Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 50823 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 254(@200wpm)___ 203(@250wpm)___ 169(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50823 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 254(@200wpm)___ 203(@250wpm)___ 169(@300wpm)
When you need answers, start digging.
Using an app, Jane booked her own appointment with Denise for tomorrow at 12:15. Or today, she realized when she noticed the time. 2:47 in the morning. She should probably go to bed, but she wasn’t even tired…a thought instantly belied by a jaw-cracking yawn. No matter. She pressed through, determined to learn something, anything, about the Gentleman.
Just in case Ashley had published any revealing articles on the man—or woman—Jane opened up the Headliner. But, though she searched, she found only the reporter’s newest post. A message with only five words: I Will Not Be Silent.
Okay, maybe the woman was kind of a little bit amazing.
“You should be asleep, sweetheart.” Conrad’s raspy voice caressed her ears a split second before he settled his hands on her shoulders, rubbing sore muscles.
A moan parted her lips. Oh, that felt good. “Don’t stop,” she whispered, leaning into his touch.
He kissed the top of her head and sat behind her, continuing the massage. “Learned anything interesting?”
Her eyelids grew heavy as tension drained from her muscles. “The Gentleman is a thorn in my side,” she muttered, giving Conrad’s strong hands more of her weight. “Why is he known as the Gentleman, anyway? Does he say please and thank you while committing the most vile acts? Or is he the total opposite?”
“We’ll figure it out. We won’t stop until we succeed.” A teasing note entered his voice. “That’s the Ryan family motto.”
She craned her neck to pen him with a lethal stare, but mmm, his palms were so warm. Forgetting what she’d planned to say, she melted deeper into his touch and sighed with satisfaction.
Conrad petted her hair. “Rest your magnificent brain. We need you at your most suspicious.”
“Wrong. You just need me,” she corrected groggily, already drifting off…
Jane woke up with a gasp. She jolted upright, disturbing Cheddar, who cuddled at her side.
She’d fallen asleep on the couch again, and Conrad was nowhere to be seen. Frowning, she fished for her phone, finding it on the coffee table next to her laptop and a note.
She swiped up the paper and read. Jessica denied sleeping with Bennett. Barrow and I will speak with him at the station later today.
Her frown deepened. How had he found the time to interview Jessica Thacker?
Jane glanced at the clock and startled. 10:53 a.m. She’d slept the morning away. And dang it, she had a hair appointment in roughly an hour. As a sense of urgency sparked, she shot Tiffany a text.
Jane: Can you arrange a meeting with Jessica Thacker for me? Today??? Consider it your first week’s rent. It’ll have to be sometime after noon, though, because I’m supposed to be at the beauty parlor at 12:15.
Then she messaged Fiona.
Jane: Make me the happiest girl in the world and tell me we’re on for blueberry pancakes tonight!
She didn’t wait for their replies but bolted to her feet and hurried to the bathroom, where she showered, brushed her teeth, styled her hair and donned a cozy knit dress with a slightly flared skirt. She paired it with brown boots and a hat in the shape of a bow. Though her stomach gurgled, there was no time for breakfast.
Except, as she gathered her purse and keys, she found a file wrapped breakfast burrito Conrad had left for her on the kitchen counter. What a dear, darling man. She should marry him and lock him down before—Jane stopped that thought in its tracks. Her heart stopped, too. Or it seemed to. She had not just considered marriage an option. Nope. Not her. Not ever.
This temporary move-in had been a mistake. An abbreviation from the norm. A one-off. Blip. She’d gotten too cozy, and it showed. She’d have to do something drastic. Later. Shaking, she checked her phone and discovered a reply from both Tiffany and Fiona.
Tiffinator: I’ll get you in to see the first lady of our town—but only if you take me to the hair appointment.
Uh, why did she have to go?
Jane: Fine! I’ll be there in 10 minutes.
Fionality: You bring the good time and I’ll supply the food!
Jane: I love you so much!
Jane reached the Garden in ten minutes, as predicted. She noticed Beau’s truck idling outside the front gate and sighed. He planned to trail her today, didn’t he? When he didn’t follow her to the cottage, but remained beyond the grounds, waiting, she parked and texted him.
Jane: You can ride with us, silly. No need to hide.
Beaudyguard: Wasn’t trying. I can be invisible when necessary, but still nearby at all times. Have fun today.
Grateful for him, she went inside. The widow sat in the living room, petting Rolex, and Jane knew she had to face facts. Her cat had fallen in love again, and there was nothing she could do about it except be there for him when it ended.