Page 36 of Moonstruck Kiss

“Never say never,” she answers with a wink.

My mouth drops as all other thoughts flee my head. “What exactly do you mean?” I try not to show my eagerness.

She chuckles. “I’m just toying with you. You looked so serious.”

I narrow my eyes. “Oh, Dimple, you need a good spanking for that.”

She fake-shivers. “Can’t wait.”

I pretend to go after her and she runs away from me, laughing her head off.

God, this woman is gonna be the death of me.

And I’m grinning like a loon despite the impossibility of our situation.

Chapter

Seven

JOEY

Standingby the threshold of the Pies’ barn, I breathe in the early morning air as I watch the sun appear from behind Lover’s Hill. Today is Art Fun Day. The other twenty-six artists, plus the judges, will start arriving in about three hours.

I’m here way early to take advantage of some alone time to connect with zen energy. I always get anxious for the participants who hope to sell a few of their pieces. While Art Fun Day has a history of being well-attended, we can never tell how many visitors are going to buy until they do.

Thank God that Brax didn’t want to sell any of Ollie’s works from my art classes. I’d have been even more nervous than if I were selling my own. I have no doubts, though, that once people learned the age of the artist, the pieces would have been among the first to go.

I do hope that Ollie doesn’t get overwhelmed by the crowds. That’s why Brax and I put his table in a corner behind my work area. With Brax sitting next to him, we should be able to control the number of people wanting to crowd around him. And if it looks like it’s getting too much for Ollie, Brax will take him home.

I smile at the big banner announcing the event above the main doors before walking back inside. Seven extra-long tables surrounded by folding chairs are evenly spaced in the big area. Tabletop easels are available for those who need them, although the more serious artists will also bring their own easels and chairs.

It took Brax and me five hours to clean and set up the whole place. When Cutie turned up to help, we were almost finished. I have to say that Brax and I worked quite efficiently together, even accounting for our constant joking around.

I sit on my favourite chair that I brought from my studio and pour myself a cup of coffee from a thermos. Then I prepare my materials so I can start painting.

Will Brax watchmework?

A giggle escapes my throat. I didn’t realise how funny and easygoing that man is until yesterday. I suppose we never really had the chance to get to know each other in the past, what with our previous quarrel and his limited time here in Moonstruck Cove.

And… I can’t stop thinking about propositioning him for my casual sex experience. When I say the man is hot, I mean he is scorching. Or perhaps it’s more accurate to say I feel like the proverbial moth to his flame.

Could I reveal to him why I want to embark on a fling? What would he think of me if I told him the reason?

But do I have to give him any details of my issue? Couldn’t I just be vocal about what I want and how I want it without explaining why?

While desire is quick to run in my veins, I flush from mortification. This is just so hard! At the rate I’m going, I’d still be debating the pros and cons of sleeping with Brax by the time he and Ollie have to go home.

Oof!

That strange pinching in my chest is happening again.

I don’t want to delve into the cause of it, so I force myself to focus on my Daffodils and Hills acrylic painting.

I smile at the memory of Brax talking about how daffodils signify forgiveness. Maybe I’ll add some more of them. A bigger patch of yellow would look better, I think?—

I hear the sound of a vehicle approaching. Frowning, I get up and walk out the door. My heart skips and a smile spreads to my face at the sight of Brax getting out of his parents’ car.

“Hey, Slick!” I call out.

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