“Congratulations.” Ava smiled at Mrs. Abernathy.
“Thank you, dear. There’s nothing quite as wonderful as grandchildren.” She laughed. “I’d love to see Owen’s children someday. I wonder if they would have his big ears.”
“I think I’ve grown into my ears.” I lifted an eyebrow. Children. That was something I would never live to see.
“Turned into a handsome devil, that’s for sure.” She led us back to the front of the store. “You need someone to keep you in check.”
“You aren’t lying, lady,” Ava muttered.
“I’m accepting applications,” I whispered back. Her cheeks flushed but she rolled her eyes.
Mrs. Abernathy chuckled. “He’s trouble, Ava, but I think you could handle him.”
Her blush deepened and she looked around the store front for a distraction.
“Would you mind if I buy a soda before we leave?” She walked over to the small refrigerator and picked out a bottle. “I could use the caffeine.”
“It’s on the house, dear.” Mrs. Abernathy patted her shoulder.
“I’ll take care of it.” I stepped forward and set an envelope down on the counter. “That should cover the drink.”
“That’s more than change for a drink. By the looks of it, that would fund our shop for a year.” Mrs. Abernathy picked up the envelope and weighed it in her hand before giving it back to me. “I make my own money. I don’t need any handouts.”
“You are leaving because of me. That means I have a responsibility for you.” I stared down at the small woman that was like family. “If you don’t take it, I’ll find another way to make sure you get it.”
“Stubborn man.” Mrs. Abernathy stood on her toes and kissed my cheek. “Get out of here and get this woman some clothes that fit.”
Ava looked down at her clothes and shrugged. I hadn’t noticed but she was wearing the high heels from the day before. With the tight jeans, my old sweater, and her bare face she looked like something out of a lingerie magazine. Or a pornographic movie.
I liked it.
“I’ll add that to the list.” Without thinking I held my hand out to Ava and to my surprise she accepted it. “We’re leaving. You turn the closed sign on as soon as we’re out the door.”
“Bossy git.” Mrs. Abernathy waved her hands at us. “Get out of here, Owen Walker. Or I’ll find a toothbrush for you to use on my floors.”
OXFORD WAS GORGEOUS. Each building screamed with history. Spires reached from the top of the buildings in an effort to bring the long dead architects closer to heaven. Owen eventually found a parking lot he was happy with and we left the car. People walked everywhere or rode bicycles. Bikes lined the streets in an orderly fashion and I couldn’t help but think they were so close together I’d knock them all over trying to extract one.
Owen took us to a little place for breakfast. It sat between a pub and a small bookstore, and even from down the street the smell of food had my stomach growling loudly. The shop owner took our order and suggested the fresh squeezed orange juice, which was divine. We ate in companionable silence. He picked the olives out of his omelet and I scooped them onto my plate. When I pushed my grilled tomato away, he helped himself. There was nothing strained or awkward, which was amusing when you considered our situation. I should have been looking over my shoulder and flinching whenever I saw someone with a badge, but instead, my nerves seemed to have disappeared in a state of exhaustion.
We walked down the sidewalks, stopping in shops so Owen could get things or speak to someone quietly while I peeked through the different stalls. It was odd to watch him with people. Some he charmed, others he gave what I decided was his ‘assassin stare.’ Either way, he seemed to know exactly which he would need for each person.
Eventually we ended up at a little store that sold clothing and essentials. The racks were full of basic shirts and jeans, but even a clean pair of underwear sounded like a luxury at this point.
“Get what you need.” Owen nodded at the store. “I’ll be back to pay for it.”
“Where are you going?” I pushed my hair out of my face and fought to calm my heart.
“Next door. I’ll only be gone for a moment.”
“And you’re not going to tell me what you’re doing.” I kept my face blank. I felt exposed without him by my side. Would I ever feel safe in public again?
He smiled and squeezed my hand. “I’ll be back soon.”
We had held hands for most of the day. At first I’d told myself that it was part of our cover—looking like a happy couple. But eventually I realized I found comfort in his touch, in the way his warm fingers wrapped around mine. My wildest revelation was when I realized that he seemed to be just as content with the contact.
“I don’t like secrets.” I stepped closer and lowered my voice.
“I promised I wouldn’t lie to you, Ava, and now isn’t the time to talk about it.” His lips brushed along my hairline and I forced some of the tension out of my shoulders. It was his way of reminding me that we were supposed to be happy, but it mainly served to make my heart race.
“Hurry back.” I smiled sweetly up at him and his eyes locked on my lips. Temptation swept through his features and I was sure he was going to kiss me. My stomach coiled tight with anticipation and desire. I’d been with my share of men, but none of them had made me feel like that with just a look. But then, just as quickly, distance slammed down in his eyes and the moment was broken.