Hold Me (Fool's Gold #16)(49)

Gideon shrugged. “I hear things. Jo’s Bar is pretty close.”

“Sure, but a different clientele. They target women, and we target men. There are plenty of both in town.”

“It’s not that simple,” Gideon told him. “But I think we’re okay for now.”

“You worry too much.”

Gideon nodded. “I do. Used to be that’s what kept me alive. But I’m sure you’re right. That we’ll be fine.”

“We will. You’ll see.”

* * *

DESTINY FOUND THAT a morning spent painting playground equipment was exactly what she needed to clear her mind. She’d invited Starr along, but her sister had opted to sleep in.

The morning was warming up quickly. The sun was out, and only a handful of clouds chased across the blue sky. This was a nice way to spend a Saturday, she thought. Until moving to Fool’s Gold, she’d never gotten involved in a community event like this. Helping out was actually really fun.

Shelby sat on the other side of the support poles they were painting. They were onto their second playground. As they had moved on from the first one, a couple of trucks filled with guys had pulled up to replace the safety mats.

“How long do you think until Charlie shows up to check our work?” Shelby asked with a laugh.

“I’m not sure, but I’m keeping my brush strokes very even.”

“Me, too.” Shelby took a deep breath. “This is nice. I usually spend my Saturday mornings in the bakery. It was relaxing to sleep in until six and then be outside.”

“I think it’s sad that getting up at six is sleeping in for you, and yet I love my morning pastries.”

“Someone has to pay the price,” Shelby told her. “And I’m willing to do it.”

“For that, I thank you.”

“In return, you’ll find me if I get lost in the mountains.”

Destiny nodded, even though she wouldn’t be one of the people doing the searching. As of yet, she hadn’t been given her next assignment, but it was just a matter of time until she heard.

For once, there would be things she would miss when she left. People, as well as the town. She had a routine here she liked. She enjoyed the girlfriend lunches and the festivals. Even her little rental was growing on her.

She’d made friends, she thought, glancing where Madeline was raking on the opposite side of the playground. Madeline, who’d had drinks with the man who had also taken out Shelby.

Destiny dipped her brush in the can of red paint. “How are things going with Miles?” she asked cautiously.

“I’ve seen him a couple of times. He’s a lot of fun.” Shelby looked up and grinned. “Don’t worry. I’m heeding your warning. I won’t get serious.”

“As long as you know he’s not a sensible choice.”

“Sensible is highly overrated. I know that Miles isn’t going to be into anything permanent. I’m open to a fling. Miles and I have talked. He’s going to be faithful while he’s here and when he leaves, we’re done. Normally, I would want more, but there’s something about him. I love it when a man makes me forget myself.”

“Why?”

Shelby laughed. “Because falling for someone should be unpredictable and fun. I work hard every day. I have a steady routine, which is all good, but sometimes I want more. I want to feel the rush of anticipation. I want to be surprised. I love surprises.”

“Only good ones,” Destiny pointed out. “Everyone wants to win the lottery, and no one wants to be in a car accident, yet they’re both surprises.”

“Okay, you’re a great person, but sometimes you’re a little strange.”

“I’ve been told that before.” Destiny rested her brush on the edge of the paint can and stood to stretch her legs. “I’ve seen plenty of emotional drama in my life. I’m looking for calm.”

“You mean boring.”

“I’m a fan of boring. I want to know that tomorrow is going to look a lot like today.” That the person who mattered most would still be there in the morning. How many times had she awakened as a kid to find her parents hadn’t come home? That they’d hopped a flight to New York or Las Vegas. Sometimes they’d remembered to arrange for someone to be around to take care of her. But not always.

She’d been with Grandma Nell over a year before she’d been able to wake up without a knot in her stomach. In her world, surprises were highly overrated.

* * *

THE WORK CREWS finished about two in the afternoon. Destiny passed on going to Jo’s for nachos and margaritas. She wanted to get home to see Starr. They were supposed to hang out that afternoon. The plan was to practice the guitar, then make dinner together. Not exactly earthshaking, but Destiny was looking forward to them spending time together.

As she crossed the street in front of their house, her leg muscles protested. All the squatting and crouching had done a number on her thighs. She really needed to be thinking about working out, she thought. Or maybe just making sure she got a long walk in every day.

She opened the front door and stepped into the house.

“It’s me,” she called.

Starr was in the living room, on her cell phone. As Destiny entered the room, her sister turned away. There was something about the set of her shoulders, the way she held her head, that had Destiny freezing in place.