“No, you assume that this has something to do with her husband’s motorcycle club. It might or it might not, but knowing the color of a car doesn’t tell you that unless I’ve missed some new investigative techniques?”
He smiled but it was one of frustration and restraint. “It’s a safe bet though, isn’t it?”
“I don’t know detective, what about the incident a few months ago that involved that Governor? That had nothing to do with the club, did it?”
He sighed because I was adding to his exhaustion but he could join the club. I’d been exhausted for years with no end in sight so his was none of my concern. “Okay, it didn’t. Happy?”
“No I’m not happy. Someone shot up my business and my friend is still in the hospital. Happy is the last thing I’m feeling. Look, Jana and Max both came here for my painting classes and that’s how I met them. Jana and I became friends and that’s all I have for you.”
“Thanks. If you can think of anything else, please let me know.” Detective Haynes left his card on the glass checkout counter and left, taking his toxic little partner with him.
Dealing with the police was never my favorite thing, not since I’d seen up close just how they treated those entrusted in their care. Thanks to my family’s money and my privilege, I only found myself on the wrong side of them once. I wouldn’t forget it. Ever.
Another knock sounded and I practically jumped out of my skin. I wasn’t in the mood for visitors and I was much too jumpy to deal with customers or artists at the moment. But I was clearly visible from the window so I looked up and frowned, walking to the door and unlocking it again. “Cross. What are you doing here?”
He stood in the doorway, so big and imposing that I would have felt intimidated by him if he’d ever given me a reason to fear him. Cross might be surly but he didn’t seem to be dangerous. To me anyway. Hands shoved in his pocket, he looked a little scared. “I came to apologize for the other day. I was out of line and rude for no reason, and I’m sorry about that.”
I stepped back so he could come into the shop and locked the door behind him. Given the events of the last few weeks it didn’t matter much but it made me feel safer. Or something. “It’s fine, Cross, really. You don’t have to like me, especially since you haven’t done much to make yourself all that likable.”
He smirked and crossed his arms, giving me a long glimpse of the tattoos covering his forearms. Blue eyes sparkled with something akin to mischief and I swear to Mother Earth, the tiny smile transformed his whole face from angry curmudgeon to holy smokes irresistible bad boy. “You don’t find me likable?”
“You’re plenty likable,”
I told him as I worked hard to tamp down the desire that welled up at that smile. “Until you open your mouth.” He really was entirely too good looking with his tall frame and wide shoulders, thick brown hair that looked like it belonged in a shampoo commercial and eyes so blue they could rival the ocean. He was as handsome as he was dangerous, but it was the latter I needed to remember.
“There may be some truth to that,” he admitted sheepishly. “What’s that smell?”
“Sage and lavender. To get rid of the bad energy in this place.” I knew he would think it was some type of voodoo or hocus pocus, or whatever other phrase people used to describe things they couldn’t understand.
“Smells good. Kind of like pot.”
I scoffed. “Now you sound like Dodds.”
“That guy’s a fucking dick.”
“Agreed.” I looked around the shop one final time and sighed. Everything looked normal and in time, I was sure it would feel normal as well. Hopefully. “Thank you for stopping by Cross but the apology wasn’t necessary.”
“It was. I don’t dislike you, Moon.” He shoved his hands into his pockets and rocked on his heels, the same way Beau did when he wanted to ask for something he knew he couldn’t have.
“It’s okay if you do.” It took me a long time to become comfortable with that but being me felt better than being accepted for being someone else.
“I don’t. Can I walk you home?”
I smirked but nodded at the gesture. It was nice and kind of old school. I liked it. “Sure. But, I live right here.” I gestured to the side of the building. I locked up and Cross fell into step beside me. Quietly. “How are you doing, Cross?”
“Fine,” he said quickly.
“Okay. But how are you really?” I stopped and put a hand to his chest. “Humor me.”
Those blue eyes stared at me for a long time but there was no hate or malice or even mild dislike in them. There was bone deep fatigue, concern and a fear in them I was sure he’d rather die than let me see. He started walking and I figured the conversation was over and fell in step beside him. “I’m tired as hell, Moon.”
I felt myself softening towards his honesty. “That wasn’t so hard was it? Are you having trouble sleeping?”
“No trouble because I just gave up trying to sleep.” His words were harsh and sardonic.
My heart went out to him. I didn’t know much about the Reckless Bastards but I knew they were a motorcycle club and I knew they had plenty of business interests around town. I also knew the cops thought they were criminals and that bad luck seemed to follow them. “Doesn’t your club own a few dispensaries, because I’m pretty sure pot is a good sleep aid.”
Thick chocolate brows arched. “You toke up, Moon?”