Chimera and the Cat Burglar (FUC Academy #46)

Chapter 5

Chapter

Five

Could Willy set his mind to mastering his and Boo’s first fake date, even though spending time with Boo was never pretending when it came to his heart?

Willy pulled curbside at the Blue Flame Boutique in Willow Wisp, his VW bus leaving a splash of smoky exhaust to hang in the misty air. He couldn’t fix his bus now, but he would work to repair his strained relationship with Boo after last night’s dining fiasco.

They needed to come together to catch the thief. Bickering be damned.

Boo stood beside the Re-Elect Mayor Joystick banner, outside the trendy fashion spot, her dark ringlet curls swishing about her shoulders. Her orange dress complemented her glowing skin tone, and her denim jacket matched her high-top Keds.

The boutique wasn’t the only one whose fashion had improved over time.

Yowza . Willy’s heart thudded as he took in the sight of Boo against the backdrop of the voguish storefront. He remembered the place, recalled the sheer, white gown that had once been on display in the window. Boo had shown it to him, telling him she dreamed of wearing it on their wedding day back when they’d dated.

Today, a lacy white bridal gown with a nude undertone draped the mannequin. Bows topped the shoulders and the ends fell softly down the back.

The dress was stunning, and Willy watched as Boo appreciated the design, a gentle smile playing on her lips. Was she wiping a tear?

He exited his van, shut and locked the door behind him, and then measured Boo’s temperament as he approached her. Cortisol didn’t have an odor, but an increased level stirred other bodily scents. Was she wearing rose oil to calm her nerves?

“Hey, you look nice. Casual suits you.”

“Thank you. We have much work to do.” She motioned to the window display, her smile turning upside down. “I hope what they have inside isn’t as hideous as this year’s wedding style, or we’re wasting time.”

He held up his hands, more in defense of her tone than her dislike of the dress. “Let’s give it a chance.”

He wasn’t only speaking about the store, and he hoped she didn’t make their date miserable, but something was wrong. He guessed, “Have you eaten? How about Wispy’s Diner before shopping?”

She waved a hand. “I ate a handful of strawberries, you know, because of the antioxidants and vitamin Bs. Let’s do this date.”

The date wasn’t a yoke on his shoulders even if she acted like it was to her. Experience hinted that the date wasn’t the only thing bothering her. “You want to sit inside my bus and talk before we go inside? I know we left off last night on a curve.”

She shook her head and motioned to his vehicle. “Not really. I’m surprised you’re still driving that hippie-mobile. But it appears you don’t break promises.”

Willy had sworn the day he took possession of the van that he would never sell the bus since it belonged to his grandfather, who’d made him work all summer before he handed over the keys to the classic ’70s van. Together, they’d worked hard to restore it, and that rig now contained Willy’s blood, sweat, and tears.

The bus still wasn’t perfect, but like his and Boo’s relationship, it had been a work in progress. Now, a second chance presented itself. He would do better, be better, and prove to Boo he still loved her.

“I remember many things that happened inside, as well as a few unfulfilled promises.”

“Don’t spark any ideas.” She jabbed her index finger his way. “This is a fake date, remember?”

It’s real to me .

Never in a million years would he forget making love with the sexy feline. But he wasn’t one to force their union.

She carried anger toward him because he’d yet to show her he’d changed since letting go of his anger over being experimented on.

Still, he gave her a way out. “Once we retain the artifact, we can go our own ways if that’s what you want.”

Boo strolled closer to the van and ran a hand across its polished fender, the ring catching the sun’s rays. “The auction is two days away. That’s all we’re both obligated to attend.”

Willy hardened a look. He had this lying thing down if she believed he’d forget her after this was over.

But was his facade enough to fool the thief?

He joined her at his van. “The exterior shell has seen better days, but the custom peace sign painted on the back still defies muscle cars.”

“That’s true,” Boo added, kicking at a stray weed embedded in the sidewalk near the white-rimmed tire. “Some things root deep and resist dying.”

Take the inside of his bus. And my feelings for Boo.

The leather tuck-and-roll bench seats were the best versions— supple and welcoming. The front passenger bucket seat was open and ready for that special person to join him on adventures. Just like Willy’s heart was waiting on Boo to slide inside and reclaim her spot beside him, both of them captaining their future, if she changed her mind about loving him.

He joked, “You need a refresher in the back before we head into the boutique?”

Boo spun to face him, her eyes going wide. “Don’t think we’re shagging. I’m on a mission. That’s it. I’d no more crawl into the back of that thing with you than pretend?—”

He waited for her to finish her comeback, and when she didn’t, he finished her sentence for her, “Pretend we’re engaged?”

“Yes, that’s what I was going to say.” She gave him her back and sashayed forward, her dress swishing musically about her knees as she reached the door to the boutique.

He met her at the door and grabbed the handle, keeping Boo from disappearing inside the store among the circle clothing racks. “This bitter banter is butchering my idea of a perfect fake date. If we don’t warm up to each other, our success is doomed.”

She blew a breath, dropped her hand from the door handle, and gazed up at him, water lining her lashes. “I’m not good at this do-over. I’m agitated, and it’s showing. Maybe we should start fresh.”

Huh? Did she mean it?

Willy’s pulse amped up. “Listen, I know you’re beating yourself up about what happened regarding Zeb and possibly in our shared pasts. None of this is solely your fault, no matter how much you think it is. Zeb didn’t follow protocol, and he knew the risks. I just took off, making as much of a mess as you think you have. But we can turn this around if we leave our past behind and live in the now.”

He waited for a beat, the sound of her rapid breaths slowing. When he thought she was calm, he held out his hand, offering to seal the deal. “Shake on it?”

She glanced toward the van, her eyes becoming unfocused as if she remembered all the good times they had inside.

He sure did.

She placed her hand in his, squeezing. “Deal. But remember, we’re no longer love-blind teens. This game is about saving futures and lives.”

And hearts .

Willy held the door open, allowing Boo to enter the store, her fragrant rose oil scent rushing up his nose.

That sense of calm was false, or at least, temporary. They had to bridge the awkward gap to deepen their romance because real life didn’t make time for masking, and they had only one shot.

“Welcome to Blue Flame.” The store employee breezed through the rounders that held a multitude of evening wear.

She wasn’t much more than a teen herself. Freckles lined the bridge of her nose, giving her a look of innocence.

“I’m Fanny. Let me know if you need any help.”

Willy stepped forward, inserting himself between the rounds to address Fanny. “We’re looking for evening attire for a formal engagement tomorrow night. I’ll need fitting for a black tux, and Boo needs a formal gown.”

“Do you have a color preference?” Fanny asked.

Boo pulled Willy to the side. “Usually, I would prefer red, a power color.”

Willy ran a finger along the silky fabric of a goldfinch-colored gown. Since he was a child, a rambunctious gorilla shifter, he’d found order and control in colors. Blues tended to calm him. Reds had him swinging from the chandeliers.

“Yellow represents hope, joy, inner freedom, and expectations for the future—something we’re both trying to understand,” he said. “Red fashions represent passion and love, and we’re not there yet. Plus, I don’t think standing out is what you want, right?”

Boo chirped a cool, “Mmm. I like the way you think. Yellow works for me.”

They’d agreed on truth and honesty, even if Willy avoided vulnerability as much as Boo seemed to.

“How about these?” Fanny held up an assortment of sunny-colored dresses for Boo to try on. “Once you say yes to the dress, we can match it to the tuxedo’s accessories like the tie, pocket square, cummerbund, vest, socks, etcetera. Follow me.”

Willy trailed Boo, the sway of her backside sending him into a trance as if she were the magical artifact.

The salesperson hung the three dresses inside the dressing room. “If you need another size, yell.”

“Give me a moment.” Boo stepped into the curtained dressing room and closed the floral fabric wall.

Willy sat on a low-profile chair, which folded his knees toward his chest, giving him a fine view of Boo’s adorable feet. Everything about her sent a zing of desire straight through his body. He wished he could turn back time—an impossible dream, which he parked. He couldn’t allow himself to become distracted.

Stick to the date, a fake date . “How’s it going with the first dress?”

Boo threw open the curtain. “Puff sleeves in a kaleidoscope of primary colors and a waist tie as long as the CanAm highway.”

Willy cupped his hand over his laugh. The tropical colors would certainly gain attention or become the perfect camouflage. “It’d work for a toucan shifter.”

“Which I’m not.” She jerked the curtain closed, and a few moments later, it parted again. “Oh, now I’m a comb of plantains.”

Punching to his feet, Willy couldn’t hold back the laughter. The yellow dress gloved her curvy form from neck to ankles, and the sleeves and pattern caused his mouth to water. “Take it off before I get hangry.”

Boo said, “I’ve almost forgotten you’re a gorilla shifter among all the other animal genetics you carry. Let me try this last one. Fingers crossed it works.”

Willy’s angst jumped up. If they didn’t find the perfect dress soon, they’d be in a bind. “Any luck?”

He crossed his fingers, even the crooked one, and all twelve toes.

“Well, the straps need taking up. And the slit up the leg isn’t as high as I prefer.” Material rustled, and then the curtain slid open, revealing Boo’s gown. “I’d want the slit mid-thigh. That would look good, wouldn’t it, Willy?”

His bottom jaw would have landed on the floor if the muscles and cartilage weren’t holding the hinges together. Boo was having a full-on conversation with Fanny, but he noted only moving lips. What spell did Boo have on him?

“Well, say something, Willy, or is it another fail?” Boo batted green eyes at him.

The yellow was more mustard than sunshine, a shade darker than the deepest yellow sunflower.

Tapping his chin, Willy sought the perfect manner to describe the shade while returning to the present. “Spicy.”

“Ooh, so you like it?” Boo’s face glowed, a big white smile displaying pleasure at his meager feedback.

“Less is more.” Willy whistled and then reached for her hand, spinning her around. The spaghetti straps needed taking up, and the mid-knee slit needed lengthening to make it easier for Boo to move in case they found themselves having to run. But what he saw caused a sloppy grin, and he nearly drooled. “You look amazing. Marigold is your color.”

“I need shoes, but I can try on some while you’re getting fitted.” She kicked at the hem and then attempted to slide the curtain closed.

Willy gripped the cloth’s edge, his heart ramming his ribcage and his feelings for Boo, real feelings, bristling. “Not so fast.”

“What are you doing?” She slid her hand down, brushing her pinky finger with his.

He flicked his gaze to their flirting fingers as they both tested each other. “I think you know what I’m about to do, kitten .”

“Kitten… You called me that last night. I thought you’d forgotten.” She inched forward, the boned bodice of the dress pressing against his chest. “I thought you’d never call me by my nickname again. But I’m not naive, William. I know what’s going to happen at the end of this. You’ll leave on assignment, and I’ll get my heart broken. There’s no reason to believe anything between us has a real chance.”

He stepped inside the room and closed the curtain behind him. He raised his hands, placing one on either side of Boo’s head against the back wall, their bodies sandwiched and reflecting in the interior mirror. “Is that what you think? That my feelings for you aren’t real enough to want a future with you no matter where time sends me?”

Boo’s chest rose and fell rapidly as her breaths quickened. “Where time sends us . We may never cross paths after this assignment. We’re pretending to be FUC agents as much as we’re pretending we’re engaged.”

Willy didn’t expect her to pull him closer, rise on her tiptoes, or place her mouth over his.

The two transcended time, and the dressing booth disappeared in Willy’s peripheral vision.

He lowered his hands and cupped her face, deepening their kiss, tasting strawberries, a sweet, sweet delicacy that only heightened his attraction to Boo. “Delicious.”

“I missed this,” Boo said against his lips.

A physical connection had never been an issue. But could Willy fuse with Boo mentally? Could they take their relationship to the next level?

Willy forced himself to slow down their passion, but when he pulled away, he lost his footing and reeled backward, tugging Boo with him. Their bodies got caught up in the curtain, and the duo fell to the carpeted floor, literally wrapped up in their embrace.

Boo’s giggles healed Willy somehow as she hugged him closer and kissed him again, whispering, “Best fake date ever.”

Willy searched Boo’s eyes, seeing for the first time a lightness and playfulness dancing in her irises. His belly stirred with that same feeling he’d had in high school. Love and hope.

He laughed until Fanny pulled the curtain off them.

“I am so sorry this curtain tripped you up.” The freckle-faced clerk’s concerned expression relaxed when she saw they were unharmed. “Allow me to offer a ten percent discount.”

Willy stood and helped Boo to her feet.

She ran a hand down the seams and hem, verifying no damage existed on the gown. “The dress is unharmed, thank goodness.”

Willy lifted the curtain rod, screwing the extension bar to fit the space. “I’m ready for a fitting when you are, and she’ll take the dress.”

Willy posed for measurements, a suit fitting him to his surprise, while Boo changed and found shoes. The seamstress adjusted Boo’s slit and straps.

“The suit’s a perfect fit.” Boo rejoined him, a silly grin adorning her face and accentuating her dimpled cheeks as she handed the dress to the salesclerk. “We could spice up this date with a bet to see who solves the case first.”

Just like Boo, always playful and competitive, which was A-okay with Willy.

“What’s the wager?” he asked.

“How about your van?”

Buzz, buzz, buzz.

Willy broke away first, his cell phone alerting him to an incoming call and distracting him from the bet. For now. He answered, “Alyce.”

“Is Boo with you, Willy?” Papers rustled through the receiver.

“Yes, Boo’s here,” he said.

“She needs to hear this, so put me on speaker,” Alyce said.

Willy wasn’t keen on broadcasting their conversation so anyone near could hear. Still, he trusted Alyce to speak in code. He lowered the volume and tilted the phone, placing it at ear level. “Go ahead.”

“I received the toxicology report from our victim, verifying my suspicions that a plant-based substance poisoned Zeb.”

Boo turned her face toward the receiver. “Plant-based? Tell me, was it Valerian root?”

“How did you guess?” Alyce asked.

“The specific plant has sedative properties.” Boo took her package from the salesclerk.

“And more,” Alyce continued. “It induces a potent, hypnotic sleep. Valerian plants are so hypnotic that cats are as attracted to them as catnip!”

When Boo’s warm complexion turned ashen, he disabled the speaker and lifted the cell to his ear with one hand while lowering Boo to the seat beside the register counter. Something had tripped her up regarding this news. He’d ask her as soon as they had a private moment.

“Alyce, this all makes sense as to why the artifact is so enticing. All we need is access to the event. Once inside, I’ll know if the object is there.”

“I’m sending a courier with your tickets and other necessities. I have your location in Willow Wisp,” Alyce verified.

“That’s right. We’ll be here for another…” Willy lifted Boo’s chin. Her color was still off. He needed to get protein into her before she fainted. “Another few minutes.”

“I have your GPS location.” Alyce disconnected the call.

Willy tucked that fear into his pocket along with his phone. He took the offered suit bag, thanking the clerk, and then held out a hand to Boo, who securely slid her hand into his as they exited the store. “Next stop is Wispy’s.”

“Not so fast.” Boo motioned to a man flanking Willy’s van, his knee bent so his foot rested on the running board.

Willy glanced at Boo, who shook her head. Neither of them recognized the man.

Willy whispered, “Alyce’s delivery?”

“I suspect,” Boo whispered back.

The duo approached, and Willy examined the stranger, attempting to sniff out what type of shifter he was. Maybe a tricky fox shifter?

The man wore thick-rimmed glasses, and dark lenses blocked his eyes. He worried his tongue over a crack in his lower lip.

“Alyce sent you?” Willy asked.

“Change of plans.” The man handed Willy a swollen envelope. “The auction begins in an hour.”