Chapter 16

16

Bryce caught her up to speed on how the St. Patrick’s Day event went. Not good. The turnout had been low, which wasn’t unexpected. An unsolved, brutal murder would do that to a small town like Sleighville. People wanted to feel safe and welcome when entering a new domain. Not fearful and looking over their shoulder constantly.

He even told her the re-opening of Noel’s Cafe hadn’t gone as well as they had hoped. Juliet kept her spirits up despite it. She wasn’t going to quit grinding at it every day. Lila hoped she never did. The food and atmosphere in the cafe were wonderful. It would be a very tragic day if she ever closed the doors.

“I have a few meetings today that I can’t reschedule, but—”

She held up her hand to stop him. What he had to say was no doubt important, but she wasn’t here to rearrange anything, especially his schedule. She wanted things to go as normal, not disrupting a moment of the town’s operation.

She also couldn’t let him hover and smother her. That warning had already been given to him. Why was he pretending to forget that?

“I do not need you rescheduling anything on my behalf. Nor do I need to attend all of the meetings you have. I’m here to help, not be a burden. As long as I’m around people—we both trust—there is no need for you to be by my side twenty-four-seven.”

Bryce frowned, leaning toward her, outstretching his hand. She took it as he wanted her to. He squeezed it before lifting it tenderly to his lips and placing a short kiss on it. “I never want you to think you’re a burden. So let’s not utter that word again. It’s not true.” He forced out a weak smile, and she appreciated his effort to lighten whatever blow he would deliver next. “It’s going to be very hard for me to let you out of my sight. Like, really hard.”

She matched his shaky smile with one of her own, hoping to ease the words she’d deliver next. “It’s going to happen, Bryce. You have to deal with it somehow. I refuse to let this person scare me.”

He pressed his lips together, the rage simmering in his eyes. “You should be scared. I’m scared!”

She needed to remember what he had seen. Denise’s body torn apart by violence. When he thought about the threats, that’s what his mind conjured. It would be very difficult to fight that mental image he saw repeatedly. She didn’t want to fight with him about anything, but she had to put her foot down in some instances.

“I thought we had come to some sort of compromise. I wouldn’t be alone around town. You have meetings, so I’ll hang around Becca or I’ll ask Aster to escort me around town. We have to find a middle ground. It’s not feasible to be by my side all day, every second.”

He looked crushed by her words, then he wiped the emotion off his face as best as he could, lifting her hand once again to place a kiss upon it.

“Okay. Middle ground. Compromise. I forgot Aster was here. I worry about you.”

“I know, Bryce. It’s going to be okay.”

Though she knew by the concern still etched in his features, he didn’t believe that.

Before they started their day, Bryce called Griffin to come to the office. When Griffin walked in, he looked unsure of himself on how to greet her. They started with a hi. Her sweet smile must’ve told him it was okay to step closer and grab a hug.

She dug into her purse and pulled out the plastic bag with the latest threat.

“I received this yesterday morning. Mailed to me in California.”

Griffin took the bag, reading the contents. He flashed a glance at Bryce, then back to her. “Well, this is unexpected. Why are you here?”

His demanding question was also unexpected. Gone was the friendliness he’d displayed moments before.

“Watch your tone, please,” Bryce said, his body taut and rigid as he sat in his chair.

Griffin’s head swiveled toward Bryce. “I’m confused. She left for her own safety and now returns when she receives another threat. Walking right back into danger.”

Lila stood up, grabbing the bag. “I don’t have to explain my decisions to anyone. Not even you. I doubt anything will be found on this, but I thought I’d give it a try. But if you’re going to act this way, then never mind.”

Griffin snatched it back, surprising her at his reaction. She even flinched as it slipped from her fingers. “I will have this tested because it’s my job.” He inhaled and exhaled, releasing some of the tension from his body. She joined him, because she didn’t want to fight with Bryce’s brother. A tentative smile emerged as he watched her follow his actions. “I’m sorry, Lila. I didn’t mean to have an outburst like that. You became part of this town and that increases my concern. This isn’t an idle threat. This person murdered once, they’ll do it again.”

“Yes, I know. And I’m not going to hide the rest of my life. I left. I did what you two wanted me to do. They re-issued the challenge. I would’ve stayed away if not for that letter. But no one is going to throw that kind of shit into my face and think I’m going to take it. So do your job and analyze it. You won’t find anything, I’m sure. But maybe me coming back will put a little fear into them. Show them I’m not playing around either.”

Bryce pushed his chair back, standing up. “As long as we’re clear that you’re not making yourself bait at any point. Right?”

She turned her head his way. “No. I said I would stay with someone at all times. I’m not going to give this person a chance to hurt me on purpose. I’m not dumb.”

Bryce moved closer to her. “I know that, but that speech made it seem like…” His brows puckered inward, and she couldn’t help but reach out and smooth the worry lines away. “Eve made a hard decision last summer. She left to confront her demon. Almost didn’t make it out alive, but she wasn’t going to back down. I know it was one of the hardest things Griffin had to deal with. I think I’m starting to understand how he felt in that moment. Because I’m feeling it right now. I get what you’re saying. I don’t like it, but I get it.”

She reached out again, this time brushing his cheek, letting it linger for a moment before smoothing it up and through his hair the way he liked it. He savored the delicate touch by closing his eyes.

“Is there something I should be aware of? Like, more than this evidence?” Griffin popped in, breaking up the moment.

She let her hand drop to her side, chuckling under her breath.

Bryce looked at his brother. “Lila is staying at the cottage with me. Aster’s also back in town, staying with Juliet.”

Griffin nodded, glancing back and forth between them. “Well, okay. I’ll get this to the lab and let you know what I find out. It could take a few days though.”

He left, and Lila didn’t know what to make of his last comment. Was he not okay with her staying with Bryce? Did he not want Bryce to start a relationship with her?

“Sorry for—”

“Don’t.” She shook her head, not looking for any apologies. “Let’s get to work.”

He frowned for the longest time, staring at her as if debating whether to argue over her declining to have the conversation about his brother. He rounded his desk and took a seat.

“So, Easter. What ideas do you have?”

She had none.

At least, not yet.

The morning had been hectic, which was not the norm. Well, for the past few weeks anyway. Those weeks he had been in his shell, hiding away from the world and his work. With Lila back, his spirit, his confidence had returned. Which had made the day seem more chaotic than normal. When in reality, it was back to the way things were prior to Denise’s death.

He went to his meetings. The focus was back. Engaging with colleagues and giving rebuttals when necessary. No one commented on his attitude change, but he knew some of them wanted to.

While he took care of things needing his attention, Lila brainstormed with Becca on Easter event ideas. He’d been nervous the whole time she’d been out of his sight, but he’d also been proud of himself for not texting her or leaving his meetings to check on her. She would be okay with Becca. Repeating that in his head to the point of going crazy with it, he was starting to believe it.

When lunchtime rolled around, Lila suggested they venture to Noel’s Cafe. He wasn’t opposed to the idea. But he also knew going out into the open like that might go one of two ways.

Everyone would welcome her back with open arms.

Or everyone would stare belligerently at her and even make snide comments.

But if that’s what she wanted to do, he wasn’t going to keep pushing back on her decisions.

They rode the elevator in silence. As soon as it swung open to the first floor, he grabbed her hand before stepping out of it.

“I didn’t know you liked to hold hands so much,” she commented, glancing at their hands as they walked to the door, passing through security.

The guard on duty, Ronan, noted the affection but didn’t say anything other than widen his lips into a silly grin.

“I didn’t either.” He chuckled, pushing open the door to bring them outside. “But I find I like holding your hand.”

They ventured down the sidewalk, making their way to the cafe.

“It’s a very big sign we’re giving the town.”

His steps slowed but he didn’t stop. Her words caught him off guard. The last thing he wanted to do was cause a scene. According to her, they already were by holding hands.

“Should I let go?”

Her grip tightened. “I didn’t say that.”

They made it to the cafe. He wasn’t sure what else to say, so he remained silent as he opened the door. Once they entered, their hands did part. He missed the small contact and wanted to snatch her hand back.

“Lila!”

Juliet shuffled around the counter with a huge smile on her face, wrapping Lila up in a hug. He chuckled at his sister’s enthusiasm, taking one step away to give them space. Aster strolled up next to him.

“I was informed you’re staying at the cottage.”

He turned his full attention to Aster. The man wanted to have that chat right here, and right now. Well, he’d oblige him.

“I am.”

Though he wasn’t going to make it easy on the guy. Who the hell did he think he was anyway? He was staying at Juliet’s house! It was the same damn thing.

“And where did my sister sleep last night?”

Bryce grinned. “Should I ask you where my sister slept last night too?”

Aster’s eyes narrowed as his stance shifted from easy-going to taut in an instant.

“Okay, lower the testosterone.” Lila stepped between the two, putting her hands out. She turned her gaze at Aster. “Knock it off. My business is just that. My business. Something you love to say to people. So back off.”

Aster inhaled deeply, took a step back, and laughed. The sound echoed off the walls and grated on his nerves all in the same breath. “You got it, sis.”

Bryce didn’t believe for a moment that Aster would let it slide. He’d be in his face again, but not when Lila was around.

She grabbed Aster’s arm, guiding him away from the area and to the display case to the right, pointing at all the delicious treats that had been made for the day.

“How are you? Aster told me about the nasty note.”

“I’m great.” He produced a smile to go with his positive attitude. Neither one was fake. “And you? How are you?”

“Now I’m going to tell you to knock it off. Play nice with Aster.”

“He started it. Not me.”

Juliet rolled her eyes. “You’re not a child, Bryce, so don’t act like one.”

“Why am I the bad guy here?”

Her eyes softened. “You’re not. Neither is Aster. He’s worried about Lila.”

He leaned in closer. “So am I. Whether he likes it or not, she’s staying with me. And if I can convince her, she won’t leave at all. Ever again.” He straightened his stance. “We both know Aster will leave regardless.”

“I never said I wanted him to stay. For the first time in my life, I’m enjoying myself. I’m having a bit of fun. Let me have it.”

He pulled Juliet into a hug, squeezing hard. “As long he doesn’t hurt you, I want you to have as much fun as you can. I know that asshole did a number on you. You deserve all the happiness in the world.”

Her arms tightened around him, and he even heard her sniffle. “Ditto. So if Lila is the one who makes you happy, I’m all for it.” She lifted her head. “Just so you know, I have been trying to make Aster see how awesome you are.”

He imagined that hadn’t been easy. The man still hadn’t given an inch in his dislike for him.

Juliet let go first, returning behind the counter. “The usual?” He nodded and she turned her attention to Lila. “What do you want, Lila?”

“Same as Bryce.” Lila pointed to the raspberry Danish in the display case. “And two of these.”

“On it!” Aster said with an over-the-top enthusiasm that made Bryce want to roll his eyes. But he resisted. Barely.

Lila took her two pastries, and they took a seat by the window. People strolled past on the sidewalk, making eye contact, and to his pleasant surprise, most of them smiled at them instead of glaring with disdain.

“After we finish eating, I’d like to walk around town. Visit each store.”

He had a few meetings he couldn’t get out of.

“Why?”

He wasn’t asking to change her mind. Simple curiosity.

“Because people are going to talk. I’d rather get ahead of it. Make the story go my way, not the wrong way.”

That made sense. Small towns had a way of spreading rumors without delay. It went from the truth to a distorted reality with too much ease.

Her hand slid across the table, her fingers wiggling for him to take a hold of it. He obeyed her command.

“I also want to talk to everyone and see their reaction. Someone here committed murder. That same someone is threatening to do the same to me. I want to know who I make uncomfortable, and I won’t know that until I speak to them.”

Now that he didn’t like the sound of. Which was why she wanted to hold his hand like she was comforting a scared child.

“That’s risky, and I don’t like it.”

She smiled with caring and understanding. “You don’t have to like it. But you have to accept it.”

She knew he had meetings he couldn’t get out of.

He could hear Aster’s loud voice coming from the kitchen. Laughter floated out as well. The man had returned as if he hadn’t left on a whim. He inserted himself into Juliet’s life with such deftness it shocked him.

While he should trust Aster to follow his sister around town, the man wasn’t used to being on alert. He made friends, made people laugh and feel at ease. That was his forte. His magic power. What he didn’t do was watch his surroundings, pay attention to things most people didn’t even notice.

“You’re right, of course. Do you mind if Duke tags along with you?”

Because he was far more qualified to keep Lila safe than Aster was.

Her expression was neutral as she contemplated his request.

“Why not Aster?”

Bryce tossed a lazy hand in the direction of the kitchen. “He appears to be busy. Duke won’t mind.”

Not that he’d asked him yet, but he knew Duke wouldn’t refuse anything he asked of him. Not when it came to Lila’s safety.

“You don’t trust Aster.”

“Your brother would never let you get hurt when he’s around. It’s not that at all. But if you’re going on a mission to weed out potential suspects, then you need someone with you that can help you identify those people. Someone like Duke. An officer in this town. Someone who knows these people. Things you might not know.”

A sly grin built on her face. She lifted his hand, mimicking the gesture he loved to perform on her. A tender kiss hit his skin. “I like your train of thought. Okay. Let’s call Duke.”

He’d be more than happy to.

“So tonight, after your sleuthing, will you have dinner with me?”

An adorable giggle-snort sounded as a brilliant smile lit up her face. “Well, of course, silly. We are living together now.”

He leaned closer. “No, I mean, I’d like to take you out to dinner. On a real first date. I’d love to take you to Rosetta’s. They have the best Italian in the area.”

Because he had some courting to do. It was best to start at the beginning. To get her to stay forever, he had to make her see how wonderful of a guy he truly was.

“I’d like that.”

He stood up to lean even farther across the table and sealed their first date with a kiss.