I didn’t say anything. I couldn’t.
Over the next hour, we worked our way upstairs to the apartment above the bar. Don snapped more photos and catalogued the evidence he found. I listened as he came up with theories about how the arsonist had started the fire or entered the locked bar in the first place.
Eventually, a few investigators and an insurance agent showed up to ask questions and assess the damage. That was our signal that our time was up.
Don passed the evidence he collected to the other investigators and told the insurance agent what he knew before we exited. I’d mistakenly believed that stepping out into the mid-day air would somehow break the hold being so close to Don had over me.
I was wrong.
As we exited the bar, a firm hand found its way to the small of my back. A sigh tumbled from my lips.
“We should go over what we got, right?” I asked, turning to Don.
He nodded toward the Williamsport Fire Department issued SUVs across the street from where we stood.
“The evidence has to follow the chain of command.”
I frowned.
“You already knew that,” he said. “But I got enough pictures that we can review, and I’ve collected some articles from the other fires I want to give to you.”
I perked up. “Do you have them with you?”
“I’ll drop them off at your office.”
“Why can’t you give them to me now?” I challenged.
“Because it’s been too long since I’ve been to your office.” He smirked.
My stomach did a somersault. “Who says you’re even invited to my office?”
This time his eyes sparkled as his smile grew wider. “You did when you decided to insert yourself into this case.”
I cursed myself. He had me there. I hadn’t thought about it when I insisted on helping with this case, but it would mean spending more time with Don. More alone time. That wasn’t something I was sure my seemingly fragile nerves could handle. At least, not handle and remain immune to his charms.
“I gotta head to the station to speak with the Captain,” he said.
“Okay.”
My head spun with the information we’d gathered at the scene, but intermixed was the memory of Don holding me in his arms again. It always seemed that whenever we were near one another, I ended up in his embrace.
I’d have to stop that from happening from here on out. I had no business trying to start anything with Don Alvarez. Besides the fact that he was well-known as one of the biggest players in the fire department, he was also my brother’s best friend.
Besides, I didn’t have time for a relationship.
Wait...why was I even thinking about that?
Chapter 9
Jocelyn
Two daysafter my morning with Don at Charlie’s, I pushed through my office door, ten minutes earlier than usual. I had a box full of scones and croissants from the coffee shop across the street in my hands.
Hallease was already in her seat, working.
“You’re making me look bad, Hallease,” I teased. “No matter how early I get here, you still beat me to the punch.”
She raised her head and grinned at me. I smiled at the blue and white patterned bowtie she wore, always pairing perfectly with the rest of her outfit.
