Hank raised his hand. “I’m sure Deputy Cruz can help out in that department, but Ms. St. James, I’m also going to advise that you stay put in your house for the next few days. We can set up a stakeout that way, hopefully catch this stalker while keeping you safe at the same time.”

“I can’t stay put. I have a signing at the Bell, Book & Candle on Saturday.”

“That’s the same day as the Panic Parade. The town will be utter chaos.” Hank shook his head. “You’ll have to cancel that.”

Roxy straightened. “Not happening.”

“Ma’am, I don’t think you understand the seriousness of what we’re—”

She stepped into his personal space and stared up at him. “I hate personal appearances. I get nervous. My hands sweat. Sometimes I feel like throwing up. Once I actually did. But you know what? Agnes Miller has pre-sold over two hundred books. That means a minimum of two hundred of my fans are coming to her store on Saturday expecting to meet me and have me sign a book for them. There is no way I’m canceling on them or her. No way. Because the only thing I hate worse than personal appearances is disappointing my fans, of which Agnes is one. So this Saturday? It is absolutely, positively, unequivocally happening.”

Alex bit back a grin. It was a rare individual who stood up to Sheriff Merrow that way, not in small part because he was a werewolf. Which, granted, Roxy might not know. Either way she was a brave soul with a real knack for putting her words to good use.

Hank sighed. “You’re not going to give in on this, are you?”

“If I was the kind of person who gives in, I’d never have gotten published. And I’d still be married to the biggest mistake of my life.”

Delaney snorted.

Hank looked at Alex. “Consider yourself on personal protection duty until further notice.”

“You got it, except—”

“Alex.” Carmen waved from his driveway. “How many people for dinner tonight?”

“Except my mother’s still here.” Alex shook his head slowly. “I shouldn’t leave my mom in the house by herself tonight. She’s going home tomorrow, but until then, this is going to be tricky.”

Delaney put her arm around Roxy’s shoulders. “How about Hugh and I be her personal protection this evening, then Alex takes over tomorrow?” She nudged Roxy’s hip with her own. “Can’t get much safer than in a house with two vampires.”

Alex bristled with the need to protect Roxy himself, but Delaney was right. This way was easier. He nodded reluctantly. “Agreed. Then tomorrow, she’s all mine.”

And hopefully, for a long time to come after that.

Roxy looked around at Delaney’s house with new eyes. The house was just as gorgeous and just as beautifully decorated as it had been on her last visit, but everything seemed different now. “It’s so weird being here.”

Delaney’s brows pulled together. “Roxy, you’ve been here before. Several times.”

“Yeah, but I didn’t know vampires lived here then.”

Delaney laughed. “And that makes a difference?”

“Totally.”

“Hello, Miss Roxy.” Stanhill popped out of the kitchen. “I understand you’re spending the night. I’ll be happy to take your bag up to the guest room.”

“Hi, Stanhill. Thanks.” She handed her overnight bag to him, but kept her laptop bag slung over her shoulder. “Hey, are you a vampire too?”

He stiffened and looked at Delaney.

She waved it off. “Roxy knows. It was time. Past time.”

“I see.” He relaxed. “No, miss. I’m a rook. It’s sort of in between a vampire and a human.”

“Cool.” Roxy nodded at Delaney. “I want to know more about that. I could totally put one of those in a book.”

Stanhill’s gaze took on a calculating gleam. “So long as the rook in question is roguishly handsome, you’ve got my blessing.”

Roxy and Delaney laughed, causing Stanhill to grin. “I have a reputation to maintain, you know.”

“I’m sure,” Roxy said. As Stanhill carted off her bag, she looked around. “Where’s Hugh?”

“Right here.” He strode out from the living room, a ready smile on his face. “Hello, my darling.” He leaned in and kissed Delaney, giving Roxy a pang of longing.

She’d never been greeted like that in her marriage, not even once. She made herself smile as Hugh wrapped his arm around Delaney’s waist and greeted Roxy.

“Nice to see you again, Roxy. I’m sorry to hear about the troubles you’ve been having, but I’m glad we can provide you with a safe place to stay while Deputy Cruz is occupied with his mother.”

“Thanks.” Roxy shrugged. “It was just a little complicated with her in town.” Roxy totally understood that Alex needed to be with his mom—if the stalker had seen them kiss, there was no telling what the guy might do—and yet, she missed him. Which was nuts because there was no reason for her to miss him since she’d just seen him. But she did.

Stanhill came back downstairs. “Dinner’s not until seven. Should I fix hors d’oeuvres? Some cheese and crackers, perhaps?”

“I’m fine,” Roxy said. She and Delaney had eventually gotten to eat lunch at her house before they’d come here.

“I’m good too, Stanhill,” Delaney said.