Page 66 of Stolen Kisses

“Hannah owns the property,” Chase said smoothly. “She can show you everything. By the way, the electricity is back on.”

The younger inspector made a large checkmark on the sheet of paper he was holding.

"That's good. One less thing for us to check,” he said. “You don't have huge trees right next to the building, so there can't be any major damage from fallen trees. But the wind was strong enough that it could have brought on branches from there.” He pointed to the trees at the edge of the yard. “So let's walk around once, shall we?"

"Sure," I replied. I turned to Chase. "You can wait inside if you want."

"I'll come with you."

"Thanks." Just having him with me made me feel safe. I didn't need to face this all by myself.

Of course, the inn was my responsibility. But it was nice to know he cared and wanted to be here for me.

We walked slowly around the perimeter. There was a lot of debris in the garden. My bed of roses was practically destroyed. A few huge branches had fallen from the trees, and the wind carried them around.

When we'd almost finished the inspection, I gasped. A huge branch had flown into the eastern wall. It tore through a part of the porch and even brought down a pole that was supposed to sustain it.How the hell did that get here?The trees really weren’t that close.

"That looks dangerous," the older inspector said. “Don't get too close. You need to have this repaired quickly."

"Yes, I was just thinking that," I said. My voice was robotic. Damn it, I couldn't imagine how much that would cost.

"That was a strong wind," Chase commented in a measured tone.

The inspectors nodded, each filling out a form as we walked back to the entrance.

"Thank you so much for your time," the older one said, handing me both sheets.

“Likewise.”

Chase and I stayed on the porch as they left.

I huffed. "Chase, I’m sorry. I’m in a bad mood. I understand if you want to go."

"I don't want to go. I want to stay here with you and help work things out."

"I don't think you can."

"Then I'm going to cheer you up."

Despite myself, I laughed. "You can definitely do that."

“First things first. We need food. Let’s get breakfast somewhere and then come back and make a plan.”

I shook my head. “I can’t do too much today since it’s a Saturday. But on Monday, I’ll call a few companies and see who can take care of this as soon as possible."

"You're worried. Tell me why." He pushed a strand of hair behind my ear. The wind blew it right back in my face, and I laughed.

He pulled me around the corner so we were out of the wind’s way.

I shrugged. “I’m afraid the repairs will be expensive.”

“Your insurance will cover it.”

“Maybe. But my deductible will be huge.” After Chase first showed up here, I looked at the grants the local council gave for renovations, but as I’d feared, the inn wasn’t eligible.God, I love this home to bits, but why is it eating up every penny?

"Anyway, thanks for coming on the tour with me."

"What happened earlier? When he thought I was your husband. Youflinched.”

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