Page 13 of Hargrave Flame Out
Natalie reached for Celeste’s uninjured hand. “I know you love our B&B, but I don’t want it to be everything for you.”
“Same,” Veronica agreed, closing her notebook with a snap.
Celeste wasn’t brave enough, even with half a painkiller taking the edge off, to ask what her sistersdidwant for her.
Any concerns either of them expressed came from a place of love. Just like she always wanted the best for them. They weren’t trying to undermine her goals or sugarcoat the heartache she was putting behind her.
“Let’s get you home,” Veronica said. “She’ll be ready for sister night after a nap,” she assured Natalie.
Natalie dashed off to pay the bill as Veronica stood by, ready to assist Celeste. “I’m doing okay,” she murmured.
“You are,” Veronica agreed. “And you’ll feel more like yourself after some rest.”
Celeste was exhausted enough between her body aches and wobbling emotions to not protest over the kid-gloves treatment.
“Thanks,” she murmured at the Jeep as they buckled her seatbelt. “You’re both the best sisters ever.”
Chapter Four
One MonthLater
At the Hideaway, Celeste was doing a final walkthrough before the next guest check-in when she heard the doorbell. Early arrivals didn’t throw her off any more, especially as they inched toward their new business model. Within a few months, the transition would be complete and guests would book the entire Hideaway for week-long stays. The sisters would take turns as the lead contact with each booking, ensuring that any upsell excursions came together without any issues.
Celeste closed her eyes, took a breath, and then put on her warmest, most welcoming smile. She felt the expression fade in a hurry when she glanced at the security app on her phone and saw the fire chief on the porch. He’d stepped back from the door, leaning against the railing while he waited.
Another deep breath.
Better to get this chat over and done before the guests arrived. She opened the door. “Chief Miller.” She swallowed. “Hello.”
“Call me Evan,” he suggested.
Celeste wasn’t sure she could do that. She wasn’t sure she could say much of anything. He shouldn’t scare her—she hadn’t done anything wrong. Still, her palms went damp. Not a great feeling ever, but worse in her cast.
“When do you get that off?” He dipped his chin toward the cast.
“Next week. Maybe ten days.” She wrinkled her nose, recalling the doctor’s comment about her age at the last checkup. Apparently, a woman in her mid-thirties required more time to rebuild bones. “I’m more than ready.” When he didn’t reply, she rambled on. “You don’t look like you’re here to arrest me.”
“No.” He smiled. “If I were, Chief Caldwell would be here too.” He pointed to the logo on his shirt. “Firefighter, not a cop.”
He wasn’t just a firefighter. He was the top firefighter on the island. The things he must’ve seen through his career would probably keep her up at night. She suppressed a shiver. “Okay.”
He shifted his weight and she caught herself admiring the way he moved. A man in control of himself, confident in his surroundings. A hero looking for the next moment to leap into action. The world needed people like him.
“I wanted to swing by personally.” He glanced around. “Do you have a minute to walk around back with me?”
“Sure. Um.” She curled her bare toes on the sun-warmed welcome mat. “Guests are coming in today and I just cleaned.” That sounded prim—bordering on rude. Couldn’t be helped. “My outside shoes are near the back door.”
“Fine by me.” He backed down the stairs.
Darting through the house, she slipped into her sneakers and stepped outside as he came through the courtyard. Together they studied the area she so desperately wanted to rebuild. All the damage had been cleared away, including the pergola and her dad’s prized grill. The siding had been repaired and the paint blended so perfectly no one would ever know there had beena problem. Nash Billings had even installed planters that could be easily relocated if they did redo the outdoor kitchen. Filled with colorful flowers and greenery, the extra patio space felt welcoming and complete.
“The insurance company paid,” she said. “We’re just debating how best to rebuild.” Or if they should. The house had been targeted once, she didn’t exactly want to leave things open for another attempt.
“We confirmed arson,” Miller began. “And no one in the department believes you set the fire.”
“Arson and sabotage since the culprit stole the fire extinguisher,” she mused.
Miller’s mouth twitched into a quick frown. “Caldwell will add that to the list of charges, if he hasn’t already. Unfortunately, we don’t have a suspect.”
