Page 7 of No Good Deed

On the way out, Troy stuffed a twenty in the tip jar and introduced Piper to Josie Ellis and Nico Rivera, who were waiting for a takeout order. “They’re part of a group of people who live out at Midnight Lake, just down the road a bit.”

Josie smiled at Piper. “Nice to meet you. We’re originally from Sacramento, but this place lured us away from the bright lights. You’re going to love it here.”

Nico nodded. “You’ll have to get Troy to bring you out to the Midnight Lake lodge. We’ve got a lot of great things going on out there. Tansy and Joe Cheveyo inherited the lodge. She’s a scientist and inventor. Everything from space shuttle parts to holographic technology to robots who clean the lodge so we don’t have to.”

Josie grinned. “She’s amazing. And the guys run a business called Midnight Security. They teach all kinds of skills for personal security and bodyguards. Troy here is an expert on communications.”

Troy felt his skin heat. “Josie’s an incredible artist and has a studio out there.”

Josie grinned. “And there’s a fire lab for our arson investigator. A woodworking shop where Aisling builds furniture. And a mechanic’s garage. The entire place is off the grid too. You’re welcome to visit anytime. You could stay for a few days if you like, there’s a ton of room.”

He watched Piper’s eyes widen as the pair listed all the activity happening out at the lake. He hoped some of that gave her a better idea of the town and its potential.

When they reached the street and turned toward her car, Piper shook her head. “My head is spinning. There’s a lot more to this area than meets the surface.”

He agreed. “There is. And we’re getting more people visiting the area with the work at Midnight Lake. I’d like to attract another B&B owner at the very least. That would give the Midnight Security clients more places to stay.”

When they reached her car, Troy held open her door once she unlocked it. “Would you like me to go with you to the B&B?”

She nodded. “That would be great. I’m not up to another adventure figuring out the GPS.”

That had him laughing. He was laughing a lot with this woman. “It’s only a couple of blocks from here. You wouldn’t need it, but this way, we’ll be sure you get settled in.”

Troy walked around the car and got in the other side. When they arrived at the B&B only a minute later, Piper was grinning. “Definitely have to use the short commutes if you do any advertising.”

Piper popped the trunk, and Troy moved to the back to grab her bags. It surprised him to find two large suitcases and a couple of duffel bags. That was a lot for a couple of weeks.

As if reading his thoughts, Piper reached past the suitcases and grabbed one duffel. When he grabbed the suitcase, she shook her head. “I don’t need those. Just the duffels.”

He grabbed the second one. “Anything else?”

She shook her head. “Nope, this is all I’ll need.”

He reached for the second duffle she carried, but she shook her head and moved to the door. “I’ve got it, thanks.”

They climbed the steps to the wide wrap-around porch of the large Victorian house while he wondered about the suitcases in the trunk. Troy opened the door and they walked into the lobby. With Thanksgiving over, this wasn’t a prime season for the B&B. She might be the only guest, and he knew Jim and Carl would be thrilled to have her. They’d make her feel welcome.

Sure enough, Carl bustled in from the kitchen, wearing oven mitts. The house smelled like chocolate, and Piper drew in a smiling breath.

Carl slid off the oven mitts and held out his hand to shake. “Welcome. You must be Piper. I’m Carl. Welcome to Phail and to our B&B. I hope you’ll treat it like your home while you’re here.”

Moisture filled Piper’s eyes before she blinked it away. She smiled back at Carl. “Thank you. You have a lovely home, and it smells like heaven.”

Jim walked down the stairs and laughed. “My husband’s head is going to be too big to get through the door. Hello, Piper. I’m Jim. You’ve got the best room in the house, and it’s all set for you.” Then he walked to his husband and they exchanged a quick kiss.

Jim looked at the takeout bag Manuel had sent along with her. “I see Ginny and Manuel took care of tonight’s supper. I can put that in the fridge for you. We’re more than happy for you to have your suppers with us while you’re here.”

Carl nodded. “I’m cooking for us, anyway. Adding one more isn’t a problem.”

“I don’t want to put you to any trouble.”

Carl laughed. “No trouble at all. We’ll all coordinate, and if Troy doesn’t have plans for you, then you’ll eat with us.”

Troy knew exactly what plans he’d like to have with Piper, and he figured Carl was reading his mind. And probably trying out his matchmaking skills. The two were happy and wanted everyone else to find their partners as well. He hoped Piper didn’t spot the gleam in Carl’s eye as he looked between them.

With a gentle look, Jim slid the duffel out of Piper’s hand. “I’ll take that for you. Why don’t we head up and get you settled? Are you two meeting up again later on?”

Carl nodded for him. “I’m sure Troy would like to start showing you our lovely town, but I think you could use an hour or two of downtime after that drive and a chance to warm up. And then you’ll need the rest of the evening to catch your breath. I’ll get those shoes dried out for you. Do you have boots here? If not, I’m sure we can find someone with your size who has a pair you can borrow. You never know how much snow we’ll get here in December.”

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