Arlo appeared, immediately asking for some love.Aiden crouched down to greet him properly.He produced a dog treat from his pocket like a magician.
“You came prepared.”
“I’ve learned.”He stood, his eyes meeting hers with warmth that made her suddenly hyperaware of how close they were standing.“So, an actual date night.No interruptions.No murders to discuss.”
“Well, about that.”
He grinned at her.“Maybe we can have just the one night where we’re not detectives?”
Sam smiled back at him.“It’s a deal.”
They drove to a small Italian place on the edge of town.It was the kind of restaurant Sam had passed a hundred times but never tried.The inside had white tablecloths, soft lighting, and the smell of garlic and fresh bread that made her stomach growl despite the nerves she had.She reminded herself it was just Aiden.But she wanted everything to go well.
“I’ve been wanting to bring you here,” Aiden said as they were seated at a corner table.“It’s family-owned.The grandmother still makes the pasta by hand every morning.”
“How did you find this place?”
Aiden said, “One of the cops I was working with years ago couldn’t believe I was just eating sandwiches or cereal for supper every night.”He held up his hand, laughing.“I promise I don’t do that anymore.This was when I was still young and dumb.Anyway, he apparently thought I needed an intervention.He told me about this place.I’d come once a week for takeout.It was good food that didn’t break the bank.And I’ve been coming here ever since.”
“Someone decided to intervene in your eating habits?That’s very Sunset Ridge.”
“It is.”He opened the menu.
“What do you recommend?”
“Everything.But if you like seafood, the linguine with clams is incredible.If you want something heartier, the osso buco.”He paused.“Or we could get a few dishes and share?Fair warning, though, that I’m terrible about sharing dessert.”
“Noted.”She closed her menu.“Let’s share.I want to try everything.”
They ordered linguine, osso buco, and a Caesar salad to start.Aiden ordered a wine that made the waiter nod approvingly.
“So,” Aiden said once they were alone again.“Tell me something that has nothing to do with book clubs or suspicious deaths.”
Sam thought while she tore off a piece of the warm bread that had appeared.“I’m thinking about getting Arlo into therapy dog certification.”
“Really?”
“Ginny mentioned it at agility.Apparently, he has the temperament for it.He’s calm, loves people, and doesn’t get reactive.”She buttered her bread.“I thought we could volunteer at the senior center.Or maybe the library for reading programs.”
“That’s perfect for him.And for you.”Aiden took a sip of water.“You like helping people.”
“Is that a nice way of saying I’m nosy?”
“It’s the accurate way of saying you care.”His expression turned serious.“There’s a difference in being nosy and being invested.You’re definitely the latter.”
“Even when it gets me mixed up in murder investigations?”
“Even then.”He reached across the table, his fingers brushing hers.“Though I’d be lying if I said I didn’t worry.”
The waiter arrived with their salad and wine, giving Sam a moment to process.When they were alone again, she met Aiden’s eyes.
“Worry about what?”
“About you being in danger.About you being the last person to talk to Gerald before someone killed him.About you asking questions that make a murderer nervous.”He traced patterns on the tablecloth with his finger.“I know you’re going to keep investigating.I’m not asking you to stop.I’m just asking you to be careful.And to let me help when I can.”
Sam said ruefully.“I’m not great at asking for help.”
“I know.”He smiled.“But I’m pretty good at offering it anyway.”
