I nodded as I stood. I slipped on my boots sitting by the back door and wrapped my sweater tighter around me as I followed him out into the cold.
The air bit at my cheeks, sharp and clean as I followed Roman across the snow-dusted yard. The bed-and-breakfast loomedbehind us, while the bare branches of the trees ahead creaked softly in the morning breeze.
Roman walked a few steps ahead, his long strides purposeful. I focused on placing my boots carefully, the crunch of snow loud in the quiet. The farther we went, the more my nerves fluttered.
As the ground dipped downward, lights appeared through the trees before the building came into view.
“This is it.” Roman glanced back at me.
Hearthstone Security and Investigation was tucked behind the bed-and-breakfast, half-hidden by trees and shadow. It was a little bigger than a ranch-style home, and more square. The siding was an old, sturdy red brick, but the roof was black and metal.
Roman keyed in the code at the back door and the electronic lock clicked open. He held the door for me. Warm air spilled out, carrying the faint scent of coffee and cleaner.
We entered into a hallway that opened up into a larger space lined with glass doors. It was dim, but I could tell they were individual offices.
I gazed around as I followed Roman toward the left side of the building. The walls had exposed brick, and wooden beams lined the ceiling. The older rustic elements contrasted with the modern black metal accents and sleek glass.
We passed the break room—complete with a counter, fridge, and an espresso machine—and then Roman turned a corner.
“This way.” He opened a metal door.
The gym was tucked away from the offices. It wasn’t large, but it didn’t need to be. A treadmill sat by one wall, along with free weights, mats, and a few other pieces of equipment. Everything was neat and orderly.
I hesitated at the threshold.
Roman turned to face me, brows knitting. “What’s wrong?”
I shook my head. “Nothing. I just…” I trailed off, feeling ridiculous as heat crept up my neck. “Are you sure it’s okay for me to use this? I don’t want to trespass on your brothers’ space.”
His expression shifted, flashing with something sharper.
“There’s no one else using this place,” he said firmly. “You’re welcome to come here.”
I blinked at him.
“I mean it,” he added, softer but no less certain. “If the quiet bothers you, there’s a Bluetooth speaker over there.” He pointed to something large and rectangular mounted in the corner. “I can show you how to use it.”
Though a strange guilt lingered in my gut, I nodded. “Okay.”
I stepped farther into the room, my fingers brushing the railing of the treadmill. The idea of running—of moving, breathing, and letting my thoughts loosen—made something inside me lighter.
I smiled at Roman, a wide genuine one that reflected my gratitude. This gym was very nice, the equipment better than a public gym, that was for sure.
“This is amazing, Roman,” I said. “Thank you so much.”
I wasn’t expecting his reaction. His eyes darted away abruptly, jaw tightening as if he’d been caught off guard. A faint pink color bloomed along his cheekbones.
My heart skipped.
Then he turned away, and I almost convinced myself I’d imagined it. Roman Ramsey, the grumpy fire chief, did not blush, surely.
Still, warmth spread through my chest as I tucked that moment away.
Roman gave me a tour of the rest of the gym, explaining how to use the equipment I was unfamiliar with. I was already looking forward to the quiet hum of the treadmill, the steady rhythm ofmy feet, and the strange, unexpected comfort of knowing I had a place here…if only for a little while.
15
Roman
