Chapter Thirteen
Andrea
Ethan and I were on our first official date since we’d agreed we were a couple. I wasn’t sure why I was so nervous because I’d been out on plenty of dates in the past, but this one felt different—probably because it was the first date I’d been on while in a relationship. That was exciting and scary all at the same time.
I’d decided on The Shack as the place to eat dinner because it was close and familiar and the food happened to be great. Coop and Faith were dining with us so that had taken the pressure off a little bit.
We’d ordered steaks all around and they were mouth-wateringly good. I’d very nearly cleared my plate and was deciding if I had room enough for dessert when Ethan’s cell phone rang.
He heaved a sigh. “I’m sorry, I need to get this.”
Coop shrugged.
I wasn’t annoyed by the interruption and I supposed it was something I’d have to get used to if I intended to form a lasting relationship with Ethan—which I did. He was the sheriff, after all. His job meant that he was pretty much always on call. I could deal with that. What worried me was the look on his face as he listened to the details of the call.
He cursed under his breath as he and Coop shared a look.
“Thanks, Rick,” Ethan said. “I’ll check it out. Can you meet me over there when you’re done?”
He hung up the call then leaned over and placed a kiss on my lips.
“You gotta go?” I enquired.
He nodded. “Yeah. Sorry, babe. Someone has reported a disturbance over at the McAllister farm. I need to go and check it out.”
“Okay. Be careful.”
“Always.”
After Ethan left, Faith and I browsed the dessert menu and decided to order raspberry and white chocolate cheesecake. I wasn’t a huge dessert fan, but even I had to admit that it was amazing. We’d just finished eating when Marcus White walked in. He spotted me at once and smiled, sauntering over to our table.
“Andrea!” he greeted with enthusiasm. “How lovely to see you again.”
“Marcus,” I introduced. “This is Coop and his partner, Faith. Everyone, this is Marcus White. I showed Marcus around a commercial property in town yesterday. He’s interested in buying in the area.”
Marcus reached out and shook their hands. “Coop,” he said. “As in Cooper Brown?”
Coop narrowed his eyes suspiciously. “Yeah, that’s me.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve worked in hospitality myself. Even thought of owning a bar like this a time or two. I”
Coop didn’t look impressed.
“I’m thinking of relocating to Creede,” Marcus went on. “And I was told this was one of the best places to eat.”
“The food here’s great,” Faith told him.
“Well, I’ll let you get back to your dinner,” Marcus said. “Andrea, I’ll call you tomorrow to set up that viewing.”
Marcus sat down at an empty table near the bar and ordered a drink from the waitress.”
“Have you thought any more about when we’re going to hold Libby’s baby shower?” I asked.
Faith shook her head. “There’s been so much going on lately that I’ve been too distracted. We need to come up with something soon or she’ll have had the baby before the party.”
“Tell me about it. I don’t know where the time is going.”
“That guy keeps watching you,” Coop said, his brow scrunched together.
When I looked over my shoulder, Marcus smiled and lifted his glass to me in a toast. He was talking on his phone. I smiled politely then turned around and rolled my eyes.
“He asked me out on a date.”
“Really?” Faith’s eyes were impossibly wide. “What did you say?”
I huffed out a laugh. “What do you think I said? No, of course. I told him I’m seeing someone.”
Coop chuckled. “Does Ethan know?”
“No, and I think it’s better if I kept it that way. He’s…jealous.”
“Aren’t they all,” Faith replied.
Coop scowled at her. “I’m not jealous.”
She patted his hand. “Of course you’re not, babe.”
The look in her eyes as she glanced at me told me all I needed to know.
He was just as bad as Ethan.
Coop opened his mouth to argue when his cell phone rang. He picked it up and glanced at the screen.
“Damn. I need to get this. Sorry.”
Coop answered the call and his expression changed in an instant. “Luke, calm down. Tell me what’s going on.”
I caught Faith’s gaze and frowned.
As he listened, a dangerous light flashed in his eyes. “What the fuck? Okay, sure. I’m on my way.”
“What’s wrong?” Faith asked when he hung up.
“It’s the clubhouse,” Coop said. “It’s on fire.”
Faith and I both gasped.
“Is everyone safe?” I asked. “Was there anyone inside?”
Coop shrugged. “I don’t know.” He turned to Faith. “Are you going to be okay here if I go and check out the damage?”
“Yes, of course. Go. Let us know what’s going on.”
He leaned in and kissed her. “Will do. Love you. I’ll call you as soon as I have any news.”
She nodded. “Okay. “
I reached for my wallet out of my purse, but Coop shook his head. “Dinner’s on me.”
“Thanks, Coop.”
He leaned down one last time and kissed Faith on the forehead then strode towards the door.
“I guess we should call it a night,” I said, feeling uneasy after the news.
At least I knew that Luke was okay, but what about everyone else?
Faith nodded. “Yeah. We’ll have to do it again soon.”
“Definitely.”
Ethan had given me a lift to the restaurant so I didn’t have my car, but I only lived a short distance away so I figured I’d walk. I said goodbye to Faith and was about to leave when Marcus appeared at my side.
“I was just leaving,” he said. “Can I offer you a ride?”
It was on the tip of my tongue to refuse, but what harm would it do? Marcus was a client and even though I expected him to try his luck again, I was pretty sure I could handle him.
“I don’t live far,” I said. “I was going to walk.”
He waved away my reply. “Nonsense. I know this is a small town and it’s likely that nothing ever happens here, but I hate to see women walking the streets at night.
“I’d never forgive myself if something were to happen to you. Come, you can tell me about the other property you have lined up on the way.”
I shrugged. “Okay, thanks.”
I turned and waved to Faith. “See you soon.”