Page 52 of No Love Lost

Heath nodded. “You’re right. I don’t want to overstep and install it myself, but I’m going to talk to her about it tomorrow. There’s been enough thrown at them today.”

“No kidding. How about we pop some popcorn and watch a movie? That might help ease the nerves a bit.”

It did. After they’d cleaned up, everyone trooped up the stairs. At the top, Sean and Branna headed to their room while Heath led the way down the other hallway. Nina’s room for the night was next to his. The attached baths that accompanied each room were arranged between the bedroom for added privacy, but she would be close.

Jabba padded along behind them, eager to spend time with one of his favorite people. Nina loved animals, and they loved her right back.

Heath hugged her at the doorway. “Goodnight. If you get freaked out by anything or just want to talk, you know where to find us.”

She nodded. “Thanks. I’ll be fine. Jabba will keep me company.”

He moved along to his room while Addy went into Nina’s room with her. He’d whispered to Addy earlier that if their daughter was nervous, it was okay to stay there with her.

Only a few minutes later, Addy walked through his door and closed it behind her. She blew out a deep breath and leaned against it for a moment with her eyes closed.

He moved to run his hands up and down her arms, and she walked into him and wrapped her arms around his waist. He folded himself around her and held her tightly.

After a few moments, he scooped her up and settled them on the bed against the headboard. For a long moment, she didn’t say a word. Just let him hold her.

“Who do you think it is?”

A question he hoped she wouldn’t ask. Not yet. Not until he had some proof.

Oblivious to his thoughts, she kept talking. “I don’t think we’ve made any enemies in town. I mean, who has enemies in real life? We get along with everyone. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love Nina. Why would anyone do this?”

She lapsed into silence for a bit and then shifted to look up at him. “You have an idea, don’t you? I can tell. Tell me who you suspect.”

He sighed. “I could be wrong.”

“Okay, but you have an idea. Who?”

“I was hoping you wouldn’t realize I had suspicions about someone until I had some proof. Until I’d thought it through.”

Her eyes narrowed as she frowned at him. “You think it’s someone close to me, someone I think of as a friend? That’s why you don’t want to tell me.”

He nodded.

She didn’t ask again, but those beautiful eyes studied him steadily.

He caved. “Some people stalk people they like, people they find interesting, people they’d like to date.”

Her frown deepened.

Heath continued. “Sometimes stalkers like to cause minor problems so they can ride in and be the hero. Help the person out and seem like a handy guy to have around. I’m wondering if Jonas is trying to prove to you he’s that kind of man.”

Addy shook her head sharply.

“I’m not saying he’s the only suspect, but I think we should talk to Marcus and mention him.”

“But he’s always been a good neighbor. He’s never tried to cross a line or do anything inappropriate. His family used to always help the people who bought up the houses on the edge of their lands.”

“And he might be doing exactly that. So far, there isn’t any proof one way or the other.”

Addy worried that bottom lip again. “You really think Jonas could do something like this? You think he damaged my car and broke my water heater?”

Heath nodded. “He’s attracted to you.”

Addy laughed and shook her head. “Not a chance. He’s way older than me.”

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