Page 11 of Cold Case, Warm Hearts

He smiled. “Then I’ll drive and come back with you and get that furniture moved today, whether you want to stay here or not. That way, you’ll have the option. Tomorrow, I can focus on putting together a plan. Fair enough?”

When Aspen steppedinto The Patriot, a homey restaurant in downtown Coventry, she could swear the room quieted, and every eye turned to her.

Of course she was being paranoid. Garrett didn’t seem to notice anything amiss as he lifted his hand to wave at a man behind the lunch counter before he led her that direction.

She was still feeling spooked after the tour, and Garrett’s explanation in the car had only heightened the feeling. He’d told her about her renter and the woman and girl he’d planned to imprison in the house.

Aspen’s house. The thought was horrifying.

As Garrett had promised, the story’d had a happy ending. She’d focus on that and not the rest.

They reached the bar, and Garrett said, “Aspen Kincaid, meet James Sullivan.”

The man reached across the bar. “Nice to meet you.”

She yanked off her leather gloves and shook his hand.

“James owns this restaurant,” Garrett said, “and another business in town.”

“Just the one now,” James said.

“That’s right. You no longer give backpacking tours.” Garrett faced Aspen. “Their new baby is crimping his style.”

She could swear James’s chest expanded two sizes.

“You’re just jealous, man.” He yanked out his phone, tapped the screen, and tilted it toward Aspen. “Would you want to leave them at home to take a bunch of strangers backpacking?”

She studied the photo of the woman and child, a bald little blue-eyed infant girl. “They’re both gorgeous,” Aspen said.

The man beamed. “I know. Hallie is perfect. Gets her looks from her mom.”

“Anyway.” Garrett’s voice was tinged with irritation and humor. “If you’re done bragging about your family?—”

“Envy doesn’t look good on you.” He turned to Aspen. “I’m guessing you lost a bet if you’re having lunch with this guy.”

She laughed while Garrett growled beside her, which only made James’s smile spread.

Garrett said, “She inherited that old house up on Rattlesnake Road.”

James’s eyebrows hiked. “Does she know about?—?”

“Just told her. She’s new in town.”

“Oh. Well, it’s a great house. Beautiful views.”

“I’m excited about it,” Aspen said, almost meaning it.

“Do you care where we sit?” Garrett asked James.

“Nope. You beat the lunch crowd. Grab a table, and I’ll send a server over.” To Aspen, he said, “Nice to meet you.”

“You too.” She followed Garrett to a table by the window, but he changed his mind and led her closer to the back.

“Don’t want to be seen with me?”

He turned, grinning, and waited until she slid into the booth before sitting across from her. “It’s chilly by the windows. I figured you’d be warmer back here.”

“How thoughtful.”

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