a sip of my beer. Someone near the door caught Audrey’s eye and she waved.