Page 31 of Home Town Knight

He nodded. “It was a peace offering. Glad it was accepted. Did you get some rest?”

“I did. You wanted to talk?”

Owen gestured at the tavern, which was through a set of double doors. “I was planning to grab some dinner. If you want to join me.”

Jessi was hovering nearby. “We’re not quite open for dinner yet, but I can get you both in. I know the owner,” she said with a wink.

“Sure.” A hot meal did sound good.

The other tables were empty, and both a server and bartender bustled around, getting the place ready for dinner service. Delicious scents wafted from the kitchen. Jessi led us around a corner to a secluded booth. Even if the restaurant got busy, this table would be out of the way.

“I’ll give you two a chance to read the menu,” she said.

We sat on opposite sides of the booth, and Owen set his hat on the seat next to him. He wore his sheriff’s uniform. A long-sleeved, button-up khaki shirt tucked into matching pants, a black leather belt accentuating his narrow waist. I had to admit, he filled out the uniform well. He sat up straight, every bit the authority figure. I bet he ran a tight ship in his office. But that just reminded me of how hot he was when he lost control.

Shouldn’t be thinking about that, Gen.

Last night in the bar, there’d been an easy rapport between us. Almost as soon as Owen had sat next to me, we’d been joking around. But right now, we were both silent. I could feel the tension between us like a storm front in the air.

Were we going to clash again? Or could we somehow find a way to get along? I guessed that all depended on what Owen had to say.

Whatever it was, I didnotintend to lead with my editor’s demands for an exclusive on the murder. That was a guaranteed way to get us fighting again.

Thankfully, Jessi broke the quiet when she reappeared to pour us each some water. Settling into the leather banquette, I scanned the QR code on the table with my phone to pull up the menu. My mouth watered as I looked over the dishes.

“Everything looks great,” I said.

“Aiden’s cooking is the best this side of the continental divide, if you ask me,” Jessi replied.

“Owen mentioned you own Jessi’s Diner in town as well.” I glanced across at him, a jolt running along my skin when I saw him watching me intently.

“I do, yep. Aiden and I used to share cooking duties at the diner, but since we’ve opened Last Refuge, we’ve got employees running things in town. Aiden wears the chef’s toque, and I handle the business side. It’s a lot to manage.”

“I bet. Seems like you love it, though.” It was obvious from the way she spoke. And especially every time that she mentioned her man, Aiden.

Jessi’s cheeks glowed pink. “I worked hard to get the diner going, and then I found the perfect guy who made all the rest of my dreams come true.”

“That’ll do it.”

She chuckled. “It’s been a rocky road, believe me. LastRefuge means everything to me. Especially our mission here.” Jessi’s gaze flicked over to Owen’s, like they were both acknowledging something. Then she smiled again. “What can I get you?”

“I’ll take a glass of red and the biggest steak you’ve got.”

“Excellent. Owen?”

“I’ll have the same. But with a root beer instead of the wine. I’m going back to the station after this.”

Jessi nodded and disappeared, leaving us alone. He ran a hand over his short hair. It was barely long enough to get messy, but the strands on the top were ruffled. I felt the urge to reach over and brush them flat.

But I would resist. Since I’d met this man, every time I touched him I made bad decisions.

He cleared his throat. “I need to clear something up.”

“Yes?”

“I didn’t realize your dad was a cop.”

“So you finally read my article?”

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