Point, Click...SHOOT!

By Heather Rae

Tatianna ‘Tat’ Montgomery spent her entire life thumbing her nose at the world. Her parents would have preferred that she marry someone suitable, spend her nights entertaining guests, & produce offspring. She, however, refused to live her life according to what high society deemed acceptable or appropriate. She found afternoon teas at the country club & smoozing with New York’s elite to be boring. She would much rather capture life’s essence in paintings & photographs.

Niko Hughes was a hardworking man. After fighting for his country, he returned home to serve his community. From dusk to dawn, he put out fires all across the city. Believing that the future of this world fell on the youth, whom needed guidance & encouragement, he committed his time as a high school football coach.

A sunny afternoon in the park brought the two together. Instant physical attraction, plus their mutual love for canines, was more than enough to ignite the sparks. As the fire burns, Niko is unable to contain its spread & is consumed by it. With the opening night of Tat’s gallery quickly approaching, someone is set on destroying her & all she has worked for. Tat possesses something of extreme value. And they will stop at nothing until it is in their hands.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tattered Pages Publishing
• Release date: Sep 23, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311090256

Book preview

Point, Click…SHOOT!

Heather Rae

Copyright © 2015 Heather Rae (Brassart)

Tattered Pages Publishing

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction, developed from the imagination of the author. Any resemblance to actual places or events is purely coincidence.

All rights reserved.

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

DEDICATed TO

~ Lucky Copper Pennies ~

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Friends, Readers, & My Little Circle…thank you so much for reading my work, supporting me, and believing in me.

I love y’all to pieces!

CHAPTER 1

Spring was coming to an end. Thank goodness…Tat thought. She had grown tired of the crappy New York weather. She needed to be outdoors. To feel the sun rays on her skin. Most important, to her at least, she needed to be out in the streets where the people were.

She flipped the television on while she worked in the kitchen. Pulling out several small containers filled with sliced fruits and veggies, Tat set them on the counter. The fancy juicer ready, she listened for the weather forecast and tossed the chunks into the machine.

The pretty and young newscaster resembled Mattel’s best-selling doll, perfectly plastic. Her arrogant, snotty voice filled the room, Last night’s gala benefiting cancer research, brought out a host of guests including local philanthropist Zachary Montgomery, his charming wife Chloe and son Simon, who is soon to officially announce his plans to run for councilman.

Missing from this prominent family was the estranged yet talented artist, daughter Tatiana, Tat mocked nasally and punched the crush button. Next up is Jim with the weather for today.

Tat leaned against the counter, waiting for her juice and stared at the television screen. The images of her perfect family was replaced with the five day forecast which brought a smile to her face. Yes! A sunny day was ahead of her, with nothing but blue skies and a lovely seventy-eight degrees.

She poured out the juice and twisted the lid of her to-go on tightly before taking the stairs to her bedroom two at a time. Slinging her satchel across her shoulder, she stuffed her feet into her sneakers. Sampson was at her feet the moment she called for the beast. Together the two left for the park.

Tat pushed the demons from her mind as she walked. It’s a beautiful day, Sampson. Maybe you’ll find you a sexy lady at the park. Tat grinned at the thick bodied, 160 pound dog.

He’d probably have better luck at meeting a mate than I would, Tat thought.

It wasn’t even close to ten when Tat and her pooch made it to the park. She found herself the perfect spot under a large tree. It provided enough shade from the sun while affording a great view.  Snapping the small blanket in the air, Tat stretched it out across the lush grass then tossed the tennis ball she had palmed.

Go get it, boy! The green ball sailed through the air.

Tat sat down in the middle of the blanket and dug out her sketch pad. She flipped to a fresh page and began to doodle. An artist, with no particular niche, Tat sketched, painted or photographed whatever aspect of life caught her eye. One moment it was the sea of nameless faces that made up her city. The next being the dew kissed flowers signaling the start of spring. Whatever it was, she managed to capture what the casual eye had missed.

Good boy! Tat rubbed the dog’s huge head and tossed the ball again. Go get!

Tat became absorbed in her sketches while Sampson played. The sun shifted positions creating shadows across her pad full of images. She glanced at her watch then the empty space beside her.

Shit.

Tat tossed everything into her bag and went in search of her pooch. Sampson was nearly three years old, playful but sociable. She had made sure of that from day one, bringing him regularly to the park to interact with other dogs as well as people. She wasn’t concerned over how he would respond but over what people would do to him. The world was full of cruel and inhumane humans.

Sampson! Tat called as she walked down the gentle sloped hillside.

Thankfully, she didn’t have to go far. Sampson was stretched out under a nearby tree receiving a belly rub. He had made a new friend.

Whatcha doing there, big guy? Tat smiled at the handsome stranger. I’m sorry.

It’s alright. He’s been no problem. His voice was heavily laced with a native New Yorker accent. I think he felt neglected.

Yeah, um… Tat bit her lower lip. I owe him a treat or two.

The mention of treats caught the dog’s attention and had him rolling to all fours. Tat slid her hand into her bag and tossed a biscuit to him. He snatched it out of the air and chomped it down.

I should charge you a fee for dog sitting. He grinned as he pushed to his feet and extended his hand. I’m Niko.

Tat. She replied as she gripped his hand firmly. Seems you’ve already met Sampson.

He’s a gentle giant. His huge hand rubbed the top of the dog’s head. I’ve seen you both here on several occasions. I bring my dogs here often.

Ahh…guess that’s why he’s taken to you. Tat laughed and adjusted her bag. There’s this great little coffee shop around the corner from here. Can I buy you a cup?

I’d love one but it will be my treat, he said.

Oh no! Consider it payment for services rendered, Tat insisted as she leashed the beast. It’s the least I can do.

They took to the path, Sampson walking between the two of them.

So you come here often with your dogs? Tat asked, already knowing the answer. She recognized him from a distance on several previous occasions.

Yeah. Gives them a chance to run and play. Brutus and Caesar love it, he said. They are big headed rots, scary looking, but big babies.

Most big dogs are. It’s all in how they are raised, I suppose, Tat smiled and permitted Sampson some slack. I feel bad that he interrupted your park time. I promise I’m not a terrible pet owner.

Oh, not an issue. I was recovering from my run. He flashed her an amazing grin. There’s a plus side to everything.

And that is? Tat asked drawn in by his smile.

We met. He shrugged his shoulders as his phone rang. Excuse me. This is Hughes. Midnight? Are you serious? No one else can cover? I just got off of a twenty-four hour shift. Yeah, well I guess I’ll see you then.

Niko sent a quick text before ending the call. After attaching his phone to the waistband of his gym shorts, he offered Tat a weak smile. Sorry.

It’s okay. What kind of work do you do that has you working for an entire day? Tat asked. Forgive me for being nosy.

I put out fires. He laughed. Literally.

Mr. Fireman… Her lips softened into a smile. Thank you for all that you do.

Thank you, and you’re welcome. Niko tried not to stare openly at the beautiful woman before him. His head tipped slightly as he asked what her occupation was.

I’m a bit eccentric. She laughed at using her brother’s choice of words. I’m an artist.

I don’t consider art as eccentric. Art is beautiful. He hesitated for a second. So are you.

Tat looked away, feeling slightly embarrassed. Let’s go get that coffee. Beanz is just around the corner.

Beanz is a cool place.

Oh, I love it. There’s nothing like a strong cup to add a little pep to your step. And the white chocolate biscotti…heaven! Tat gushed.

So you are a regular customer of Beanz I take it, he chuckled.

It’s one of my few guilty pleasures in life, Tat admitted with a smile. The owners and employees are sweet too.

Yeah, I bet. Niko bit the inside of his cheek as they rounded the block. So what kind of art do you do? Make? I’m not sure if I’m asking properly. He scratched his head while trying not to laugh at his embarrassment. What’s your specialty?

I do it all, paintings, sketches. Photography. I’m like a jack of all trades. Tat shrugged.

That’s amazing. There isn’t an artistic bone in my body.

I’m sure there is. You just have to tap into your inner Van Gogh. Tat laughed and paused at the iron railing to strap Sampson. Just for a minute, big guy. Be good, and you earn a treat.

Niko pulled the glass door emblazoned with a bag of spilled coffee beans and held it open for Tat. Her smile was bright as she walked up to the counter, barely glancing at the menu options. He wondered how he had never come across this woman before.

Well, hello there, Tat! Nice to see you, as always, Alessa Hughes greeted her customer with a huge grin and glanced at her son. Young man.

Alessa, always a pleasure. Can I have an iced caramel latte, three white chocolate biscotti, and, um, Niko?

I’ll take a small decaf, cream, no sugar, since I have to work now, Niko said and cleared his throat as he pulled out a few bills.

My treat, Tat smiled sweetly.

I insist, Niko countered with a wide smile.

Well damn…Tat thought, he is too damn fine.

"No sense in arguing. Consider it on the