Page 27 of Need You
Chapter Six
With a few recommendations from Hannah, Delaney found someone to come to the house to measure for motorized blackout shades. At least during the day, the shades would be hidden, letting her still take advantage of the view. Colt was a real contradiction—thoughtful and attentive one minute, demanding and obnoxious the next.
Despite how aggravating he could be, she was attracted to him, which surprised her. After Robert’s ultimatum she’d wanted nothing to do with men. Or sex, for that matter. But the other night, sitting on Colt’s bed, taking in his rumpled sheets, she’d entertained a few naughty fantasies. Colt hadn’t exactly helped the situation. She’d caught him checking out her breasts and legs a number of times. But that was a man for you. It didn’t necessarily mean he was interested. Delaney had no idea what his relationship status was, and if she were smart she’d stay away from him. Nothing good could come from it. Although a short, meaningless affair might be just what she needed to get her motor running again. Perhaps it would give her back some of her self-confidence. Or maybe she was just looking for an excuse to do it with Chief Hottie from Hell.
Through the window, she saw Hannah’s car pull up and raced down the stairs to meet her.
“Did he come?” Hannah asked, carrying a white box.
“He did and I ordered them. What do you have there?”
“Fliers and posters for the annual End-of-Summer festivities. I have to bring them over to Colt’s house before we leave so he can pass them around the police department and city hall. It’ll only take a second.”
“No problem. Let me just grab my keys and purse.”
“I’ll drive,” Hannah said. “God forbid I should block Colt from parking in his favorite spot.”
They both walked over to Colt’s and Hannah unlocked the door and ducked inside to put the box on his kitchen counter. Delaney waited on the porch.
“You have a key?” she asked, curious about the Garner family dynamic.
All the brothers seemed close, from what she could tell. She’d often see two, three, or all four of them together at a restaurant or at Old Glory. Being an only child, she thought it was nice.
“We all have each other’s keys. Colt works so much that sometimes I bring him a home-cooked meal. They all love my late aunt’s pecan pie, so I try to surprise him with it every once in a while.”
On their way back to Hannah’s car, Delaney checked her mail. An envelope with the return address of Robert’s law firm immediately caught her eye. She quickly stuffed it in her purse, along with the rest of the mail, planning to look at it later.
“Everything okay?” Hannah asked.
She pasted a smile on her face. “Yep. Everything’s fine.”
When they got to Old Glory, Deb and Foster flagged them over to a table in the corner. Every inch of the bar was covered in American flags. Even the bathrooms had stars and stripes wallpaper. Patrons could help themselves to peanuts in big oak barrels and throw their shells on the sticky, hardwood floor. A row of pool tables stood off to the side and a rather elaborate stage setup with lighting and a sound board took up the back of the hall. Definitely different from the fashionable restaurants in LA that she and Robert had regularly frequented.
She’d yet to attend one of the open mic nights or any of Old Glory’s live shows. Delaney hadn’t wanted to come alone. But she was working on making friends.
“What took you so long?” Deb asked as they sat down.
“I had to pick up the posters and fliers for the annual End-of-Summer festivities at the copy shop and drop a box off at Colt’s. Can you hang a poster and put a stack of fliers in your shop, Foster?”
“Sure,” he said. “Are you competing in the kayak races, Deb?”
“Hell yeah! I’m on Team Morning Glory and this year we’re going to crush Garner Adventure.”
“Delusional much?” Foster rolled his eyes, then turned to Delaney. “The Garners win it every year. I don’t know why they continue to hold the damn thing; it’s not even a competition.”
“Sweet Stems ought to enter, Foster. It’s great marketing,” Hannah said, adding that the kayakers all wore funny costumes representing their respective businesses.
“Foster doesn’t need it.” Deb chuckled. “Words out among the bridezillas that he does the best bouquets and centerpieces in Nevada County.”
Hannah turned to Delaney. “Since Foster bought Sweet Stems two years ago, he’s doubled business.”
Foster waved his hand at Hannah. “It’s not like it was hard, okay? The last owner’s idea of a good floral arrangement involved gas station flowers. She didn’t even try to go after the ski resorts. Crazy dumb because they pay my rent.” He tried to get the attention of one of the servers to take their orders.
“I’d love to come by the shop.” Delaney had never been there before. Maybe it would give her some inspiration.
“Anytime. I’ll put you to work. With your design talents, I bet you’d make killer arrangements.”
“I don’t know about that. I’m sort of in a slump these days.”
