Page 19

I shrugged out of Roxie’s hold and held up my hands. “Whoa there. I’m still getting back to being settled here in Jasper Creek.”

“Settled, schmettled. You grew up here. What’s to figure out?” Ava scoffed.

“You said there was a murder. And people are all getting married. You two are new additions. Mom’s now working part-time at the antique store. Everything’s changing. The idea of getting into a relationship my first month back is scary as hell.”

Ava sat back in her chair, allowing it to swivel back and forth a bit as she looked up at me. “Are you sure you mean scary?”

I thought for a quick second and opened my mouth.

“Uh-huh,” Ava wagged her finger at me. “You didn’t take any time to think. Do you find Graham scary?”

“Not at all.” I answered straight from my gut.

“Does going out on a date with him seem scary?”

I shook my head.

“So, it’s the relationship part that has your panties in a twist,” she smirked.

I blew out a deep breath and grinned. “You’ve figured it out. Being in a relationship scares me. I’m not ready for that.”

“With Graham, or anybody?” Roxie asked.

“Anybody. Actually, if I was going to be in a relationship, he’d be kind of perfect, but I’m still getting used to being back home.”

“That’s fair,” Roxie nodded.

“But I tell you what I love is the way he treats Miss Laverne. And it’s kind of good for my ego, the way he keeps asking me out. I know that I am going to accept one of these days.”

“He’s a really good guy,” Ava piped up.

“I know your husband works at Thatcher’s Automotive, so he sees Graham when he’s working on his Harley or his truck, but how do you know him, Roxie?”

“Onyx Security. Both of them work for Simon and Roan on an ad-hoc basis. My Hart, he has quite the touch with computers, so they bring him in when they need anything technical.”

“And Graham?” I asked.

“His special forces background is sometimes leaned on. Most of the guys who work full-time at Onyx Security are ex-military, but not everyone is former special forces. My husband has explained there is quite the difference.”

I could feel my eyes widen. “Oh my God, is that what Miss Laverne calls that safety business?” I used air quotes around the words.

Ava and Roxie roared with laughter. “What else did she say?” Roxie finally sputtered.

“She said they were all nice boys.”

“I can’t wait to tell Hart. That’s going to make his month. I’ve always adored Miss Laverne, but now she won’t just be on my Christmas card list, she’ll get cookies too.”

“I thought you just said you adored her, why in God’s name would you subject her to your cookies?” Ava shuddered and turned back to me. “Are you really going to let him take you out?”

I nodded.

“Good choice. If I weren’t married to Brent, he’d be high on my list. I gotta say, you have a tiger by the tail.”

“A good-looking tiger.” Roxie grinned wider.

“He is, isn’t he?” I breathed out. “His eyes are gorgeous, you can practically see his soul.”

“He’s got it bad. Rumor has it, he’s asked Dave at the hardware store to get his mom to find out about you.”