Page 67 of Stolen Kisses

“Honestly, I'm not even sure why I reacted like that. It just brought up bad memories, I guess. My ex never came to the inn when things like this happened.”

“What do you mean?” Chase asked sharply. “He wasn’t here for emergencies?”

"No, far from it. He hated the inn and that I came to see Grandma so often. He wanted us to do other stuff on the weekend. Eventually he started doing his own thing whenever I was here. With someone else.”

“For fuck’s sake,” he growled.

I waved a hand. “I don’t want to talk about him. There’s no point. Maybe I should start making a list of companies today.”

Chase stepped closer, putting both arms around my waist. "I'll make you a deal. First we have breakfast, and then we make a list together. And then we’ll have the rest of the day open for fun.”

I grinned. “You just became my favorite person.”

“That was my plan all along. Now, where do you want to go for breakfast?" he asked.

"There's a great diner not too far away. But first, I’d like to check in on my neighbor and see if she needs any help. I’d call her, but my battery died.”

The wind blew again, pushing my hair into my eyes. Chase stepped closer, running his hands through my hair, keeping it at the back of my head.

"You’re incredible. I can’t believe you’re worrying about your neighbor right now.”

“I hope she's doing fine," I said. "But, Chase, honestly, this is going to be a very boring morning for you. I can do everything on my own."

"It won't be boring because I'm with you," he said in a tone that brooked no argument.

"All right, if you’re sure, then let’s pay her a visit. We can walk over there and come back for the car after.”

“Sure. Lead the way.”

Ms. Adams lived next door. Her house was much smaller than the inn but very cozy. I’d always loved it. It was Victorian-style as well, painted white with blue shutters. All of them were still closed as we stepped up on the porch.

"I really,reallyhope she's doing well," I murmured, my heart beating fast as I knocked at the door.

A few seconds later, I heard footsteps, and my heart slowed down again. The door swung open.

Ms. Adams was in her eighties. She'd colored her hair jet-black for as long as I could remember and always pulled it back in a bun. She was petite and slender, though I couldn’t tell that right now because she was wearing an oversized black robe.

"Good morning, Hannah," she said. Then she glanced at Chase. "You're the inspector? I already told your boss that there's no need for anyone to come."

"No, I'm with Hannah,” Chase said, and I sighed at the implication.

Ms. Adams beamed at me. She reminded me so much of Gran. Maybe because they used to spend a lot of time together. She was at our place a lot while I was growing up.

"Hannah, darling." She clucked her tongue. "You've been keeping secrets from me."

"Um, we just wanted to make sure you're okay," I said.

"I walked around the house once this morning and everything seemed fine. I told the inspector there was no need to come, but they said they might send someone anyway. That's why I thought it was you," she told Chase.

"Hmm, I don't think they're stopping by. They just went to my place," I said.

"Is everything okay with Loma House?"

I shifted my weight from one leg to the other. "I'll have to repair a few things."

Chase put his hand at the back of my neck, and I instantly relaxed at his touch.

"Do you have electricity?" he asked Ms. Adams.

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