Page 32 of Dark Flame

“Oh, Nat, please don’t be embarrassed. That’s the nicest thing I’ve ever heard. You don’t usually get that kind of compliment from a woman. I really do appreciate it. But don’t you see what others see in you? You’re stunning! All that blonde hair and blue eyes. I would give anything to look like you.”

“She’s right, Nat,” said Valentina. “You’re really beautiful. Flip’s a lucky man.”

“That I am, ladies. She’s my one and only. I think you’re all beautiful, but this is the woman for me, and I’m not ashamed to tell the world.” He kissed her soundly as the three women giggled. “I’ll pull the jeep around for you and have one of the boys go with you.”

“No need, we’re good,” said Valentina, casually waving him off.

Flip nodded and grinned, knowing he would have someone with the women whether they liked it or not. He followed the women back up the hill and pulled the jeep around, kissing Nat as she slid into the driver’s seat.

“Be safe,” he said, kissing her innocently. She nodded and pulled out onto the dirt road, winding her way down the mountain toward the small town below.

“Well, he gave up easily,” said Isobel as they drove down the mountain road.

Nat nodded and smiled as she watched Griffin in the rear-view mirror. He was sticking to the side of the road, just hidden barely in the tree line, but she could see him. His legs moved so quickly it was a blur of color and motion.

Nat could only smile, remembering what happened at the campground. She knew that Flip was not taking chances with any of the women.

Looking back again, she saw Griffin still in view, and she was amazed that the man seemed easily able to keep up with them even on the uneven ground off the main road.

As the little town below came into view, Nat noticed the large bird flying off to their right and smiled again.

The women were engrossed in discussions of what supplies they needed and laughing. Nat smiled to herself and silently thanked Hawke for keeping an eye out as well.

Nat parked the jeep in front of the small market and got out, looking back at Griffin standing casually on the sidewalk. She couldn’t help but smile when he raised his hand in a casual wave.

“Well, hi there, strangers,” he said. She had to give it to the man. He wasn’t even sweating. “What are you ladies doing in town?”

“What arewedoing in town? I think the question is, what areyoudoing in town?” said Valentina.

“Oh, Kane sent me in for some supplies,” he said too quickly and too casually. He winced, knowing that he didn’t think his response through.

“With no vehicle,” said Fiona, raising her eyebrow.

“I… uh… well, I…”

“Kane knew we were coming into town, and I offered to take Griffin and the supplies back with us.” The women looked at Nat suspiciously but said nothing, only grinning as they pushed past Griffin and into the market.

“Thanks,” he said, smiling.

“Next time, you might try to hide better. I saw you the entire way down the mountain,” she smiled, “and your little friend Hawke too.” She pointed up and waved as Hawke, or the hawk called out to her.

Griffin let out a laugh and followed Nat into the market with the other women. He spent the next three hours loading things into the jeep and following the women wherever they went. The final stop was a retailer that specialized in winter clothing.

Each of the women shopped for members of the group, grabbing warm leggings, flannel-lined jeans, snow boots, winter coats, and hats. The shop owner was more than happy to secure everything in boxes on top of the jeep and tie the items down.

“I just need to run over to the hardware store for Kane,” said Griffin.

“That’s fine,” said Valentina, “we’re going to grab a coffee and some lunch over there.” She pointed to the small café on the opposite side of the street, and Griffin nodded, heading down the street.

The women entered the café, the soft tinkling of a bell above their heads. Spotting a large booth, they made their way to it and to their seats.

“Here are some menus. I’ll be back with you ladies in a minute,” said the older waitress.

Her gray hair piled into a messy bun, a pen stuck behind her ear, and her pink apron stained with whatever the daily special was. She looked overworked and frazzled, but she was friendly enough. The assault of fried foods hit their senses, and the women all smiled.

“I’m famished!” said Isobel. “I think I’m going to have the double-cheeseburger with fries.”

“See, that’s what I’m talking about,” said Nat. “If I ate that, I’d be three hundred pounds, but you look beautiful.”

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