Page 37 of Shielding Serena

CHAPTER 15

Monday morning came around too soon, in Serena’s estimation, but she managed to get downstairs before Gena showed. Barely.

When the opened the doors, the crowd had noticeably thinned as the town moved onto another focus for gossip, and while she’d miss the revenue, Serena didn’t mind the steady pace over a frantic one. And it gave her time to internally sigh over yesterday and last night. And this morning. Because they’d put her shower to excellent use.

Being with Walker had been a revelation for her, had felt like finally coming home, but in a very sexy way. It was like she’d been waiting for him, and vice versa.

While Gena worked the register, she carefully boxed up Mr. Higgins’ figurine, along with a set of antique stemware that Adam had called ahead to request as a surprise for his girlfriend right before they’d closed two days ago. If the two men stuck to their regular schedules, they’d be in right before closing.

If nothing else, the fracas and ensuing foot traffic had reminded people that The Menagerie had fun gifts as well as delicious coffee and pastries.

By the time Walker came down the stairs all of her regulars were in place.

She watched as he descended and all she could think about was how fit he was, and how that fitness had allowed him to pleasure her for what seemed like an eternity.

“Your tongue is hanging out,” Gena said on a whisper, then took a good look at her. “Oh my God, you two finally did it. I knew something was different about you, but the look on your face…” she chuckled.

“Shhhh,” Serena said but Gena just laughed harder.

“Girl, everyone who has two brain cells rubbing together is gonna know. The air between you is positively crackling.”

And when Serena looked up again and saw Walker standing at the base of the stairs, watching her, his gaze hooded, she got a hot flash.

Desperate to have something to do when all she wanted was to jump him and then drag him back upstairs, she put together his coffee. It had always amused her that Walker, the tough soldier, liked his coffee light and sweet.

“Here you go,” she said, and dammit, her voice had gone all soft and sexy.

He took the cup from her and ran his thumb over the delicate webbing between her thumb and forefinger, making her shiver. How could that possibly be hot?

“I’ve never asked,” she said, desperate to say something because she was ready to melt into a puddle of goo right now. “I don’t remember you liking coffee this way, back in the day.”

He smiled, the lines around his eyes creasing with amusement. Was he laughing at her babble? No, she realized, he was going to tell her something he considered funny.

“Army coffee sucks. Field coffee sucks even worse. When I got out I decided that I was going to have coffee the way I wanted it. So I spent a few weeks trying to figure out what actually tasted right. Now I’m a latte guy all the way.” He took a sip, his gaze never leaving hers. “The team had a great time with it, saying I’d gone soft, but they’re the only ones I’ll take that nonsense from.”

Yeah, soft was the last thing she’d ever think of when it came to Walker. In a multitude of ways. When she blushed, he laughed outright. “I know exactly what you’re thinking, and you’re right. I’m far from soft right now.”

Oh God, if this was the way it was going to be between them from now on, all innuendo and heat, she was going to die from the stimulation.

Then Walker’s face lost all amusement as he looked over her shoulder. Those eyes that had laughed with her went hard as stone.

“What?” she asked, half turning. He grasped her arm and stood.

“Don’t look, come with me. Gena, can you handle the floor for a second?” Walker asked, his gaze moving from whatever he’d seen to the kitchen door. “We need to make a call.”

When Gena nodded, her expression as puzzled as Serena felt, he pushed them both into the kitchen, pulling out his phone as he did.

“Garrett? I need you at The Menagerie. I think I figured out who assaulted Serena.”

Serena’s gaze flew to Walker’s grim expression.

What? She started to say something, but he held up a hand asking for one moment.

“It’s that kid, Bobby. He’s got a bunch of scratches on his arms. I happened to see them because he pushed his sleeves up for a second, then pulled them back down. Glanced around all shifty. Serena and I are in the kitchen, so come in the back way. I’ll make sure the door is unlocked.”

“Bobby? That Bobby?” she asked, pointing out into the dining room.

Walker nodded. “It could be nothing, could be everything. Either way, he has means and opportunity. Motive is Garrett’s job to figure out. We’ll stay in here until he gets here and takes him in to custody.” He moved to the back door and flipped the deadbolt open.