Page 46 of Chasing Shelter

Walter sauntered out of the kitchen, a grin on his face. “Love’s the only battle worth fighting. Ain’t that right, sweet cheeks?”

Lolli turned her glare to the older cook. “Don’t you start.”

“A little fiery battle can make things explosive in the sheets,” Walter went on.

Thea let out a strangled sound. “I am so giving Shep the play-by-play of this.”

“He’s not going to thank you,” I told her.

She just grinned wider. “That’s what makes it so fun.”

Lolli’s hands went to her hips as she turned to Thea. “I thought you were getting my grandson to live a little.”

I leaned against the counter behind the register. “Oh, I heard she’s been getting him to livea lot. Apparently, the barn at their new place is getting a lot of…use.”

“Ellie,” Thea shrieked, swatting at me with her towel.

Lolli hooted, holding out her hand for a high five, making her bedazzled bracelets jangle. “Nowthat’swhat I’m talking about.”

“Lolli, do you have pot leaves on your bracelets?” I asked, amusement lacing my words.

She held out her arm for me to see. “And my little mushrooms. I’m thinking about opening a shop. Bejeweled Buds. What do you think?”

“That Trace is going to have a coronary,” Thea muttered.

I could imagine the shade of red he would turn. A laugh bubbled out of me. “Please, let me help. I am great at designing spaces. We could bedazzle the shop sign.”

“Ooooooh, in a psychedelic rainbow,” Lolli added.

“Love it. I’m in.”

Walter just shook his head. “You two are dangerous.”

“That’s why I like her so much,” Lolli said with a grin.

The bell over the door jingled, making me look up to see Gabriel Rivera striding across the room. He looked a bit more serious than when I’d met him, scanning the space and taking stock of each person inside.

“Gabriel,” Lolli called. “Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes? Come give me some sugar.”

Gabriel shot Lolli a megawatt smile. “I’ve missed you, Lolli.” He moved in and kissed both her cheeks.

“Careful, Casanova,” Walter warned.

“You can’t pin me down, Walter. I’ve gotta be free to fly,” Lolli shot back.

“Or to get laid,” I muttered.

Thea struggled not to laugh. “I wonder if I can get the camera recording from in here and just play it back for Shep. It’s not going to be as good secondhand.”

“I’d pay good money to see him watch the replay,” I said.

She held out a hand, and I smacked it in a high five.

“Gabriel, what can I get you?” Thea asked.

“I actually just need a minute of Ellie’s time.”

I couldn’t help the way I stiffened. If it was something about theegging, why wasn’t Trace the one stopping by? Maybe he was putting some distance between us. I should’ve been grateful but couldn’t help the sting I felt. “Sure,” I said, moving around the bakery case, trying to fight the blend of annoyance and hurt.

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