“To the squad finally being reunited,” Luna exclaimed, holding her glass of wine for a toast.

I’d moved back from Paris two nights before and had immediately planned a reunion with my two best friends, Luna and Faith. I’d asked them to meet me at my grandmother’s old inn because I’d stopped by to visit the property this afternoon. We ended up ordering pizza and drinks and staying in. It was fitting. We had many memories here.

“I can’t believe this space still looks the same. It’s like a time capsule,” Faith said.

“Except for the coat of dust,” I chimed in. The place had been empty and boarded up for a few months, and now that I had returned, my parents had asked me to look into selling it.

“We’re so glad you’re back.” Faith hugged me with one arm.

“I’m glad too.” My three-year work stint in Paris had been exciting, but I hadn’t seen myself settling down there. I was an LA girl at heart. I’d missed my friends, my parents, my siblings, and nieces. I’d also missed the near-constant sun. I couldn’t wait to hit the beach. I tanned quickly, and even though my hair was almost black, some strands earned a reddish hue after spending a few days in the sun. 

“So you’re really going to sell this place, huh?” Faith asked.

“Yep. No other way.” My grandmother had run a successful B&B, but my parents wanted to enjoy their retirement doing nothing at all, and my siblings and I all had full-time jobs. I couldn’t see myself running a B&B on top of that, so better to sell the place than leave it to decay. The house would need some serious repairs before putting it on the market as it was.

The doorbell rang as we carried the empty pizza cartons to the kitchen.

“Are you expecting someone?” Luna asked.

“No.”

I dashed to the front door, swung it open, and came face-to-face with a very tall and very handsome man. He looked at me, then behind my shoulder at Faith and Luna.

“Can I help you?” I asked.

“I’m Detective Will Connor.”

A detective? Not what I had been expecting. Were detectives supposed to be this hot? I would have pegged him for a guy trying to break into the modeling or acting business. He certainly had the looks for it. Tall and well built, with chocolate brown, messy hair. His eyes were a smidge darker, and the bone structure of his jaw reminded me of the models in those aftershave commercials: defined, strong... sexy.

“Oh, and what’s the reason for your visit?”

“A neighbor called. Said he saw lights here and that the place had been boarded up for a few months.”

“It used to be my grandma’s inn. Now it’s mine. I came to take a look at it.”

“So you’re the owner?”

“I am, Detective. My name is Paige Lamonica. Would you like to see an ID?”

“No need. The neighbors thought someone broke in, what with the place being empty. Are there any signs of forced entries? Boarded-up houses attract burglars,” he explained.

“I haven’t checked the whole house yet, but all doors and windows on the ground floor are still boarded up. The boards will come down, though. I’ll be renovating the place.”

He folded his arms over his chest, and I took in those biceps for the first time. Holy hell. He was wearing a short-sleeved shirt, and I had to practically force myself to look away.

“You didn’t see anything out of place either, right, girls?” I asked, turning to look at them. They nodded wordlessly, too busy checking out Will to answer. I’d mentioned earlier this evening that I wanted to date more, and now I could practically feel them measuring his dating potential. I turned my attention back to Will.

“Looks like you made this trip for nothing. Sorry for keeping you from problems that really need your attention.”

“I’m off duty, but I was in the area when the call came through.”

“Well, nothing going on here except some old friends catching up and celebrating the Fourth of July three days late.”

“Make sure you’re not too loud.” His tone was teasing.

“Why, Detective, will you arrest us?” I asked playfully.

Something glinted in those dark eyes, making my insides tighten. His lips curled into a breathtaking smile. Well, honestly, he was a breathtaking man all-around.

“Since you’re off duty, can we offer you a drink to make up for the inconvenience?” Luna asked.

“I’m headed somewhere, but thank you for the invitation.” He pulled a card from his back pocket, handing it to me. “This is my number, Paige. If you do find any signs of forced entry, call me.”

“Sure.”

“Have a nice evening, ladies.”

I closed the door and turned to the girls.

“Who knew detectives were so sexy?” Luna asked.

Faith clapped her hands. “I certainly didn’t, but now that I do, I think it’s time I reevaluate my dating pool.”

I ran my hands over the business card. Detective William Connor. Below was a cell phone number and the address of a police station. I pocketed it.

We went through the house looking for any signs of forced entry. All the boards on the ground floor were firmly in place, and even though I couldn’t imagine thieves climbing through the windows on the upper floor, we checked those too. The inn had been spared.

“So, I’d say it’s high time I give you your gifts,” I announced when we returned to the living room. They both squealed, hugging me. I’d brought an extra suitcase just with gifts for my friends and family and my work colleague Ashley. She and I had started working at Three Emeralds, a nonprofit focusing on human development, right after college. When a position at the Paris office came up, Ashley bowed out, saying that with a husband and two kids, she had too many strings here. I had reeled at the opportunity to spend time in another country, especially in France. The team was much larger, and I’d learned a lot from my colleagues there. I’d always liked my no-strings existence, but lately I’d started thinking that some strings wouldn’t be bad. Some roots. Maybe it was seeing my two sisters and brother getting married. I had no idea, but the idea was growing on me.

“How about some music?” Faith asked, pouring herself another glass of wine.

“I’ve got an excellent playlist.” I took out my smartphone and tapped the screen, bringing up a list with upbeat, fun songs. They were perfect for a reunion evening. As I turned the volume to the max, I wondered if it was loud enough for the neighbors to hear, and if they’d come knocking at the door to tell me to turn it down or if they’d report the disturbance to the police. Would the hot detective stop by again?