Page 3 of A Brambleberry Summer

“I know. And after everything they have both been through the past three years, they didn’t need one more thing. But he’s doing his best to rebuild.”

Rosa certainly knew what it mean to rebuild a life.

“The work will take at least another month.”

“That long?”

“Yes. And to be honest, I think Wyatt is a little tired of sleeping on the sofa in my family room with his leg hanging over the edge. Since the insurance company will cover rent for the next few months, he said last night he was thinking about looking around for somewhere to stay temporarily. He even brought up the idea of renting a camp trailer and parking it in his driveway until the repairs are done. I immediately thought of your empty apartment and thought that would be so much better for him and Logan, if it’s still available.”

The apartment was available. But did she really want Wyatt Townsend there? Rosa glanced over at Jen, who was talking to Addie in a low voice.

She could not forget about Jen. In the other woman’s situation, how would she feel about having a police detective moving downstairs?

“I know it’s a huge ask. You probably have a waiting list as long as my arm for an apartment in that great location.”

Rosa shook her head. “I have not really put it on the market, to be honest. I have been too busy and also I know the Smiths want to move back if they can at the end of the summer, after June’s mother heals from her broken hip.”

That still did not mean she wanted to rent it to Wyatt and his son. She could not even say she had a compelling reason not to, other than her own unease.

The man made her so nervous. It did not help that he was extraordinarily good-looking.

He always seemed to be looking at her as if he knew she had secrets and wouldn’t rest until he figured them out.

That wouldn’t bother her, as she did not usually have much to do with him. Except shedidhave secrets. So many secrets. And he was the last man in town she wanted to figure them out.

She should just say no. She could tell Carrie she had decided to paint it while it was empty or put in new flooring or something.

That wasn’t completely a lie. She had talked to Anna and Sage about making a few cosmetic improvements to the apartment over the summer, but had not made any solid plans. Even if she had, none of them was urgent.

The apartment was in good condition and would be an ideal solution for Wyatt and his son while repairs continued on their house.

She had to let him stay there. How could she possibly say no to Carrie? She owed her so very much.

What would Jen think? Maybe she would find comfort in knowing a big, strong police detective lived downstairs. Their own built-in security.

“Yes. Okay. He can stay there, if he wants to.”

“He will,” Carrie assured her, looking thrilled. “I should mention that he has a dog. He’s the cutest little thing and no trouble at all.”

Rosa was not so sure about that. She had seen Wyatt and Logan walking the dog on the beach a few times when she had been walking her own dog, Fiona. Their beagle mix, while adorable, seemed as energetic as Logan.

“It should be fine. The Smiths had a little dog, too. The ground-floor apartment has a dog door out to the fenced area of the lawn. Fiona will enjoy the company.”

“Oh, how perfect. It’s even better than I thought. I can’t thank you enough!”

“He probably will want to take a look at it before he makes any decisions. And we need to talk about rent.”

She told her what the Smiths had been paying per month and Carrie’s eyes widened.

“Are you kidding? That’s totally a bargain around here, especially in the summer. I know the insurance company was going to pay much more than that. I’m sure it will be fantastic. You are the best.”

Carrie and Bella left the store a few moments later, with Bella promising to come back so she could pay for the earrings.

As soon as the door closed behind them, Rosa slumped against the jewelry counter. What had she done?

She didnotwant Wyatt Townsend living anywhere close to her. The man looked too deeply, saw too much.

Ah, well. She would simply work a little harder to hide her secrets. She had plenty of practice.

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