Prickly heat swept through Avery’s body. “No one’s in hiding. My mom’s simply taking care of Andy while he recovers from his lung surgery, but I’ll be sure to give them both your regards.” Avery hoped her hint of snark nipped at Mrs. Johnston’s conscience. She turned on her heel and exited the shop as quickly as her feet could move.
Her patience for prying “friends” like Joe at the hardware store and Mrs. Johnston had worn thin. Having her family constantly scrutinized by everyone stank. The fact their opinions bothered her really stank.
Avery shuttled along the sidewalk, looking around at the storefronts lining the street: a Technicolor version of the Old West towns in black-and-white movies.
Sidewalks were wet with snowmelt from the banks of dirty snow at the edges of the road. Fewer pedestrians clogged the sidewalks nowadays. The busiest time of the year was winding down, with only the die-hard skiers still visiting.
The refreshing cool air tempted her to remain outdoors despite the lack of sunshine. Cupping her hands over her mouth, she breathed into them to warm her fingers and nose. She zipped up her jacket, stuffed her hands in its pockets, and turned left toward the small town square where she often went to think.
When she arrived, it didn’t surprise her to find it empty. Only a fool avoiding reality would sit in a park surrounded by a handful of random graying mounds of old snow. She slid onto an ice-free bench and stretched her legs while admiring the cathedral spires of the San Juans, which surrounded town like a fortress wall.
But even Mother Nature’s spectacular beauty failed to occupy her mind for long.
Then a loud bark drew her attention. She looked up at the beautiful golden labrador racing toward her. After a sharp whistle split the air, she heard a familiar voice yell, “Shaman!”
Grey trailed behind the dog. Oh God—the absolute last person she needed to see right now. She’d been seeking a quiet place to think and ended up coming face-to-face with the very source of her dilemma.
Shaman slowed his pace but still approached her, nuzzling her legs, seeking attention.
“Aren’t you sweet?” Avery scratched the dog behind his ears, avoiding eye contact with Grey until she could slow her heart rate. “Yes, you are.”
When Grey finally reached the bench, his enormous smile somehow brightened her otherwise dreary day. “Hey, Bambi, no wonder he saw you from a mile away.”
Avery continued petting the dog, pretending not to be stirred by Grey’s presence. “And what does that mean?”
“You’re a kaleidoscope in a sea of gray.”
She looked down at her sky-blue corduroys, lilac sweater, and lemon-yellow jacket. When she grimaced, he quickly added, “I mean it in the very best way.”
Grey leaned his crutches alongside the bench before sitting beside her. He found a short, thick, broken branch on the ground and tossed it to his left. Shaman barked and took off after his prize.
Despite her mood, a smile formed. Grey had that effect on her, darn him. “If you slip on patchy ice so soon after surgery, you’re risking another ACL tear and jeopardizing whatever progress we’ve made these past few weeks.”
“Shaman needs to run.” The dog returned and dropped the stick at Grey’s feet. He picked it up and tossed it again. “Besides, I’m going crazy sitting around. You said motion is important. I brought the crutches so I could ease up if needed. Trust me, no one wants to get stronger more than I do.”
Avery sighed, wishing she could read Grey’s mind and determine whether he was willing to take her house, or planning to testify against Andy in the criminal proceedings. If she stopped lying to herself, she’d also admit to wanting to learn more about Grey Lowell the man.
“He’s a beautiful dog.” Avery watched the dog tearing up the ground to retrieve the branch. “How’d you come up with that name?”
Grey stretched his legs out and rubbed his thigh. “It’s an Indian word for medicine man.”
“Very cool.” She glanced at Shaman, who was already returning.
“He’s a healer, like you.” Grey grinned.
That grin melted her insides a little.
“I’d prefer Shaman to Bambi.” She playfully cocked one brow, even as she resented succumbing to his charm.
“Just accept the fact you don’t get a vote.” He winked at her. The words heart aflutter had always sounded corny to her until that moment. His silken waves of hair called to be touched. His intense gray eyes sparkled with mischief. His lips . . .
Don’t be stupid, Avery. Too much at stake.
She crossed her arms and refocused. “Where exactly do you live? Because you really shouldn’t be pushing it.”