The fearless former rebel leader was sending me emojis. If only his troops could see him now.
See you there in 20.
I sent back a smiley face because why not and headed home, trying not to spend too much time thinking about Jack and showers. I really, really didn't want to wreck my new car.
At home, my cat Lou was delighted to see me, which she showed by stalking into the kitchen, putting a paw in her food bowl, and shoving it across the floor.
"I hear you, baby." I petted her silky head, scratched behind her ears in just the right place, and then filled her food bowl and gave her fresh water. Then I headed for the shower.
By the time I came out clean and fresh and dressed in a green-and-white sundress, Jack was sitting on my couch with Lou, looking wonderful in a black, long-sleeved Henley and blue jeans. I was still combing out my Irish-red hair—it was nearly waist-length now, maybe I should cut it—and I caught the flash of heat in Jack's eyes.
"That's better," I said brightly. "Hungry?"
"You have no idea," he said softly, sparks of amber lighting up his green eyes, and I almost dropped my comb.
"Um… "
He blew out a sigh and moved Lou off his lap. "I know. I'm sorry. Let's focus on the case, and I'll try to quit thinking about how good you feel in my arms."
I swallowed. Hard. "Jack, I… is this… are we…?"
A truly wicked smile spread across his face as he stood and prowled toward me. "Oh, yeah. This is. And we definitely are."
And then he took the comb out of my hand, pulled me close, and kissed me until my brain melted.
When we finally came up for air, my knees were actually shaky.
"I am in so much trouble," I mumbled.
He threw his head back and laughed. "I think we both are. I have to confess I've been caught off-guard by my feelings for you lately. But for now, let's get some dinner and start thinking about Lorraine and the case."
Guilt washed through me. "I can't believe—I—"
"Tess. Stop. No guilt and no regret. When my life was so dangerous for all those years, I learned that any rare moment of beauty was valuable and worth taking. We can't spend every minute of every day worrying about murderers and criminals, even in Dead End. Okay?" He touched my face, his eyes warm.
"Okay," I whispered. "Deal. Now let's find dinner."
"Lucky for you, I brought food. Sandwiches from Lauren's Deli are on the table. Meatball, extra provolone, extra sauce?"
"Youarethe perfect man." I gave him a quick hug and darted away toward the kitchen, thinking a gallon or two of lemonade or iced tea might cool us down. I got out glasses while Jack unwrapped the food, and then my feet practically sighed in relief as I sat down at the table. Festival days are long days at the pawnshop.
Before I could take my first bite, though, my phone buzzed at me. I saw Shelley's adorable face on the screen and put it on speaker.
"Hey, Shelley, what's up, honey?"
Shelley's overexcited voice sang out over the background sounds of carnival music and happy people. It was odd how the fair—and catching a serial killer!—felt like something that had happened in the murky past, instead of just the night before.
"I'm having so much fun! Missy and Trina and I ate funnel cakes! And corn dogs! And—"
"Maybe be careful with all that eating? Remember last night. You don't want to get sick again." I blinked, suddenly realizing I sounded just like Aunt Ruby.
"I'm getting old," I told Jack, horrified.
He grinned. "You look great to me, Grandma."
Shelley piped up. "Notthatold. Trina's grandma Miss Arizona Ruhaima iswayolder than you."
I smacked myself in the forehead.
