He patted his chest. “My boyish charm. I’ve been told it’s irresistible. You made me start doubting my charisma. Figured age was taking its toll.”
She extended the touch to a full hand and chuckled. “Trust me, you’ve still got it.”
“Then why the cold shoulder and disinterest each time our paths crossed?”
“At the bakery I was in a hurry to get to the show, and I recognized your face.”
“That bad, uh?”
“Quite the contrary, and you know it, too. I wasn’t painting you because…Well, whatever you had before, you’ve still got.”
“Then why the closed door routine, I mean, if I’ve still got it.”
“I hate to admit it, but I was embarrassed, and a bit disappointed.”
“Of what?”
“At first, I thought, it was me.”
“Me what?”
“I figured you were there to see me. Then I realized it was my sister you had been ogling in the bathroom.”
“Oh, I see…Tell you what, next time you go into the shower, call me first, and I’ll gladly be your personal ogler.”
She grinned, “I bet you would. Really wasn’t your fault.”
“Oh My God, a woman that understands the primal needs and nature of a man.”
“What?”
“Didn’t you know, in retribution for Adam’s mistake, God inflected us guys with an inability to turn from the lure of female curves and bumps in all the right places. It’s nice to finally meet a woman that doesn’t hold that weakness against us.”
“That’s not what I mean and you know it. We were set up.”
“We were. By whom?”
“My meddlesome sister.”
“How?”
“When she left for Knoxville, she told me I could thank her later. When I asked for what, she smiled and hinted of the present she expected to arrive soon. I figured it out later. She enticed you into her web, for me.”
“Damn, what a tricky little vixen.”
“Like my mother said, she exists on the wild side, and one day, it’s going to catch up with her.”
“I’ll have to thank your sister, otherwise, I’d never had the courage to meet my long distance admirer.”
She pulled her hand back slightly but retained contact. “Courage is something you clearly have never lacked.”
“Is that a good thing or bad?”
“I’m still sitting here, aren’t I?”
“Yes you are, but like they say, pay backs are hell.”
“Pay back for what?”
“Why, for coming to your rescue. All white knights deserve a little TLC for risking life and limb,” he kissed his injured digit, “or in this case, my forefinger.” Reece extended his hand to her side of the truck. “I think at least a kiss from the fair madam is in order.”
She tittered. “You do, do you?”
“Yes, I do.”
She slowly leaned forward, cuddled his cut appendage with her soft fingers, stoked it ever so gently, and kissed the wounded warrior twice. “Does the little fellow feel better now?”
“Oh yes, much better. Too bad it wasn’t my lips that were injured.”
An unladylike snort escaped from her throat. “Your mouth is doing just fine.”
“You sure? The lower lip feels bruised sticking it out so far only to be whacked by a door the other morning.” He teasingly leaned to the right and she playfully pushed his head to its original position. “Maybe next time. For now, keep your eyes on the road, or someone will have to come to both our rescue.”
Fourteen
The fairground teamed with vendors setting up their wares and preparing for the promised crowds to descend. The position of her allotted space allowed Reece to back the trailer close enough they wouldn’t spend too much time hauling the merchandise to the tent. With only a ten-by-ten square under her awning, displaying the various paintings would take some creative engineering, but she was up for the task.
For this affair, she’d brought her own canvas gig, which Reece pulled from the backseat without prompting. She smiled, liking the way he dove into help without having to consult her every step of the way.
“Go cattycorner from me and snap the leg a notch higher. We’ll work each leg a little at a time until all four are the right height,” he instructed.
The maneuver proved awkward with only the two of them, but they managed amidst a few giggles thrown in for good measure. Once done, she stared at the bright green covering and grinned. “Now for the hard part.”
“Slave driver.”
She laughed. “You volunteered so now you’re committed.”
“Committed. Now there’s a lethal word.” The look he sent her held a speculative gleam that had her catching her breath. It was far too soon for her to think of starting a lasting relationship with another man and yet…
She cleared her throat and nodded to the trailer. “We set up the display units first then hang work.”
“Do we get to play at all?”
The hopeful note in his voice had her smiling. “Only if you’re a good boy and do all your chores first.”
“Good is overrated. Sure you don’t want me to be a little bad?”
She laughed and shook her head, not knowing how to respond to his flirtations. Dang, she was out of practice. “Work first. Play later.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He yanked the first metal, three-pod unit from storage and handed it to her. “I’ll pull them out and help you set up once we have them in the exhibition area.”
“They aren’t heavy, just bulky,” she said, wrestling with the contraption.
“Stop. I’ll carry it. Just give me a minute to extract the other three.”
She didn’t want to be beholding to him, but it felt good to have a man’s help and attention. A fresh wave of heat settled over her as she watched his muscles expand and contract. The man had nothing to worry about where looks were concerned. Raw magnetism drew Lilah against her will. To spend the day in his company would be a luxury she looked forward to.
True to his word, he assisted in setting up the booth, even offering solutions that made the limited room more manageable. They barely finished getting it all organized when the first batch of customers came in to browse.
“Oh my, I love the colors and movement in this one,” an older woman with graying brown hair said. “Larry, come look.”
A man, presumably her husband edged closer and peered over her shoulder. “Looks like a man in a boat to me.”
“Yes, but the colors are just perfect for our dining area.” She glanced at Reece. “Oh my, are you the model?”
“I am and the boat is an antique, one of only eighty-one in existence.”
“Larry, did you hear?”
“I heard, Beth.” Resignation made his features slightly pinched as if he knew he was about to part with substantial cash.
“I want this painting. How much?” she asked even though the price was clearly printed on the label. The first transaction went smoothly, and Lilah had Reece to thank for propelling the sale forward.
Having him around made all the ladies think he was a celebrity. Wouldn’t they all be surprised to discover Lilah to be the notable star instead? Humans typically grew excited when faced with a news icon, hence the reason she’d used the alias Carmen.
Reece engaged another older woman, making her come alive under his attentions. She cooed and flushed, apparently delighted with the touch of a younger man’s hand on her shoulder. The fact he willingly conversed with the elderly and took time to really listen made Lilah see him as something more than just a good-looking man. With each passing moment, he became more real, more attainable, not just a sexy image on canvas. Her obsession was becoming less distant and that troubled her.
He thought her only a small town girl with artistic talent. How would he react when he discovered her to be the notorious Lilah Randall, assumed murderer of her husband? She mentally shook free of the dismal thought. Truly, she was reading way too much into their very new friendship. For now, she should just enjoy their time together.
In fact, she should think of this as part of business. After all, getting to know the subject’s personality would make her portrayals of him that much stronger and add life and vitality to her compositions.
Rose swept through the tent after their second sale, her large floppy hat askew on her silver-gray curls. “Sorry I’m later than usual. I didn’t expect traffic to be so bad.”
“You’re fine. In fact, I’ve had excellent help this morn.” She pointed to Reece. “Rose, this is Reece Edwards. Reece, meet my manager and friend, Rose Whitaker.”
“Nice to formally meet you,” Reece said. “We’ve met before when I first saw Lilah’s paintings.”
“Why yes. You’re the sailor!”
“I am.” The smile he bestowed upon the older women was designed to melt hearts.
Rose placed an arthritic hand on her chest and beamed. “So you finally found our gal. Isn’t she something?”
Lilah rolled her eyes at Rose’s gushing remark.
Reece laughed, clearly amused at Rose’s matchmaking attempts. “I find her quite special, and I even like the paintings.”
Lilah groaned. “Can we prevail upon you to take care of the booth while Reece and I take a gander about the festival?”
“Certainly. You two younguns behave yourselves and don’t worry over anything here.” Rose shooed them away with her usual motherly charm.
Reece grabbed Lilah’s hand before she could offer a protest and led her from the busy display.
“What’s the rush?” She tugged on her captured hand.
“You didn’t see the two women huddled together, staring at me?” Reece slowed the pace but didn’t relinquish his hold. “They looked ready to pounce. You, my dear, have made me into somewhat of a star at these gatherings.”
“Right. Just don’t let it go to your head.” She smiled inwardly, warming to his boyish charm and easy wit.
They strolled through the exhibitions, enjoying the various arts and crafts until they came to the food court vendors. He bought her a hotdog loaded with sauerkraut and mustard, one of her favorites. After lunch, they headed back toward her booth and came across a bobbing-for-apples game that boasted a wide selection of prizes. Her gaze fastened on a large stuffed animal.
Reece must have noted her interest. “Does the lady want to own the blue bear?”
She nodded and wiggled her brows. “Does the esteemed knight wish to win the lady’s favor?” The last time a boy had won her a prize of this nature, Lilah had been a teenager. Ben had never liked silly games and usually groused whenever they chanced past a carnival of any kind.
Reece took the bait. “What do I have to do to own that stuffed animal?” he asked the attendant while pointing to the prize.
“Nab five apples within five minutes. Three apples will get you one of the smaller prizes.”
Reece eyed the barrel full of apples floating in water and scrunched his face. “The things I do for a pretty woman. You’re on.”
He handed the young teen manning the booth the required fee, tugged at his pants legs, and wiggled into position. Lilah stood at the side and whipped out her cell to take photos. At the youth’s prompting, Reece began diving for the red fruits. Before long a small crowd circled, cheering him on.