Page 12 of Peril in Piney Woods

“Next time, call me. Let me help.”

That she could agree to. “I will. There just wasn’t time last night. It all happened so quickly.”

“I understand, but I want to try and be there whenever you need me for whatever reason.”

She relaxed just a little. Maybe he wasn’t going to go after answers the way she had feared. “I appreciate that.”

He cleaned up the remains of their breakfast while she washed their mugs and glasses. She adored the vintage sink with its attached drainboard. It was all so homey. So comfortable.

“You can never change this sink,” she said as she dried her hands. “It’s amazing.”

He leaned against the counter and grinned. “Don’t ever say that in front of my sister. She thinks I need to gut the place and have all new everything installed.”

Meg’s mouth dropped open in dismay. “No. This kitchen is perfect. The cabinets are perfectly imperfect. I love the pale green color.” She put a hand to her chest. “And the stove. It’s a Wedgewood. You can never ever change the stove either.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

The amusement in his tone and in those gold eyes made her feel far too warm. “Sorry,” she offered, “I get a little carried away when people talk about ruining something as awesome as this kitchen.”

“Since we’re on the subject,” he said, “what about the paint?”

It was yellow. Nice. Very light. “This must have been your mother’s favorite color.”

He grinned. “It was. She repainted it this same color every few years.”

Meg’s cell sounded off from the back pocket of her jeans. Saved her from having to say that she’d never really cared for yellow. “Excuse me a moment.” She checked the screen. Jodie Edwards. “It’s Jodie. I have to take this.”

Griff knew both her employees, Jodie Edwards and Dottie Cowart. One or the other usually worked with Meg on Sunday afternoons to get the weekly deep cleaning done, but today they’d suggested the two of them handle the shop for Meg. After last night’s misadventures, Meg hadn’t argued. They would also hang around for the pickup of the boarded animals. Prevented Meg from having to answer the questions the owners would no doubt have. Frankly, she was glad to have the day off.

She accepted the call. “Hey, Jodie. What’s up?”

“There’s a couple of reporters hanging around outside,” Jodie whispered. “One from the Chattanooga Times and one from the Tennessean. They’ve knocked on the door wanting to talk to you.”

Meg suppressed a groan. She had been afraid of this. “Tell them not only are we closed but that I won’t be around today.” She made a face. Tried to think how she would manage to stay out of sight until this whole thing blew over.

“Actually, I was thinking that I can handle things for a couple of days,” Jodie offered. “Dottie is happy to come in and help if I need her.”

Meg wilted with relief. “That would be great, Jodie. Are you sure you don’t mind?”

She laughed softly. “Are you kidding? My kid has a birthday next month. I can take all the extra hours you want to give me.”

“You are a lifesaver,” Meg assured her. “But don’t hesitate to call if you need me.”

“Just relax,” Jodie insisted. “I’ve got this.”

The call ended, and Meg tucked the cell back into her jeans pocket.

“Problem?”

She turned toward Griff. Now for the next issue. If she couldn’t go to work, what should she do?

Spending too much time with this man was not a feasible option.

That would only get her into more trouble, and she was in enough already.

Chapter Four

Pampered Paws

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