“I thought Pinewood Shores’ finest needed a special treat for all their hard work finding the man who tried to hurt my precious girl.” Aunt Emily ran a hand down Zoey’s hair. “And my helper agreed.”
Jennie introduced the two women and gave her aunt a quick rundown of her friendship with Tina.
Aunt Emily sniffed and wiped her eyes with her apron. “I don’t know how to thank you.”
The back door swung open interrupting the conversation and a familiar figure stepped through the entry. Jennie’s breath caught in her throat.
David stomped his feet on the mat. “All done, Miss Emily. Anything else I—” His eyes widened. “Jennie.”
“Hi, David. I see someone”—she pinned a glare on her aunt—“has you working during your off hours.”
“Not exactly.” His sheepish grin reminded her of a guilty little boy. “I’m not off duty. But Miss Emily needed help, so I called out of service for a few minutes to assist a damsel in distress.” He kissed Aunt Em’s cheek.
The older woman patted his face and mock huffed. “I’m not helpless, but it sure is nice to have a big strong man help.”
Jennie wasn’t sure if she wanted to laugh or groan. “Aunt Em.”
David chuckled. “Always at your service, ma’am.” He reached to snag a roll.
Aunt Emily swatted his hand. “Wait a minute and I’ll box a couple dozen for you to share with the boys downtown.”
“Are you kidding? If I leave here without goodies, I’m a dead man.” He quirked a smile then went to the sink and washed his hands. “Nice to see you again, Tina.”
“Likewise.” Tina pursed her lips fighting the smile trying to escape.
Emily handed David two boxes of cinnamon rolls a few minutes later. “Jennie, be a dear and help this young man to the door.” She raised a frosting-coated hand. “I’m a bit too messy to escort him out.” The woman grinned and winked at Tina.
Oh brother. Could her Aunt Em be any more obvious?
She walked David to his car parked across the street. “Sorry about that. Aunt Emily is not known for her subtlety.”
“She’s a great lady. I’m honored to be asked to assist her with tasks around the house.”
“I’m grateful for your willingness. She’s a gem. I wish I wouldn’t have stayed away as long as I did.”
He dipped his head and peered into her eyes. “I’m glad you decided to come back.”
David made it sound as if she’d chosen to be away too long and came home out of loneliness. But the truth? She’d feared for her life and needed to feel the love of her Aunt Emily again. “I am too.”
He rested his hand on her shoulder. “Please thank Miss Emily again for the cinnamon rolls. The boys will love the treat.”
“I will. And David”—she covered his hand with hers—“stay safe out there.”
He smiled and slid into the driver’s seat. Hand on the door handle, he paused. “See ya later, Jennie.” And with that, he pulled the door closed, started the engine, and drove away.
She watched his vehicle disappear around the corner. If she had the luxury of having a normal relationship, David would be at the top of her list. But that was out of the question. It would require her to spill her secrets, and she had no intention of doing that.
Chapter 9
Monday 2:30 p.m.
Cinnamon rolls in hand, David entered the station. His mind on Miss Emily’s matchmaking attempts. He wasn’t opposed to asking Jennie out, but the secrets she held concerned him. He hoped he’d gain her trust before something terrible happened to her or Zoey. The alternative—another death on his conscious—would have irreversible consequences to his heart.
“Is that a Miss Emily box?” Officer Carlson stepped beside him. A hopeful look plastered on his face.
“Sure is.” He lifted the lid, plucked out a couple rolls, and handed the box to the young officer. “Here. Put that in the break room and spread the word.”
Carlson scurried away with the treasured treat.
