She took a deep breath, calming herself. “I’ll give you a balm for your man’s wounds.”

“We’re sleeping together. I don’t know if that makes him my man.”

With an absentminded gesture, Rowena brushed this aside. “I must speak with Pitte. Strategy is more his area than mine. Come, I’ll get you the potion.”

“Just a minute. One thing. Jordan. He’s essential to my key?”

“Why do you ask what you already know?”

“I want confirmation.”

In answer Rowena laid her fingertips on Dana’s heart. “You already have that as well.”

“Is he part of this because I love him?”

“He’s part of you because you love him. And you are the key.” She took Dana’s hand. “Come. I’ll give you the balm for your warrior, then send you on your way.” She cast another look at the darkening sky. “The rain’s 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 that’s in the bag over there.”

Flynn glanced over. “Cloth?”

“Tablecloth.”

“Why do they need a tablecloth? Table’s 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 didn’t know you had a feminine side.”

“When we’re done here, I’m going to kick your asses just to reestablish my manhood—and because I’ll enjoy it.” Brad took out the champagne flutes he’d brought along, held them up to check for smudges. “Then maybe I’ll 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. “It’s 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 Jordan’s grin. “But it’s not only an accurate statement, it rubs it in Brad’s face, so I’m letting it pass. How much time we got?”

“A while yet,” Jordan said. “Settlement should be pretty straightforward, but you’ve got lawyers, bankers, and papers, so it’ll 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.”

“I’ve got a million of them.”

“I don’t see why we have to clear out before they get here,” Flynn complained. “I’d like champagne and cookies, not to mention the big sloppy kisses this is going to generate.”

“Because it’s their moment, that’s 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. “It’s going to be a hell of a place, really. Innovative idea, good location, attractive setting. It’s good for the Valley. Good for them. You should see some of the stuff Mal’s setting up for stock. Over the weekend we went to see a couple of the artists she’s 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?”

“We’ll see who’s smirking when you’re sitting in Dana’s bookstore drinking herbal tea.”

“That’s not so bad. Brad here’s probably going to have to get a facial to win Zoe over.”

“There are lines that can’t be crossed, no matter what the prize.” But Brad looked up the stairs. “They’re going to need to decide on lighting. And some of the trim needs to be replaced. Could use a new sink in the john up there.”

“You’re planning on seducing Zoe with bathroom fixtures?” Flynn asked. “You devious bastard. I’m proud to call you friend.”

“Seducing her could be a very satisfying side benefit—after all, the stepladder got me a chicken dinner.”

“Chicken dinner? You can get a chicken dinner at the Main Street Diner, Tuesday-night special.” Sorrowfully, Flynn shook his head. “My pride in you is waning.”

“I’m just getting started. But the fact is, they could use a little help here. There’s some tile work, some carpentry, a little plumbing and electrical. They’ve got to upgrade some of the windows. We could pitch in with more than champagne and cookies.”

“I’m in for that,” Jordan agreed.

“Sure. Already figured on it.” Flynn shrugged. “Hell, it looks like my house is going to be Remodel Central for a while anyway. Might as well spread the wealth. And driving a few nails should help keep us all from going crazy over the keys.”

“Now that you mention it.” Jordan glanced toward the windows as rain began to splat. “I’d better fill you in on what happened last night.”

“Something happened to Dana?” Flynn pushed away from the wall. “Is she okay?”

“Nothing happened to her. She’s fine. Hell, I need a smoke. Let’s go out on the porch.”

They stood outside, the rain drumming on the overhang. He took them through it—the colors, the sounds, the movements, building the story much as he’d done for them in tents pitched in a backyard, or around a campfire in the woods.

But this time it hadn’t come out of his imagination. However active and agile that imagination was, it couldn’t rake slashes down his chest. They burned still. It was some consolation to hear Flynn’s sharply drawn breath and see Brad’s wince of sympathy when he tugged up his shirt to show them.