“I suppose I can. I parked in front of the main house. Hopefully, no one figures out I’m here.”
“Your secret’s safe with me.” Ava sat up and pulled at the covers. She climbed under and then patted the pillow next to hers.
Seth gazed at her a moment, thinking about how beautiful she was. It was going to be difficult to sleep with her dressed the way she was and not ravish her, but he’d made the choice to take things slow with her. Sometimes being a gentleman sucked.
Chapter Twelve
Sometime before the sun rose, Seth had snuck away. As Ava gazed out the window, she hoped he’d made it home safely. There was a light dusting of snow. Not much, maybe a half an inch, but enough for her to worry about him as he traveled on the roads.
Ava sipped her coffee and thought back to last night. At one point, she’d had to touch him, feel him, have his hard body pressed against her. She’d eagerly explored him, and he had done the same in return. He stayed a perfect gentleman, even though she prided herself in finally taking him over the edge. After a brief make-out session that once again left her feeling completely pleased, they had fallen back into sleep.
With Seth’s arms wrapped around her, she had slept like a rock. She couldn’t remember the last time she had slept as well as she had last night. As much as she hated to admit it, she liked having him with her. Maybe things could be different with Seth. Perhaps they could be good together and he wouldn’t end up like all the others. Possessive.
She hated feeling like she had to get permission to do anything, or like she’d be yelled at for things like having lunch with friends and staying fifteen minutes longer than planned. She was an adult. Why was she always answering to ex-boyfriends as though they were her father? Although, her father had never been as controlling as the exes. Especially the last one.
Ava’s stomach growled. Her cupboards were still bare. She had thought about grabbing a few groceries yesterday, but with half the town at the local market, she didn’t dare stand in those lines.
She pulled on a pair of sweatpants with a matching hoodie then a pair of sneakers. She was sure Claire had something made. Not only did the guests feast on the continental-style breakfast, but people from all over town would stop in just to grab something on their way to work. It was one thing she really liked about Brookfield. Everyone knew everyone, including their private business. Maybe that wasn’t such a bad thing, though, because everyone seemed to look out for everyone, too.
As soon as her shop opened, and the creep trying to chase her out of town was caught, she’d feel safer and better about her decision. Yesterday, the police had questioned her about everything. At one point, she’d felt as though she was the perpetrator, but she knew it was just to find out if she knew of anyone who would be doing this. Unfortunately, she didn’t. No one knew where she was except her family, and none of them would be doing this. If they wanted her to leave town, they would call her and tell her, not do something so dramatic.
Whoever it was, they didn’t like her seeing Seth. Even though it looked like Seth was the one bothering her, she was pretty sure he wasn’t. If he was, it would be the biggest scandal to ever hit this town. The people here stood behind their sheriff one hundred percent.
Ava made her way down the pathway and up to the main house. The day wasn’t as cold as it looked, but there was still a sting against her cheeks. Once inside, warm air hit her. Rubbing her hands together, she made a note to get some new gloves.
At the breakfast bar, Ava took a bran muffin and a few strawberries. There was a small bistro table. She set her plate down then poured herself a glass of juice.
“Good morning,” Claire greeted as Ava sat down. “I hope you stayed warm last night.”
Ava grinned. She certainly had stayed toasty. “Oh, yes, I did.”
“I’m sure Seth helped.”
Ava took a sip of her juice.
“You’re not just playing with him, are you?” Claire asked.
“No.”
“Are you going to clear his name? Do you know how much this is hurting him? And then the two of you are running around behind everyone’s backs.”
“I made a mistake, but Seth doesn’t want me to get him back on the case. He doesn’t want anyone thinking he is tampering with evidence.”
“That man is too good a man.” Claire laughed. “Maybe it’s best you two stay away from one another until this is done. If you care about him, then you will also know how important his job is.”
“I didn’t ask him to come last night.”
“Yes, but you also didn’t send him away. His car was here all night, and it doesn’t take a genius to figure out where he was.”
Ava knew Claire was right and that last night, if it wasn’t for the snow, anyone could have known what was going on.
“You’re probably right. I’ll let Seth know we can’t see each other until this is over. The last thing I want is for him to get in trouble. I know how much he loves this town and how much the town loves him. I don’t need another reason for people to hate me.”
“Hate you? I don’t know a single person who hates you. Well, except for one. And honestly, I can’t think of a single citizen here that would do this. Are you sure there’s no one from your past?”
Oh, she was sure there was someone, but they would have to know where she was. She had never spoken about Julie or Brookfield, so it wasn’t like this place would be on anyone’s list. Although, she’d been with John for three years. Any ex before him she was sure had forgotten about her. And John … that was just silly. John was a lot of things, but a stalker and a creep, she doubted.
“I can’t think of anyone. My guess is it’s someone here.”
“Well, it’s not Seth.”
“I know that now.”
“I hope, once this is all over, the two of you find much-needed happiness. I think you’re just the right woman for him. Even though I don’t know you well, I have a hunch he is the one for you, too.”
Ava smiled. “Time will tell.”
“If there is anything you need, just let me know. Not only with your stay here but with Seth also. I know him like the back of my hand.”
“Will do. And I love the cabin. I suppose before long I need to start looking for my own place.”
“No rush. It’s nice having someone on the property,” Claire said.
Ava and Claire chatted for a little longer. Ava could tell Claire was very protective in a sisterly way over Seth. If there was a future between Ava and Seth, most likely she and Claire would always have a love/hate relationship like they did now. She figured Claire liked her, but Seth came first.
It was something she had always wanted. The person who was always there for you and would stick up for you, even if you were in the wrong. Julie flashed in her mind. Maybe she was that for Ava. Ava knew if anyone ever did her cousin wrong, she would be there swinging.
Once she was back in her cabin, she pulled out her laptop. Today she was going to look at marketing and what to do to make the grand opening of Bare Necessities go off with a bang. With the battle she was having even getting the place started, she wanted an opening that would be remembered for a long time.
* * *
“I love your ideas,” Kimberly gushed. “This town isn’t going to know what hit them.”
“That’s the effect I was going for.”
“I’m just excited to be a part of it.”
“I’m going to miss you once you leave for the army, but it’s an honor knowing you’re going to be serving our country.”
“Aw, thanks!” Kimberly leaned over and hugged Ava.
Ava closed up her laptop after the embrace ended. “You want to get dinner?”
“Normally, I would say yes, but I’m supposed to be meeting Seth. We try to have dinner once a week together to play catch-up. I wish you could come.”
Ava wished she could, too. It sounded like heaven, sitting there with the two of them. “Hopefully soon, the three of us can do just that.”
“I’m sure they will catch the creep soon. It’s probably some teenager with nothing better to do.”
Ava wished she could agree, but whoever it was seemed to be doing it for personal reasons. “Enjoy dinner. I’ll keep you updated on the opening. For the most part, I think once the merchandise is ordered and arrives, it’s show time.”
“I can’t wait!” Kimberly picked up her bag and started toward the front door. “Call me if you need anything.”
“Bye.” Ava closed the door behind her assistant.
In the back, rummaging through her cabinets again, she rolled her eyes. It was Ramen noodles again tonight. She’d always heard the Ramen noodle diet could help you lose a few pounds. She wasn’t so sure. This had been her dinner for almost a week now.
Ava tossed the package down. What was wrong with her? She was letting this psycho keep her locked up just as the creep most likely intended. She wasn’t living life. She was hiding in the shadows. Well, this girl wasn’t doing that any longer.
Grabbing her car keys, she decided to get the heck out of here and go to dinner. Right about now, a big bowl of pasta from Luigi’s Pizza would hit the spot.
* * *
“Have you heard from Mom lately?” Kimberly asked Seth.
“No, I’ve been kinda laying low with everything going on. You haven’t told her what’s going on, have you?” Seth asked.
“Not really. I did mention Ava though.”
“You what? I’m surprised Mom hasn’t shown up here yet to meet her.”
Kimberly laughed. “Oh, she might just yet. I think she’s waiting on you to confirm you’re seeing someone.”
“Nothing is official yet.”
Kimberly sighed. “Is Ava the one? I really want to see you settle down and enjoy life.” She reached across the table, taking his hand. “It’s time to open your heart and love someone. What happened years ago wasn’t your fault. It’s time to move on, and I think Ava is the girl for you to move on with.”
It meant a lot to him that his sister liked Ava and had never once blamed him. Maybe Kimberly was right. He couldn’t continue on thinking he had to take care of everyone. He wasn’t living his life, and it was passing by everyday—until Ava. Ever since she had come into his life, he felt things he never had before.
“I like Ava,” he admitted. “I hope, once this is over, I can find out if she likes me, too.”
Kimberly laughed. “Like, my butt. You love her.”
Seth shook his head and chuckled. “Nothing gets past you. If you dare tell anyone, I will…”
“You will what?”
“I’ll figure something out, baby sister.”
After dinner, Seth and his sister walked over to The Cookie Jar. No one in town could beat the delicious desserts served there. At least twice a month after their weekly dinner, Seth and Kimberly ended things at the bakery.
He opened the door for his sister and followed in behind Kimberly. It smelled heavenly inside. A mix of chocolate, cinnamon, and fruit hit his senses, making his mouth water. How the owner of this place stayed so thin was beyond him. If he worked here, he’d be at least three hundred pounds and happy.
He and Kimberly were looking at the fresh-baked items sitting on the counter when his phone rang. Pulling it from his pocket, he recognized Ava’s number.
“Hey,” he said but was answered by a frantic woman on the other side. “Wait, Ava, slow down. I can’t understand you.”
Kimberly flashed him a look of concern. Seth excused himself and stepped outside, but Kimberly trailed after him.
“Slow down. What is going on?” he asked again.
“You need to get over here now. We have a problem.”
“What kind of problem?”
“Just come to my cabin now!” Ava demanded.
“Seth, go,” Kimberly interjected.
“Okay, Ava, I’m on my way. Just calm down.” He hung up.
“Any idea what’s going on?” Kimberly asked.
“No, but I guess I should go find out. I really hope nothing else has happened to her shop.”
“Go, Seth. She is your future.”
Seth gazed up at the darkening sky. He didn’t want to leave his sister, but he knew he had to get to Ava.
“Seth, I’m fine. I can take care of myself. Ava needs you.”
He nodded and hugged his sister. After the embrace, he jetted to his car and then high-tailed it to Ava’s.
* * *
Ava stared at the photos in disbelief. This was going way too far. Whoever this sicko was, they needed to be caught and punished. She was through with this. All she wanted to do was live her life, but there was always someone getting in the way.
She should be scared out of her mind, but she wasn’t. She was angry.
Taking out a piece of paper, Ava started a list of all four things that had happened. Something would tell her who it was. There had to be a clue, especially from this last one.
Just as she finished her list, she heard Seth arrive. She opened the door before he had time to knock. Once he was in, she shut the door and locked it then ran around the room, closing all the curtains. Something she should have done earlier.
She picked up a manila envelope, stood before him, and said, “We have a problem.”