Page 59 of Falling for the Bad Boy
“I hope so. I did meet with two artists earlier who signed rental agreements on studio space. That should help with making the mortgage payment.”
“That’s great. Are they knitters too?” The way her eyes sparkled as she talked about her business—that’s the kind of excitement I wanted to find for myself. Deep in my heart, I knew going back to the farm wasn’t the answer. But sometimes you had to put other people first. Seeing Trinity get closer to her dream was almost as good as reaching for my own success.
“No. One’s a metal artist. He recycles all kinds of material into awesome sculptures and art.”
A pang of jealousy twinged in my gut. I’d never been the jealous type. Hell, I’d never been a lot of things before meeting Trinity. “Oh yeah? Is he an old-timer?”
Her eyes narrowed as a smirk played across her lips. “Are you asking if he’s old?”
I didn’t like the way she cocked her head, like she knew I was foraging for information. “No. I just figured someone who worked with old metal might have been around for a while.”
“Mmm hmm.” She lifted her drink to her lips and took a slow, small sip while her gaze stayed trained on me.
“So?” I still wanted to know.
“So what?”
Damn, she frustrated the hell out of me sometimes. I placed my palms flat on the bar and leaned closer. “Is he an old-timer?”
Her tongue flicked out to swipe a drop of her drink from the corner of her mouth. “If you want to know if he’s hot, the answer is yes.”
My cheeks heated. “That’s not what I was asking.”
“Isn’t it?” Her eyelashes batted against her cheeks. She knew that was exactly the kind of info I was after and now she’d use it against me, teasing and taunting me with it like I was some lovesick, jealous boyfriend. Which I wasn’t. Not entirely. It was only natural to wonder who she’d be spending a lot of time with after I left the country.
“How about the other one?”
“Oh, she’s a doll. You’ll love her. She creates her own essential oil blends and reads tarot cards.”
“What makes you think I’ll love her?”
“She’s older. You seem to have an unnatural desire to stock my studio with artists of a certain age.” She tilted her head the other way, clearly enjoying the shift in conversation.
Before I could figure out an appropriate response, one that turned the tables and got me out from the hole I appeared to be digging for myself, Tapped’s regular delivery driver came down the back hall. I lifted a hand, signaling I’d seen him. “I’ve got to go sign for some stuff and stock the cooler. You staying over tonight?”
Trinity finished her drink and set the glass down. “I promised Macy I’d help her with a project she’s working on for her mom. After all these years of me trying to teach her, now she wants to learn how to knit.”
“Why the sudden interest?” Relieved we were back on neutral ground, I reached for her glass and tucked it into the dishpan under the counter.
“Her birthday is coming up. So now Macy thinks she can just learn how to knit and whip up a handmade scarf. Like it’s that easy.” She climbed down from the stool and picked up her bag. “Want to meet for lunch tomorrow? I’m expecting a delivery and if you’re really nice to me I’ll let you help me stock the shelves.”
“How can I refuse an offer like that? Although, what does ‘really nice’ entail?” My stomach warmed thinking about all the ways I’d like to be nice to her. But they didn’t involve shelves or yarn or even lunch.
“Stop by around lunchtime and I’ll show you.” She put her hand to her mouth and blew me a kiss as she walked backward toward the door.
I let my head hang toward my chest as I shook it from side to side. No doubt about it, I’d be there for lunch. And hopefully the rest of the afternoon.
As I headed down the hall to meet the driver, Wyatt called out. “Hey, Oliver, got a sec?”
I stopped in the doorway to his office. “I’m heading out back to sign for a delivery. Can it wait?”
“Just wanted to show you something.” Wyatt got up and rounded the desk. He held something in his hand, like a business card. “Here, have a look.”
“What is it?” I scanned the card. Oliver Martin, co-proprietor, Tapped. “You had business cards made for me?”
“Yeah. If we’re going to be partners, you’re going to need a card, right?” Wyatt clapped a hand on my shoulder. “My attorney drew up the paperwork, too. Stop in when you’re done with that delivery and we’ll make it official.”
I wanted to put an end to it right then and there. I opened my mouth to tell Wyatt what he could do with those new business cards, but I stopped myself before I could speak. Trinity looked so happy with the way things were working out for her. Didn’t I have the right to have something go my way for once?
