Page 27 of Dragon Detective

“I suppose it’s your decision.” Sylvia’s gaze met mine. Did I see anything conniving there? “I would hate to see this lovely old building come to harm.”

Was that a threat or a concerned friend expressing her worry to Hannah?

There would be no harm in looking into Sylvia to see if she had a motive for sabotaging Hannah’s B&B.

Chapter 15

Hannah

“I’ll be fine by myself for a short time while you go get your clothing,” I told Reylor. “I have work to do today. That’ll occupy my mind.” And distract me from him for a few hours. “You don’t need to be my bodyguard all day and night.”

“You can come with me,” he said.

Sylvia had left with two more muffins in a plastic bag, promising to stop by again soon. Probably when her muffins were gone and she needed to restock.

But she was lonely, and Iwasa great cook. I didn’t mind her company. She was one of the first people in town to reach out to me in welcome, stopping by my first night here with a casserole. It took me a week to finish it since I wasn’t partial to anything with turnip, even if it was loaded with cheese. I appreciated the heart she put into it.

“Tell you what,” Reylor said, looking quite irresistible wearing only my sofa throw. “I’ll call someone to go get some things from my place for me. At least something I can wear until I can collect more myself.”

Truly, I hated that he had to leave to go collect clothing, though I liked the idea that he was moving in and not onlybecause he’d provide protection. Would it be foolish to let myself fall for a guy like him? He could have whoever he pleased. My best friend, most likely. A sour taste filled my mouth, and I swallowed it away. Time to stop thinking about her and my ex. Time to focus on my new life here in Mystic Harbor.

And maybe on Reylor.

Despite telling myself I was burned, that I wasn’t going to trust someone new for at least ten years, I wanted to get to know him better. This would be my chance.

To make a friend, I told myself.

Sure.

“You can leave.” I nudged him toward the foyer, trying not to notice how smooth his skin was. How taut over all those muscles. “I’ve got a toilet to install in one of the bedrooms on the second floor. I’ll be stuck in that bathroom the entire time you’re gone.”

He frowned, glancing that way. “Toilets are heavy.”

“Don’t I know it. But this will be my fourth toilet install, and I’m quite slick with my tools.” I flapped my hands at him. “Go. I’ll be here when you get back.”

“Lock all the doors and windows.”

I didn’t point out that this made no difference last night. But the sun had come up and everything looked brighter already.

“Will do,” I said.

He watched me for a very long time. “I’m hauling that toilet upstairs before I leave. Where is it?”

“It’s already in the bathroom. I had the delivery guys take things to the rooms where I planned to install them. I’m tough,” I lifted my arm and made a muscle, “but I’m more than happy to accept help when it’s offered.”

“Like mine. I’m going to investigate, but I’m also helping you work on this place. I wasn’t just using that for a cover with Sylvia.”

“We can tell her why you’re here. She’s bound to find out if she asks around town. You’re the only dragon shifter in Mystic Harbor.”

“You can share some details if she finds out, but keep most of what’s happened to yourself.”

I paused. “You don’t think she’s involved, do you?”

“I’m not discounting anyone. We have three suspects.” He ticked them off on his long fingers. He really was a big guy, so much taller and broader than me. Must be his dragon genes. “Sylvia.”

“Motive?”

“It’s clear she wants you to sell.”

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