Read Online Against the Wall (Stoddard Art School Series Book 3) by Lisa A. Olech - Free Book Online Page A

say.” Bear shrugged and passed her the fries. “It’s the draw of the working artist. Watching someone’s talent manifest is intriguing.”
    Kay took half a dozen fries and set them next to her burger. “I don’t like people watching me. It completely throws me off. I’m too self-conscious.” She stared out at the water. “I get into a zone when I work. Hyper focused. I can’t do it any other way. Hours fly by. Sometimes days.” She wiped her fingers on a paper napkin and looked back at him. “Would you have a problem if I worked at night? My hours can get screwy anyway, and the inn is quiet. I won’t be interrupted by the crew or the phone or deliveries.”
    “Or me.”
    She nodded and gave him a smirk. “Or you. Just another benefit.” She patted his arm. “I’m teasing. I just think I’d get much more done.”
    The last of the lobster boats was pulling into the harbor as the sun set, but the picturesque scene was lost on him. If he agreed to her suggestion, he’d hardly see her. “I don’t know how I feel about you being alone here at night.”
    “Why? What’s going to happen?”
    “I want to be sure you’re safe.”
    “Bear, look around.” She swept a hand toward the water. “This is Bell Harbor, not LA. What could go wrong? Lobster riots?” Her hair shone golden in the fading light. “I’ll lock myself in. I’d be fine. If I can’t concentrate, this mural is going to take twice as long as it should, and be half as good. That’s not what you’re paying for and not what I signed on to do. I realize it isn’t the perfect plan, but if we can’t come to some agreement on this, maybe you need to hire on another artist.” She turned those beautiful dark eyes on him.
    “Not an option.”
    “So I can work at night?”
    “Under one condition. You can’t be alone.”
    She was quick to shake her head. “You staying here isn’t an option. No razor or not.”
    “We’re not talking about me, but what about Shadow? He’s crazy about you, and he’s a great watchdog. I just installed a new kennel for him out back with a big doghouse. He could be in here with you while you work. I’ll set up his bed in the kitchen. Guaranteed he’ll sleep ninety percent of the time. All you’d have to do is kennel him before you leave. Make sure he has water. I feed him in the mornings. Take him for his run. Same as evenings. I’ll just drop him back here.”
    “Sounds like we’re drawing up a custody agreement for your dog. Won’t he miss you?”
    Bear shrugged a shoulder. “He’ll be with me all day.”
    “It seems like an awful lot of running back and forth for you.”
    “It’s only for a few weeks. I’m running back and forth most of the time now.”
    Kay nibbled the end of a fry and was quiet as she contemplated. “It might work.”
    “It will work. You agree to a furry night watchman, and I’ll get you a set of keys in the morning.” He lifted his Coke and held it up to her.
    Kay picked up her drink and tapped the bottom rim of her can to his. “I think I could agree to that.”
    “Fine. Night shift it is.”
    She took a sip and smiled at him in the fading light. “You should have brought beer.”

Chapter Eight
    Kay rode home after another long night. The mural was progressing. She was pleased, Bear was thrilled, and Shadow seemed none the worse for wear after he discovered she kept dog treats in her purse. If she could keep up this pace, she might finish the job ahead of schedule.
    She was exhausted, but it was a good tired. You know, the brain-numbing fatigue when you finally crawl into bed but are content and satisfied with all you’d accomplished that day—or night.
    Pulling into the parking space for the cottage, she met Dottie coming up the stairs.
    “Hey! What a nice surprise.”
    The two hugged. “Hey, yourself, stranger. I was out this way and hoped to catch you. I left a note on your door.”
    Kay gathered up her bag and pulled her phone off the car charger. “I got