Page 22 of Bedroom Therapy

After he’d unpacked egg and bacon sandwich muffins, orange juice and strong coffee, they both ate in silence for several minutes.

“Is this your usual breakfast?” she asked.

“I never got over liking eggs and bacon, even when the health gurus said they were bad for you.”

“Me too.”

They grinned at each other, sharing their secret passion for cholesterol before going back to the food.

When she looked up again, she saw him turning a Styrofoam cup between his hands.

“What?”

“We should talk business,” he said.

“Oh?” she said, hearing the catch in her own voice.

“I stopped by the police station and reported the incident last night. They’re aware of the situation. They’re willing to swing by your house periodically.”

“You . . . uh . . . sound like you have that under control.”

“Yeah, well, it helps establish my credibility with them that I’m a former cop.” He laughed. “And that I wasn’t kicked off the force.”

She nodded.

“But they’re a small department, and they can’t devote a lot of resources to a break-in at a rental property.”

“Does that make a difference? I mean, that I’m renter.”

“It shouldn’t. But when they’ve got their own townspeople and tourists to take care of—their own people are going to come first.”

“The tourists are just for catching in speed traps,” she muttered, remembering her experience with one of the boys in blue.

Ignoring her exclamation, he went on. “Anyway, I wouldn’t recommend staying where you are. My best suggestion would be for you to make the company that rented you the house aware of the situation—then get them to let you select another property.”

She shifted in her seat. “You think they’d agree?”

“Yeah. If you give up your river view.”

When he saw her hesitate, he went on, “I can work the switch for you. Actually, it would be better if I go into the real estate office and talk to them.”

“Why are you doing all this?”

“I’d like to feel you’re safe when I leave.”

So he was leaving. Well, there was no reason for him to stay. She gave a tight nod, fighting back a wave of disappointment. She’d been having fantasies about this man. It was time to lay them to rest. In a strong voice, she said, “Okay, if you can get me another house, I’d be grateful.”

“You stay here out of sight. Which real estate company did you work through?”

“Monarch.”

“Okay.” He took another swallow of coffee, then set down the cup on the table and stood. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. Same rules. Put the chain back on the door when I leave. Keep the blinds closed, and don’t let anyone in.”

She gave a tight nod, then climbed to her feet as he left the room.

She didn’t like the idea of hiding out in his motel room. But the memories of the night before were enough to have her following Zachary’s directions.

After he’d left her alone again, she took a shower, washed and dried her hair, and changed into a clean tee shirt and shorts.

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