Page 26 of Dark ’N’ Deadly

“The grocery store and mainstream clothing stores are in the newer part of town,” Eric said as he and Jesse joined her on the sidewalk. “But the best restaurants are here on Main Street. We can grab an early lunch and beat the tourists.”

“I have a better idea.” She clapped her hands together. “Do you mind if we go antiquing first? I don’t mean to buy anything. I just like to look and imagine what it would be like to decorate a beautiful old Victorian house.”

Jesse groaned. Eric didn’t say a word, but it was obvious from the slight twist of his lips that he wasn’t any happier at the prospect of antiquing than her brother was.

She parked her fists on her hips, glaring at Eric. “Did you just roll your eyes out loud?”

“No.”

“Liar.”

“Okay, you got me. I’d rather be watching The Knitting Channel.”

“Why don’t you like antiquing?” she asked.

He wrinkled his nose. “Everything is old and dirty.”

“Not everything.” She shook her head. “Antiques have history, a past, a story to tell. I bet I can change your mind about antiques.”

“Once again, is everything an argument with you?”

She sighed. “Once again, we are not arguing. We’re conversing.”

“That’s what this is?” Now, it was Eric’s turn to plant his fists on his hips, and as he did, several young women walking by twisted their necks to check him out.

Jesse snickered.

“What’s your problem?” Eric glowered at her brother.

“I don’t have a problem.” He shrugged. “Aside from you arresting my ass.”

“Yeah, well, whose fault was that?”

“Okay, okay,” Jesse conceded. “But you might as well quit fightin’ it. She always did win every argument.”

“See?” Eric held his arm in Jesse’s direction. “Even he thinks we’re arguing.”

“I give up.” She threw her hands in the air. “Let’s compromise. How about we spend a few minutes in that little shop on the corner we passed on the way in? You might find it liberating to do something outside your comfort zone.” The man really was too rigid and needed to loosen up. Even if he didn’t know it yet.

Eric’s chest rose and fell as he took a deep breath then let it out. “Fine.”

Ignoring his churlish tone, she playfully punched his bicep, which was rock hard. “Don’t be such a baby. Who knows? You might actually like antiquing.”

“Doubtful,” he muttered behind her back as she started toward the building that was actually a small Victorian house, painted light blue and with purple shutters the color of violets.

Doubtful was a word he used a lot. A sign of negativity and a sure sign the man was in dire need of a yoga intervention. Yoga always left her with positive energy flowing through her body. Maybe it could do the same for him.

Something I can help him with while I’m here.

A sign on the shop window said Going Out of Business. Everything on Sale. She tugged on the wood-framed glass door and was rewarded with the delicate tinkle of tiny brass bells. Jesse started past her when Eric grabbed his shoulder, stopping him.

“Ladies, first,” Eric admonished.

“Sorry.” Her brother hung his head a few degrees, then stepped aside for her to enter first.

She suppressed her laughter, appreciating not only Eric’s chivalry but his willingness to teach her little brother basic courtesy. He would certainly never get that from their stepfather. The mere thought of that man again threatened to drag her mood back into the mud, but she took one look around the shop and all thoughts of him vanished.

Passing a round oak table laden with pretty colored soaps and lotions, she inhaled scents of roses, lilac, lavender, and lily of the valley.