by Rebecca Deel
Darcy glanced at Rio. “We have a solution for that. You’re busy with the security system and safe room. Rio’s cousin, Mason, might be able to do the repairs.”
“Yeah?” His gaze shifted to Rio. “He does this kind of work?”
“He has in the past. It’s been a while.” He was reluctant to discuss why Mason might not have been doing carpentry for a while. If he was smart, he kept himself busy with any work he could lay his hands on. Would he have had access to that kind of equipment?
“Sounds like a fair trade for staying a few days,” Trent said.
She shook her head. “Only if he wants to do this. He’s under no obligation, bro. He’ll be living in his cousin’s house whenever Rio returns home.” She held out her hand for the phone. “I’ll call the phone company now. Hopefully, they’ll come tomorrow.”
When she walked into the kitchen to make her call, Rio watched his patient’s body language. “How long since you took pain meds?”
A pause, then, “I don’t remember.”
“Too long. I’ll find over-the-counter pain pills.”
“Thanks. Look, man, I’m sorry about giving you such a hard time over Darcy. I love her and she’s the only family I have left.”
“She loves you just as much, buddy, and she’s worried about you. The faster you mend, the better she’ll be.” Rio went to his room for the pain killers in his mike bag. As a medic, he carried a wide variety of drugs to help his injured teammates, including the over-the-counter variety.
After shaking a couple into his palm, Rio swung by the kitchen to grab a bottle of water for Trent and pulled up short when he saw Darcy standing in the middle of the room, staring. “Sweetheart? What is it?”
“Look at this room,” she whispered.
He scanned the kitchen, puzzled. What was he supposed to notice? He didn’t see anything out of the ordinary. “What are you seeing, Darcy?”
“It’s clean.”
He blinked. “Okay.” That was a good thing, right?
“Rio, you don’t understand. I cleaned the counters so it was safe to hold food and utensils, but that’s all. Someone scoured this room. The cabinets are gleaming and the counters and floors are spotless. This took hours of work. Who would do this?”
“Nate. He’s a fanatic about clean kitchens and workspaces.”
“I owe him for this.”
With his free hand, Rio cupped her chin and turned Darcy’s face toward him. “Baby, there’s no debt owed. But if it will make you feel better, invite him and Stella for dinner when you’re ready to entertain.” He smiled. “Invite me, too, please. I’d love to spend more time with you.”
“Deal. The phone company will come tomorrow.”
“Good. That will help all of us.”
“Trent is kind of pitiful, isn’t he? He’s never liked being stuck inside, but I think he’s become worse over the years.”
“I’m not much better,” he admitted.
Her brow furrowed. “But you’ve been content the past few days while my brother has become more surly.”
“I was also spending time with you and you fascinate me.”
“Why hasn’t some woman snapped you up, Rio?” she asked, her cheeks pink.
Where was she going with this? “Why do you ask?”
“Everywhere we go, women seem interested in you. I can’t imagine at least one of them hasn’t tried to capture your attention.”
Rio pressed a soft kiss to her lips. “A discussion for another time. Come on, you should tell Trent when his work begins.”
When he would have turned away from her, Darcy stopped him with a soft hand to his cheek. “You will tell me?”
“Not today, but I will answer any questions you have, provided the details aren’t classified.”
“Fair enough. My brother is restricted on the information he can share from his SEAL days as well. Just don’t use the classified information excuse to dodge questions you prefer not to answer.”
“I can’t very well insist on honesty from you if I don’t offer the same. If I can tell you, I will.” He hoped she didn’t ask questions she couldn’t handle the answers to. That was the reason all his relationships in the past hadn’t lasted beyond a handful of dates. His work drew a lot of women. The reality of him being called up at any time for a mission that could last weeks soon made him less appealing. He was a bad risk. His work was dangerous and, with him on call for a mission any time, he couldn’t be counted on. What woman wanted that?
Trent glanced up as they returned to the living room. “Well?”
“The technician is coming tomorrow at ten to hook up the Internet.”
He beamed. “Excellent. Are you going out soon?”
Rio said. “What do you need?”
“More books. Anything except the sappy romance stuff Darcy prefers. If I’m to be housebound for a few more days, I need more to read than my shoe size.”
“Books or magazines?”
“Yes.”
Rio chuckled. “I’ll see what I can find for you. Darcy, do you want to go with me or stay with Trent?”
“Go,” her brother said. “I’ll watch television, maybe nap.”
Darcy leaned over and kissed Trent’s cheek. “I’m trusting you to stay right here. We’ll pick up dinner from Delaney’s and bring it back.”
“Nate has been telling me good things about the diner. Hopefully I’ll be able to go myself next week. Take your time, Darce. I’m not hungry yet, so there’s no hurry on dinner.”
Rio bundled Darcy into his SUV and turned the blower on high. Felt like the temperature had dropped a good ten degrees in the last hour. “I hope you have a good winter coat. We get a lot of snow and ice in Otter Creek during the winter months.”
“I need to buy one. It wasn’t necessary in Florida.”
Five minutes later, he parked in front of the bookstore and rounded the SUV. “After we buy reading material for Trent, we should buy you a coat. There’s no cloud cover tonight which means the temperature will drop fast.”
She shivered as a gust of wind buffeted them. “Good idea.”
Inside the store, Nick Santana sat at the coffee bar with his wife while Del rang up a customer’s order.
Madison smiled. “Hi, Rio. Darcy, welcome back. How about something hot to drink?”
“Green tea for me,” Darcy said. “Rio?”
“Coffee.” The woman at his side sighed. He leaned over, brushed her mouth with his. “Sorry, baby,” he murmured.
“I won’t complain too much since the changes are working, but I miss coffee.”
“Here you go.” Madison placed Rio’s coffee mug in front of the seat beside Nick, who watched him and Darcy with amusement gleaming in his eyes. “Have a seat, Darcy. What kind of tea would you like this time?”
She scanned the menu again. “Green tea with mint.”
“Great choice. My sister loves that one. She swears it’s the only thing that settles her stomach.”
“How is Serena?” Rio sipped the coffee, stopped, stared into the mug. What was in this? He’d expected plain joe and gotten something with flavor. Hazelnut, maybe? He turned to Nick. “You could have warned me,” he muttered.
His friend burst into laughter. “Too much fun watching your expression. It’s the new flavor this month.”
“Do you like it?” Madison asked.
“I’m more of a no-flavor coffee drinker.”
She scowled. “You sound like Nick and my brother. Serena is great. No more all-day sickness from the pregnancy and she’s pretty cute with her baby belly sticking out.” Madison turned to Darcy. “Serena is one of my two sisters. We’re identical triplets.”
“Sounds like that would have been fun growing up.”
“It had its moments.”
Over the sound system, classical piano music began to play. Rio recognized it as one of Darcy’s recordings. As soon as the music began in earnest, Darcy zoned out. Her eyes closed, her body swayed gently to the rhythm, and
on the coffee bar, her fingers subtly moved. Conversation fell silent until that piece concluded and another began.
When she opened her eyes, Darcy noticed the three of them watching her. Her cheeks blazed. “Sorry.”
“Don’t be,” Nick said, understanding in his eyes. “I do the same thing.” He held out his hand. “It’s nice to formally meet you, Darcy Melton. I love your music.”
She grinned. “Nick Santana, your guitar playing is absolutely magic. I’ve listened to you for years.”
He inclined his head as he released her hand. “Quite a compliment coming from a performer who graced the world stage for twenty years. Have things been quiet at your house?”
“No new break-ins. We found holes in the walls and floors after the PSI trainees started clearing rooms.”
Nick’s eyes narrowed. “Recent?”
“Looks like it,” Rio said. “Darcy has a lot of repair work to do before Brian and his crew begin remodeling. Did you find any evidence at the house?”
“Black thread that might belong to the perp. The shoe print is a size twelve Wolverine work boot. No fingerprints or palm prints. In other words, not much.” He sounded frustrated.
Madison slid Darcy’s mug of steaming green tea in front of her. “Do you need anything besides hot drinks?”
“My brother, Trent, wants more books and magazines to read while he recuperates,” Darcy said.
“He’s healing well?” Nick asked softly.
She darted a look at Rio, wanting to know how much information to share with a local cop.
“He should be on the job in a few weeks,” Rio answered. “Gunshot wound to the leg, knife wounds in the gut.”
Nick whistled. “Nasty business. Mission accomplished?”
“Yep. Kids got out safe. Trent and one other teammate were injured. Both will recover.”
“Good to hear.” He stood, leaned over the counter to kiss his wife. “I’ll pick up groceries on the way home, baby. Rio, Darcy, I’ll be in touch. I understand Stella is looking into the Bond woman’s background. Maybe that will help us figure out why there’s interest in the house.” He clapped Rio on the shoulder. “Darcy, I’ll be on duty again tonight. Call me if you need anything.” With a nod, he left.
“Hi, guys.” Del stepped behind the coffee counter. “Did you stop in to get warm?”
“And to buy more books and magazines for my brother.” Darcy sipped her tea. “Any suggestions for a guy who hates to be cooped up and works with your husband?”
The store owner rolled her eyes. “I have several customers like that, especially since PSI opened. Come with me. I know of several things he might like. Bring your tea. You can sip while you browse.”
Rio watched her stride away.
“Like that, is it?”
He turned to Madison. “Like what?”
“Oh, come on, Rio. Anyone can see that you’re crazy about her.”
He flinched. Oh, man. That wasn’t good. “They can, huh?”
“Does she feel the same way?”
“We’re in the very early stages of dating, Madison. I like her a lot. I hope she feels the same way about me.” He sighed, dragged a hand over his face. “And now I feel like an elementary school kid. Maybe I should put together a simple questionnaire for her, complete with boxes to check if she likes me or not.”
Madison laughed. “I’ll leave you alone about her. For now. Need a refill on the coffee?”
“Sure, but not that kind, sugar. Just the plain stuff.”
“Spoilsport.”
Del and Darcy returned to the counter, arms filled with books and magazines. While Del rang up the total, Darcy finished the last of her green tea, once again swaying to the piano music being piped through the store. Lost in the piano concerto, she didn’t hear Del give the total.
Amusement surged through Rio as he dug his wallet from his pocket and handed Del his debit card. She swiped the card, bagged the books and magazines, then left to help another customer.
When the music ended, Darcy surfaced. She noted the bags of books, sighed. “How much do I owe you, Rio?”
“Nothing. How long has it been since you played the piano?”
“Two weeks, the longest I’ve ever gone without touching a keyboard. Why?”
“You need piano time, baby.”
“My Steinway’s in storage. Do you have a piano I can play?”
He shook his head. “I know where there’s a piano for you to play. Let’s take care of the coat first, then we’ll see about the piano.”
While Darcy tried on full-length wool coats, he called Marcus Lang, pastor of Cornerstone Church, the place where he and the rest of Durango attended worship services when they were in town. “This is Rio Kincaid.”
“What can I do for you, Rio?”
“Would it be possible for a friend of mine to play the sanctuary piano for a while?”
“Of course. We just had it tuned. I’ll be here for a while. The board meets in an hour.”
“I don’t know how long she’ll play. Will we disturb your meeting?”
“We meet in one of the larger Sunday school rooms on the other side of the building. Your friend can play as long as she wants.”
He slid his phone into his pocket as Darcy strode into sight clad in a cranberry-colored coat.
“What do you think?”
Rio stood. “It’s not as beautiful as you are. Buy that one. It’s perfect for you.”
Minutes later, they left the store, Darcy wearing her coat. He escorted her to his SUV. “Next stop, a grand piano.”
Darcy’s face lit. “You were able to arrange it? Thank you, Rio.”
He leaned in, stole a quick kiss. “You’re welcome, baby.”
When he turned into the church parking lot, Darcy’s breath caught. “This is great. A nice piano and good acoustics.”
Pleased he could offer something to fill her need, Rio walked her into the church. Marcus Lang stood in the foyer, waiting. Rio introduced them.
“Thank you for letting me play,” Darcy said. “My piano’s in storage for a while longer.”
“Any time you want to play, let me know. If I can’t be here, I’ll have someone meet you.” The pastor turned to Rio. “Will I see you and your teammates Sunday?”
“We’re not supposed to be deployed for a few weeks.” Didn’t mean they wouldn’t be activated if Brent Maddox needed another team. He glanced at the woman by his side. Rio hoped Fortress wouldn’t call them anytime soon, but Maddox was down one team since Trent and his teammate were injured.
“I’ll look forward to seeing you for service.” He smiled at Darcy. “Enjoy yourself. There’s no hurry.” He turned and walked to his office.
“This way, sweetheart.” Rio clasped her hand and led her through the double doors to the sanctuary. He turned on the lights and walked with her to the stage. While she set aside her purse and coat, he uncovered the piano and raised the lid.
“It’s beautiful.” Darcy smoothed a hand over the black satin finish. “A Boston. Fantastic.”
“It’s a good piano?”
“Oh, yes. It’s a Steinway design. The sound is rich and full. If I didn’t own a Steinway, this would be my next choice.” Without saying anything else, she sat on the bench and began to play.
Rio settled on a nearby pew, content to listen as Darcy played through several pieces by Debussy, Mozart, Bach, and Clementi. Into the second hour, she shifted from classical to hymn arrangements, then finally to Christmas music.
When she removed her hands from the keyboard, he stood. “Feel better?”
Her movements as she rose were slow and stiff, but her lips curved into a broad smile. “I feel amazing.” She descended the stairs from the platform and threw her arms around his neck. “Thank you, Rio.”
He wrapped his arms around her, tugged her close to his chest. “Thank you for sharing your music with me, baby. I love your CDs, but there’s something magical about hearing you in person.”
�
�You never attended a concert?”
“I wanted to. Even had tickets once, but an hour before concert time, I was activated for a mission. After that, I was never in the same place you were to try again.”
“Ms. St. Claire, that was incredible.” Marcus Lang strode up the aisle from the back of the sanctuary. “You have been blessed with an amazing musical gift.”
She smiled at the pastor. “Thank you for letting me play so long.”
“I know I’m putting you on the spot, but would you consider giving a Christmas concert here at the church? We’re raising money to help with the medical expenses of one of our children in the congregation. She’s been fighting Leukemia.”
“Julia?” Rio asked.
The pastor nodded. “I know it’s short notice, Ms. St. Claire. Would you think about it?”
“Please, call me Darcy. I would love doing a benefit concert for Julia.” She stepped out of Rio’s embrace and scooped up her purse. A moment later, she handed Lang a business card. “My cell phone number’s listed. Call me with the date. I’ll need access to the church piano unless I can have mine shipped to Otter Creek.”
“Absolutely.” He glanced at the card, slipped it into his pocket. He looked back at her. “Would you mind if we advertised the concert? The more people who attend, the more we can do for Julia.”
“No problem. Use my stage name.” She smiled. “Darcy Melton.”
Lang’s eyes widened. “I attended one of your concerts a couple years ago, but I didn’t recognize you.” He smiled. “I was also in the very top row of seats in the concert hall. I would have needed opera glasses to see your face.”
Darcy laughed. “The beauty of concerts like that is you don’t have to see the artist’s face to enjoy the music.”
His smile faded. “I don’t know how much we can pay you.”
“No charge. I’m happy to help. Would it be possible for me to meet Julia? I’d like to find out which Christmas songs she likes so I can include her favorites in the list of music I play.”
“I’ll see what I can work out for you.” The pastor checked his watch. “Break time is over for the board meeting. Guess I should go back. I’ll be in touch soon, Darcy.” He shook Rio’s hand. “Later, my friend.”