by Deanna Chase
The bell on the door chimed and I gave Jade a pointed look. We were done talking about my nonexistent sex life.
“Ms. Rayne.” Officer Brant strode up to the register with an easy smile on his face. “So this is your shop.”
Fighting not to scowl, I eyed the man who’d kept me in an interrogation room for hours on end. His surfer-boy good looks no longer held any sort of charm. “Officer Brant. To what do we owe the pleasure?”
He tapped his fingers on the counter. “I could use a double latte and a coffee cake if you don’t mind.”
I blinked. “Nothing for your partner?” Officer Dell hadn’t come inside, but I could see her hovering out front.
He glanced over his shoulder. “No, thank you. Not today.”
I rang him up, conveniently forgetting the normal twenty percent discount I gave to the regular beat cops, then handed him his cake while Jade fussed with his drink.
“I heard you have an art show tonight,” Brant said, his eyes never leaving me. It was unnerving to say the least. He was making me feel like a suspect all over again.
“Yes. My prints will be on display.”
“And your models?”
I nodded. “Why?”
He smiled, his face lighting up with… anticipation? “I’ve heard good things about your work. I thought I’d stop by and check it out.”
“Oh.” My voice was flat, and I knew I sounded incredibly rude. If he’d been anyone else, I’d have been giving him directions and thanking him for his interest in my work. But the truth was I really didn’t want him there. He was a complete douche canoe. “Um, well, it should be interesting at least. And the gallery manager is having it catered.”
Jade handed him his latte over the bar and smiled at him. “Here you go, Officer. Have a nice day.”
“I will now.” He doctored his drink with sugar and cinnamon and then turned to us. “I’ll see you both tonight then?”
We nodded.
“I’m looking forward to it.” He raised his drink in salute, walked to the door, and paused. He turned around and stared me in the eye. “I truly am sorry for what happened back at the station. If it had been up to me, I’d never have let you suffer through that.”
My mouth dropped open in utter surprise.
“Good day, Ms. Rayne.” He slipped out the front door and, together with Dell, disappeared down Bourbon Street.
Jade crossed her arms over her chest and frowned. “He’s got weird energy.”
I let out a sardonic laugh. “Tell me about it. Before the apology, I would’ve labeled him an insensitive shithead. Now he’s just a shithead.”
“His actions certainly say that, but from reading his energy I can’t say either way. There’s nothing there for me to latch on to. It’s as if he doesn’t have an energy signature at all. I’ve never experienced that before. Even when Bea’s closed off to me, I can feel her existence.”
Jade had told me before that emotional energy was unique to each person, just like the sound of their voice. She could usually tell whose emotions were whose without even trying.
“Maybe he doesn’t have a heart. No emotions, no signature. Maybe he just said that for a discount next time.” I shrugged. Who cared about Brant anyway? Tyler was in custody. I was no longer a suspect, and Julius was taking me on a date Saturday night.
Life was looking pretty good from where I was standing.
Chapter 25
By the time 11 a.m. rolled around, I was so exhausted my eyes were watering. I took a sip of my fifth latte of the day and popped a chocolate-covered espresso bean in my mouth.
“Damn, Pyper. With that much caffeine in your system, I’m shocked you haven’t developed tremors yet.” Jade took the latte from me and handed me a large cup of water.
“Hey!” I reached for the coffee, but she tossed it in the trash.
“It’s for your own good. Why don’t you try a nap instead? Go upstairs. I’ve got this.” She waved at the empty café.
Man, a nap sounded like heaven on earth. My body ached to lie down. To sleep for a few minutes. But then the door chimed and a half dozen people filed in. Most of them regulars. I sighed. “You never know when this is going to happen. You know I can’t leave yet.”
She could certainly survive an hour or two of being shorthanded. It was just that I’d put my heart and soul into this place, and the customer experience was one thing I wasn’t willing to sacrifice.
She shook her head and sent me an I-can’t-believe-you look as I turned to the growing line.
“I’ll get you out of here one way or another,” Jade said, tapping out a quick text on her phone.
“You better not be telling Holly to come in early. I’ve already asked enough of her this week.”
“I didn’t text Holly,” Jade called, already starting orders for the people in line.
“Good.” I worked my way through the line of customers, trying my best to not yawn in front of anyone. But when the college guy who worked next door at the Daiquiri Station started going on about his boss never giving him a raise and how he’d just started looking for a new job, I lost the battle and yawned right in his face. One of those uncontrollable yawns that feels like it originates from deep in your gut.
“Whoa. Someone had a late night last night,” the guy said with a sly, knowing smile. “Got a new man in your life, Pyper?”
Jade choked out a laugh.
He turned to her. “She does, doesn’t she?” His eyes flicked back to me, now full of mock disappointment. “And here I was trying to work up the nerve to ask you out. Damn my shitty self-confidence.”
“Oh, shut up,” I said. “I saw you making out with that beautiful brunette who works at the Pit last week. The way you two were all over each other, it’s a miracle you weren’t arrested for lewd conduct. After that spectacle, I’d say your self-confidence is just fine.”
The petite blonde standing next to him tilted her head up and stared at him in horror. “You were making out with Belle?”
Daiquiri Station guy turned a rather dark shade of red and backed up, waving his hands. “No. That was… I mean… shit. Pyper doesn’t know what she’s talking about. She must be confused.”
The blonde turned to me with her hands on her hips. “Where did you see them?”
“Umm…”
“Babe, stop. Nothing happened.” Daiquiri dude gave me a dirty look and pulled his girl away from the counter to the other side of the café.
They argued in hushed tones, her face blotchy from tears and his twisted into horror that she’d found out he was a Cheater McCheaterson.
“Oh, damn,” I muttered. “That is not the way I saw that conversation ending.”
Jade shook her head. “He was shamelessly flirting with you right in front of her. If she’s shocked, she has a lot to learn about how college guys behave.”
“Yeah, but I don’t want to be the one teaching her a lesson.”
“Teach who a lesson?” Kane said, striding in from the back room with an apron tied around his waist.
I eyed him up and down. “What do you think you’re doing?”
“Kicking you out so you can nap, or freak out, or do whatever you need to do before your show tonight.”
I glanced back at the arguing couple. The girl had been reduced to tears and he was patting her back awkwardly.
“I’ve got this,” Jade said, nodding toward them. “I’ll get them a pastry and smooth it out. You go. Nap. Take a shower. Try not to jump Julius.”
“Fat chance. I’m liable to fall asleep mid-jump.” I gave Kane a quick hug. “Thanks. I’ll see you tonight.”
He kissed the top of my head. “You’re going to be great.”
“Aren’t I always?” I grinned up at him.
He shook his head and turned to help the fresh line of customers waiting to place their orders.
***
“Pyper?”
The sound of Julius saying my name made me smile as I buried my head into my pillow.
“Hey, sleeping princess. You might want to wake up now.” A warm hand caressed my bare arm and it felt so nice I never wanted it to stop. “Don’t you need to get to your gallery soon?”
Gallery? My eyes popped open and I bolted straight up, letting the covers fall into my lap. “What time is it?”
“Just after one.” Julius sat on the edge of my bed, his eyes bright with amusement as he gazed at me. “You have the look of a flustered peacock.”
I frowned. “That doesn’t sound like a compliment.”
“Bright, colorful, alive. That’s what I see.” He rose from the bed and headed to the door.
I wasted no time getting my feet under me and was halfway to my bathroom when he turned to look at me and froze, his eyes turning dark with that molten desire I’d seen a few times before.
An electric bolt of pure need nearly flattened me. When he looked at me that way… it was more than I could take.
He cleared his throat. “You might want to consider a robe while I’m around.”
I glanced down at myself. My champagne-colored camisole hit a few inches below my bum, showing plenty of leg. But judging by his fixed gaze on my chest, my breasts were probably more of a problem. My nipples were taut and practically poking right out of the silk fabric. I wasn’t sure if I should cover myself or rip the thing off. I felt a slow smile take form and did nothing to stop it. “Why would I need to do that? I’m fully covered.”
He swallowed. “Your definition of covered is entirely different than mine. And although I’m very much enjoying the view right now, it’s wholly inappropriate.”
I wanted to laugh. Instead, I walked up to him and trailed my fingers over his shoulder. “You’re entirely too proper for me, Julius. You should probably go find yourself a good Uptown girl to court.”
The desire in his gaze only intensified. His shoulders tensed and his hands fisted as he fought for control. “You know that’s not what I’m going to do.”
“Good.” I lifted my hand to his cheek. “Because there’s no way I’m going to let you.”
His body trembled slightly as he stared at my lips.
And that tiny reaction set my blood to boiling. “Kiss me,” I whispered.
A low groan rippled from his throat, and with one arm, he crushed me to him. His other hand wrapped around the back of my neck, but he stopped just before his lips met mine. The tension between us intensified until I thought I was going to explode with it.
“Well,” I said, breathless. “Now what are you going to do with me?”
“Holy Christ, Pyper,” he said, his voice thick. “Stop talking.”
“Make me.”
His large hands moved to my bottom, and he yanked me to him, his lips crushing mine, his tongue demanding my attention.
And I was all too willing. Our bodies were glued together, him anchoring me against his chest and me clutching his wide shoulders, totally immersed in the explosive kiss. My head swam with the intensity of it as my body came alive under his touch.
The way he handled me, commanded my body with just his lips, was intoxicating. I got lost in him, and for once in my life, I didn’t mind giving myself over to someone else.
“Julius,” I said softly against his lips.
“Pyper.” He closed his eyes and rested his forehead against mine. Then he sighed. “I have to go.”
“What?” I pulled back and my body protested, swaying back into him almost on its own.
“I have to meet Marc and you have a show to get ready for.” He ran his fingers from my temple to my chin and kissed me softly on the corner of my mouth. “There isn’t enough time in this day for me to worship you the way you deserve.”
I nearly whimpered.
“Later tonight after the show?” he asked, hope and longing staring back at me.
I nodded, not trusting myself to speak.
“Until tonight then.” He stared down at me for a moment longer and then abruptly turned and left the room.
I stood there for what seemed like forever, replaying the kiss over and over in my mind. Had I ever experienced a kiss like that before? One full of so much power, so demanding, and yet tender and sweet in the quiet moments as well? I shook my head. Definitely not.
The clock ticked over to 1:25.
Ten more hours until we could be alone again. I was fairly certain I’d never last.
Chapter 26
“Ready?” Lucien’s bright green eyes were alive with excitement. He might be a witch and Jade’s second-in-command of her coven, but his day job was managing the gallery. I’d never really known him in this capacity before other than when he’d asked me if he could host a showing. He looked different, dressed impeccably in an expensive suit, and was polished with that indefinable thing that made old money stand out in a crowd. Since I knew he wasn’t rich, I admired his ability to morph into what he needed to be in order to succeed at his job.
“I think so.” I glanced once more in the mirror and straightened my silver-beaded dress. The bustier was doing amazing things for my usually nonexistent cleavage. I almost didn’t recognize the glamorous woman staring back at me.
I’d been hesitant to wear the vintage dress but decided it would be a good way to honor Shelby, Ruby, and Grace. To let them live on in this very small way.
“Your work is going to be a huge hit, but it doesn’t hurt that you look absolutely stunning.” He held his arm out to me. “Ready for your grand entrance?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
Lucien nodded, and together we stepped into the packed gallery. The patrons chattered and sipped wine, some just socializing, but many others were gathered around the models I’d spent the past few hours painting. The three of them were lined up together, their backs displaying a line of ballerinas en pointe at the barre. The painting only worked when they were standing together. Otherwise, the image was incomplete.
A few other models had been painted to replicate some of the prints in the gallery, and I’d asked them to stand near the originals to answer any questions. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. A few were even buying some prints.
Pride and happiness blossomed from deep inside me. All these people were here to see my work… and for the free wine.
“Pyper!” Jade strode over to us, looking gorgeous in her fitted black lace dress. “Oh, it’s amazing.”
“Thanks. It’s all Lucien’s doing.” I gestured to him. “I just showed up.”
They glanced at each other and rolled their eyes in unison.
“Okay, you guys are scary. Maybe you should spend less time together,” I said.
Jade laughed. “Maybe. But there wouldn’t be a show without your amazing work. Man, it’s so good.”
I grinned at her like a fool. Usually I was pretty chill about compliments of my work, but this felt different. Like I’d accomplished something meaningful to me that I hadn’t even known was that important.
Kane appeared beside me. “There you are.” He gave me a hug. “You look amazing. And congrats on all this. Looks like it’s a resounding success.”
“Definitely,” Lucien said and excused himself to go schmooze with a couple of his regular buyers.
“Thanks,” I said to Kane.
He said something else, but I didn’t hear him. Julius had just walked in and it was clear he hadn’t seen me yet. He took his time checking out a couple of the prints on the walls, and then, as if he knew I was watching him, he turned and stared right at me.
I lifted my hand and waved. His dark gray suit was perfectly fitted and expensive looking, complete with a silk tie. Where had that come from?
But the question flew out of my mind when he lowered his gaze to my feet and then slowly worked his way back up. A flutter of nerves rippled through my abdomen as my pulse spiked.
“Wow, I think the temperature in here just rose about ten degrees,” Jade said in my ear.
I nodded. It sure had.
“Well, go on.” She nudged me from behind, and I slowly made my way over to the only man who had ever managed to make me tongue-tied.
“Good evening, Pyper.” Julius took my hand and kissed my knuckles, his breath tickling my fingers. “You look lovely this evening.”
I ran a hand down his lapel. “So do you.”
He grinned down at me. “If there were a swing band, I’d ask you to dance.”
Holy hell on a pogo stick. He danced too. “I’m keeping that in mind, and one day soon I’ll be collecting on that promise.”
“Deal.” He pulled me into his arms, and despite the lack of music, he led me into a basic swing step, spun me out and then back in, and ended with a dip.
The patrons around us erupted in a cheer.
He put me back on my feet, gave me a kiss on the cheek, and presented me to the crowd. From that moment through the rest of the night, my time was monopolized by potential customers with questions on the process, how I’d started body-painting, questions about commissions, and other business inquiries.
By the time Jade and Kane came to find me to let me know they were taking off, my feet were aching.
“Lucien says the opening was a huge success,” Jade gushed as she squeezed my hands. “People have been walking out of here with prints all night.”
“Really? That’s fantastic.” I grinned. “Lucien must be ecstatic.”
Jade nodded in his direction. “I’d say so.”
His tie was loosened and he had his arm around his girlfriend Kat. There was a wine bottle in one of his hands and an almost-empty glass in the other. Considering I hadn’t seen him with a glass all night, I figured that meant he was celebrating. I chuckled. “Looks like it.”
“Do you need us to stay for anything?” Kane asked.