Page 53 of Love Among Vines

“No, I don’t.”

“I saw you flinch when I touched your wrist. Is that your painting hand?”

“Maybe,” she admitted.

He stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, sighed, then continued on.

“My legs aren’t broken,” she added.

He ignored her. “Why were you climbing a tree?”

“I was hiding a bag.”

He stopped again. “Is this a social media thing?”

“No,” she said indignantly. “I just didn’t want it to get stolen while I was working.”

“Why would somebody break into a random vacation home to steal your bag?”

Jade didn’t respond.

“Jade.”

“Yes?” Her head began to throb from being upside down.

He lowered her to the ground and gently held her arms. His green eyes burned into her. “Where were you last night?”

“I was at a campsite, okay? Are you happy, Detective Kidnapper?”

“Why—”

She explained everything. Honesty was technically in their fake relationship bylaws, so she owed him the truth. When she was done, he closed his eyes and massaged his temples.

“That’s it. You’re staying with me,” he announced.

“No, I’m not.”

How many times did she need to tell him that she didn’t know him well enough? Every true crime story started with a charismatic stranger.

“You can’t stay at the campsite. It was freezing last night. You’re?—”

“What’s going on?” a new voice interrupted.

Jade whirled around and came face-to-face with a stunning woman in a white coat. A colorful dress in a funky pattern lurked beneath. Her red lipstick matched the frames over her eyes.

“Thanks for coming,” Rett said as the newcomer unlocked the door.

Jade took a step back and read the sign on the building: Braeburn Family Medicine.

“Cindy, this is Jade.”

Cindy stuck her hand out, and Jade shook it, then flinched. Pain flashed in her wrist.

“Oh. I see.” Cindy peered at Jade’s wrist. “What happened?”

Rett glanced at his watch. “I have to go. Take care of her, please. Send me the bill.”

Jade spluttered, but Rett silenced her with a kiss. His mouth was warm and hard against hers. She froze and nearly shoved him away, but tingles exploded up and down her spine. Damn it, muse tingle. Always the worst timing.

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