“Oh, I wouldn’t say that,” Shaw said.
“Yeah?” Eli tried to sound casual. He still wasn’t completely sure how Kellan felt about this situation. But he seemed slightly intrigued by her.
“I would say proceed gently, but don’t stop. And whatever you do, don’t back away. Because she’s been hurt in the past and she will need to know that she’s worth fighting for,” Shaw told him.
Duncan turned to point at them both. “So make sure this is what you really want. Because you don’t mess with a Haven woman.”
Eli’s temper stirred. “You don’t need to tell us that. We know how the town works.”
“So,” Remington said. “Any news from Tucker?”
“Not yet. I’ve got someone tracking him down,” Kellan said. “He’ll find him.”
It was concerning that he hadn’t found him yet.
Eli knew he and Kellan would need to go home soon. Usually, Kellan would be pushing for them to go home after a day or so. But they kept finding reasons to stick around.
“I hope so,” Shaw said. “But he really doesn’t have to come home if he doesn’t want to. Same with the others.”
Ducan turned to point at him. “Wyatt and Carson will be here tomorrow or the day after. They’re visiting for a week. I’d like to see them even if you don’t. Joe’s coming as well. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t tell them to get lost straight away.”
“Yeah, do that after they’ve been here a few days,” Kellan said before turning away.
“Is he joking this time?” Remington whispered to Eli.
“I’m going to leave you guessing.”
It was humbling for them to have to guess sometimes.
13
Arabella jogged along the quiet road. The sun was rising and it was going to be an amazing day.
She couldn’t remember the last time she’d managed to go for a run. After her father died, life had been a blur of meetings and trying to get organized. Then there had been the move here.
She’d been left exhausted.
But running was a great way to the see the town. Yesterday she’d stuck to the streets, but today she’d decided to venture a bit further out.
As she turned a corner, she saw a rundown, old house. Most of Haven was well-kept. The buildings were taken care of, the streets were clean.
Perhaps this part of the countryside wasn’t in Haven’s boundaries. She wasn’t sure where the county line was.
Then she spotted someone standing on the road ahead, staring at the house. He was so still. Large and focused on the sight in front of him.
She recognized him instantly, of course.
He looked like he wanted to be alone. Should she turn around or just jog past? Drat.
Too late.
He had turned and was looking straight at her. Arabella gave him a small wave and a smile.
Pretty pathetic.
He didn’t say anything. Didn’t wave back.
Okay, then. She took a step back, ready to turn and jog back the way she came. But then he held up his hand in a stop gesture.
