When they reached the front of the line, the stand’s Christmas lights blinking merrily, he dropped his hands from her back. She wasn’t one to pout, but the absence of his touch nearly had her doing so.
“Painting? Back rubs? How can you say no?” He opened his wallet while saying to the man at the stand, “Two, please.”
“What’s in it for you?” she asked curiously.
“I get to spend time with a woman I’ve been intrigued with for years.”
“Years?”
His dark brown eyes gazed straight into hers as he confirmed, “Years.”
Years.
“I’ll think about it.”
In fact, she was pretty sure she wouldn’t be able to stop.
The next day, while Kittim was at work, Maria finished dropping off last-minute Indigo Bay Animal Shelter adoption day flyers to the few stores in town that weren’t yet sporting one in their window. The shelter’s adoption drive would be held on the Tuesday following Saturday’s fundraiser gala.
After delivering the final flyer, the last item on her to-do list, Maria propped her hands on her hips and studied the sky. A bit cloudy. Definitely a good day to be indoors, and the Indigo Bay retailers seemed to know it. Quite a few businesses were entertaining tourists with mini events such as cookie decorating at the bakery, chocolate making at the Indigo Bay Chocolate Emporium, and ornament painting at the jewelry store, Coastal Creations. Even Happy Paws, the pet store, was offering fifteen minutes of free pet-training tips. From a block away she could hear the dogs barking in joy at being all together under one roof.
Maria’s ingrained habit of getting up at dawn to do chores on the ranch meant she’d already walked the beach.
So now what?
“I had a feeling if I wandered around town long enough I’d run into you,” said a deep voice.
Maria turned to find Clint.
“Good morning,” she said.
“Free for lunch?” He checked the black watch on his wrist.
“As a matter of fact, I am.”
“Sweet Caroline’s?”
“It was lined up out the door when I went by a few minutes ago. Caroline’s giving away Christmas cookies today. I got mine earlier, but it looked as though half the town had turned out by now.”
“How hungry are you?” Clint asked.
“Actually, not super hungry.” It was still early for lunch. “How about you?”
“Let’s go find something to do until Caroline’s clears out.”
“Sounds good.”
As they strolled past the jewelry store, filled with locally made items, Clint stopped. They looked through the windows at the bustling front room. “What’s going on here?”
A woman in a smock was about to close the door. “We’re painting ornaments.”
“Painting?” Clint’s eyebrows rose, and he swiveled to look at Maria.
“There’s another session following this one that’s a bit more family-oriented and crafty.”
“She’s had enough of being crafty for one day, I think,” Clint said, referring to Maria. “Painting is more up her alley.”
“Would you like to join us?” the woman asked. “We have two empty spots left.”
“Perfect. There are exactly two of us.” He was already walking inside. Through the doorway Maria spied a throng of giggling women eyeing Clint as if he were candy.
Maria hustled after him, catching Clint at the cash register, already paying for them.
“Are you sure you want to paint?” she asked nervously.
“Worried you’ll show me up and crush my delicate male ego?” He winked and picked up an ornament from the box on the counter, without considering the selection.
The woman behind the counter instructed them to choose red or white wine from the staffer pouring glasses at a table nearby.
“Wine, too? It’s almost like a date.” He nudged Maria, and she shook her head and smiled.
The woman with the wine lifted a bottle of red and a bottle of white, giving each a waggle.
“I like this town,” Clint said. “Red for me.” He turned to Maria, who held up two fingers to show she’d like the same.
“I think we only get one glass each,” he said seriously.
There was a sparkle in his eyes that caused Maria to roll her own. “You’re so silly.”
“Come on, let’s pick a spot to sit,” he said, collecting their glasses after handing her his ornament to carry along with her own.
They found seats at one of the folding tables near the front windows. Clint handed her a glass, and she took a large sip, feeling a sudden bout of nerves.
What was she doing? Was Clint going to expect her to create something amazing? She’d never painted on glass before, and wasn’t sure how the curved surface would affect whatever she attempted.
“Hello! Are you new to town?” an older woman with unnatural blond hair asked. She seemed to be looking down her nose, even though technically she wasn’t. In her lap was a large purse with a small, fluffy white dog inside.
“Hello, Miss Lucille,” Maria said.
“We’ve met?”
“At the Morrison Mansion Bed and Breakfast.”
“Oh, yes. The two of you are working on the death trap. The gala and silent auction are only days away, you know.” She eyed the glass of wine in Maria’s hand, which was now half-empty. Then her gaze dropped to the ornaments on the table in front of Maria and Clint, as though she would be judging their painting ability.
“What an adorable dog,” Clint said. “What’s his name?”
“This is Princess,” she said, bristling. “Her collar matches my shoes. And she is obviously a female!”
“My apologies,” Clint said mildly.
“She’s adorable,” Maria stated politely.
“We coordinate every day. Hardly anyone notices,” the woman sniffed.
“I’m Maria Wylder and this is Clint Walker,” Maria said, feeling as though introductions should be made again.
“Taking your husband’s last name is a sign of respect. It’s the proper thing to do, you know.”
“We’re not married yet,” Clint said smoothly. He leaned across Maria to shake the woman’s hand, resting his left palm on Maria’s shoulder blade and sending warmth through her body. “But I’m working on it.” He gave the older woman a wink.
Miss Lucille bristled. “Are you a late bloomer or did you already leave your first wife?”
An involuntary gasp left Maria’s lips, but Clint just smiled. “I’ll have to tell you all about it later. But I’m here until Thursday night, then little elves are going to whisk me back to Texas.”
The woman’s expression grew stern and she turned away as their instructor began introducing herself.
“You moved your flight?” Maria felt a thrill zip through her.
He nodded as a woman on the other side of him gave in to giggles she’d been trying to stifle. When she regained control she whispered, “Sorry, my aunt can be a bit much.” She gestured to Miss Lucille.
“Oh, did you want to sit beside her?” Clint shifted instantly, ready to move, but the woman shook her head, eyes wide.