Page 25 of Smoke Show

"That sounds great. I'll have to check my schedule at the shop, but I can probably arrange to be free after lunch."

"It's a date. In the meantime, can I walk you home?"

I could tell he really wanted me to say 'yes.' While it wasn't necessary, basking in his company for a few extra minutes wouldn't hurt.

"Sure."

Brady locked up, and I grinned like a kid at Christmas when he grasped my injured hand gently in his for the walk to Fierce Ink and my apartment. The casual way we touched, like it was the most natural thing in the world, made me giddy. Maybe it was foolish to be excited about something so simple, but I couldn't shake the happiness that accompanied every step. So I quit trying.

Brady Gleason liked me, and I liked him. There was nothing wrong with gushing over a new relationship. My heart lifted, stuttering to a pause when Brady drew to a stop at my door.

He leaned in slowly, giving me all the time in the world to fumble for my keys and avoid his kiss if I wanted to. After my last relationship in the shadows, kissing him in the open, on Main Street in front of Becky locking up her salon and everyone felt like a victory all its own. Brady’s dark eyes gleamed under the streetlights. He cupped my chin, running one rough thumb over my bottom lip. That slow stroke sent a tsunami of tremors racing through me, and I clung to him like my shelter from the storm. I was pretty sure I heard Becky’s sigh from across the street as I leaned in to kiss Brady. He met me stroke for stroke, enthusiastic and unbothered by our audience.

My thoughts tumbled together, getting lost in the haze of our kiss, only righting themselves when he pulled away.

"Goodnight, Tiger."

"'Night, Brady."

"I'll text you plans for Saturday."

"Deal," I said, unable to keep the grin off my face as I made my way upstairs.

Chapter 10

Brady

Irolledoutofbed on Friday eager to start the day. My last workday before I could enjoy my weekend. Enjoy Eve.

Trouble meowed insistently, and I dumped fresh cat food in his bowl.

"I fed you yesterday and you know it," I grumbled at my cat, relenting long enough to lean down for a quick stroke. Something about Trouble's feline eyes silently judged the food I'd added, as if he could telepathically convince me to add more. "You know that's plenty," I admonished, striding for the sink to fill my coffee pot.

I scrolled through my social media while waiting for my coffee to brew, unsurprised to see new texts from my mom.

Mom: A little bird told me you were kissing Eve Pendleton outside of Fierce Ink last night.

Mom: Good for you, son.

The Campfire grapevine worked double-time over any hint of romance. I used to think the only way to win was not to play, but Eve had convinced me I was missing out. Avoiding dating in Campfire just limited my chances at happiness. Still, I needed to slow the wheels on the bus before my mom went overboard.

Brady: It's too early to bet your life savings.

Mom: I'm sure I don't know what you're referring to…

The rumors I'd shared with Eve about Silvia Nemitz's betting ring were more than likely true, though my mom had to be giggly on wine before she'd do more than drop vague hints about the secret goings-on in town.

Brady: Please leave it alone.

Mom: I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about…

Brady: Don't make me call Dad.

I poured my coffee, grinning at the thought of my mom's huffy expression when she read my text. Dad would not approve of my mom interfering in my love life, and she knew it.

When I arrived at school, I greeted Mabel Gomez, my Assistant Principal, and Chris Farmer, our Office Manager on my way to my desk.

Chris knocked on my door. "Hey, Chris. What can I help you with?"

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