by Jenn Roseton
After listening to the mechanic’s explanation of what he’d fixed, Cole thanked the man and paid him from his roll of cash. Not an expert on cars, half the conversation was lost to Phoebe. Cole ushered her into the SUV and in a couple of minutes they were on their way.
They drove through Nebraska on the way back to Cheyenne. She couldn’t help continually glancing at Cole. Nothing had been mentioned about their intimacy and she didn’t want to be the first one to bring it up. Although he’d said she was beautiful, it could have been the passion of that moment. Did he still think she was beautiful right now? Could he see himself dating a curvy girl with plump thighs, ample breasts and a rounded stomach that she couldn’t suck in, no matter how long she held her breath?
“Not long now.” Cole finally spoke, his eyes on the road.
“No,” she agreed, a hint of sadness in her voice. Once she returned Mrs. Miller’s coin, it would all be over - apart from discovering if she was going to be arrested for theft. And she knew Victor would fire her - he probably already had. Although she wasn’t sorry about no longer working for him, she hoped he wouldn’t get away with what he had tried to do to Mrs. Miller.
They stopped for a quick break at yet another fast food place, Phoebe savoring the chocolate shake as its creamy coolness slipped down her throat. She must have put on some extra pounds over the last few days, but right now she couldn’t be sorry about it if it meant that she spent time with Cole.
She watched him gulp down his soda, his throat muscles working against the tanned column of his neck. Awareness rushed through her. Whatever happened, she was glad she’d met Cole Trask.
Just before they left the parking lot, Cole’s phone buzzed. He spoke briefly, then ended the call. “That was my friend who’s still on the force,” he told her. “There have been several people in the past who’ve complained about Blackwood cheating them, but when it came down to it, none of them pressed charges.” He shook his head. “My friend handled one case, and he said the elderly man came in one day looking scared and withdrew his complaint.”
Phoebe looked thoughtful. “Maybe he prefers to try and defraud senior citizens because he thinks it’s easier.”
“You could be right,” he muttered. “The sooner he’s behind bars, the better.”
Soon, they reached the outskirts of Cheyenne. Cole punched in Mrs. Miller’s address into the GPS and they proceeded to her house in an older residential section of the city.
Phoebe wiped her hands on her capris. Excited she - no, they - had finally reached their destination, she couldn’t help feeling apprehensive.
Cole parked in front of a modest brick ranch-style house. He turned off the ignition, then captured her hand. Pulse skittering, she turned to look at him.
“You’ll be fine,” he informed her, his mouth crooking into a reassuring smile. “And I’ll be right by your side.”
She returned his smile, instantly feeling more at ease. She was so glad she’d met him. Even if they went their separate ways after this, she’d always cherish their brief time together.
But I want more, a treacherous voice inside her protested.
They walked along the path together in the late evening darkness, Phoebe grasping her purse. Taking a deep breath, she rang the doorbell. A melodious chime sounded inside the house, and then slow footsteps approached the other side of the door.
“Who is it?” Mrs. Miller called out.
“Phoebe Lancaster.” She glanced at Cole. “And Cole Trask. We spoke on the phone earlier today. You came into Victor Blackwood’s antique store a few days ago to ask about your coin.”
“Just a minute.”
Phoebe heard the sound of a bolt and then the wooden door creaked open. Mrs. Miller peered at her, then her face broke into a smile.
“Yes, you’re the young lady who helped me.”
“That’s right, ma’am.” Her heart thudded in her chest. “I’ve come to return your coin and to explain why I took it in the first place. You see, I--”
“And who’s this?” The elderly lady looked directly at Cole.
“Cole Trask.” He held out his hand. “I’ve been helping Phoebe. I’m a private investigator, licensed with the city of Cheyenne.” He took out his wallet and held up his I.D.
Mrs. Miller stared at him for a moment longer, then opened the screen door to shake his hand. “You’re a good looking private eye, that’s for sure.”
A flush of crimson stained his cheekbones, and for a moment Cole looked as if he didn’t know what to say.
“Come in.” Mrs. Miller opened the door wider. “We might as well be comfortable while you tell me what’s going on.”
They followed her into a small living room with neat but slightly shabby furniture.
“Sit down.” The elderly lady gestured to a floral two-seater sofa, while she sat in a comfortable looking armchair. “Now, Miss Lancaster, do you have my coin?”
Cole and Phoebe sat side by side on the cozy couch, their thighs touching. A burst of heat flashed through her at the contact.
“Please call me Phoebe, Mrs. Miller.” She smiled shyly, unzipping her purse and pulling out the tissue-wrapped coin. “Here it is. I’ve been very careful with it.” She rose, handing it to the older woman. “And here’s a written valuation from a coin expert in Pierre, South Dakota.”
Mrs. Miller unwrapped the coin and peered at it. “Yes, that’s my Charlie's coin.” She picked up a pair of reading glasses and unfolded the valuation. “Oh, my.” She looked over at Phoebe. “Is this little coin really worth that much? Fifty thousand dollars?”
“That’s what Mr. Newton thinks,” Phoebe replied. “The coin is dated 280AD, during the short rein of Emperor Proculus. That’s why it’s so valuable, because there haven’t been many coins discovered that were made during his time in power.”
A smile blossomed over Mrs. Miller’s face. “I always knew you weren’t a thief like that Mr. Blackwood said. He tried to get me to press charges against you but I said to him, let’s just wait and see. I’m sure that young lady had a very good reason to take my coin. And, my dear, I’m very glad I followed my instincts.”
Phoebe smiled in relief. So she wasn‘t going to be arrested? “Thank you. The reason I took it in the first place was I overheard Victor--”
“Phoebe did what she thought was best in that situation.” Cole cut her off with a warning glance. She frowned at him. Why had he interrupted her?
“I’m afraid I never did warm to Mr. Blackwood,” Mrs. Miller admitted.
“Me neither.” Phoebe’s mouth tightened as she thought how different her workday had been at the store since Mr. Dawson had retired. Well, she wouldn’t have to worry about working for a crook anymore.
“Would you like some coffee?” Mrs. Miller’s eyes twinkled. “Now I know how much my coin is worth, I’m going to have so much fun writing down all the things that need replacing, starting with a new car.”
“No, thank you.” Cole spoke for both of them. “It’s getting late and we need to take care of another matter.”
Phoebe turned to him, startled. What other matter? Or was that just a euphemism for Cole taking her home, thanking her for her company and putting her out of his mind - and his heart?
Cole wasn’t like that.
The thought startled her in its intensity. She knew, if whatever they had was going to end tonight, then he would be a gentleman about it and try to let her down easy. Blinking back sudden moisture in the corner of her eyes, she tried to focus on the conversation.
“Now that’s what I call a car.” Mrs. Miller looked out the window at the SUV. “Maybe I should get something like that.”
Cole smiled at the short woman. “It’s a bit of a climb into the driver’s seat.”
Mrs. Miller pointed to her sneaker-clad feet. “Not if I wear these.”
He chuckled. “You’ve got a point.”
After saying their goodbyes, Cole and Phoebe got into the SUV. “Why did you interrupt me when I was about to
tell her the truth about Victor?” Puzzlement furrowed her brow.
“Because I didn’t want her marching down there accusing him of fraud without any proof,” he returned, starting the engine. “Blackwood sounds like a nasty piece of work. The last thing you need is him suing you for slander.”
She nodded thoughtfully, watching Mrs. Miller’s house recede in the distance. It was comforting to know he was looking out for her. But for how long would he continue to do so?
“Where are we going?” They approached the downtown area.
“Blackwood’s store.” His knuckles tightened on the wheel. “I’ve got some unfinished business with the jerk.”
***
Phoebe’s heart thudded as they pulled up outside the store. The lights were on, although it was way past closing time.
Her finger traced the brown faux leather of her purse. “I need to confront him.” She raised her eyes to Cole. “I need to tell him I know who he really is.”
“I’ll be with you.”
Touched at the caring tone of his voice, she nodded. “Thanks.”
“Are you sure you want to do this?” He tilted her chin up, looking into her eyes. “I can take care of him.”
She stared at him, torn for a split-second. It would be a lot easier if she just left this to Cole. But she needed to do this - for herself. Her spine stiffened. “I’ve got this.”
He exhaled. “Okay. But I’ll be right by your side. If he tries anything, let me handle him.”
“Okay.” Suddenly wishing she’d learned self-defense, Phoebe acquiesced to his demand.
Cole laced his fingers through hers as they approached the store. The screeching bell warned the occupant of their arrival.
“We’re closed,” a muffled voice echoed from the back room. A moment later, Victor emerged, looking just as dapper as the day Phoebe fled the store with the coin. But his eyes looked strained and his hair didn’t look quite as polished and pomaded as usual.
“You!” The snarl in his voice almost made her jump. “I’m going to call the cops and have you arrested.” He reached for the phone.
“Before you do.” Cole’s grim voice halted the other man’s movements. “You might be interested to know exactly what Phoebe did with the coin.” He nodded encouragingly at her.
She straightened her shoulders. “I acquired a proper, written valuation from a coin expert in South Dakota and I’ve already returned the coin and the valuation to Mrs. Miller.”
“South Dakota.” Victor scowled. “No wonder I couldn’t find you.”
“You came after me?” Her heart rate accelerated.
“You took something that belonged to a client. Of course I looked for you. Kurt and I scoured Cheyenne.”
“Only Cheyenne?”
“Yes. Why?”
“Just checking.” Victor hadn’t been the man she’d overheard in the motel parking lot last night. She drew in a deep breath. “You know I overheard you talking to Kurt about your plan to switch the coin with a practically worthless one. That’s why I took it. I wasn’t going to let you cheat that nice old lady.”
“Prove it.” Victor curled his lip.
“She doesn’t have to,” Cole informed him. “I’ve got contacts on the force and they’re already doing everything in their power to ensure you’re arrested for anything you’ve gotten up to in the past few years.”
Victor paled under his tanning bed tan.
“They already suspect you’ve used muscle to stop the people you’ve duped from pressing charges. The police will re-interview those people very carefully. It’s over, Blackwood,” Cole continued. “Your nice little sideline in swindling people out of valuable antiques has come to an end.”
“Get out!” Victor shook with rage. “And don’t come back here again, either of you.”
“I wouldn’t want to. I quit!” Phoebe tossed over her shoulder as Cole held the door open for her. She wasn’t sure what the future held, but right now she didn’t care. She felt empowered. And she’d never experience another morning feeling dread inside her when she woke up and realized she had to work at the store.
“We did it!” She threw her arms around Cole, hugging him tight.
He hugged her back, his arms wrapped around her waist, then drew back to look into her upturned face. “You did it. You trusted your instincts and went for it.” He kissed her deeply. “I was just the guy lucky enough to have you jump into my car.”
CHAPTER 8
Phoebe looked at herself in the mirror, noting the way her new peach dress flattered her curves instead of hiding them. Cole was coming over tonight, and she wanted to look perfect.
For the last three months, she and Cole had been dating. Exclusively.
They saw each other most nights, with Cole usually staying at her apartment until dawn, when he would go home, grab a shower and clean clothes and head to his office.
And on the weekends, Phoebe stayed over at his log cabin. They hiked his property, relaxed in the shade, made love multiple times, and she’d even joined him fishing. Cole had led her down to the lake on the edge of his property. For a few minutes they sat side by side in silence, their fishing rods dangling in the water, until Cole leaned over and kissed her. That kiss had led them to making love al fresco, secure in the knowledge that the lake was secluded. Whenever she thought of fishing, a faint blush rose to her cheeks.
She’d met Garrett and Maddie and Alex and Laura when each couple returned from their honeymoon. Maddie had been pleased she’d been able to help Phoebe in a small way with her borrowed clothes, and waved away her offer to reimburse her for the borrowed panties. In fact, Phoebe had enjoyed hanging out with Maddie and Laura, and hoped to see them again soon.
The doorbell rang, pulling her out of her thoughts.
Opening the door, she gazed at Cole, looking sexy in a white button-down shirt and neatly pressed jeans. “Hi.”
“Hi, sweetheart.” He cupped her chin, drawing her to him for a long kiss.
Her cheeks flushed, Phoebe eventually pulled away. “Come on in.”
He followed her into the kitchen, where he watched her bustle about the small space, getting plates and glassware ready for their meal.
“Hungry?” she asked, tossing the salad.
“Always - for you,” he replied, his eyes gleaming with desire.
Phoebe tried to hide a smile. She’d never known a relationship could be so incredible. Thinking of the sparse few boyfriends she’d had in the past almost made her shudder, especially Scott, who’d told her he loved her and then stolen her Clarice Cliff vase.
They sat down at the small dining table.
“How was work today?” Cole inquired.
“Good.” She smiled. “I sold that farmhouse table my boss said had been in the shop for years.”
“I’m glad they offered you a job when the newspaper article came out.” He grinned, attacking his steak.
When she and Cole returned from their cross-country quest, Mrs. Miller had been so delighted with Phoebe’s dedication to uncover the coin’s provenance that she’d given an interview with a local newspaper. Another antiques store in Cheyenne had offered her a job, without even requiring her to interview for it. Luckily, her new boss seemed honest and was a lot nicer than Victor. In some ways, her new job reminded her of when she worked with Mr. Dawson.
“Dessert?” She inquired, already rising from the table. She’d made chocolate mousse for tonight.
“Wait.” He laid his hand on her arm.
“What is it?” She sat back down at the table, looking at him wonderingly.
“Sweetheart.” He cleared his throat. “We’ve been dating for three months now.” He paused.
“Yes.” The best three months of my life.
“I’ve got something to tell you.”
He looked so serious. Anxiety tickled her spine. Was he sick? Did he need her to help him with a case? She’d gladly do whatever she could to assist him.
“I’m a private investigator
, but I pick and choose my cases.”
Phoebe’s hands relaxed in his. If that’s all he had to say, she didn’t know why he suddenly looked so worried.
“Sometimes my clients can’t afford to pay me--”
“You wouldn’t let me pay you after we got back to Cheyenne.” She flushed guiltily.
“I know, sweetheart.” His hands tightened on hers. “I don’t want or need your money. You see,” he took a deep breath, “I’m financially independent without being paid for my investigative work.”
Her brow furrowed. These days, a lot of people bandied around that term, financially independent. “What does that actually mean?” she whispered.
“It means I can afford to invest in businesses or buy a luxury SUV whenever I feel like it.” He smiled ruefully. “My grandfather had a lot of money and left it to me and my brothers. On the one condition that we didn’t get involved in a serious relationship.”
“What?” She tried to withdraw her hands, but his grip tightened gently.
“It’s okay,” he soothed. “My brothers and I were never going to let his money interfere with our lives that way. My brother Alex is a businessman and a whiz on the stock market. We’ve taken his advice on most things, used some of our inheritance as seed money, and now can live comfortably doing what we want to do, not what we have to do to make a living.”
“Why would your grandfather do something like that?” She stared at him, trying to process everything he said.
He shrugged. “He was a very bitter person. My grandmother eventually left him for another man because she just couldn’t live with him any longer, and nobody blamed her.”
“And your parents?”
He cleared his throat. “I was going to ask if you’d like to meet them. They run a B&B in Vermont. We could fly there this weekend.”
Her heart melted. He wanted her to meet his parents!
“The reason I’m telling you this is because I’m in love with you, Phoebe.”