Framed Shadows: Shadows Landing #6 by Kathleen Brooks (well read books TXT) 📗

Trent naked except for an apple pie over his package?” Paxton asked slowly as he worked to control his laughter.

“That’s Miss Winnie and Miss Ruby. They make the best apple pie and Trent isn’t the only one in my family who has posed nude with their pie,” Tinsley laughed as they approached the stand. It was only then that she noticed Paxton go stiff. “What is it?”

“They’re the ones who stopped me after knitting club.”

“Are you telling me you’re so scared of two little old ladies that you won’t even go over there to get a piece of the best apple pie ever?” Tinsley crossed her arms and stared him down.

“Yes,” Paxton said with a nod of his head. “That is exactly what I’m telling you.” Tinsley clucked at him like a chicken and he rolled his eyes at her. “I have lived through very dangerous situations by being smart. It is not smart to go over there. No, Tins, don’t!”

Tinsley smirked at him and waved to Miss Winnie and Miss Ruby as she walked toward them. She saw their eyes light on her and then lock onto Paxton, who was trying his best to hide behind her. The older women shared a look and suddenly Tinsley was worried she’d made a mistake.

“Tinsley, sweetie, how are you doing? Did you come for a slice of our famous pie?” Miss Ruby asked as she cut two pieces for them.

“We sure did. I told my new employee, Paxton, that your pie is the best around,” Tinsley said with a smile that fell slightly when they zeroed in on Paxton with mischievous eyes.

“Employee, huh?” Miss Ruby didn’t sound convinced.

“Here you go.” Miss Winnie handed him a slice of pie and a fork. “Pie so good it’s been known to make people’s clothes fall off. I sure hope it’s that good in your case.”

Tinsley gaped at Miss Winnie as the lady winked at Paxton. Okay, maybe Paxton was right. They’d walked head first into an ambush.

Paxton took a bite and groaned. “I can understand the picture now. I’d probably strip naked for a pie, too.”

“Tell us, young man,” Miss Ruby said, holding up a second slice of pie. “What are you really doing in Shadows Landing with our sweet girl here?”

“Sweet?” Paxton laughed before taking another bite. “I mean, she is sweet, but there’s a naughty side, too.”

Tinsley felt her face flame with embarrassment.

“Not like that,” Paxton hurried to supply. “I don’t know about that yet. I meant she doesn’t back down from anything or anyone.”

“You should see her with a rapier,” Miss Winnie told him proudly.

Tinsley saw Paxton look confused, but then shrug it off as he finished his pie.

“So an FBI agent is working for Tinsley and just what, exactly, are you doing about keeping her safe?” Miss Ruby asked as she held out the second slice of pie to him.

“I didn’t say I was with the FBI,” Paxton said as Miss Ruby made his eyes cross by slowly bringing the pie right under his nose so he could take a deep breath of it.

“No, but we’ve already heard about you. Trying to stop an art thief. That’s very good of you. But how much danger is our girl in?” Miss Ruby asked as she teased handing the plate over to Paxton’s outstretched hand.

“That’s why I’m working with her. So I can keep her safe.”

“Where are you staying while here?” Miss Winnie asked, and Tinsley just shook her head. Paxton broke like a thin sheet of glass at the first hint of pie. Now she understood why he feared the granny gang.

“He’s staying with me. Now stop interrogating him and give him the pie.”

Paxton grabbed the pie and sighed. “I cracked like an egg, but it was worth it. You’re right. This is the best pie I’ve ever had.”

“So you want to become our new poster boy?” Miss Ruby asked, brightly, and Tinsley had to drag him away. He was just one more piece of pie away from stripping down on Main Street.

“I told you they’re dangerous,” Paxton muttered around another bite. “I’d totally strip for a whole pie.”

“Good thing you didn’t tell them that or you’d be naked right now.”

“Would you sneak a peek?”

“I’m used to the nude male form. I was an art major after all.” Tinsley tried to pull it off, but her mind was saying, just a peek?

“Fibber,” Paxton said before taking his last bite of food.

Tinsley couldn’t form the denial. She was already lost in a daydream of Paxton posing nude as she drew him.

Paxton continued to flirt with her as the day wore on. After last night, she didn’t think he would, but by the end of the festival he reached out for her. His large hand covered hers as they walked back down Main Street. Today had been the best day. Tinsley had forgotten about the case. She’d forgotten about Paxton wanting to go back to Violent Gangs. She’d forgotten they weren’t a real couple. Instead she got lost in the feeling of what could be.

What could be if Paxton didn’t leave? What could be if they were a real couple? What could be if he stopped holding back and they both took a leap of faith? If today was a glimpse of what could be, it was worth fighting for.

Paxton drove her home after nightfall. They laughed, talked, and lived in the moment. They were still in that bubble when they arrived back at her home.

Tinsley felt her heartbeat with every step they took upstairs toward their bedrooms. They stopped at the top of the stairs with their hands interlaced as they gazed at each other. Paxton and his seriousness stood before her with desire in his eyes. The seriousness changed into playful banter. His roughness was still there. Only the edges seemed to have softened.

Tinsley reached out with her free hand and placed it on his chest. She felt the muscles go taut under her palm. When she let her fingers flutter over