Deep Waters

I live, I will never understand the appeal of this type of merchandise."
    "I think it's a kid thing."
    "Well, as I was saying, I recommend that you get some attractive lighting fixtures in here as soon as possible. But first things first. You've got to dust." She broke off on a delicate sneeze.
    "I'll see what I can do." He watched her yank a tissue out of her skirt pocket. "Charity, would you have dinner at my place with me tonight?"
    Her eyes widened above the tissue that she held to her nose. "Dinner?"
    The door swung open at that moment. Irritated by the interruption, Elias glanced toward the front of the shop. The last thing he wanted right now was a customer.
    A florid-faced man dressed in gentlemen's-cut slacks, a white shirt that strained at the buttons, and taupe nubuck shoes stood in the entrance. His eyes gleamed determinedly behind the lenses of over sized aviator glasses. He carried an expensive leather briefcase in one chubby hand. The square, diamond-studded ring on his left pinky was so large that Elias could see it very clearly from where he stood in the middle of the shop.
    Charity blew her nose and turned quickly. "Oh, hello, Leighton. What are you doing here? Have you met Elias Winters? Elias, this is Leighton Pitt. The owner of Pitt Realty."
    Elias nodded brusquely. "Pitt."
    "Winters," Leighton sang out in a jovial voice that boomed off the walls. "Pleased to meet you." He started forward, broad hand outstretched.
    Elias shook hands reluctantly and as briefly as possible. As he had feared, Leighton's palm was unpleasantly damp. As soon as the ancient ritual was completed, Elias surreptitiously wiped his hand off on the side of his jeans. He caught the amused glint in Charity's eyes just as he finished.
    "Charity," Leighton turned to her. "Nice to see you. Fantastic day, isn't it? Been a chilly summer. Hope we get to keep this warm weather for a while."
    "Good for business," Charity murmured politely.
    "That it is, that it is." Leighton swung back to Elias. "Winters, you're just the man I want to see. Can you spare a few minutes? I'd like to talk to you about a business matter that I think you'll find very interesting."
    "Can it wait?" Elias asked. "Charity was just giving me some tips on running this place."
    Leighton winked broadly and chuckled. "As if you need consulting advice when it comes to business."
    Charity glanced at her watch with an exaggerated expression of amazement. "Heavens, will you look at the time. Elias, I've got to run. I promised Newlin he could go to lunch early today. Arlene is coming over from the Voyagers' campground to join him."
    "About tonight," Elias said grimly.
    She gave him a brilliant smile. "As it happens, I'm free this evening."
    "Six-thirty," he said swiftly. "I'll walk over and pick you up."
    "That's not necessary. I can find my own way. Your place isn't that far from mine." She glanced at Leigh ton. "See you later, Leighton."
    He gave her a brisk nod, his attention clearly focused on whatever presentation he planned to make to Elias. "You bet. Enjoy the great weather while you can."
    Elias watched wistfully as Charity disappeared out the front door. She was wearing one of her floaty little cotton dresses again today, and the sunlight outside the shop revealed the sexy silhouette of her legs.
    "Well, Winters, what say we get down to business, eh?"
    Elias suppressed a groan as he turned back to his visitor. "If this is about real estate, I've already got a house."
    "I know, Hayden Stone's old place out on the bluff." Leighton frowned. "You know, I could find you something in much better condition with a similar view."
    "Don't bother. The cottage suits me just fine."
    "Sure, you bet. That's not what I wanted to talk to you about today, anyway."
    "What did you want to discuss?"
    Leighton glanced toward the door as if to make certain that they were still alone. Then he winked again. His teeth sparkled in a confidential, man-to-man smile. "I know who you are, Winters, and I think I can guess why you're here in town."
    "What a coincidence. I know who I am, too. And I also know why I'm here. If that's all you wanted to talk about, I've got work to do."
    "Hey, hey, hey." Leighton flapped his hand. "Take it easy. No offense intended. Just wanted you to realize that you're not the only one in town who knows the real score."
    "Real score?"
    "Look, I'll level with you." Leighton leaned in closer. The fragrance of a recently digested breath mint wafted through the air.