Page 24 of Home Town Knight

I had to stay away from her. But considering the fact that I also intended to protect her, that wasn’t going to be easy.

More like impossible.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Owen

Jessi Novo stoodbehind the reception desk. She looked up and smiled when she saw us. “Hey, Owen. And you’ve brought a friend.”

“Not a friend,” Genevieve said tightly. “He’s my mandatory police escort.”

Jessi’s brows ticked up. “Is that right?”

“She’s a witness in a current investigation,” I explained, and Gen frowned.

“I thought I wasn’t supposed to advertise that.”

“Jessi’s a friend. Just didn’t want her thinking you need an escort because you’re asuspect.”

Jessi’s eyes bounced back and forth between us, picking up on the obvious tension. She gave me a look that said,I want the full story later. “However you got here, I’m happy to help. I’m Jessi Novo. Welcome to Last Refuge.”

“Thanks. I’m Genevieve Blake. I have a reservation for a cabin.”

“Of course. You called yesterday about being delayed by the storm. I’m glad you made it.”

“So am I. It was a wholething, trust me.” Gen glancedaround the small lobby area. “This place is beautiful. Even better than the website.”

Jessi’s smile lit up the room. “Thank you. We’re very proud of it. And if you need confidentiality, that’s not a worry here. We’ll take care of you.”

Jessi’s warm demeanor could win over almost anyone, and Gen was no exception. She rested her elbows on the counter, slumping her shoulders. “Best thing I’ve heard all day.”

We were in the main building, which housed the restaurant and reception. It was a renovated ranch house, all shiny wood floors and walls in a log-cabin style. A fire crackled in the stone fireplace behind us, warming the space. In the windows, snowy woods and a panoramic view of the valley expanded into the distance.

Genevieve took a deep breath, as if soaking in the calm of the surroundings. I’d seen others have this same reaction to Last Refuge. It was a special place. A labor of love by Jessi, her boyfriend Aiden Shelborne, and the rest of us who’d contributed to making it what it was.

Exactly why I would do everything in my power to help protect it.

Jessi pulled out a map of the property. “We’re situated near the base of Refuge Mountain, which is already pretty high up, so you have some great views from your cabin. You’re in number five. The cabins are original to the old ranch that was here before. Of course we’ve updated them nicely, but if there’s anything else you need to make your stay comfortable, please let us know.”

“I will. I don’t need much. Except maybe a salon if I have a nail emergency. I swear I’m not vain about anything else.”

Jessi laughed. She pointed at another spot on the map. “We’ve got a shuttle that runs down to Main Street, by request only since we don’t have many guests at the moment.We’ve only been open since around the new year. The guest house for our inn is nothing more than a foundation at this point. We’re building it this summer. But we still have lots of amenities for you to enjoy. Breakfast in the dining room is included. Lunch service is running right now. Hiking trailheads are here, which are perfect for snow-shoeing with all the snow that fell yesterday. Rental equipment’s in the shed. Just mark what you check out in the log, and be sure to let us know before you set out where you’re going. If we misplace a hiker, we send out a rescue party.”

“I hope that won’t be necessary.”

“Wouldn’t be ideal. But we’re ready for pretty much anything around here.” Jessi winked. “Not the least because we have the local sheriff at our disposal.”

Genevieve’s smile flickered. “Thanks, Jessi. I’m desperate for a nap, so I’ll be in my cabin.”

“Please give me a heads-up before you go anywhere else,” I said, “especially to Main Street.”

She turned, glaring at me, then picked up her key and her bag and walked out without a word.

Jessi put a hand on her hip. “Ouch. That look she gave you was vicious. What did you do?”

“Why do you assume it was somethingIdid?”

“Maybe because of that guilty expression on your face. I know you too well, Owen. You’ve been a naughty boy.”

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