Against the Wall (Stoddard Art School Series Book 3) by Lisa A. Olech

half later, (she did the tiding up) Kay was finally able to relax a little. The pizza was delicious, and the conversation never lagged. Walter and Bear talked about the inn, football, whether Skippy, the hammer-saluting carpenter, would need stitches one of these days.
    “I can’t wait to see what my girl does to your lobby.” Walter puffed. “Told ya she was some talented.”
    “Hasn’t she showed you her design? It’s amazing.” Bear smiled. “Next time you’re over, I’ll show you.”
    “I saw the initial sketches.” Dottie nodded. “Very impressive.”
    Kay’s face heated again. “Please, I’m sitting right here.”
    “You should be very proud. You’re a fine artist.” Dottie gathered the spent napkins.
    Kay began to gather up the dirty plates. “And you aren’t the least bit biased.”
    Dottie patted her hand and took the plates from her. “Not one bit.” She kissed Kay’s forehead when she passed.
    “I’ll have the crew priming and taping off this weekend. It will be all set for Monday.”
    “Prep is included. I don’t mind doing it.” Kay pointed at him with her bottle. “I’ve already put in the order for my paint and primer. The guys over at the hardware store said they’d deliver it all to the inn this weekend.”
    “You’re the boss.” Bear raised his beer to her.
    With Dottie in the kitchen and Walter’s eyes slowly closing, Kay was acutely aware of being alone with the handsome man to her left. He lifted his beer to his mouth and took a last swallow. She watched his throat work. Her own went dry, and she tipped her bottle to her lips only to come up empty. She’d done that twice now. How many times was she going to try to drink from an empty bottle?
    She set it aside before she started shredding the label like a fidgety loon. “Actually, you’re the boss. And you’re paying for prep, so you’ll get prep.”
    “I can’t wait.” He rested his forearms on his thighs and leaned closer. “I had a thought after our meeting. I contacted a local greenhouse about bringing in some dwarf container trees and ferns. You know, after the mural is finished. Thought a continuation of your design with a few real plants and potted flowers. The lobby will knock people out.”
    “That’s a great idea.”
    “You’ve inspired me.” He smiled again and held her gaze sending lovely fingers of warm tingles to some interesting places.
    Dottie returned from the kitchen, and Bear rose. “I should be going. Shadow is waiting for his run. Dottie, thanks for having me. It was great.” He tipped his chin toward Walter who snored softly from his corner of the couch. “Tell Boo Boo I said good night.”
    “I will, Bear. You’re more than welcome. Anytime.” Dottie patted his arm.
    “I should go, too.” Kay stood. She kissed Dottie’s smooth cheek. “You have an early day tomorrow and Walter’s done in. Don’t watch Julia Roberts without me.”
    “I wouldn’t think of it.”
    Bell Harbor was all but deserted as Bear walked her to her car. Without the tourists, the town rolled up the sidewalks early. A cool breeze off the water scented the air. The ring of a buoy bell at the mouth of the inlet bid them a peaceful good night.
    “I’m sorry I messed up movie night. The duck movie sounded pretty good.”
    Kay shook her head. “You didn’t mess up anything.”
    “Maybe not, but you got pretty thrown at seeing me in there.” Bear tipped his head back toward the house.
    She shrugged a shoulder. “You surprised me, is all.”
    “A good surprise?”
    “More of a damn I wish I’d worn something better than a frog T-shirt surprise.” She tugged at the hem of her shirt.
    “I told you, I like the frog.”
    “I don’t know, ducks, frogs…bears… It was getting a little too Animal Planet ,” she teased. “Speaking of which, you’ve a dog to take care of, and I-I’ve still got a dangerous candle burning.”
    “Right. Hope you’re not walking into a fiery inferno.”
    “Me,