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I shook my head. “Both of the cottages are empty, although there are plenty of people coming and going from the house, so I suppose someone could have taken them, in theory. Honestly, though, I think I’m making too much of it. People lose things all the time.”
“They do.” Kennedy cocked her head. “But if it’s playing on your mind, you could consider getting more security just so you feel safe.”
I pulled a face. “Having a security system in place didn’t stop Tyler from getting to you, so I don’t think doing that would make me feel much safer.” I tried to force it from my mind. “Don’t worry, I’m sure it’s nothing. Like I said, I’m oversensitive because of what happened.” And because of the incident from my past. But no one in Destiny Falls knew about that. “I’m sure you’re extra vigilant about everything too.”
“I am,” she admitted. “It’s slowly getting better though.”
Eugene appeared by our table. “Evening, ladies. What can I get you?”
We each rattled off our orders, and he noted them down and left.
“Maybe you should get a dog,” Kennedy suggested when he was out of earshot. “Having Daisy around has been incredible for helping me relax. She hears every time someone comes and goes and lets me know so I don’t have to worry about missing anything.”
I hid a smile. I should have known the conversation would head in this direction. Ever since Kennedy and her husband Liam had adopted a Labrador cross from the local animal shelter, she’d been raving about how much she adored Daisy. I didn’t think a dog would help me though. Or at least, not one like Daisy. She was too sweet. Too much of a goofball. Perhaps her alertness helped Kennedy, but I didn’t think that was enough for me. If I were to get a dog, I’d want it to be one that would make intruders think twice.
A flicker of an idea played in the back of my mind. Daisy might never scare anyone or make me feel safer in my own home, but that didn’t mean that no dog would. The right one could be a game-changer. I’d always liked the idea of a pet. I worked from home, and I was as settled as I’d likely ever be, so why not?
“You might be onto something,” I told her. “I know someone who breeds and trains Rottweilers. Maybe I’ll get in touch.”
Kennedy laughed. “You’re going to get a Rottweiler?”
“Why not?”
“No reason. I just pictured you with something classier, like an Afghan hound or a poodle.”
I chuckled. “I doubt a poodle would get the job done the way I’m picturing.”
“You never know.” Amusement shone in her eyes. “Those things can be ferocious.”
“If you say so.”
Bailey bounced across the bar with so much energy, I was surprised the drinks on her tray didn’t slosh over the rims of the glasses. She set them in front of us. “Sav blanc for Kennedy and a pink gin and tonic for Grace.” She grinned and tucked a lock of silky black hair behind her ear, obviously pleased to have anticipated our orders. The perks of small-town life. “Can I get you anything else?”
“That’s perfect, thank you,” I replied. “Nothing else for now.”
“I wonder what has her so smiley,” Kennedy said. “She’s always cheerful, but that was something else.”
I shrugged, about to say I didn’t know, but then I spotted a cluster of tall, handsome men making their way toward us, and it all clicked into place. “Braddock brothers,” I murmured under my breath.
Kennedy’s head shot up. She spotted Liam within the group and pushed back her chair to greet him. He kissed her thoroughly—a display more fit for the privacy of their own home than the local pub. The sight made my heart give a happy thump. I loved seeing them together. Especially after watching Liam—the oldest Braddock son after the twins—mope, broken-hearted, for far too many years. They deserved their happiness.
My gaze swept over the others in the group. Toby, the youngest—except for his twin, Summer—stood front and center, beaming his mischievous smile that always gave the impression he was about to do something naughty and that you’d like it. In the back were Max and Connor, the quietest of the brothers. Max smiled warmly at me, and Connor nodded. Which left only Nate. The man who’d been my best friend for nearly twenty years and with whom I’d been miserably in love for most of that time.
“Hey, Gracie.” Nate leaned over and kissed the top of my head, the faintly woodsy scent of his cologne tickling my nostrils. His rugged face creased in a smile as he pulled back, and his familiar blue-green eyes crinkled at the corners. I wanted to fold myself into his arms the way Kennedy had done with Liam—to breathe him in and let him hold me—but that wasn’t my place. I was the trusty friend. The comfortable old jeans that never let him down.
“Hi, Nate.” I smiled back. It took no effort. Just looking at him made me want to smile.
“Tess is with her mum tonight,” he said, as if I didn’t already know it was his daughter’s week with Maddy. “So we thought we’d get together for a few drinks. Mind if we join you?”
“Not at all.” I kept my expression neutral and prepared myself for another evening of pretending I wasn’t in love with my best friend.
* * *
By the timeI got home, I was ready for a shower and bed, but first, I had to make a call. I removed my shoes, placed them in their usual spot on the rack, and stretched my feet out. I liked wearing heels, but it always felt good to take them off. I made my way through the mostly dark house, past the rooms used for guests, and into the private quarters. I switched a light on and sat on the couch, tucking my legs beneath me. I scrolled through my phone until I found a contact I hadn’t spoken to in far too long.
Ryan Gentry.
I studied the phone number, nibbling on my lip. I liked Kennedy’s suggestion about getting a dog. I often felt lonely in this massive house by myself. I could use the company. And I had an in with someone who could provide a well-trained dog that might actually make me feel less like jumping at shadows. But did I really want to make the call? Ryan was my friend, but there was a reason we’d barely spoken in months. It was easier to leave him in the past. But that wasn’t really fair. It wasn’t Ryan’s fault I’d dug myself into a massive hole where he was concerned.
