Page 24 of Scent of Peril

Both Chase and Shane were silent for a long moment. “Maybe I should stay with Jess and Logan too,” Shane said.

“Not necessary,” she quickly interjected. “Three people and two dogs will attract too much attention. Logan and I can pretend to be on vacation with our family pet.”

“I agree about three adults and two dogs attracting attention,” Logan said. “It was a bit alarming how everyone stared at us at the restaurant.”

“I think it’s best to let Jessica and Logan stay at the hotel with Teddy.” Chase’s firm tone ended the discussion. “Shane, we’ll stop by to have a chat with the Cody police department before we head to the ranch. I know their department is small, and they have a rookie cop who barely looks old enough to shave, but we’ll convince them to keep an eye on things at the Elk Lodge.”

She arched a brow. “Is that where we’re staying?”

Chase nodded. “Unless you have a better idea. I’ll arrange for a suite.”

“That’s not going to look like a couple on vacation,” she pointed out.

“Get a single king bedroom suite and I’ll sleep on the sofa,” Logan said. “We’ll pretend to be on our honeymoon.”

Hearing Logan say “our honeymoon” sent a shiver of awareness down her spine. A ridiculous response to a guy who’ddated her best friend. Okay, yes, that was eight years ago, but she wasn’t interested in him on a personal level.

Only as a friend, nothing more.

“A honeymoon to the Elk Lodge?” Shane laughed. “That’s a good one.”

She sighed. There were times her family got on her nerves. “For some people, a suite at the Elk Lodge would be a luxury.”

“She’s right.” Chase once again put an end to the discussion.

“Okay, meet you there.” Shane ended the call.

She used her phone to search for a suite at the Elk Lodge. To her surprise, there was a king bedroom suite available. But she didn’t book it, knowing that would require a credit card. One that could possibly be traced. She eyed Chase in the rearview. “Are you thinking we should pay in cash for the room?”

“Yeah, I’ll take care of it.” Her brother frowned. “I can only hope the clerk can keep it quiet.”

She nodded. Logan was right. Everyone in Cody knew the Sullivan family. But so did the people in Greybull. In fact, she couldn’t think of a city nearby where her last name wouldn’t garner recognition.

Teddy rested his head on the center console and slept as they drove. She wouldn’t have minded another nap either, but between the coffee and the gunfire, adrenaline still buzzed through her bloodstream.

“Do you really think the local police can help keep us safe?” Logan eyed Chase. “I seem to recall one of the cops getting arrested a few months ago.”

Jess knew the story, although the family had tried to keep their name out of it. “Yeah, I heard about that too. But I think the other cops are decent, right, Chase?”

“Yes.” Chase answered without hesitation. “And I’m sure they’ll help keep an eye on the Elk Lodge while you and Jess are staying there.”

Logan fell silent, and she could understand his concern. It seemed like eons had passed since they’d felt safe.

And somehow, she didn’t anticipate feeling safe even while hiding out in the hotel suite.

“At least we’ll be warm and dry.” She managed a light smile. “And there’s the added bonus of room service.”

“That’s a step up from camping in the snow for sure,” Logan agreed.

His comment only reminded her of how she’d slept with her head resting on his chest. Averting her gaze, she reminded herself that they were fully dressed and nothing inappropriate had happened.

It was well over an hour later when Chase pulled into the parking lot of the Elk Lodge. It sported a rustic motif, but it was also the nicest hotel in the city. Perfect for their pretend honeymoon.

“I should have insisted on staying at a resort in Jackson for our honeymoon,” she teased as Chase slid out from behind the wheel. “They have some fancy ones there.”

“Very funny.” Her brother scowled. “Stay here. I’ll be back soon.”

Teddy lifted his head to look around, seemingly confused that they weren’t back at the ranch. She grabbed her pack from the floor at her feet and stuffed her phone into the front pocket. “I have a charging cord if you need one.”

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