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The bell over the door jangled. Everyone turned to see Aiden, hat off, hair disheveled, take a couple steps inside and stop.
“You need to evacuate. There’s a fire at the restaurant down the block.”
Eyes wide, Laurel looked around the finished space. “I don’t smell anything. Exactly where is it?”
“At the end of this block. Four buildings down in the new takeout place. Word is it’s a kitchen fire. The fire department is already on it. You should be all right, but the sheriff wants everyone outside.” He strode straight to Laurel, taking her arm. “You have to go.”
Gritting her teeth, she shook off his hand. “I’m not leaving.”
“Laurel, you have to leave. The odds are your shop will be fine, but you can’t stay here.”
Sam rushed to her. “Come on, Laurel. I’m sure it won’t take long to put out the fire. You’ll be back here in no time. Logan and I will stick around until we know everything is going to be all right.”
“You don’t—”
Sam held up a hand. “We’ll stay. Right, Logan?”
“Absolutely. Let’s go.”
Logan couldn’t shake the sense of being watched. Standing on the opposite sidewalk from Laurel’s shop, he made a slow turn. He looked for one specific person, surprised when he didn’t spot Miguel in the crowd.
The firefighters doused the blaze quick enough to save any damage to the buildings on either side. Brady Blackwolf had been in town with another ranch hand. As a volunteer firefighter, he’d jumped right in, helping as best he could. When they’d controlled the fire, he’d slipped out of his gear to join Logan, Sam, and Laurel.
“The fire doesn’t make sense to me. It came from the back of the building. The captain didn’t see a flashpoint in the kitchen, as he’d expected.” Brady rubbed an arm across his forehead. “Best to leave all that to the investigator.” He turned toward Logan. “I hear she’s a real beauty.”
“Who?”
“The new investigator.”
Logan glanced at Sam, knowing she’d be listening. “Haven’t met her.”
“Me neither, but I’d like to.”
Sam laughed. “You want to meet all the pretty ladies, Brady.”
“I’ll admit it’s a serious flaw of mine. Time I got back to the ranch. Either of you need a ride?”
Logan shook his head. “No, we’re good. We’ll be staying a bit longer to make sure all is okay in Laurel’s shop.”
“Do you want me to stay?” Brady asked.
“Thanks, man. We’re good. I’d appreciate it if you’d let me know what the investigator finds.”
“Will do.” Brady nodded at Sam and Laurel before taking off.
Logan kept his gaze on Brady until he lost sight of him. The same sense of being watched hit him. His head swiveled from one side to the other before he turned around.
“What is it, Logan?” Sam’s expression turned from bland to concerned.
“I have an uneasy feeling someone is watching us.”
Taking his hand in hers, she tugged to get his attention. “Laurel’s ready to get back inside. Let’s make sure she and her employees are all right, then drive back home.” She stared up at him, her eyes imploring.
Releasing a slow breath, he nodded. “You’re right. It’s time to head back.”
As he did the previous night, Logan walked Sam to her cabin. The kiss lasted longer, was sweeter and more intense than before. Each time he tried to drop his arms, they tightened instead. He didn’t want to leave, but knew he couldn’t stay. Breaking the kiss, he looked at her, noting her glassy eyes and swollen lips.
“I’ll come down the hill to have dinner with you tomorrow.”
