“Yes, arson investigation follow-up. We need samples and crime scene photography, the works. I’d advise you stay away from that place. It isn’t safe.”
Jocelyn scoffs. “I’m not a child?—”
“Stay away,” Dax interjects, his tone firm. His gaze is dark and threatening. Something tells me he didn’t take kindly to Jocelyn’s passive-aggressive jabs at my figure, as he reaches an arm around my waist and pulls me closer to him.
I find myself slowly melting against his strong frame, the smell of the fire they fought still lingering on his clothes and body, combined with sweat and possessiveness. It’s insanely hot and doing quite the number on my senses.
It also has the desired effect on Jocelyn, because she gives me a hard look and takes a couple of steps back. “Fine, Dax. I look forward to reading your investigative report. We need to nip this in the bud before another building burns down and more people get killed,” she says.
“You don’t need to remind us,” Beck replies.
He takes it personally, and I can see the hurt in his eyes even as he tries to mask it with a half smile. Jocelyn, realizing her presence is no longer wanted, gives us all a slight nod before walking out.
“Are you okay?” Dax asks me.
“Why wouldn’t I be?” I ask.
“Jocelyn can be… abrasive. We had no idea that she was coming over.”
“It’s fine,” I calmly reply and gently pull myself away from Dax.
He tries to reach for me again, but I slip behind the counter.
“There’s freshly squeezed lemonade, if you want some,” I offer with a flat smile.
Leo gives me a long look, and I can tell that he’s able to read me better than I hoped. “We’re okay, thank you. In fact, we’re going to take Luke and get out of your hair. We’re right across the street, if you need us.”
“Thank you.”
Dax doesn’t seem happy with the conclusion. Beck isn’t too pleased either. But they follow Leo’s lead and escort Luke out of the diner. The kid gives waves, and I reply with a smile as I watch the four of them cross the street and go inside the fire station.
As the silence settles over the diner, I take a deep breath and shudder.
What did I expect to find here other than a safe place to hide? Real love? An effortless relationship? No bitter or jealous ex to rain on my little parade?
Come on, Olivia, get real.
7
LEO
“She came over tonight; that’s a good sign,” I tell Dax and Beck.
Yesterday, I had a feeling we might’ve lost Olivia because of Jocelyn’s crass remarks. Today, hope rears its pretty head as I glimpse back at the living room, where Olivia and Luke are busy playing a video game on the massive wall-mounted flat-screen TV, while the guys and I do the dishes and get some wineglasses ready.
“Look at us, wringing our hands over here,” Beck mutters as he rummages through the pantry for a good bottle of wine, “all because Jocelyn decided it was a great time to throw a hissy fit.”
“We never really talked about what we’d do if Jocelyn were to cross paths with Olivia,” Dax says. “Maybe we should’ve.”
“Why, though? Jocelyn’s history.”
I sigh deeply. “But we’ve built a life here. We’re part of the Ember Ridge community. And whether we like it or not, so isJocelyn. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but it’s also something we have to deal with, especially when we’re getting closer to another woman.”
“She’s been quiet for most of the evening,” Dax points out as he puts the dry dishes away, “except when she’s talking to Luke. Then she turns into a real Chatty Cathy.”
“You sound a tad jealous of my kid.” I chuckle.
“Maybe I am.”
