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Ms. Sandy laughs and shakes her head. “I was considering having Scarlett just paint some Christmas hats and lights to the scene for the holidays and keeping it up year-round.”
“Smart woman. Something like this should always remain on display.” Ezra rests his hand on my shoulder, smiling at me as I continue to watch Scarlett. “How has your day been, Dom? Any more trouble since this afternoon?”
I lift and drop my shoulders. “Not a single word from Paul.”
“He won’t bother us again. I found another student to take the commission, working it out with his daughter without his knowledge. She won’t tell him that we arranged things. It should help ease the tension as well since Scarlett won’t have anything else to offer.” Ezra takes a seat beside me. “You did the right thing. We can’t allow anyone to think they can scare us or blackmail us.”
“It helps that we have quite a bit of information on Paul and his despicable nephew. They won’t go to the dean or the police. I have ensured it.” Adrian straightens his shoulders, adjusting his tie. “Laundering money doesn’t look good for a treasurer. Neither does the surveillance of Chaz trying to run someone over. He has quite the record on campus as well, having his uncle buy off many people to stay silent. It’s funny what you can find when you have access to finances for more than Clearwater University. Seems like Paul helps him because he’s running low on his own inheritance.”
His words bring me relief, and I drink the last bit of my latte and set it down in front of me. Adrian always knows exactly what to do when we’re faced with unfortunate and undesirable situations. It’s always been part of his character. He’s never been big on sharing secrets or blackmail, but he’s excellent at keeping records of anything that concerns him.
“Fuck yeah.” Leo smacks Adrian on the back.
“You won’t have to worry about either of them at my coffeehouse. They’ve been banned completely. From a lot of restaurants and shops around here. I don’t tolerate that kind of nonsense. Scarlett is a sweet girl. She doesn’t deserve the mistreatment.” Ms. Sandy sets down several coffee cups and fills them. She adds a plate of pastries left over from the day, and I snatch one up and take a bite of the cheese danish.
“You’re very kind, Ms. Sandy. We won’t forget it. You’ll always have our business.” Adrian nods to the woman. She scurries away, grabbing a couple more things from the back.
I watch Scarlett’s shadow hop off the ladder. She starts collecting her supplies, so I stride to the door to help her. It chimes as it opens, and she greets me with a stunning smile, her eyes lighting.
“What do you think?” she asks, waving her arm at the windows. “I’m kind of obsessed.”
I slide my arm around her waist and pull her to me, staring at her incredible work. She is far too talented to be painting windows unless she was painting every single one of them in the world.
“I’m honestly speechless. No compliment I could come up with could ever possibly capture the emotions that you elicit with this mural. It’s truly a masterpiece, Scarlett.” I kiss her temple and hug her. “Everyone’s going to love it.”
Her cherry-vanilla scent wafts over me, her joy intensified by my words. It’s as if painting triggers the same adrenaline that riding my motorcycle or even kissing me brings her. It evokes passion and pleasure, mirroring the image of her very being. Of her soul.
“Why don’t we go get Ms. Sandy. I can’t wait for her to see.” Scarlett tugs me toward the coffee shop door, practically skipping.
I hoist it open, sounding the bells. The others stand a couple of feet away, grinning and bearing gifts like flowers and a couple of balloons Ms. Sandy brought from the back. She holds up a cake and smiles.
Scarlett covers her mouth with her hand. “What is all this?”
“A celebration,” Adrian says, popping a cork on the champagne. “For bringing this masterpiece to life. But also for bringing joy, love, and magnificence to our world.”
“Here, here!” Jonah chants, raising his glass. “To Scarlett. “
“To Scarlett,” everyone repeats.
I can’t wait for the ecstasy and bliss we will bring to each other’s futures.
I’ve never been happier.
16
Ezra
Haunted
“Areyousureweshould be here? What if somebody sees us?” Scarlett sits in the third row next to Dominic while Jonah and Leo take the middle seats, and Adrian sits beside me upfront. I’m the only one who owns a vehicle big enough to accommodate all of us.
“Look out the window, Lettie. There are so many people here that no one will notice us. We’re all in costume. Don’t let your nerves scare the fun away.” Dominic rests his hand on her knee.
She is the epitome of autumn with her green leggings, ankle boots, and the sparkly long-sleeved dress that matches the crown of fall-colored leaves on her head. She clutches her fairy wings on her lap, playing with the glittering fabric. Chilly night air trickles in through the window, mingling with the salty sea breeze. The marine layer hovers in the sky, keeping the moon away. Scarlett adjusts her crown, her hair spilling over her shoulders in waves of dark auburn ringlets.
“And if you feel the need for a kiss, amore, I’d be happy to sneak you away.” I wink at her, grinning at the flush tinting her cheeks.
I love making her blush and wish I were next to her to feel the warmth of her skin. Like cherry pies fresh from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top. My mouth waters just thinking about her fragrance.
