Heating Up

by Stacy Finz

  “If you say so.” He found the candy on the shelf with the sugar and flour. “The calls.”

  She told him about them and how there was no caller ID. “It was probably nothing, but I got a little spooked.”

  Aidan hugged her. “I’m sorry, Dana. I think it might’ve been Sue. I’ll take care of it tomorrow, I promise.”

  “Why would she do that? Even Sloane didn’t think she would.”

  “I told her I was seeing someone. She probably figured it was you and it made her uncomfortable.”

  “But she’s married.”

  He didn’t say anything for a long time. “I don’t think that’s going too well.”

  Dana sucked in a breath. Just when she’d let herself fall hard—like head over heels—for Aidan, it was happening again.

  “Are you planning to go back to her?” she asked.

  “No. Of course not. Look, I’ll talk to her tomorrow, tell her to stop calling, okay?”

  She nodded but didn’t really believe him. He’d been with Sue for three years. They had a history together. Aidan’s family loved her. He’d known Dana less than a month. She was nothing more than a convenient rebound.

  “The fire . . . the cleanup . . . I’m exhausted,” she said. “I’m going to turn in early.”

  She started to walk away and he took her arm. “Can I come with you?”

  “Not tonight.” She let her hand caress his cheek.

  After tonight, she didn’t think they’d be going to bed together ever again. Tomorrow he’d talk to Sue and they’d figure out that her marriage to the schoolteacher had been a big mistake. That she belonged with Aidan. Then he’d find Dana and in the nicest way possible break up with her. One of them would offer to move out and it would wind up being her since she was the real estate agent with the contacts. With her tail between her legs, she’d go to Griffin and ask to rent one of the homes in Sierra Heights.

  It was a vicious cycle.

  He didn’t try to stop her as she walked down the hall toward her bedroom. Perhaps he too recognized they’d come to the end of what had been the happiest time in Dana’s life.

  * * *

  Aidan wanted to chase after her, but it wasn’t right. They’d started out as roommates first, lovers second. She should be able to take a night off from him when she wanted to, especially when she was angry that his ex was suddenly back in his life.

  He planned to nip that in the bud right now. In his bedroom he got his laptop, opened his email, and began typing.

  Sue,

  You left me to marry Sebastian. I’m involved with someone else now. It would probably be best if we don’t have contact with each other. Just know that I wish you the best and want you to be happy.

  Aidan

  He hit the Send button and felt a pang of guilt. Was the note too harsh? No! His problem was not being assertive enough. The thing with Sue was that she got him to do things he didn’t want to do by maneuvering and manipulating until it was easier to give in. Like leaving him for Sebastian. Aidan now believed it had been a ploy to get him to marry her. Well, it had failed miserably. The cowardly fact was that by marrying Sebastian, Sue had let Aidan off the hook. He’d stayed in a relationship that wasn’t right for him to avoid hurting her and his family. He’d meant well, but now he needed to make things right, which included a come-to-Jesus talk with Sloane. What was she thinking, giving Sue his house number when she knew about him and Dana? His sister wasn’t cruel, but his estimation of her had slipped a notch.

  Aidan let out a yawn and decided to follow Dana’s lead and call it a night. Tomorrow he reported for twenty-four-hour duty at the firehouse. At least they’d made some headway on the case. If things panned out the way he hoped, they’d be able to tie Rigsby to the fires.

  Aidan took a quick shower, brushed his teeth, and headed to bed, taking a short detour to Dana’s room. There he stood, poised at her door, listening to hear if she was still awake. For a second he considered knocking but decided he should let her sleep. They’d talk in the morning, before he left for work. He’d assure her that Sue wouldn’t be calling anymore.

  But by the time he dragged himself out of bed the next day she was gone. If things weren’t too busy at the firehouse, he’d pick her up at Nugget Realty and take her to lunch.

  In the kitchen he put up a pot of coffee and while that was brewing called Sloane.

  “Why’d you give Sue my home number when you know I share the house phone with Dana?”

  “She was desperate to find you, something about your condo,” Sloane said. But Aidan knew it was bullshit. All day Sue had been leaving messages on his cell about how she missed him, how she’d made a mistake marrying Sebastian, blah, blah, blah.

  He wouldn’t out Sue to Sloane because he still felt loyal and didn’t want to embarrass her in front of his family. And a part of him felt horribly guilty for not being able to love her enough.

  “She has my cell number, Sloane. Her calls scared Dana. With all Dana’s been through in the last month . . . she doesn’t need this crap.”

  “We don’t even know it was Sue,” Sloane argued. “It sounds more like a prank than something Sue would ever do. She doesn’t even know you’re dating Dana.”

  “Unless it’s a member of our family, don’t give my home number out ever again.”

  “Jeez, Aidan, I didn’t do it to upset Dana. I know how protective you are of her. I spent the night of the Nugget Realty fire watching over her because you asked me to. You know that because you called a dozen times. Sue was just so insistent that she needed to get a hold of you.”

  “I took care of that. In the future, I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t act as a go-between. Sue knows how to reach me. If I’m not answering my phone, there’s a good reason for it.”

  “I’m sorry, Aidan. Really, it was all very innocent.”

  He knew it wasn’t. She and the rest of his family had made their allegiance to Sue well known. “I’m done talking about it.”

  “What’s going on with the case? Dana said you got something last night.”

  Aidan told her how they’d gone to Rigsby’s house to talk, but he’d lawyered up. “On our way out I saw a pair of work boots on the porch that may match footprints I collected at all three scenes. We got a warrant.... Long story short, forensics is trying to determine whether the boots match the prints. It’s not a slam dunk by any stretch, but between the boots, the shirt, and the lighter, we might have enough to make the charges stick.”

  “It’s definitely something if it pans out. Are the boots worn?”

  “Worn enough so that the soles should have their own unique wear and tear. If the forensic guys also happen to find gasoline residue on them, we’re in business. But Sloane, that’s all confidential.”

  “I know.” She sounded offended. “In this town, though, it’s hard to keep a secret.”

  Aidan looked at the clock. “Hey, I’ve got to get to work.”

  “All right. Let me know what you hear back from the lab.”

  “Will do.” He hung up, drank a cup of the coffee he’d made, and took a quick shower just to wake up.

  He got to the firehouse in time to find the two McCreedy boys washing an engine with Kurtis. He waved and went inside to show his face before he joined them.

  But that never happened because he and the others got called out on a Code 5, an assignment in another county up in flames.

  * * *

  Del Webber removed his Stetson as he strolled into Nugget Realty and Associates, took one look at the damage, and let out a whistle.

  “I heard you had a fire but had no idea it . . .” He shook his head.

  Dana was surprised to see him; they didn’t have an appointment. “It looks worse than it is.”

  “Sorry to just pop in on you like this, but I was in the neighborhood.” He was based in Quincy, the county seat, forty-five minutes away. “You got a minute to talk?”

  “Sure. Unfortunately, we no longer have a conference room.”
The workmen were coming tomorrow to start the restoration. “You mind if we talk at my desk?”

  “Not at all.” He did a visual turn around the room again.

  Dana pulled up a wing chair for Del to sit in. “Carol is running late, so we’ve got some privacy. I’d offer you something to drink, but our kitchenette . . .”

  “No worries. Is there an actual person involved in this T Corporation buying Ray’s ranch?”

  “What do you mean?” She really didn’t know what he was getting at.

  “Is someone from the corporation planning to live on the ranch?”

  “Yes,” Dana said and left it at that. Del was renowned for his litigation skills; she didn’t want to go against one of his cross-examinations. “I’m bound by a confidentiality agreement, Del; please don’t ask me too much.”

  “I’m not trying to ferret a name out of you. Frankly, I’m not all that interested. But Ray’s getting cold feet. That ranch has been in his family a long time. It’s his legacy and now he’s decided that his daughter, Raylene, should take it over. He wants out of the deal.”

  It had always seemed too good to be true, Dana thought, feeling hugely disappointed. The worst part would be breaking the news to Gia. She was relying on the ranch to be her sanctuary, especially now that she’d lost her job. From the moment Gia had stepped foot on the property, she’d loved it.

  “The T Corporation isn’t going to be happy about this. It may even sue.”

  “That’s exactly what I told him.” Del toyed with the hat in his hands. “Not to mention that the man owes me and his other lawyers a lot of money. When I first agreed to represent him, Ray gave me the ranch as collateral. I’m not violating the attorney-client privilege by telling you this, because I’m just as much a part of this real estate deal as he is. But I’m not heartless, Dana. I’ll give him the opportunity to make good on his legal bills before I’ll sell that ranch out from under him.”

  “Escrow is scheduled to close in less than three weeks.”

  “I’ve given him two,” Del said. “How you decide to proceed with your buyers is up to you.”

  “I’ll tell them the truth,” she said. “There are other ranches for sale and they may decide this one isn’t worth being at the whim of Ray Rosser. Or, like I said, they may take legal action. Ray may be my client, but he signed a contract and it’s my fiduciary duty to look out for the buyers in this instance.” She paused. “I appreciate what you’re trying to do for Ray. It’s commendable, but I would be negligent in not telling you that clients like the T Corporation don’t grow on trees. There isn’t a waiting list for multimillion-dollar properties in Nugget. If you lose this buyer, I don’t know when the next one will come along.”

  “Message received,” he said. “You’re an excellent agent, Dana, and I’m sorry this puts you in a bad position. I’ll tell you this: your clients stick it out and I’ll lop fifty thousand off the price.”

  It was generous, but it wouldn’t salve Gia’s aggravation as she sat on pins and needles over the next two weeks.

  “I will let the T Corporation know,” she said.

  “Thank you, Dana.” Del got to his feet, put on his hat, and walked out the door.

  Dana leaned her head back, closed her eyes, and yelled, “Shit.” Now she had to make a very uncomfortable call and she didn’t want to do it . . . didn’t want to break Gia Treadwell’s already busted heart. She liked the woman, even thought they could be friends.

  With no other choice, she dialed the phone.

  “Dana?” Gia asked, picking up after the seventh ring. Dana was aware that Gia monitored her calls closely. Since her firing, reporters had begun to circle.

  “It’s me and I’ve got some bad news.” She proceeded to tell Gia about the conversation she’d had with Del.

  “Oh God, they can’t do this. We signed a contract. I put down a substantial deposit.”

  “If Ray backs out, you’ll get every dime returned to you.” Not that that was any consolation. “I could look for something else.”

  “Tell me the truth: is there anything out there that good?”

  Dana was quiet for a long time. Too long. “No. But there are less expensive properties that you could make wonderful.”

  “I want that one. Dana, this is going to sound ridiculous because it’s just a house and a big piece of land, but that ranch has been my salvation. It’s been my beacon in the storm. I can’t tell you how bad it’s been here. Losing my job was one thing; I’d seen that coming. But Evan’s victims are sending me death threats. I can’t leave the house for fear that someone will recognize me and I’ll be lynched in Central Park.”

  Dana didn’t know what to say. She felt horrible for Gia . . . and now Del’s news. “There’s a chance Ray won’t be able to come up with the money. His biggest asset is his ranch, and unless he has stocks to liquidate or a benefactor, I don’t know how he’ll do it. But in the meantime, Gia, let me look around to see if I can find something else that will make you happy.”

  “I’m booking a flight tomorrow and will stay at that little inn again. I can’t take it here anymore. At least there I can stay under the radar.”

  “Are you sure?” Dana worried that people here would recognize her and that it could further sour the deal.

  “Yes. If nothing else, I need the peace and quiet.”

  “All right. Do you need a ride from the airport?”

  “I’ll rent a car. I’ll need my own wheels. I’ll call you when I get into town.”

  Dana hung up and immediately searched the multiple listings. If she could find something almost as nice as the Rosser Ranch, Gia might settle for that instead. She scrutinized every new listing she found, trying to ignore the roofers, who were making a racket with their nail guns. At least they’d found someone available to do the job. Everyone in these parts got their roofs done in summer, before the rain and snow hit.

  Carol wandered in a few minutes later, loaded down with supplies. “There’s more in the car. How you liking the new computers?”

  “They’re great.” Dana got up and went out to the parking lot to help bring in the rest of Carol’s purchases. There were bottles of water, soda, paper for the copy machine, and, thank God, a coffeemaker.

  Together, they had the car emptied in ten minutes. The fire-damaged section of the building was mostly boarded up, so Carol had brought a minifridge from home, and she and Dana loaded it with the waters and soft drinks.

  “I think the Rosser deal is about to fall through.”

  “No.” Carol held her hands to her cheeks, and Dana explained the situation.

  “Gia is coming anyway. I don’t think it’s the most prudent idea, but it’s not like I can stop her. At least it’ll give me a chance to show her a few more places. Any ideas?”

  Carol thought about it. “Nothing I can think of that we don’t already know about it. There are a few people who in recent years have discussed the possibility of selling; maybe if the price was right they’d be interested. Let me look through the list.”

  “Sounds good. I’m going to run out and get something to eat. You want me to bring you back anything?”

  “I grabbed something in Reno. You go. By the time you get back I’ll have that list.”

  Dana could’ve walked to the square but it was too hot, so she drove. Fearing that she’d run into Aidan, she nixed the idea of having lunch at home. Although he worked today, the firehouse and their home were too close for comfort. She’d had enough bad news for one day. If he was planning to dump her, let him do it tomorrow. It was like déjà vu with Tim and Griffin, except Dana was in love with Aidan and hadn’t been with the others. Sure, at the time she’d thought she’d been. It had taken Aidan to make her realize that none of those relationships had come close to the way she felt about him.

  You make me feel like I light you up from the inside out, he’d told her. And he did. Around Aidan she never felt awkward, or shy or like she didn’t belong. With him she was number one—the sole
focus of his attention. With him, she was the best she could be. She’d been delusional enough to think she made him feel the same way.

  She zipped into the Bun Boy parking lot. It wasn’t as crowded as yesterday, the novelty of being back in business after its short hiatus apparently having worn off. Instead of the drive-through, she decided to eat at one of the picnic tables and get some fresh air. She joined the small line and noted that Clay McCreedy and his two sons were ahead of her.

  He turned and tipped his cowboy hat. “How you doing, Dana? This fire business is out of control. I saw Carol at the Gas and Go; she told me you had a fair amount of damage. Thank God no one was hurt.”

  “I think Aidan may have some good clues.” She shouldn’t have said that, especially because she didn’t know anything of the sort. Perchance she was being sensitive that Clay didn’t think Aidan was doing his job right.

  To her surprise, he nodded. “Rhys says he’s good. Real methodical. We’re lucky to have him. The boys were at the station helping out with washing the fire engines when the unit got called out on an out-of-control wildfire in Sierra County. I suspect he’ll be away for a while. But Rhys is well versed in the arson investigation.”

  No wonder she hadn’t heard from him all morning. And here she’d been psyching herself up that he wanted to dump her in person. She supposed there would be time for that after the fire. Still, she silently prayed for his safety.

  “I didn’t know that.”

  “Yep,” he said as they inched up in line. “Has the Rosser property closed yet? I’m anxious to meet my new neighbor.”

  She waxed on a fake smile, deciding it wouldn’t be appropriate to discuss Del’s news with Clay. “Not yet. About three more weeks.” If it happened at all.

  It was Clay’s turn to give his order, saving Dana from any more questions. After putting in for a large fried chicken salad and lemonade, she found a shady seat and waited for her name to be called. She checked her phone to see if Aidan had texted, but there was nothing.

  It was hot and dry and even with her limited knowledge, she recognized it was the worst conditions for fighting a fire. She felt a wave of anxiety and, despite her resolution to back off, texted Aidan anyway.