problem. It’s—I’m actually doing okay there. In fact, better than okay. Traffic is steady and I’m starting to show more local artists.”
“Glad to hear it.” Avery studied her face. “You’ve done a great job weaving yourself into the fabric of life in Arrowhead Bay without being front and center.”
Marissa squeezed the other woman’s hand. “Thanks. I feel good here, and I appreciate your concern. Not many people would have done what you did—taken in a complete stranger and helped her build a new life.”
“Brian Gould is a longtime friend,” she told her, referring to Marissa’s former boss at the CIA. “I owe him big time on a lot of fronts, so I was glad to do it.” She grinned. “The fact that you turned out to be someone I could really like and be friends with has been a bonus.”
“I don’t know what to say except thank you, to both you and Sheri.” She checked her watch. “And now I’m going to be rude and say I have to run.”
“Go ahead. Have a little fun.” Avery winked at her. “You could have a lot of fun with Justin.”
Marissa shook her head. “I—No. It’s nothing like that. He just wants to have coffee.”
“If you say so. But, Marissa? He’s safe, and you know what I mean by that. He’s also a really nice guy and you couldn’t ask for better protection if you need it.” She held up a hand. “Not that I expect you will. We’ve got you sewed up nice and tight down here. I just think you need to cut yourself a break now and then. I, of all people, wouldn’t encourage it if I didn’t believe you could have complete trust in Justin.”
Safe. Trustworthy. What dull ways to describe someone. But right now, it was what she needed.
“At least we’re having coffee,” she pointed out.
Avery started back into the building then turned. “I forgot to ask. Are you going to the Fourth of July boat parade and barbecue? I understand why you didn’t want to last year, but now it would be nice for you. Meet more people, promote the gallery a little.”
Marissa shrugged. “I haven’t given it much thought.”
“Well, let it roll around in your brain a while. I think you’d have a good time. At least meet me for lunch at the Driftwood on Friday. I’d be happy to pick you up.”
“Thanks. I’ll let you know.”
She climbed in her car, cranking the engine so she could turn on the air conditioning. She hated to throw snow on Avery’s obvious determination to help her lead as normal a life as she could, but she wondered if normal would ever be possible again.
Getting ready took little time. In her previous life, she’d learned to be a quick-change artist, so despite the few minutes she spent with Avery she was showered, dressed, and heading to Fresh from the Oven at five minutes until nine. One nice thing about Arrowhead Bay, nothing was very far from anything.
The gallery was only two blocks down from the café, so she parked in front and walked down. There was a decent parking lot in the back, but Marissa had learned to avoid places she couldn’t exit from quickly, as well as places where she was hidden from the public. After two years, she was almost sure every trace of her last identity had been wiped from the earth. Almost sure that even the most sophisticated computers couldn’t find her now. That the CIA had done a very good job of burying her.
And she prayed that was only a figurative expression.
She had woven herself into life in Arrowhead Bay, but her socializing was limited. She often had lunch with Avery and her sister, Sheri, the Arrowhead Bay chief of police. Sometimes one of the female Vigilance agents joined them. Sheri was the only person in town who knew who she was besides Avery. After all, who could be safer than a cop, right? She was grateful for both of them, and the way they had eased her into life in this little town.
On occasion, Avery invited her to join a group of people hanging out at the Purple Papaya or having dinner at the Driftwood. It was fun, and she appreciated being included. Avery had pointed out if she became a recluse not only would the gallery suffer but she’d cause more gossip, which was not what she wanted. Still, old habits died hard, and she was always so careful to watch everything she said and how she said it.
In many ways it was like being back in London, when she had to watch every word and walk a tightrope to do her job. But in London there was an escape plan when her job was completed or if her cover was blown. Once she’d been extracted, every trace of her London identity had been wiped away. Now she was living as yet another person in this unlikely place, hiding from the very man she’d brought down. Arrowhead Bay was her safe hidey-hole, as long as she kept her guard up.
She hadn’t been attracted to a man in longer than she wanted to remember. Yet here she was, having coffee with one. And a man who made her hungry for intimacy, for the connection she hadn’t craved until Justin came into her life.
Did he feel the same way?
She needed to quit dithering and go meet him. Nothing was going to happen at Fresh from the Oven. Anyway, it was not an invitation to get naked, just to have coffee.
True, but coffee sometimes led to a meal and a meal to—
Jesus. It was just coffee.
She swallowed a sigh and pushed open the door to the coffee shop, her senses immediately assaulted by the aroma of fresh baked cinnamon rolls and orange scones. Maybe she could bury her hormones under a ton of calories.
She scanned the room the way she always did, searching for anything that might set off her antenna. But nothing and no one seemed out of place. She spotted Justin waiting for her at a table against the wall, out of direct line of the window and still in a position to take in the entire place. She was sure his line of work had him choosing seats like that all the time, just as she had learned to do in London.
A tiny flicker of nerves raced over the surface of her skin when she saw him chatting with a man she did not recognize. She hesitated before approaching the table, wondering if she should just turn around and leave. But Justin saw her, smiled, and motioned her forward, and the knot of tension that was her constant companion eased a bit.
“Say hello to one of our local celebrities. Marissa Hayes, meet Blake Edwards.”
Edwards turned and gave her a warm smile. “I don’t know about the celebrity bit, but I am local. At least part of the time.”
She relaxed a fraction. “Nice to meet you. As a matter of fact, I’m reading your latest book and really enjoying it.”
“Thanks.” He chuckled. “I’ll take all the compliments I can get.”
“I don’t think you’re lacking,” she joked. “I know you’ve had several number one best sellers in a row.” She frowned. “Wait. Didn’t I hear or read something about a threat to your life? A stalker or something?”
“Yeah, but thanks to Vigilance it’s over and done with.”
Justin chuckled. “Thanks to Vigilance, he’s now a married man.”
Marissa looked from one to the other, puzzled. She paid little attention to local gossip unless it pertained to her.
“He
