“I want confirmation.”
In answer Rowena laid her fingertips on Danas heart. “You already have that as well.”
“Is he part of this because I love him?”
“Hes part of you because you love him. And you are the key.” She took Danas hand. “Come. Ill give you the balm for your warrior, then send you on your way.” She cast another look at the darkening sky. “The rains coming.”
Chapter Twelve
BRAD dumped ice in a galvanized bucket, creating a cold if humble nest for a bottle of Cristal. He covered the exposed neck with a clean paint rag.
Behind him, Flynn and Jordan set up a card table. “The cloth for thats in me bag over there.”
Flynn glanced over. “Cloth?”
“Tablecloth.“ “Why do they need a tablecloth? Tables clean.”
“Just put it on the damn table.”
Jordan walked over to the bag and ripped it open. “And look, he got one with pretty pink rosebuds on it.”
“Matching napkins,” Flynn added, pulling them out of the bag.
“What a sweetie. I didnt know you had a feminine side.”
“When were done here, Im going to kick your asses just to reestablish my manhood—and because Ill enjoy it.” Brad took out the champagne flutes hed brought along, held them up to check for smudges. “Then maybe Ill tell the women this was my idea and negate your points.”
“Hey, I sprang for the flowers,” Flynn reminded him.
“I bought the cookies.” Jordan shook the bakery box.
“Ideas get more points than cookies and flowers, my friends.” Brad twitched the tablecloth to straighten it. “Its all about ideas and presentation. Which proves being in touch with your feminine side bags more women.”
“Then how come Flynn and I are the only ones here getting laid?”
“Give me time.”
“I really should clock you for saying that as regards my woman and my sister.” Flynn studied Jordans grin. “But its not only an accurate statement, it rubs it in Brads face, so Im letting it pass. How much time we got?”
“A while yet,” Jordan said. “Settlement should be pretty straightforward, but youve got lawyers, bankers, and papers, so itll take twice as long as you think it will.”
He stepped back, looked at the table set up in the foyer. He had to admit it was a nice touch there among the drop cloths and paint supplies. A splash of color and celebration against the primer-coated walls.
The women, he knew, would melt like ice cream in July.
“Okay, damn good idea, Brad.”
“Ive got a million of them.”
“I dont see why we have to clear out before they get here,” Flynn complained. “Id like champagne and cookies, not to mention the big sloppy kisses this is going to generate.” “Because its their moment, thats why.” Satisfied, Brad leaned against the stepladder. “Recognizing that will only generate more big sloppy kisses in the long run.”
“I like instant gratification.” But Flynn paused, looked around. “Its going to be a hell of a place, really. Innovative idea, good location, attractive setting. Its good for the Valley. Good for them. You should see some of the stuffMals setting up for stock. Over the weekend we went to see a couple of the artists shes going to feature. Cool stuff.”
“He went with her to see art,” Jordan pointed out, and with a grin tucked a finger in his mouth, then pulled up the side to mime a hook. “Can opera be far behind?”
“Well see whos smirking when youre sitting in Danas bookstore drinking herbal tea.”
“Thats not so bad. Brad heres probably going to have to get a facial to winZoe over.”