Page 52 of Serial Burn

“I’m with you,” Andrew said.

Nathan nodded. “Agreed. We’ll just keep an eye on them and see what shakes loose. If anything. Let’s go.”

They returned to Andrew’s vehicle and Andrew drove them back to their cars.

“It’s late,” Jesslyn said. “I’m starving and exhausted, but first thing in the morning, I’m going to the jewelry store.” She dug her keys from her pocket. “I’ll call you if I find out anything.”

“Do you need to head back to the fire scene?”

She checked her phone. “Not until the chief texts me.”

“Okay, then why don’t I follow you home, hang out, and then go with you when you get word?” Nathan said. He really didn’t think she needed to go anywhere alone, considering they didn’t know who’d attacked her yet. In fact, he was tempted to camp out on her curb to make sure nothing happened during the night.

“I mean, you can. It might not be until morning.”

“I’m okay with that.”

“Seriously, you don’t have to do that. I’m just going to grab something to eat and then crash for the night.” She swung the car door open. “I’ll be fine.”

He shook his head. “Stubborn. But I’m still going to follow you home.” He glanced at Andrew as he opened his door. “What’s your plan?”

“I can meet you in the morning,” Andrew said. “Then we cancheck in at the hospital on Mr. Christie and this kid Toby. See if either of them has anything they want to contribute.”

“Fabulous,” Jesslyn said as she got out, “we’ll make it a full-on party.”

Nathan glanced at his phone as he turned toward his car. And now he had to call his mom and let her know he wouldn’t be there tomorrow. He didn’t have time for a family brunch. He had a possible arsonist to catch.

TWELVE

Saturday morning, after a restless night of dozing and checking her windows, Jesslyn walked into the jewelry store with Andrew and Nathan on her heels. The door shut behind them, bells chiming before going silent. It was a small shop on the corner of West Beach Street, one street over from Main.

Glassed cases held a number of beautiful items grouped according to type and material. In one case, there were elegant necklaces of varying lengths, adorned with diamonds and other gemstones. Another case displayed an array of rings, from simple bands to intricate designs with sparkling stones set in gold or silver.

The section to her right caught her attention. It held stunning jewelry, showcasing pieces with unique craftsmanship. Beautiful pieces she’d never seen the likes of. Jesslyn wondered if those were custom pieces waiting for their new owners to pick them up. The walls were decorated with mirrors and paintings, creating a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere. She walked to the nearest case and peered at wedding and engagement sets. They were remarkable in all different kinds of settings and stones. Would she ever wear one? Not if she kept going the way she was. She looked up and caught Nathan’s eye. He shot her a small smile, then looked away. Heat climbed into her neck, and she pulled in a slow breath, willing thewarmth to stop. She couldn’t help looking at him once more, though. “You slept outside my house last night, didn’t you?”

He raised a brow, looking all innocent, but joined her at the case. “What makes you say that?”

“I thought I saw your car out there.”

“It was quiet,” he said. “I caught a few hours of rest. Knowing you were safe helped make that happen. And I had a buddy, Sampson Greene, come by with his K-9, Otis, around two o’clock. He took a shift.”

Jesslyn bit her lip. She should have known he would do that and offered her couch. Regret climbed into her heart. “Thank you, Nathan. I’m not sure what to say to that except thank you.”

His shoulders relaxed a fraction, and she realized he had been prepared to defend his actions. “You’re welcome.”

“But let me know what you’re doing in the future, will you? I probably would have slept better knowing all of that. And you have the comfortable couch or not-so-comfortable guest room bed.”

His jaw swung slightly open, and she grinned and tapped it. He snapped it shut and his eyes narrowed. All of a sudden she wanted to kiss him. Like really wanted to—

Oh no. No, no, no, no, no.

She turned and squelched the unbidden thought. Where in the world had that come from?

A low chuckle from the man told her he might have very well read her thoughts, and the fiery heat that she hated so much started to climb again.

She fixed her gaze on a cabinet on the far wall and walked over to it. She’d seen it before. Nathan and his blasted attractiveness faded along with the burn crawling up her throat. She touched the wood surrounding the glass, and a memory flickered in the back of her mind, daring her to yank it to the forefront.

Before she could, a young woman came out of the back office with a smile on her face. “Hello. May I help you?”

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