I let out a noise that sounded a whole lot like a growl. “She’s not your caretaker.”

A huge grin spread across his face. “Holy shit. You’re in love. I never thought I’d see the day.”

“We aren’t talking about this.”

“Fine. But get your caretaker and come to Seattle this weekend. It’s the unveiling of my installation. It would mean a lot to have you here.”

“Of course.” I’d been a crappy friend over the past year. It was a hell of a way to repay a person who’d always been there for me. “I can’t wait to see what you’ve been working on.”

Carson’s mouth twisted into some sort of grimace. “It’s nothing compared to what you can create, but I’m starting to find my way.”

“Don’t be dumb. Your work is amazing.”

Carson was always the toughest grader on his creations. The art world could go crazy for something, but he would still find parts that weren’t up to his standards.

“We’ll see,” he muttered. “Go have lunch with your girl. And text me when you know you’re getting into town.”

“Will do.” I hit end and headed for the main house. A trip to Seattle might be just what Shay and I needed. A true getting back to life and moving on. Eventually, the FBI would catch the copycat killer. And at some point, Michael would likely go back to jail or to a psychiatric hospital. We needed to move forward in spite of it all.

I pulled open the front door and headed for the kitchen. “Something smells good.”

Shay looked up from the frying pan on the stove. “Fancy grilled cheese.”

“What’s fancy grilled cheese?” I asked, moving in close so I could breathe her in, the scents of lavender and that hint of salt air soothing everything inside me.

“Aged white cheddar, turkey, and caramelized onions. With an arugula salad on the side.”

My mouth watered. “You spoil me.”

“Damn straight. And I expect to be rewarded.”

I trailed my lips up the side of her neck. “Oh, I’ll reward you.”

Shay shivered. “Not now, Romeo. Tonight.”

I chuckled, releasing her. “Fair enough. What can I do to help?”

“Grab us drinks from the fridge. I’ll take an iced tea.”

“On it.” I moved around the kitchen, grabbing what we needed and helping Shay bring plates to the table. When I took my first bite of the sandwich, I moaned. “I don’t think I’ve ever had something so good.”

Shay beamed. “Caelyn and I came up with the concoction the other day. I think she’s going to add it to the menu at The General Store.”

“I think it’s going to be a fan favorite.”

“Me, too.”