by Неизвестный
“Would your open mindedness have anything to do with your contact from my attorney, William Kinney?” Luna watched as surprise covered the sheriff’s face.
“Uh, well, it’s necessary to cover all the bases, Luna. You should realize I’m only doing my job.”
“So, you think I’m barmy? Is that the sum of it all?”
“I didn’t say that, I simply wanted to hear your attorney’s thoughts on the faerie issue. He called earlier to reassure me there’s nothing to worry about and mentioned his confidence in your sound state of mind. That’s good enough for me.”
Relief sped through her system, though Luna’s anger simmered beneath the surface. Just because someone else verified her sound state of mind meant she shouldn’t worry about being thought of as wacko? It didn’t make her happy, but she held the anger tight within herself.
“Is there anything else you want to share with me?”
“No, no, nothing else at the moment. How are the wedding plans progressing?” he asked.
“Just dandy. When I have more news, I’ll put an announcement in the paper so you won’t have to tell everyone in town.” Luna turned away and strode into the building. The caustic remark had left her mouth before she’d realized what she’d said and the rudeness of it left her embarrassed.
Stomping down the cellar stairs, she ran into Devin as he ascended them. He caught her in his arms as they stood eye to eye. His kisses rained over her face while her stomach somersaulted.
When his lips met hers, she was lost. All coherent thought and anger left her as she melted into him.
When he let her go, she stared into his eyes sparkling with humor and something else. She wasn’t sure what, but knew it ran along the lines of hot and bothered. She certainly felt the heat rise and knew it wouldn’t be long before he ended up in her bed.
Surprised at the direction of her thoughts, Luna stepped up a stair and turned to flee to the upper level. Devin caught her hand and stopped her mid-stride.
“Where do you think you’re going?” he asked in a husky voice.
“Back to work. The help has more than earned their wages today.”
“Come down here. I want to show you how far along I’ve gotten.” Devin smiled and tugged her hand. “I’ll be moving in tonight, by the way. There’s a folding cot in the back of the truck.”
In view of what just happened between them, Luna wondered if the decision to have this sexy man under the same roof was a wise one. She shrugged and said, “Wait until Dilly has gone home before you bring in the cot. I don’t need her spreading the news all over town.”
With a nod, Devin showed her the progress he’d made. The office was clean of debris, wired and ready for lighting and telephone. All the room needed was paint and fixtures. She stared at the space, her excitement rising.
“Like it?” he asked with a wide grin.
“Absolutely. This is wonderful, thanks.” She stepped toward him, stood on her toes, and kissed his cheek.
Soft laughter met her. Luna stepped back and stared at him. He’d happened into her life through a bunch of matchmakers and now he would become more important than she’d ever thought possible. Her stomach tingled, as did her lower parts, and she smiled.
The sheriff was gone by the time she and Devin entered the shop. Dilly cleared tables, Annie rang up the last two customers, and the shop emptied out. Luna marched into the room and asked the two women to join her once the last customer departed. A smile on her face, Luna said, “I have something I want to say to both of you.”
A look of panic covered Dilly’s features as one of curiosity took hold of Annie’s. Both women nodded and joined Luna. Devin stood in the doorway, his face a mixture of curiosity and interest.
“You have both worked hard this week, more so than ever. I want to thank you for your support during these past few difficult days. As a gesture of how much I appreciate your help, there will be a bonus in your paycheck this week.”
Annie straightened in the chair. “There’s no need for thanks, Luna. We enjoy our jobs and look forward to coming here every day. You’re easy to work for and it means a lot to both of us, doesn’t it Dilly?” Annie turned a hard look toward Dilly.
“Y-yes, of course. Annie’s right,” Dilly said.
“Nonsense. Everyone can use extra money and it’s my pleasure to share the wealth with you when there’s some to be had.”
“But—”
“Not another word, Annie. You both deserve this. Now, let’s call it a day, shall we?” The clock chimed the hour and Luna got up to lock the doors and turn the sign to “closed.”
Her sweater in hand, Dilly said goodnight and darted out the rear door of the shop. Luna watched from behind the curtain as Dilly spoke into her cellphone and entered her car. Within a moment or two, she had left the parking area.
Chapter 11
A broad grin on his face, Devin remarked, “She left in a hurry.”
“As well she should,” Annie said with rancor. “Dilly is the worst gossip I have ever run across. Honest to goodness, she is relentless.”
Knowing Dilly had gotten on Annie’s nerves, she waited in silence as the woman remained seated at the table. She took the chair across from her.
“I suppose you want an explanation of my need to speak with you?” Annie asked.
“It would be nice, yes.”
“Dilly is dangerous to your business. She makes up stories as she goes along and shares them with anyone who’ll listen. Goodness gracious sakes alive. I’ve never seen the likes of it in my life.”
“Could you explain?”
“She believes the men in white are about to take you away to the funny farm. She said the sheriff has proof that you’re a few dollars short of a twenty. Why would anyone accuse you of being unsound? We know it certainly isn’t true.” Annie blustered.
Devin slid into a chair at the table and leaned his elbows on the rim.
“Did she say where he’d acquired his knowledge?” Devin asked with an edge to his voice.
“She said anyone who believed in faerie folk and the lot were not quite sane and that it ran in your family. She wouldn’t listen when I told her to keep quiet. She rambled on and on about it.”
Annie’s hands fluttered in the air. “Later, when we were on the porch, she said she was coming into a large sum of money, and she wouldn’t have to work for a living any longer.”
Luna and Devin exchanged glances. “How will that happen?” Luna asked.
“There was a big deal happening in town concerning some company in search of land for their condos and she said she’d be in on the ground floor of the sale,” Annie huffed. “The woman doesn’t have the sense to stay dry on a rainy day, never mind be part of a land deal. And besides, nobody in this town has land for sale.” She gave an indignant sniff.
“Thanks for sharing that with us. I can’t imagine where she got the idea there was a land deal on the horizon,” Devin murmured.
Her eyes popped wide and she said, “Well, she thinks Luna is selling up. Now, why would she think that? This shop is doing well and has a great future. It would be stupid to sell out to a developer.” Her eyes on Luna, Annie asked, “You aren’t planning to, are you?”
“Absolutely not. I love this shop and enjoy the customers who come here. I would never do such a thing.” Luna shook her head. Thoughts of Thomas popped into her head. Angrily she realized he was most likely behind the rumor.
Pushing the chair back, Annie rose and gathered her belongings. She turned to Luna and Devin with a smile and said, “That’s exactly what I told her.” With a goodbye, she left for the day.
“Tell me what the heck happened up here today, Luna.”
A half-hour later, Luna stopped talking. Exhaustion flowed over her and her head swam from the events surrounding her, all at once. It was almost too much to take in.
Devin nodded now and then as she explained. Intent, he listened to the happenings. Devin smiled when she repeated Mrs. Gregory�
�s offer of a party.
“Have you heard from Thomas today?” he asked.
“Not one word. He breezes in when he pleases and then disappears without a sound. He’s like the wind, and for the life of me I can’t seem to get rid of him.”
“He’ll get rid of himself, don’t worry. Now, let’s talk about the sheriff. I looked into him as you asked. He’s a busy fellow, but seems fairly honest. A bit biased, but then we all have issues one way or another. His issues concern faeries, the ones with wings.”
“Do you think he’ll try to pin all of these unfortunate incidences on me?” Luna asked as she swept her hair away from her brow.
“He isn’t so sure it’s you who’s doing them. I spoke with a friend of mine in the sheriff’s office who said the evidence is piling up, but not against you.”
“Last night the faeries told me to beware of troublemakers. They even offered the pixies as a resolution to the problem.”
“Did they? And what was your response?” His brows hitched upward.
“I refused the offer. I have enough problems without pixie tricks, which often turn around and end up on you instead of the intended party.” Luna smirked.
“How do you know so much about pixies?” Devin asked, his eyes gleaming with interest.
“They’re faeries by nature, but are somewhat different than your average faerie. They’re pranksters and can be quite devilish. Once they enter your home, it’s near impossible to be rid of them, so I’d rather not take the chance.”
“Good thought.”
“You can bring the cot in at anytime, by the way. I’ll try to keep the basement area free of employees, so no one needs to know you’re here. This way we can set a trap for the would-be criminals.”
“A trap, huh? What do you have in mind?”
“If we’re vigilant, we can catch them red-handed should they come back. It’s inevitable that they will, especially since they weren’t successful last time. Was there any word on the woman they left here? The sheriff never mentioned it.”
“I called the hospital and asked for the Jane Doe brought in by rescue. She’s doing well and will return home. I guess she lives alone and has daily care. Someone must have taken advantage of her inability to get away, poor thing.” Devin leaned back in the chair and stared at Luna.
“It’s a relief to know she’ll be fine,” Luna said. “I’m starving. While you settle in, I’ll make us something to eat.” She rose from the chair without waiting for an answer. When he didn’t utter a sound, she turned toward him.
His gaze lingered on her and she asked, “What’s wrong?”
Laughter crinkled the skin at the corners of his eyes and deepened the dimples in his cheeks. “You better be careful. This is becoming very homey. Making dinner, my moving in, being close to one another…”
Hands on her hips, Luna stood with her feet apart. “Don’t mistake this for anything but a decent meal and protection against would-be bad guys, Devin,” Luna said.
“Sure, sure, if you want to deny your feelings for me, then be my guest. We both know that you turn to mush whenever I kiss you, and then there’s the sexual attraction we have going on.” He waggled his eyebrows, and laughed out loud.
She took in his handsome, mischievous expression. He had a point and she knew they both realized he was right. His moving in could be a mistake for her, but somehow it didn’t feel wrong. Instead, it felt just right.
She made a face, rolled her eyes and shook her head as she hustled up the stairs to the loft. Within minutes, Luna chopped and stir-fried veggies in a wok. Rice boiled on the stove and she set the table for two.
The loft door stood open. She heard Devin’s footsteps on the stairs and when he entered the huge room, his gaze traveled around the space. He smiled in appreciation. His gaze lingered on the folding screen next to the bed.
“This is quite nice. I can see why you wanted an office elsewhere, though. Where’s Riddles?”
“He sneaked out the minute I opened the door. He’s probably got his fat body wedged into one of the windows in the tearoom. It’s his favorite place to be when he’s not scoffing crumbs off the floor.”
She poured wine into a glass and offered it to him. He shook his head and asked for beer. With a smirk, she pulled a bottle from the fridge and handed it to him.
“You’re lucky, I don’t usually keep much alcohol on hand. This is the last of the beer. Sorry.”
“I guess you don’t entertain much, do you?” Devin smiled.
“Not at all, actually. I generally go out, not have people in. The place is too small for entertaining. Cozy enough for me, though.”
Fluffy rice filled the platter. She dumped the fried veggies on top of it. She planted the meal between them on the table and offered Devin rolls and butter.
They ate in companionable silence, enjoying the meal while savoring the peace and quiet. When finished, they both leaned back in the chair and grinned at one another.
“That was delicious. You’re a helluva cook, Luna,” Devin admitted.
“My pleasure. It’s the least I can do to repay you for your protection.”
“I’ve given payment some thought,” Devin said with a wide grin. “You could pay me with, uh, you know… sex?”
“Not a chance. Forget it.” Luna laughed at his crestfallen face.
Chapter 12
The alarm blared until Luna slapped the button to silence it. The room still in darkness, Riddles lay curled in a ball within the lightweight comforter on the bed as Luna stretched her muscles. Time to make the cupcakes.
Dressed in the usual shorts, t-shirt, sneakers and apron, Luna stumbled down the stairs to the basement. She moved to the creation station, flicking the lights on. Wrestling the ingredients for the cakes onto the counter, Luna measured and dumped mounds of flour, vanilla, and assorted ingredients into the large commercial mixer. Paddles clipped in place, the timer set, she hit the start button. The paddles spun slowly, their soft whirring noise filled the basement.
“What the hell time is it?” Devin grumbled.
Luna chuckled. With a glance over her shoulder, she caught his glare.
“It’s time to make the cupcakes. I warned you that I got up early. If you want to sleep, use the sofa in the loft.” She spread frosting bags across the countertop and counted to make sure she had the right number before removing frosting mix from the refrigerator.
Batter poured into prepared pans from an extruder tube attached to the mixer. Each measurement was the same. Luna slid filled pans into preheated ovens to bake for the allotted time. She worked in silence, making varied batches of tasty morsels.
Interested in the process, Devin watched Luna handle the mixer, the wide pans and add globs of frosting to the cooled creations. “So this is how it’s done. I wondered. How do you keep it all straight?” he marveled.
Luna laughed. “It wasn’t easy in the beginning, but I learned with the help of a pastry chef I’d met in Portland. He told me to use the alphabet as a guide. S is for strawberry, V is vanilla and so on. By using the letter system, it’s easier to track the flavors. If more than one flavor starts with the same letter, I have some handy-dandy little cards that I place at the beginning of the flavor change.”
“I’m in awe watching you work with such efficiency.
After the first three batches were baked, frosted and decorated, Luna turned to Devin and said, “If you really want to show me how awed you are, you could get me a cup of coffee.” She winked at him and grinned. He nodded and sped up the stairs to the loft.
“All you need to do is hit the start button on the coffeemaker,” she called after him, weighing the differences between him and Thomas. Thomas never cared a wit about what she did and let her know it. Devin showed interest in everything that concerned her. Warmth spread over her at the thought, leaving her with a pleased sense of being.
A muffled okay came back to her. With a smile, Luna continued on, the cupcakes taking shape when she added the final emb
ellishments. Devin delivered the coffee saying he’d be upstairs. She nodded and watched him leave.
She glanced at the clock and realized the hours had sped past. The cooled cup of coffee sat atop the counter as she sprinkled pink pearled nonpareils on top of the final batch of strawberry buttercream frosting. Daisies adorned double chocolate cakes while bright pink rosebuds nestled among frosting stars. Candied pansies and violets adorned iced faerie cakes, the flower centers filled with silver nonpareils. Sipping her coffee, Luna stood back to view the dozens of creations. Satisfied, she left them in covered trays and wandered upstairs.
The porch door stood open and Luna heard Devin’s voice. Curious, she tiptoed to the door and listened.
“You aren’t a good hunter, you know. Too plump for your own good, actually.”
Luna smiled and peered through the doorway. Riddles held his chin up while Devin scratched his furry throat and spoke to him. He turned and cast a smile at her.
“This is one spoiled beast you have, here.”
“He is spoiled, isn’t he?” Luna laughed as Riddles wound around Devin’s ankles, begging for more attention.
“I heard nothing all night, did you?” he asked.
“Not a sound, but I slept well. It was either exhaustion or your presence that made it so. Either way, the building could have fallen down, and I’d never have known it.”
His soft laughter filtered through the early morning air. Mist hung over the meadow in the distance and fog rolled through the trees. Eerie as it seemed, Luna adored the sight and smell of the beginning of each day. Soft scents carried on the breeze tickled her nose and she smiled.
“You really do like it here, don’t you?” Devin asked.
“It’s home to me and the faeries, and to Riddles, of course. I wouldn’t ever consider giving it up. I know that William will ensure the property stays protected, no matter what.”
Lights twinkled in the distance, but came no nearer than the farthest edge of the garden path. Luna watched them, knowing full well that they were faeries. She smiled again and turned away from them. The faeries wouldn’t come to the porch in the presence of Devin. Not until they could trust him, anyway.