Page 64 of Kiss Marry Kill
“You do realize no one can force you to take this spot, right?” She sounded amused.
I smiled grudgingly. “Yes. But perhaps replicating what I had isn’t possible.”
“What was it about the last location that you miss the most?”
I didn’t have to think hard to give her answers. “I liked living over the clinic. I spend a lot of hours at work, and it was wonderful to be able to go upstairs and be home.”
She laughed. “I get it. I work long hours as well.”
I sighed. “Plus, I loved the pool. I swam almost every night, until it got too cold.”
“I’d forgotten about the pool.” She narrowed her eyes. “That was a most unusual setup.”
“Yes. I guess that’s why, when I look at this spot, it just doesn’t do it for me. I appreciate that the landlord is motivated, but when I try to picture myself here, it’s depressing.”
“Many tenants would be thrilled with the free rent.” She twisted her lips, and her gaze was assessing. “But it isn’t about the money for you.”
“No. It’s not about the money.”
“Hmmm.” She tugged her phone out of her purse. “I think I understand better now what you’re looking for. You’re not just looking for a work location. You’re also looking for a home.”
“That is the other side of the coin. I suppose I should have mentioned that. If I take this space, or anything like it, I’ll need to find somewhere to live. Royce has been very kind in giving me a home after the fire, but I can’t impose forever.”
She smiled. “I don’t think Sheriff Callum sees having you there as an imposition.”
“If he did, he wouldn’t tell me.” I grimaced. “He’s way too nice.”
Laughing, she said, “Yes. Sheriff Callum is exceedingly nice. But he’s not a pushover.”
I frowned. “Meaning what?”
“Well… er…” She gave a funny little laugh. “Can I ask you a personal question?”
“I guess so?”
“Are you serious about Sheriff Callum?”
My face warmed. “Why do you ask?”
She bit her bottom lip, a line between her brows. “Because I happen to know he’s serious about you. I suppose I’m hoping you’re on the same page. I’d hate for him to get his heart crushed.”
I didn’t like sharing details of my love life with people I barely knew, but I also didn’t want her thinking I was just using Royce. “Royce is my sole reason for staying in Rainy Dale.”
A smile touched her lips. “I hoped you’d say that.”
“Did you?”
She nodded, adjusting the brightly colored silk scarf around her neck. “I wouldn’t offer you what I’m about to offer you if I felt you were using Sheriff Callum.”
“You’re about to offer me something?”
“Yes,” she said quietly. “I have a property that’s not officially on the market yet. I think it’s exactly what you’re looking for.”
Excitement jangled through me. “It’s not on the market?”
“It will be. I’ve only shown it to… certain clients. It’s a special property, but then your needs are quite unusual.”
“How soon will it be available?”
