What did they think would happen? That suddenly her stalker would jump out of an aisle with an Uzi?
As Gracie started toward the counter at the back of the store, where she noticed Charlie wrapping up a steak for a customer, Wade put his hand on her shoulder, pul ing her to a stop.
“Keep your eyes peeled,” he whispered. “I want you to check out every employee.”
Gracie nodded and tried not to look too obvious when she let her gaze scour the smal store. There were only five aisles of goods, one cash register, and the deli situated along the back wal . One young female cashier stood at the front, talking on a cel phone, while a stock boy stacked cans of baby formula on a bottom shelf. She couldn’t tel much about him from her angle. She wil ed him to stand and turn around so she could see his face, but it wasn’t happening. Gracie scanned to see if there was anyone else working today, but al she saw was Charlie and the elderly woman he was chatting up. She shook her head and smiled. Charlie was such a huge flirt.
As if hearing her thoughts, Charlie’s head shot up. He grinned when he spotted her. He handed the wrapped steak to the elderly woman, then waved her off. Gracie waited for the woman to head toward the cash register before stepping up to the counter.
“Wel , if it isn’t our sweet Gracie. What brings you in on a Tuesday?” Before she could answer, Charlie’s sharp gaze landed on the cast covering her wrist. His head swung toward Wade, then Jonas. He frowned. “What happened?”
Gracie shrugged. “I was in a car accident. A fractured wrist, but I’m fine otherwise.”
Looking her over for more injuries, Charlie frowned and his eyes narrowed when he asked, “Is that where the bruise on your cheek came from?”
Crap. Gracie hadn’t realized it was stil so noticeable. She’d been so preoccupied with the thought of maybe final y finding out who her stalker was that she hadn’t bothered with makeup. “Yeah. I lost control and went off the road. Unfortunately, my car is totaled.”
“Damn, Gracie. I’m real sorry to hear that.”
“It could’ve been worse. The seat belt and air bags helped.”
“Hey, June!” Charlie shouted, in his usual subtle fashion. “Get out here, woman, we have a visitor!”
June popped her head out of a doorway along the right wal and grinned. “Hi, dear, what brings you in on a Tuesday?”
Gracie laughed. “I’m that predictable?”
“Every Monday like clockwork,” Charlie and June said in unison.
Slumping at the confirmation, Gracie muttered, “Wow. I am so boring.”
Wade snorted. “Hardly,” he growled, staring down at her with unmistakable arousal.
“Who are these two handsome devils?” June said, eyes glazing over as she took in Gracie’s two tal , powerful companions.
“Charlie, June, this is Wade Harrison and Jonas Phoenix. Friends of mine.”
Jonas and Wade both offered their hands. Gracie wanted to laugh when she noticed June sigh as she shook Jonas’s hand. “You have very good taste in friends, Gracie.”
Charlie groaned. “You’re old enough to be their mother, June.”
June planted a fist on one round hip. “Doesn’t stop you from flirting with young Gracie here, though, does it?”
Gracie saw where this conversation was headed and decided it was time to intervene. “Charlie, if it wouldn’t be too much trouble, I’d love to get a pound of that Swiss cheese of yours. I’ve had a serious craving for it lately.”
“No problem, dear. And how about some smoked turkey while I’m at it?” He winked and added, “My treat.”
She heard Jonas chuckle. “No way am I passing that up,” Gracie said. “Thanks, Charlie.”
Charlie beamed and went about cutting up the cheese and turkey. June took in Gracie’s appearance and clucked her tongue. “So, are the bruises real y from a car accident?”
“You heard that, huh?”
“I’ve found it’s wise to eavesdrop on al of Charlie’s conversations.”
“Ditto,” Charlie said from the meat slicer several feet away.
Gracie laughed at the older couple. They were so much in love, but they razzed each other constantly. How wonderful would it be to have that sort of relationship? And oh how easy it was for Gracie to picture Wade as the other half.