Page 6 of Jasmine Street Blues

Judging by that smile, he knew it. He gathered his tools and cleaned up the little bit of mess he’d made with a microfiber cloth, glancing back at Loran now and then as he finished up. When he stood, ready to go to his next job, he said, “You know, I’ve lived in Seawolf Beach all my life. If you want I’d be happy to show you around sometime.”

Sonny was harmless enough, was probably a nice guy, but… how could she say no firmly enough to stop him in his tracks without ensuring that she’d be doing her own repairs from here on out? This wasn’t exactly a brand new, problem-free house. “That’s so sweet, but I’m afraid I stay much too busy to enjoy any kind of social life.”

He seemed to take the refusal as she’d meant it; a gentle rejection. The cute handyman looked a little disappointed as he headed to the front door. He dropped a business card on the coffee table in the living room and told her to call if she had any work for him. Colt would take care of the bill, as he did for all his houses.

Loran locked the door behind him and headed for her studio, almost at a run. She didn’t have time to worry about unhappy potential suitors. The canvas that waited for her was calling, and she couldn’t ignore it.

* * *

Mac wasn’t sure why he decided to walk into the bubblegum pink house. Seawolf Beach was lousy with artists’ studios. The only time he’d been into one was to take a complaint about a shoplifter. Business was slow on a Tuesday afternoon. Rain was coming. He smelled it in the air, saw it in the clouds that were rolling in. Maybe that kept the shoppers away.

He caught Loran straightening a framed painting. Her back was to him. Again she’d dressed in a baggy dress which was perfect for summer but hid the curves he really wanted to see.

She turned, jumping a little when she saw him.

He pointed up. “You need a bell over the door.”

“Or around your neck,” she said sharply after she took a moment to recover. “For a big guy you have a soft step. I didn’t hear you.”

He took one more step and the floorboards beneath his feet creaked. “I come with a warning.”

Was it his imagination or did that teasing statement alarm her?

“Personal or professional?”

“Personal.” Might as well cut to the chase. “Olive is determined to set us up. Since she’s found love with Tuck she’s feeling sorry for us single folks. She called me Sunday, and had Tuck call yesterday. She senses chemistry in the air, and she’s determined to conduct her own science experiment.”

Heaven save her from well-meaning matchmakers. “We can just say no.” Loran moved to the checkout counter, keeping the big wooden structure between them, like a shield.

“Tried that, when Tuck first asked about a double date Thursday.”

Did she pale a little? “Tell him you don’t like me.”

“Tried that, too.”

She arched her eyebrows.

“I told him you weren’t my type, and he laughed at me.”

That brought out a smile. A small one. “Then I’ll tell Olive you aren’t my type.”

“Honey, I’m everybody’s type.” He followed the statement with a wide grin.

“Funny,” she said, leaning forward to rest her elbows on the checkout desk.

Loran Raine was beautiful, quiet more often than not, and she was secretive. He saw and felt it. What was she holding back? Looking at her now, he wanted to know all her secrets, even though he didn’t have time for mysterious women.

“If we keep saying no, eventually Olive will give up,” she said.

“Eventually,” he grumbled. “How long do you think that will take?”

Loran screwed up her mouth. “She is relentless.”

“That she is.”

He could almost see Loran’s mind spinning. Was that panic? No, not quite, but close. She finally said, “The truth is, I’m not looking for a relationship at this time in my life.”

“Neither am I.” Until he knew what had happened to Carrie, what she needed, he had no time for anything or anyone else.