Gin Fling (Bootleg Springs, #5)(45)

“That’s Scooby June’s Callie Kendall research,” George said, adjusting Katherine’s bow and giving the pig a scratch. “She was convinced there was something wrong with Fake Callie’s story and did some digging.”

“That’s a lot of digging,” Shelby observed. I could tell she was impressed.

“When she gets focused on something, she doesn’t stop.” He grinned, flipping the lid off the top box.

“I need to learn her ways or I’m never going to finish my dissertation,” she complained, peering into the box.

Mellow hopped over to me and sniffed my shoe. I leaned down to stroke the bunny’s soft fur.

“Don’t get her started on research,” I warned him. “You’ll have two Scoobys in the house.”

“What’s this file about Constance Bodine?” Shelby asked, her interest piqued.

I made myself comfortable on the couch. Mellow eyed me expectantly, so I picked her up.

“Turns out that Connie Bodine’s accident might not have been an accident,” GT explained.

I thought of my mother and realized I hadn’t had a status update from Gibson yet. Had he left his post? Had my mother been coaxed into a pickup truck by Jimmy Bob Prosser?

“What would that have to do with Callie Kendall?” Shelby asked.

GT shrugged. “Probably nothing. But she died coming back from some big fundraiser thing Mrs. Kendall attended in Baltimore.”

“That’s an odd coincidence,” Shelby mused.

“That’s what June thought, too. It’s not like they ran in similar social circles.”

The puppy woke with a bark and skittered into the room. He stopped at my feet, tail wagging. I leaned down and picked him up. He cuddled up against the bunny, licked Mellow, then me.

“Are you purposely trying to be the sexiest man in the universe right now?”

I looked up and found Shelby watching me, hands on hips. “You’re cuddling a puppy and a bunny.”

She had those hearts in her eyes again, but this time they were directed at me. And I sure as hell liked it. I had a feeling my dry spell might finally come to its official end.





24





Shelby





I’d thought for sure I’d be getting naked tonight. Especially after that kiss.

Instead I was setting the table for three.

Not that I didn’t like Jenny Leland. She was lovely and bright and funny. She was also the mother of the guy I was trying to see naked. And as such, she was essentially cock-blocking me. However, given Jonah’s uncertainty and all the excitement of the day with pigs and puppies, I was prepared to be patient.

“Aren’t you just the smartest little guy in the whole wide world?” Jenny cooed at the puppy, who sat his wiggling butt on the floor when she held up one of the treats Jonah had picked up at the Pop In today. He’d been a favorite at the vet earlier. Malnourished and underweight, covered in fleas. But friendly and sweet. He was given a bag of special dog food, a flea bath, and an optimistic bill of health. We were given a coupon to Pet Paradise, a pet store in downtown Bootleg.

We’d gone on a spree that included food, dishes, collars and leashes, a crate with memory foam mattress, and an entire basket of toys. For our temporary dog.

A pan sizzled in the kitchen where Jonah was cooking something that smelled suspiciously of vegetables.

“Can I top off your wine?” I offered Jenny.

She held out her glass and smiled. “I’m allowed this refill, and that’s it. I don’t think I can survive another Bootleg hangover so early in my visit.”

She was a pretty woman with short blonde hair and a long, lean frame. It wasn’t hard to guess where Jonah got his quick grin and those gorgeous green eyes.

“What are you guys going to name him?” she asked me, nodding at the dog while I poured.

“Jonah and I have gone a couple rounds over it,” I confessed. “For two people who aren’t keeping a dog, we’re putting way too much thought into a name. But we finally settled on Billy Ray, in homage to his country roots.”

Jenny laughed and studied the dog as he pounced on a green alligator squeak toy. “Welcome to the family, Billy Ray.”

As if in acknowledgment, Billy Ray tipped over on his back and wiggled in delight.

“Dinner’s ready,” Jonah called from the kitchen.

“Need any help?” I asked.

“Just make yourselves comfortable. I’ll bring it in.”

“It’s probably something healthy,” I warned Jenny. “But I picked up a pie from the bakery for dessert, so we just have to make it through the vegetables.”

“You’re adorable,” she observed. “I can see why my son is interested in you.”

I felt my face flush with pleasure at the thought. Was this a weird conversation to be having with a potential sexual partner’s mother? I was of the opinion that the United States was a bit too prudish about something as natural as sex. And that opinion often led me to make people uncomfortable in polite conversation. For instance, how the physical connection accomplished through sex was often pursued as a way to feel more connected, less alienated or lonely.

Not exactly dinner conversation.

“Ladies, please give my vegetable and beef stir-fry the standing ovation it deserves,” Jonah announced from the doorway of the dining room. He hefted a wok, the contents still steaming. And still smelling healthy.