“Come on. Let’s get the two of you inside.” I opened the door, ushering Cally into the store, waiting to see Bella’s reaction.

  She was more pensive than I’d seen her. Before she had a chance to slide past me, I blocked her entrance.

  “What are you doing?” Her tone had returned to being demanding.

  “I could ask you the same question. What’s going on?”

  “I don’t know what you mean.”

  “I think you do. What was in the text and who was it from?”

  Bella glared at me. “None of your business.”

  “Since you’ll be living in my house, it is entirely my business.”

  She huffed, the sound exaggerated. “Then I guess I need to look for a place so I can get the hell out of your life.” Bella sidestepped me, but I thwarted her attempt.

  “Don’t do that, Bella. You’re going through something and I have a feeling it’s dangerous. Now, confide in me.”

  “Why should I? I don’t know you.”

  I snagged her wrist with a little more force than I’d intended.

  “Let me go or so help me God.”

  Exhaling, I released my hold, holding back on my typical self-righteous stare as she peered up at me. “Is someone threatening you?”

  “No. Why in God’s name would you think that?”

  Because I knew when someone felt panic that swept up through every ounce of their being. “Because you were rattled by the text.”

  “Just a friend from back home hassling me for not calling her.”

  She tried to laugh it off.

  I could easily see through her bad attempt at lying to me.

  “You’re certain that’s all it is?”

  “Absolutely. Stop worrying, Jagger. Last night was last night. I’m fine.”

  “Uh-huh. Come on.” Her reasons for lying to me were her own, but I could smell her fear.

  “I just need to make a quick phone call. Will you keep an eye on Cally for me? Please?”

  I didn’t need to be some damn mind reader to know she was in serious trouble, more so than I’d originally thought. “Sure. Happy to.”

  Happy?

  The woman was far too frustrating, but I would find out what she was hiding.

  A little girl and a dog. I had no clue what I was doing. As soon as I was noticed by the owner of the store, she flew out from behind the bakery counter. “Jagger Fox. I never thought I’d see you here.”

  Betty Barker had been the owner for a few years, taking the insurance money left over from her husband’s tragic ski-lift death to open the place. I’d met her once at the resort when a pet adoption event had been held there. It had been my mother’s doing, insisting we could help. The day had meant our parking lot had been filled with vehicles and people who would likely never rent a room or cottage at the resort. I’d tried to stay away, but the older lady had sought me out.

  With her garish jet-black hair and thick blue eye shadow, she almost reminded me of Betty Boop.

  “Yeah, well, we got a stray who needs a collar and leash. Some dogfood.”

  “What kind of dog?” Her eyes flitted toward the pup, her hands clasping together. “The hero dog. Oh, my God. I am so honored. And this must be little Cally.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Cally told her.

  “My, such manners for a special young lady. Why don’t we go and look for the perfect collar for that very good girl who saved you?” Betty asked, already holding out her hand.

  “Xena. Princess warrior.”

  Cally’s voice would always dig out a portion of my heart and I didn’t know why. I hadn’t spent time with a kid in as long as I could remember. Maybe because she was the spitting image of her mother. The same flaxen hair. The same violet eyes.

  “Well, then. The collar must be extra special for a princess. And treats.”

  I had to hand it to Betty; she knew how to handle children where I failed miserably.

  “By the way, Jagger. I just wanted to tell you that the whole town is proud of you. What you did to save that little girl just warms my heart like it does everyone else.” She planted her hand against her heart. “You have a good heart. I’m sure your mother is very proud of the man you’ve become.”

  I wasn’t certain about that.

  She didn’t wait for me to respond, trailing behind Cally and Xena, the little girl touching everything within her reach. When the three were safely a distance away, I returned my attention to the front of the store.

  Bella was pacing the sidewalk, animated as she talked on her phone. Only after she moved to the edge of the sidewalk facing the street did I head out the door. I leaned against the exterior of the building, the excessive traffic preventing me from overhearing what she was saying.

  But I could tell by the pained look on her face that whoever she was talking to was important to her. I had one foot on the wall, trying to act as if I was enjoying the brisk weather.

  Bullshit.

  As soon as she turned around, her pointed look confirmed I sucked at acting. She spun around again, her hand motions more animated than before. Soon, she was off the phone, but her screen remained lit. I was going to use that to my advantage before her iPhone locked down.

  When I confronted her, this time she allowed a few seconds of fear to show on her face. “What are you hiding from me?”

  “Stop asking me. You couldn’t understand and I just want to leave it alone. Don’t you get it?”

  “What I get is that you’re pretending nothing is wrong when you’re terrified of every shadow.”

  “That makes two of us.”

  Her words were biting and I gritted my teeth. Soon, I’d have no enamel left on any of them. “Fine. Have it your way.”

  “By the way. We need to get you a new shirt at least. My treat.”

  She tugged at my rumpled, ruined shirt and I laughed. “Yeah, we can do that.”

  Her expression softened, hope flaring in her soft purple eyes. It was the same look she’d given me the moment I’d brought her daughter back to safety. The same expression that had slayed me then just about broke me now. “I just need some peace. Please try and understand.”

  “What about happiness?”

  She scoffed and threw open the door. “I gave up on that when I left Baltimore.”

  CHAPTER 18

  Bella

  “Two brothers in one day, Jagger. I think I died and went to heaven.” The lady behind the counter appeared shocked at seeing Jagger swaggering through the diner’s door.

  “Look who’s here, Lois,” another older woman said as she fanned her face. She slapped her lunch companion on the arm from across the booth.

  “Jenny. Be still my heart. Like icing on a cake. If only I could lick it off,” Lois said. She had on huge glasses, lifting them and I’d be damned if she didn’t lick her lips in appreciation.

  A laugh bubbled to the surface, but Jagger gave me a dirty look.

  “Would the two of you stop it,” the woman behind the counter snapped. “That’s no way to talk to my customers. Jagger. Such a pleasure. Hunter dropped by earlier for one of my famous cherry pies.”

  I could tell he didn’t care. There was such animosity between him and his brothers. Competition?

  “You got a free booth, Poppy?” Jagger said in a grumbly voice, ignoring her sexual innuendo.

  “Sugar. I’ll toss out one of our regulars if I need to.” She was a hoot, throwing a haughty look over the counter at the various booths and the workers who took up every stool at the counter.

  “Don’t be that way, Poppy,” a guy finally piped in.

  “Shut up, Mike. My place, my rules.”

  Mike threw up his hands.

  Spitting out a chuckle, I narrowed my eyes as I studied Jagger’s contorted expression. I had a feeling I was going to like this place. Of all the men I’d known in my life, he was the worst with people coming up to him or even saying hello. He suddenly reminded me of a man being told he needed his incisors removed without Novocain.

  Poppy’s Diner was packed, at least three other dogs taking up positions at their owner’s feet by several of the colorful booths. The place reminded me of a restaurant you’d see in the fifties. Colorful. Quaint. Pictures adorning the walls. And garish lighting. Neon if I was correct. I was easily able to envision the place lit up at night. A customer would be able to see it a mile away.

  My tummy immediately growled just with walking in. I gathered a whiff of baked apples and cinnamon, fresh coffee brewing and vanilla. Cally was already tugging on my leg, pointing to dog biscuits that were artfully placed on a cake pedestal, the glass covering preventing dust or unwanted, unwashed hands. How she knew about doggie treats was beyond me other than watching television.

  “Look, Mommy, look! For Xena! Pwease. Can we get one?”

  “I’ll get one for the pup,” Jagger said, already pulling his wallet from his jeans pocket. At least he’d allowed me to purchase him a nice long-sleeved Henley. The caramel color accentuated his deep chocolate hair. In turn, he’d insisted on ensuring I purchased a few items, including snow boots and warmer coats for both Cally and me. At the last minute, he’d tossed his credit card on the counter, refusing to allow me to purchase anything.

  It had been the same at the pet store, the hardware store for a few items to ‘ensure our comfort’ as he’d called it and when he’d purchased fluffy towels because his at the cabin were ratty. I’d finally stopped trying to stop him from spoiling us. It wouldn’t have done any good.

  “Nonsense,” Poppy said. She tossed a towel she was wiping her hands on behind her, coming out from behind the counter. An older lady, her bright smile suited her outfit, which reminded me of an eighties movie: fluorescent pink accented with various shades of purple, her tight-fitting pants shimmering with silver stars.

  “You don’t need to do that, Poppy,” Jagger said. “Bella doesn’t like charity.”

  He was just trying to annoy me and I’d decided not to allow him the chance to do so.

  “Pft,” she hissed. “Don’t mind him, sugar. The Fox boys are notoriously grumpy all the time.” She plucked two biscuits from under the covering, bending down to Xena and making googling noises. “A little heroine. Xena for a princess warrior. Right?”

  “Yes. Yes!” Cally jumped up and down, doing what I’d started to call her signature dance move.

  Suddenly, there wasn’t a customer in the diner who wasn’t watching us with an amused expression. I felt a flush rush to my cheeks. I didn’t need to be in larger crowds right now. The women were trying to be polite, but I could swear they had daggers in their eyes. Evidently, Jagger was a hot catch around town. I could see why.

  “John, bring another bowl of water,” Poppy called over her shoulder. “We have a new furry guest amongst our midst, a true heroine. Fix her up a cheeseburger too.”

  Cally gasped as only she could do, so melodramatic I had to smile.

  “Thank you, Poppy. You’re very kind.”

  “Nonsense, girl. You must be Doctor Bella,” Poppy said. She held out her hand, her smile far too genuine to resist.

  “Just Bella. Okay?” I shook it and instantly felt warmth.

  “I’m Poppy Danfield. I own this fabulous establishment. I’d like to purchase the three… um, four of you lunch on me.”

  “No, Poppy. We can take care of our check,” Jagger insisted.

  She flapped her hand at him. “Don’t mind him, sugar. Like I said. Grumpy.”

  “Yes, he is. Mrs. Danfield. Do you know anything about Xena? I mean, she wasn’t wearing a collar. We haven’t gone to a veterinarian yet to see if she’s chipped, but I was just wondering if you knew her.”

  “Poppy. Please. She does look kind of familiar.” Poppy rubbed her jaw and glanced toward a man sitting at the end of the counter. “Doc Welby. This is Bella and Cally and you know Jagger, I think.”

  I caught the look the doctor gave Jagger. It would seem my roommate wasn’t well liked by men, only the ladies appreciating the eye candy they’d been presented in town. I could easily read the minds of every single woman in the place no matter their age. They wouldn’t mind a nice roll in the hay with the man.

  “Yeah, I know him. Nice to meet you two ladies,” the doctor said.

  John came out from a swinging door with a gorgeous ceramic dog’s bowl full of water. He had a huge grin on his round face as he squeezed through the opening from behind the counter. I hadn’t noticed he had a placemat in his hand, little pictures of dog bones all over it. He first petted Xena before placing the mat and the bowl down in front of her.

  She’d been offered water and treats at every store we’d gone to, yet she lapped up the water as if she was parched.

  Cally immediately picked up on the conversation, her anxious breaths concerning me right away. I dropped to the floor, lifting her chin with my hand. “Are you okay, honey? Can you breathe?”

  Ever since she’d gotten out of the hospital the last time, I’d feared a relapse. Even the cardiologist, a man highly respected in the country, had told me the likelihood of my little girl falling prey to a heart attack was at a much higher percentage than a typical healthy person. I’d panicked with every cough and sneeze for the first year.

  “Just sad, Mommy. Please don’t take Xena away.”

  I was so relieved I let out a small moan. “We talked about this, honey. If Xena belongs to someone else, don’t you think they’re going to be missing her? Even crying about her?”

  While my daughter got her stubborn streak from her mother, she was a caring, sweet girl who’d once asked me to bring a dead squirrel back to life. “I know. I just… I love her.”

  I squeezed her arms and I could swear everyone in the diner was now listening intently. I tweaked her nose before standing, completely embarrassed as I glanced around the diner.

  “Don’t you worry, honey. Aunt Poppy will get to the bottom of this. Doc Welby. You said you’ve seen this pretty pup before? I think I’ve seen her in town. I just don’t remember from where.”

  Doctor Welby. The name suited him. With his shocking, neatly trimmed white hair and kind eyes, I had a feeling his patients trusted him instantly. He shuffled over, the lack of movement showing his age. “Poppy. So you think you know this little fellow as well.” He glanced down at Xena.

  “She’s a girl, Doc,” Poppy admonished.

  I stole a quick look at Jagger. Even he was slightly amused, the corners of his magnificent lips turned up.

  “Xena,” she added.

  “Princess Warrior!” Cally sang out.

  “Oh, well then,” Doc Welby said. He bent down, stroking the pup’s head. “I do know her. It’s good to finally see her too.”

  My heart sank and I was surprised that Jagger placed his hand on the small of my back. As soon as he did, a shockwave of electricity swept up from the base of my feet. I just couldn’t stand to see Cally’s heart broken.

  Doc Welby continued to stroke Xena’s head, remaining quiet. I felt Cally was about ready to throw a tantrum, but not just one a typical almost four-year-old would have. Her panic attacks were few and far between now, but when they hit, they were terrible, painful to watch. She’d grown way too attached to the pup.

  “Xena belonged to a friend of mine. Remember Steve Young?” he was asking Poppy.

  Poppy snorted. “That old coot? He used to make a pass at me every time he came in. Whatever happened to him?”

  “He died last month. From what I heard, the dog ran away when the EMTs arrived and no one was able to find her. She hasn’t made an appearance since. Now, she’s a heroine. Steve would love that.” He shifted his attention toward Cally. “I think, little lady, that you have yourself a new pet, but you must promise to love and care for her for the rest of her life.”

  Cally’s eyes were huge, her little mouth opening wide as she gasped. “Mommy. Xena is ours!”

  I was so relieved my heart started racing.

  Doc Welby was grinning from ear to ear. “I’m glad she found a good home.” He lifted his head, paying more attention to me. “Jagger. I heard this lovely lady saved a whole bunch of tourists last night. I had my daughter in and wasn’t taking calls.”

  “She did a great job, Doc,” Jagger managed. I was certain the man was ready to eat nails at this point.

  “Great job? I got the play by play from a couple buddies of mine who heard all the details from a niece of one of them who works there. She said it was a streamline action. Then all that happened after that. Whew. You’re a very lucky young lady to have such a strong man like Jagger by your side.”

  “Oh, we’re not together,” I insisted.

  Why was it that his grin was almost similar to the way Poppy’s eyes were lighting up? I felt another heat from a blush warming up my skin.

  “Well, whatever the case, it’s obvious he cares about you and the little one here. Anyway. Folks know around here I’m getting ready to retire. My daughter was harassing me something fierce last night.” He scratched his head, laughing as if he’d taken a full berating. “I’ll have to close shop if I can’t find anyone to take my place and that will mean folks needing to travel a good ways just to see a doctor for a cold, the flu.”

  Oh, no. I could tell where this was going.

  “I was just passing through,” I insisted.

  “Trouble is,” he continued and I had a feeling he was going to ignore me, “no young folks want to move to a place like Danger Falls. Vacation here? Sure thing, but they feel like it’s going back in time.”

  “I love it here. The buildings are adorable and everyone is so nice.” By the look shared between Poppy and the doctor, I could tell I’d fallen head over heels into a setup.

  “That’s good to hear. You’d fit in real nice around these parts. Wouldn’t she, Jagger?”

  Jagger didn’t answer right away, grumbling yes when he did.

  “I’d like to offer you a job. You can lease or buy the clinic from me and I’ll give you a damn good rate if you choose to buy it. I promise you that you’ll love the place. Just needs a woman’s touch.”