Page 70 of The Romance Adventure

He flashes me a look as if to say that’s not happening anytime soon.

“And it seems like the neighbors have been wagging their tongues.”

“That’s an odd expression.”

“And so are all those flamingos.” I point out the window.

Let it be known that BMWs are luxury vehicles. I feel very fancy and cool riding in it—though my loyalty will forever lie with my trusty Chevrolet. After all, she got me here in one piece, with Royal’s help.

“Is it national plastic flamingo day or something?” he asks.

“No, those are love birds. And it’s love month. I just realized it’s February first.”

Not surprisingly, Royal makes a grunting sound.

“I take your caveman noise to mean that you acknowledge that I said something but aren’t a willing participant in anything that has to do with Valentine’s Day.” As he pulls up in front of Beans & Books, I bounce a little in my seat and then peck him on the cheek. “I plan to do something about that.”

The corner of Royal’s lip lifts in a sweet little smile as if he doesn’t entirely mind catching some of the fallout from my enthusiasm for life but would never admit it.

I lean on the doorframe of his sports car and say, “Thanks for the lift. Oh, and Bean said that the pink flamingos are a system used by locals to indicate love is in the air.”

This time I get a full smile from Royal even though this is another matter of which he will not speak. But I don’t mind because teasing him, pushing him right to the boundary he built that blocks him from emotions and things like love is half the thrill.

After Bean leaves for Mr. Edmonton’s appointment, Nutmeg and I have a stare-off. “I can tell you want me to paint you into the mural, but not unless you have a catitude adjustment.”

Seated on her haunches, she licks her arm.

“Yeah, you heard me. You can’t expect Bean’s business to flourish if you stare at customers like you’re going to use the knives on the ends of your paws to slit their throats.”

She flicks her tail.

“I’m serious. If you’re worried about losing your spot as Bean’s #1, Jackie is her one true love and we both know that’ll never happen, so you get to be queen kitten around here. But seriously, tone down the glares and I’ll add you to the mural.”

Nutmeg struts over to me and rubs her head on my leg. Then, tail high in the air, she disappears into the back room.

Since the café is empty, I climb the ladder and put the finishing touches on the mural, including Nutmeg, lying on a stack of books with the sweetest expression on her face. We’ll see if she keeps her end of the bargain.

No sooner do I sign my name in the corner with a flourish does the door open with a jingle. A slender man with a shovel-like chin and a horseshoe of dark hair on his head comes in and looks around like he routinely inspects whatever room he enters for valuable objects.

“Hello. Welcome to Beans & Books. Can I get you a refreshing beverage or help you find a special book?”

“I am looking for something special. Have any ship’s logs?”

“Um, like boat building?”

With a frown, he says, “Never mind. I don’t know that I’ll find it here.”

Taken aback, I tuck my chin. “Well, I’m going to wash the paint off my hands and then if there’s anything I can do, please give a holler.”

He takes a turn around the room and I notice his expensive, polished leather shoes and the quality linen of his suit.

“Sir, do be careful, the paint on the mural is still wet. I’d hate for you to get paint on it on purpose. I mean, by accident.” I know I shouldn’t profile people, but I don’t like this guy’s vibe.

He gives me a funny look. “You did that?”

“Sure did.”

“I have a wall at one of my properties that could use enhancement. Visitors like to take photos with a unique backdrop. Come by Platinum Shores at nine am tomorrow.”