Little Jon moved inside her, as she approached the shop. There stood Jonathan, plaid shirt and jeans. He turned to greet her. The sparkle in his eyes filled her with warmth as if sipping hot green tea.
“Come see my shingle. Not every day a man gets to open his own law office and not have to drive to work. My first client will be here in an hour. Her son seems to have sticky fingers, and he picked up the wrong item this week. She can’t afford to pay much, but she needs a good lawyer.”
“I can’t think of anyone more qualified to help her. You are the best defense lawyer in town.”
“Maybe the only one, the rest are in Pigeon Forge or Sevierville. I’ve hung all your paintings in your loft. You know, you’re pretty darn good. It’s great to be a kept man. Your fans will flock here once they see your brochure. Who can resist Angie’s Loft?”
His grin stretched across his face, ear to ear. “Hungry?”
She rubbed her tummy. “You know me. I’m constantly hungry.”
He wrapped his strong arms around her waist and pulled her close. “I’ve made blueberry muffins, laced in honey. You’ll love them. And the tea is seeping.”
She gave him a long kiss and strolled into the loft. He followed, humming. Never one to miss a meal, Mister Tubbs reached the kitchen before the others and began to beg for treats.
Jonathan pulled out the kitchen chair for Angie. “By the way, I have earned a new title while you were out walking.”
“Oh?”
“You may not know it, but you are now running a bed and breakfast.”
Angie shifted in her chair and sipped the hot tea. “Tell me more, Mister Lawyer”
He smiled, and rubbed his chin, covered with a two-day beard. “First your mom called. She and her new boyfriend, Chuck, want to spend the weekend on the 12th with us. I penciled them in and no sooner had I hung up, and your dad called. He also wanted the 12th. Being a man of great intelligence, I suggested he try a visit on the 18th. After a short explanation, he thanked me and agreed. He’s so excited about the baby and wants to see you every chance he can get.”
Her dad always was the nurturer. He seemed happy in his new life, but she had been happily surprised to have him stay in such close contact. “Well, I guess we best meet this Chuck. He may be the next to join the family. However, mom has been trying out lots of Match.com fellows. I won’t get too close to him unless he turns out to be a finalist.”
“I understand. That last guy she brought here was a real loser. I have enjoyed getting to know your dad, though. He’s becoming a friend.”
She bit into the muffin, “Hum mm. This is yummy. I think I’ll give up cooking. As my kept man, you can be our chef.”
“Thanks. I thought I was the chef. When was the last time you slaved over a hot stove?”
“Okay. It’s been awhile, but your son makes me sleepy. Besides, you really are a good cook.”
“Did I tell you what I learned at the barber shop yesterday?”
Angie reached into the cookie jar and gave the treat to her short companion. “No. What did you learn?”
“The mayor has decided not to run for reelection. I’m thinking about getting into the race. What do you think?”
Angie frowned and gave him a brisk look. “Hum. Mayor Rhodes. It has a very nice ring to it. You’d be perfect.”
“Good. I have a few posters for you to design while I fill out the paperwork.”
Angie doubled over in laughter. “Am I surprised? Nope. Once a politician, always a politician. How fortunate that the Bakers live here now. I’m sure we can get Jack as your campaign manager, and Hanna will handle your publicity. She knows everyone in town. This will be fun.”
“Great idea, Jack and I are going fishing Saturday. I’ll dazzle him with my charm and intelligence. He’ll never know what hit him.” He leaned over and gently touched his warm lips to hers. “I love you.”
“Yep. Once a politician, always a politician.” She laughed and ran up the stairs.
The End
The Artist's Paradise Page 24