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He hoped he would know how to make sense of it when they caught the thief.
Chapter 12
They didn’t catch the thief.
Lila was trying to be patient, but it wasn’t easy with the threat looming over her like a sword about to fall. Either Will’s impromptu training exercise had scared off the woman, or she was better at hiding than anyone had a right to be.
Connor and Travis concluded that the meet at the ferry dock had been a ploy, though neither of them could sort out the end goal. While all attention had been on the ferry dock, nothing else in Lila’s life had been disturbed.
The thief hadn’t made contact either. The insurance company hadn’t reported any additional thefts or issues near the marina.
It had been four days and, on the surface, it seemed the crisis had passed. Lila kept suggesting she was finally in the clear.
No one shared her opinion and the vote among the security experts was that she should remain at the Inn, under Travis’s protection. Though she agreed it was a better choice for Gram’s safety, she was also greedy when it came to time with him. Inbed and out, she wanted to savor the closest thing she’d had to a serious relationship in ages.
It was more than the sex, though that was phenomenal. She felt as if she was making a new best friend. They talked less about the past and more about the present and future. Despite his clear intention to resume normal Guardian Agency assignments, she was enjoying this interlude. Being the object of his exceptional focus—professionally and personally—was an incredible feeling.
He made her feel valued. He supported her schedule and efforts when she returned to the bakery, and he found ways to help. Everyone in town still treated him like her boyfriend, including Will, Jess, and Gram.
Day by day, her feelings for him grew, taking root in her heart. She suspected she was falling in love with him. The smart thing would be to pull back, protect herself from heartache, but when she tried, the distance felt all wrong.
Whether or not she loved him with all she had right now, she would miss him when he moved on. Why not enjoy it? So she made a choice and focused on happiness and joy. On the laughter when he shared stories about his military life and his protection career.
On the tenderness that swamped her when he held her close.
Right up until her cell phone rang at five o’clock in the morning, just as someone knocked on the door of her room.
She grabbed the phone and Travis went to the door. “What’s wrong?”
“Lila? This is Callie. At the bakery.”
“Of course.” Lila was up and out of bed. She grabbed clothes and scrambled for the privacy of the bathroom. The young woman sounded upset and through the door, she could hear the low voices of Will and Travis. “What do you need?”
“I was opening with Connie today and—” Her voice cracked and then there was only silence.
Lila froze. “Callie?”
“Sorry. I’m here. Um. Sorry. The bakery is… Someone broke in and—”
“Lila, this is Chief Caldwell. I sent Will over your way.”
“What happened?!” Lila demanded. “Is Gram okay?”
“She’s been transported to the clinic, just as a precaution. She was spitting mad about it.”
At that, Lila took her first deep breath. “Okay. Spitting mad is good.”
“Yes, I agree.” Caldwell continued, “The bakery was vandalized and Callie is overwhelmed. We’re processing the scene now. I asked Will to bring Travis here, so you can be with Connie at the clinic.”
“All right.” She figured Travis got the easy task. Gram didn’t like doctors much at all, less when they were aimed at her. “All right,” she repeated. “I’ll need frequent updates,” she reminded the Chief.
“Connie demanded the same, but I’ll funnel them through you.”
“Perfect. Thanks.”
Travis caught her as she barreled out of the bathroom. “Take a breath.”
She did, her gaze locked on him. “Right. I’ll be calm once I see her.”
