Saints and Sinners by Shawna Moore

jacket and smiled in a coy manner.
    Good thing he parked out front. Reilly puffed out his chest as they mounted the steps to the sidewalk. Night air wafted over his warm face. Cold weather was a curse. To their left, his roadster occupied a space at the curb.
    “It’s lovely.” She clapped her hands in approval.
    He opened the door for her. A faint hint of her floral scent seduced him. Once her legs were tucked safely inside, he closed the door soundly.
    Soon, the car’s engine roared to life. The leather seat crackled each time they moved. “A fine-looking Jordan Playboy, right off the assembly line.”
    “A what? Are you sure you’re not referring to yourself?”
    Touché. She’d read him like a dime-store mystery novel. Figured out all his angles.
    “Maybe? What do you think?”
    She yawned. “Too dark to tell and too late to care.”
    The Continental Club faded fast as Reilly pressed his foot against the pedal. He wanted to see more of Moira. A whole lot more. Starting at the top of her red head and ending at the tip of her toes. A journey his lips would love to make tonight. He swallowed hard. With Moira he’d slow his approach.
    For the entire ride, she stared straight ahead and remained silent. In front of the weatherworn greengrocery where she lived, he stopped and helped her out. For a fleeting moment, she stood, silhouetted underneath the streetlight. So beautiful he hated leaving her.
    Reluctantly, Reilly waved goodbye. He slowly pulled away from the curb, singing at the top of his lungs. “I’m just wild about Moira.” He paused. “The heavenly bliss’s of her kisses fill me with ecstasy.” She probably hadn’t heard him, now lost behind the door that needed a new coat of paint or two. Damn. She deserved better than this neighborhood offered. Now, he’d return to an empty bed, warmed by a hot-water bottle instead of Moira’s body. How he longed to kiss her again—especially in places where the sun wouldn’t ever shine.

Chapter 5
    Moira adjusted the counter display in the Ladies Department. One glance at the wall clock and her pulse quickened. Only fifteen more minutes until her workday ended. The snap of someone’s shoe heels brought her back to reality. A slight turn of her head revealed VanMuir marching in her direction.
    What could she possibly want with me? All of her clothes are specially tailored and some come from Europe.
    “Hello, dear.” Eloise VanMuir extended a gloved hand to Moira. “You’re such a good worker. A simply lovely window display you’ve done for us over there. On your feet from sunrise to sunset. Surely you must tire of traveling here by that dirty subway every single workday?”
    What a peculiar conversation. Probably similar to one between a scullery maid and the lady of the manor. “Oh, it’s not too bad. I’ve met many kind people during my rides. Better than walking in the winter.”
    Eloise VanMuir sniffed. “Really? Must have been a different crowd than I’ve ever come across. Not that I ride on the subway, mind you. Only once and that was more than enough.” She placed the tips of her fingers together and propped them under her chin as though for support. “Would you be interested in renting the flat above this store?”
    Were her ears deceiving her? Hopefully, not, since for the past year, she and Janet discussed sharing a small flat. If they found one where the rent was reasonable, then they could leave life on Sullivan Street behind.
    “It would cost more than I’m able to pay.”
    Eloise waved off her concern, the arm of her coat flapping in emphasis. “Not at all, my dear. I’m prepared to make amends for that.”
    “Really?”
    Mrs. VanMuir leaned closer. The woman’s lavender scent irritated her nose, and Moira stifled a sneeze. “Yes. You see, I know you and can trust you to keep the place habitable and clean. If you’re interested, we’ll work something out that’s reasonable.”
    Might be worth the benefits. Moira rubbed her