Against the Wall (Stoddard Art School Series Book 3) Read online

  Kay was still rolling on primer long after the other workers had left at five.

  “Didn’t you hear the whistle,” he teased. “Work day’s done. How about you and I take the tour, and then we can grab a bite to eat. They make a killer burger down at the diner.”

  Kay set her roller back in the tray and brushed the stray hair away from her face. She put her hands on her hips and sighed at the floor. “I can’t do this anymore.”

  “Great. I’ll clean your roller and you—”

  “No.” She swirled her finger over the paint tray. “Not this.” She moved her hand in front of his face. “This.”

  He opened his mouth to object, but she didn’t give him a chance.

  “Do you have any idea how many times you came into this lobby today? An Alzheimer patient is less forgetful. Between you and the other guys, this place is like Grand Central Station. I won’t be able to work with the constant interruptions.”

  “I’m sorry. I’ll talk to the crew. From now on, while you’re working, the lobby is off limits.” He rubbed her arm. “What do you say, cheeseburgers and a pile of the best french fries in the state? We can unwind, have a few laughs.”

  “I can’t date you. I don’t date clients.”

  He scoffed, trying to make it sound convincing. “It’s not a date.”

  “Sounds like a date.” She tipped her head and narrowed her eyes.

  “No. I shave for a date. It’s cheeseburgers and maybe a beer.”

  Kay shook her head and picked up her roller. “Sorry, I have work to do.”

  “You have to eat.”

  “I’ll eat when I’m finished.” She pushed the roller into the pan filling it with paint.

  “I can wait.” Bear sat on the corner of the desk.

  Setting down the roller, she smiled, and brushed off her hands. “I quit.”

  “Good, so you’ll come out with me.”

  “No. I quit, quit.” Kay grabbed her bag and headed toward the door.

  He was on his feet and caught her. “What? No. You can’t.”

  “Bear…” She pulled out of his grasp and folded her arms over her chest. “I’m not playing games. Either you let me work, or we’re done here.”

  “Okay, okay. I get it. What about this? I leave you alone. No more interruptions. I’ll take Shadow for his run, swing by and grab some burgers, and bring them back here. You can finish up without me getting in your hair, and I’ll still get my burger.”

  “It’s not a date. You promise not to shave?”

  He crossed a finger over his heart and held up the Boy Scout three fingers. “No shaving. Promise. Hell, I won’t even shower.”

  She wrinkled her nose. “Wow, way to make a girl feel special.”

  “What do you say?”

  For a minute, she didn’t say anything. With her hands on her hips, she looked back at the walls. “I’ll need at least another hour and a half.”

  “You got it.”

  “And soda, not beer.”

  “Okay.”

  She picked up her roller again. “No shaving.”

  “I’m throwing away my razor.”

  Bear returned ninety minutes later with a sack of fat burgers, a heaping pile of hot french fries and cold six-pack of Cokes along with a serious five o’clock shadow.

  The walls were finished. The sharp smell of primer filled the lobby, and Kay was gathering up the last of the drop cloths.

  “Let’s sit on the porch. You could use the fresh air,” Bear suggested. She followed him out and took deep breaths of the easy breeze coming off the harbor. He opened a soda and handed it to her. She took a long pull, then wiped a stray drop of Coke off her lower lip. That insignificant drip brought back the ache he’d been fighting all day. This was not the time to try to kiss her. He’d just keep fighting the urge. He tore into his cheeseburger. “I’m sorry about today.” He mumbled around the food in his mouth and swallowed. “Interrupting you like that. I’m surprised you didn’t throw something at me.”

  “I was tempted.” She unwrapped her burger and pulled it apart, plucking off the pickles and adding extra ketchup.

  “What can I say.” Bear shrugged and passed her the fries. “It’s the draw of the working artist. Watching someone’s talent manifest is intriguing.”

  Kay took half a dozen fries and set them next to her burger. “I don’t like people watching me. It completely throws me off. I’m too self-conscious.” She stared out at the water. “I get into a zone when I work. Hyper focused. I can’t do it any other way. Hours fly by. Sometimes days.” She wiped her fingers on a paper napkin and looked back at him. “Would you have a problem if I worked at night? My hours can get screwy anyway, and the inn is quiet. I won’t be interrupted by the crew or the phone or deliveries.”

  “Or me.”

  She nodded and gave him a smirk. “Or you. Just another benefit.” She patted his arm. “I’m teasing. I just think I’d get much more done.”

  The last of the lobster boats was pulling into the harbor as the sun set, but the picturesque scene was lost on him. If he agreed to her suggestion, he’d hardly see her. “I don’t know how I feel about you being alone here at night.”

  “Why? What’s going to happen?”

  “I want to be sure you’re safe.”

  “Bear, look around.” She swept a hand toward the water. “This is Bell Harbor, not LA. What could go wrong? Lobster riots?” Her hair shone golden in the fading light. “I’ll lock myself in. I’d be fine. If I can’t concentrate, this mural is going to take twice as long as it should, and be half as good. That’s not what you’re paying for and not what I signed on to do. I realize it isn’t the perfect plan, but if we can’t come to some agreement on this, maybe you need to hire on another artist.” She turned those beautiful dark eyes on him.

  “Not an option.”

  “So I can work at night?”

  “Under one condition. You can’t be alone.”

  She was quick to shake her head. “You staying here isn’t an option. No razor or not.”

  “We’re not talking about me, but what about Shadow? He’s crazy about you, and he’s a great watchdog. I just installed a new kennel for him out back with a big doghouse. He could be in here with you while you work. I’ll set up his bed in the kitchen. Guaranteed he’ll sleep ninety percent of the time. All you’d have to do is kennel him before you leave. Make sure he has water. I feed him in the mornings. Take him for his run. Same as evenings. I’ll just drop him back here.”

  “Sounds like we’re drawing up a custody agreement for your dog. Won’t he miss you?”

  Bear shrugged a shoulder. “He’ll be with me all day.”

  “It seems like an awful lot of running back and forth for you.”

  “It’s only for a few weeks. I’m running back and forth most of the time now.”

  Kay nibbled the end of a fry and was quiet as she contemplated. “It might work.”

  “It will work. You agree to a furry night watchman, and I’ll get you a set of keys in the morning.” He lifted his Coke and held it up to her.

  Kay picked up her drink and tapped the bottom rim of her can to his. “I think I could agree to that.”

  “Fine. Night shift it is.”

  She took a sip and smiled at him in the fading light. “You should have brought beer.”

  Chapter Eight

  Kay rode home after another long night. The mural was progressing. She was pleased, Bear was thrilled, and Shadow seemed none the worse for wear after he discovered she kept dog treats in her purse. If she could keep up this pace, she might finish the job ahead of schedule.

  She was exhausted, but it was a good tired. You know, the brain-numbing fatigue when you finally crawl into bed but are content and satisfied with all you’d accomplished that day—or night.

  Pulling into the parking space for the cottage, she met Dottie coming up the stairs.

  “Hey! What a nice surprise.”

  The two hugged. “Hey, yourse
lf, stranger. I was out this way and hoped to catch you. I left a note on your door.”

  Kay gathered up her bag and pulled her phone off the car charger. “I got your message. I’ve just been straight out the last few days.”

  “I heard.” She rubbed Kay’s back. “Walter brings me progress reports every morning. Wants me to come see what you’ve done, but I want to wait and see it all finished.”

  “Hopefully, you won’t have too long to wait. I’ve got everything broad sketched and cut in. I’m working one wall at a time, and it’s really coming together. I like it a lot.”

  “I know Bear loves it.”

  Kay nodded. “So he says.”

  “You must be beat, but I wanted to talk to you. Got time for a quick cup of tea?”

  “For you? Absolutely.” Kay led her down the stone steps and into the tiny blue and white gingham-trimmed kitchen. “Put the kettle on. I need to feed the cat.” She filled both the kettle and a bowl with fresh water.

  “Cat? What cat?”

  Kay scooped some kibble into another bowl and took them out to the back deck. “She showed up last week. Filthy and starving. I named her Hope. She seems to be sticking around.”

  “As long as you feed her.”

  “Won’t let me near her, but at least she’s coming up onto the deck now. We’ve made great progress.” Kay pulled tea bags, honey, and mugs from the cupboard. She joined Dottie at the kitchen table. “So what did you want to talk about?”

  “I spoke to your mother the other day.”

  Kay gave a silent groan and dropped into the chair. “And how is my mother?”

  “She says she hasn’t heard from you since Christmas.”

  “Has it been that long? Yes, I guess it has.” Kay got the stare. The kettle’s whistle saved her. Kay leapt up to take it off the heat.

  “She didn’t know you’re staying here.”

  Kay filled their cups. “Did you tell her?”

  “It’s not my business to tell.”

  “Good. Thank you.”

  “It’s also not my business to lie.”

  Dottie would never betray her, but Kay hated putting her in the middle. She was still her mother’s best friend. “You didn’t lie.”

  “Not telling is lying.”

  “Trust me, it’s easier this way. I’ll deal with her. Soon. Not now, okay?”

  Dottie reached across the table and took her hand. “Honey, when are you going to lose that chip on your shoulder?”

  Kay stood again and crossed to the sink. Soaping the sponge there, she began wiping down the small countertop. “It isn’t so much of a chip where my mother is concerned. It’s more like a drag chute.” She scrubbed at an invisible spot.

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  She tossed the sponge back into the sink and wiped her hands. “A drag chute is the parachute that releases out of the back of a racecar to stop it in its tracks. It’s what she does. I’ll be moving along at a great speed, and it’s like my mother sucks the road right out from under my tires. She grinds me to a halt. And it takes way too much to get me back to the starting line, let alone back up to speed.”

  “You need to talk to her.”

  Kay shook her head. “I can’t afford to be derailed. Not now.”

  “She just wants to know you’re okay. And sweetie, you’re doing better than okay, you’re doing great. Don’t you want to share this with her?”

  “No.” She gave a small laugh. “Absolutely not.”

  “So what are you going to do—pretend she doesn’t exist?”

  Kay folded her arms over her chest. “Hey, denial and running are my best things.”

  “Some things you can’t run away from, Kay. They’re going to catch up with you no matter what.”

  Kay sat and took the woman’s hands. “Things are never going to be good where my mother is concerned. It wasn’t my idea. She made her choice twenty years ago. I’m just grateful I have you.” She kissed the backs of her hands.

  Dottie gave her a pitying look. “But I’m not your mom.”

  “Thank goodness.” Kay smiled.

  “You know, you only get one.”

  “Some you get, some you pick. That’s why I picked you.”

  “I just don’t want you to get to the day where you regret things. There’s still time to mend the fences. Before it’s too late.”

  Kay frowned. “Too late for what?”

  “Nothing.” Dottie lifted a hand. “I’ll go back to minding my own business. I love you both, and it breaks my heart to see you both so unhappy.”

  “I’m not unhappy.”

  Her words hung in the air as Dottie sipped at her tea. “What happened with Todd?”

  Kay was on her feet again. She dumped the rest of her tea into the sink. “Wow, Mom and Todd in one conversation. I may be too tired for this.”

  “Does your breakup have anything to do with the fact that you’re keeping Bear Coulter at arm’s length?”

  Kay shot her a look over her shoulder. “What?”

  Dottie shrugged and spoke into her cup. “The man is sweet on you.”

  “I am too tired for this.” She rinsed her cup and put it into the drainer to dry.

  “You’d have to be blind not to see it.”

  Turning, Kay braced her hands on the edge of the counter. “Bear is a client.”

  “So?”

  “So, I don’t date my clients.”

  “He’s a good man,” Dottie insisted.

  “I agree.”

  “Handsome, successful, good-hearted.” She counted each quality off on her fingers.

  “I agree with all those things.”

  “Then what’s the problem?”

  “Besides him being my client, he lives in Maine. I live in New Hampshire.”

  Dottie scanned the room. “Looks like we’re in Maine, now.”

  Kay narrowed her eyes. “Cute. I’m only here for the summer. What happens come August when I have to go back? I won’t even buy a houseplant because who’d take care of it come fall?”

  “Bear isn’t a houseplant, honey.”

  “No, he isn’t, but I don’t want a summer fling. Bear’s not a fling guy. He’s a forever guy. He deserves someone who is settled and stable. Who’s going to be around for the long haul.”

  “Then may I ask why are you feeding a stray cat?”

  Kay huffed out a sharp breath. “Good question.”

  After Dottie left, Kay showered and slipped into bed. Her body was exhausted, but her mind refused to quit. She tossed and turned and, in frustration, growled at the ceiling before covering her face with her pillow. The day was too warm. Her bedroom felt stuffy and stale. Throwing the pillow didn’t help. Air. She needed air to clear her head and cool off.

  Slipping on a T-shirt and shorts, Kay headed out to her spot on the point. Passing Bear’s house, she replayed her conversation with Dottie. All her reasons concerning Bear were valid. The last thing she wanted or needed was a summer romance. After Todd, her heart couldn’t take it, and she wasn’t the type to keep her heart out of the mix. Bear Coulter might be sweet on her, but every time she got within two feet of the man, she became some brainless twit. She’d lost track of all the times she’d humiliated herself. Best to keep her head down and do her work. That’s all. Come August, she could leave with a solid bank account, maybe a nice reference, and an unbroken heart.

  Making her way through the tumble of granite boulders making up the point, she found her place. Her rock. The ancient stone had forever marked this spot. It dipped in on one end, carved out by a million storms and the endless beating of the water. It was the perfect place to sit and watch the waves. Walter called it Fred Flintstone’s beach chair. High and dry, the warm stone cradled her tired back.

  Kay rolled the tension out of her neck and lost herself to the beauty of the calm sea. The rhythmic waves soothed her. She closed her eyes and relished the feel of the sun on her skin. Out here, the smell of the water was sharp
and clean. The air cooled as it came across the sea. It cleared her mind, refreshed her soul, and clarified her resolve.

  Dottie meant well, but Kay wasn’t going to let a set of big shoulders and a tight guy butt cloud her judgment. Bear Coulter was off limits.

  “Kay?”

  Kay startled and twisted around. “Bear? What are you doing here?”

  “I thought I saw someone walk past the house. You’ve been working all night. I thought you’d be sleeping.”

  She looked beyond him. “Where’s Shadow? I thought you’d be at the inn.”

  “Yeah, I left him there. He was busy teaching Skippy how to fetch. I’m expecting a big furniture delivery today. Forgot the damn paperwork.”

  “Wow, you really are forgetful.” She stood up and brushed the back of her shorts. The sun shone in his hair. The gray of his shirt played havoc with the color of his eyes. The way it hugged his body played havoc with her common sense.

  “Not usually as scatterbrained as I’ve led on. Only when I’m trying to spy on beautiful mural painters.” He smiled the smile. The one that turned her insides into melted caramel.

  “You’re here to spy on me?”

  “No, this one’s legit. Finding you out here basking in the sun was just a bonus.”

  “And me without my sunscreen. Excuse me.” She sidled past him and headed back toward the beach.

  He kept pace. “The mural is really coming along. Every morning, I’m excited to walk into the lobby and see what you’ve done the night before.”

  “The work is going well. I’ll probably be out of your hair sooner than I planned.”

  “I’m not sure that’s good news.”

  Kay shrugged a shoulder and kept walking. “The project has to be finished sometime.”

  Bear caught her elbow with a gentle hand. “But then I wouldn’t get to see you.”

  She pulled out of his grasp, but stopped. Shaking her head, she crossed her arms over her chest as she turned back to him. “You know the old saying, ships passing in the night. You barely see me now.”

  “I see more than you think I see.”

  She frowned at him and continued walking. “Sounds kind of stalker-ish.”