No Good Deed: A Small-Town Romantic Suspense Novel

9. Plan B

Troy had learned a high level of self-discipline in the Army. He needed every last bit of it to keep the conversation light and free of innuendo and desire.

Piper Keenan had his system on fire. He’d never wanted another woman like this. The kisses they’d shared in the garage had been like nothing else he’d experienced. His hands hadn’t touched anything other than the sleeves of her winter jacket, yet he was hard as the concrete floor they’d stood on. Such a romantic, Phail. First kiss in a garage.

Troy set up Oreo’s stuff in the corner of the kitchen and then showed Piper the alarm system he’d installed. He had joined in the business with his friends out at Midnight Security. The company focused on teaching a wide variety of classes to bodyguards, law enforcement personnel, and regular people who wanted to up their skills.

Troy had taught some classes on security systems, focusing on their strengths and weaknesses. To keep his information current, he had installed different systems on his home and Phail General. Top of the line stuff.

He gave Piper the current code. “I change it up every week. There are monitors on all the doors and windows. If a breach occurs, an alarm sounds and alerts are sent to a few phones. Mine, Marcus, and Sam over at Midnight Security.”

Her eyes widened. “I didn’t expect such strong security measures in a small town. Do you get a lot of crime here?”

He realized that instead of making her feel better, his explanation had freaked her out a little. “No. It’s generally a very safe community.” This was not the time to tell her about all the incidents involving the people at Midnight Lake. Those problems had all followed them here, anyway.

He explained his role in the business. “I enjoy learning the alarm stuff and like to tweak things to make them better. It’s fun.”

That made her smile. “Nice to have a hobby that keeps you and your friends and family safe. I’m looking forward to meeting the rest of your friends.”

Warmth spread through him at that comment. He wanted her to meet his friends as well. He wanted her to like them. To maybe find a way she could fit in here in Phail.

Troy shook his head mentally. He’d known her for a couple of days and he was thinking in terms of forever. But he couldn’t stop his imagination from going there, from seeing them together and happy way down the road.

He led her down the short hallway. “This is the guest bedroom. Clean sheets are on the bed, and you can use this bathroom. I’ve got my own, so this one’s all yours. My room’s right there. Just knock if you need anything. Or text. Hell, it’s a small house. Just say my name and I’m sure I’ll hear you.”

She smiled and peeked into the guest room. He moved to close the curtains before anyone spotted her from outside. “The curtains are room darkening for when my parents come home to visit. They’ll make it more difficult for anyone outside to tell if there’s a light on.”

She nodded again. Oreo’s footsteps clicked on the hardwood as he approached from the kitchen. “You’ve got a really nice home here. Thank you for allowing us to invade.”

He grinned at that. “Feel free to invade as long as you like.”

A pretty flush covered her cheeks, and her eyes twinkled as she smiled back.

Troy wanted to follow her into the room and into the bed. Instead, he stepped back. “Do you want something to drink? I have some decaf teas.”

“I’d like that. Thank you.”

“You get settled. I’ll get the tea.” He backed away from the room and forced his feet to the kitchen. She’d been through a hell of a day, and needed to relax. While a bout of hot and sweaty sex would be relaxing, it probably wasn’t what she really needed. The tea would have to do.

After putting the kettle on the stove, he moved to the living room and closed those curtains as well. When he heard Oreo and Piper heading back, he asked. “Spicy chai or lemon-ginger?”

“Both sound great. Whichever you’re having.”

He set the infusers into the mugs and brought them into the living room. He gestured at the couch and took one end. She took the other and he placed her mug on the coffee table. “Tansy says to let it steep for about two minutes for the best flavor.”

She nodded and scooped Oreo into her lap. The dog turned in a circle a few times and then settled in. Piper stroked her hand over his head and down his body. Lucky dog.

Troy took the infusers out of the tea and put them on a saucer, then picked up his mug and leaned back into the couch. “So, how are you really doing?”

Piper huffed out a laugh that didn’t contain any humor. “It’s been an interesting few days. When I left Chicago, I didn’t have any thoughts about being the target of someone who thinks I have something they want. I didn’t really believe your town was named Phail. And my biggest worry was being homeless and jobless in two weeks’ time.”

Hell. That didn’t sound good at all. “You can stay here as long as you like, Piper. No rent. Just stay until you figure out what you want to do next.”

Her eyes widened. “You don’t know me.”

He grinned. “I know enough. I researched you when I was deciding which planner to hire. Every last thing about you online is positive. You may not have any social media sites, but many of the people and groups you’ve helped have mentioned you on their own social media feeds.”

“Really?”

“Really. Your work has made a positive impact on many people.”

“Wow. Thank you. I never look at social media.”

Probably because she hadn’t had a lot of time. From everything she’d said, she worked almost all the time. “We’ll figure out what this guy wants and stop him. We’ll have to be patient and let Marcus do his job. In the meantime, you and Oreo are perfectly safe here.”

She smiled at him as she patted the dog. “That’s another thing I didn’t know before I arrived. Two things, I guess.”

“What’s that?”

“I didn’t know I’d find it so easy to make new friends. And I didn’t know I’d have a dog.”

Troy laughed. “There’s something about Phail that often changes things for the better.”

She lifted her mug to toast his words. “Cheers to that. I could use some better.”

* * *

Piper woke to the quiet alarm she’d set. She’d spent the first part of the night tossing and turning. And worrying. And if that worry was equally about what to do with her super-quick, super-intense feelings for Troy, she wasn’t going to admit it.

His security system made her feel safe, but she still wondered if someone was watching her. It was incredibly disconcerting to think someone was lurking in the shadows, tracking her movements.

Instead of falling asleep, she’d mentally gone through everything she’d packed in her suitcases and duffel bags. Clothes, toiletries, photo albums, and a couple of trinkets that reminded her of Chicago and her parents. Her most expensive items were probably her winter boots.

Or Rusty. Had someone planted something else in her car? Didn’t seem likely, as she’d only bought it after she’d been laid off. And it wouldn’t explain the break-ins at her home or office. Or the crash with the company car. If that was even connected.

She hadn’t wanted Troy to think she was avoiding the job he’d hired her to do, so she’d set her alarm to get up early if she did manage to sleep. And she’d managed a couple of hours.

Piper slipped out of bed. Oreo didn’t so much as twitch his tail as she rummaged for clothes. Taking a deep breath, she eased open the door. She wasn’t ready to face Troy without a shower.

Luckily, the hall was empty as she scurried across. She brought her toiletries into the shower, but then she spotted Troy’s body wash and had to sniff it. The scent reminded her of the man and the safety she felt when he was near, so she had to use it.

Then she panicked he would think she was creepy, and she washed again with her own. Could she be any sillier?

After showering, she changed into slacks and a sweater. She preferred her jeans, but she’d been hired to do a job, and she needed to appear professional. She’d put in a few good hours of research in the last few days. Now, she had several ideas, a solid list of questions to ask, and things she wanted to see around the town.

She was nervous as she opened the door and scurried back across the hall. Oreo was up and prancing, so she shoved her stuff in her duffel and grabbed his leash.

When she reached the kitchen, she was thinking about Troy’s instructions to disarm the alarm, and almost slammed into the man himself.

“Good morning.” His rumbly morning voice had her thoughts skittering to the warm bed she’d left behind.

His hair was damp from a shower, and he wore a Henley and jeans. She hoped she didn’t drool. He was the epitome of casual sexiness. The man could model anything and she’d buy it.

Troy squatted down and rubbed Oreo’s head. “Need to go out, boy? Let’s go.”

He reached for the leash, but Piper held on. “I can do it.”

He grinned at her. “Let’s do it together.” He led the way back into the mudroom, where they slipped on boots and jackets.

This time, they exited into the backyard, and Oreo tugged Piper over to the fence.

“The backyard is completely fenced in, so you don’t need the leash out here.”

She clicked it off, and Oreo wagged his tail and went about his business and then proceeded to shove his face into snow piles all around the yard, making her smile. “That’s such a weird thing to do, Oreo.”

“He sure likes the snow for a little guy without much fur.”

“Maybe I should have put his coat on him.”

Troy’s soft chuckle warmed her. “With the way he was wiggling? Not a chance. We won’t let him stay out long. How’d you sleep? I was surprised to see you up this early.”

Her face flushed. She thought about shrugging it off, but she liked him too much to be anything but honest. “I set an alarm so you’d know I’m taking my job here seriously. I’ve got several ideas but…”

Troy cut her off with an eye roll and a laugh. “Seriously? You’re still working with big city expectations. We don’t have those here. Real life happens. Shit happens. We’re allowed to change course or slow down when we need to. If you need to sleep, sleep. No one is going to think less of you. Certainly not me.”

Her mouth dropped open as he spoke. “Are you for real?”

That had him laughing again. “Last I checked. Now let’s get back inside and figure out a plan for the day.”

It didn’t take long to decide that they’d leave Oreo in the house for a couple of hours while they did a walkthrough of the town to give Piper a better overview. Kimi said he’d be fine for that length of time, but Troy laid down some papers beside his food and water dishes just in case.

“Do you have any long johns?” Troy asked.

She laughed at that. “Of course not.”

He grinned. “City girl. It’s going to be well below zero this morning. Your legs are going to get cold if you’re only wearing that thin layer.”

She hadn’t thought of that. In the end, she changed into leggings and pulled some jeans over the top. After she pulled on her jacket and mitts, Troy nodded. “Just one more item and you’ll be good to go.”

He reached into a closet and rummaged through a box on the top shelf. He grinned and held up a knitted green cap with a blue pompom on top. The colors matched the tartan pattern at the diner. “My mom has her winter stuff here. You’ll stay much warmer with the hat.”

Piper tossed her tablet in her purse, slung it over her shoulder, and they were on their way. “Explain the town layout as we go.”

“The original settlers built the town along the creek that was once a larger river, so the roads are never straight for long. They meander a bit with the water. Actually there are several small creeks and ponds around the area.”

She hadn’t talked about her ideas yet, but confirming there were water options was a bonus.

“Most of the side streets are perpendicular to Phail Way. We have farmland all around the town, but a lot of it is empty. It’s difficult to make a living without local customers. I hope people will buy those up again once we start building. Many of them are the perfect sizes for hobby or small family farms. There are larger plots further out, some occupied, some empty.”

“And in town, are there a lot of empty buildings?”

He nodded. “Too many for my liking.”

They walked up and down roads while Troy pointed out the businesses passed down through families like his own and new ones starting up.

When he suggested they have breakfast at the No Fail Diner, she instantly agreed. She was starving and her brain was spinning. It had been too cold to remove her gloves to use the tablet, and she hoped she’d remember all of her ideas once they stopped.

Troy opened the door and placed his hand on her back to usher her in. Despite the layers of fabric, the now-familiar tingle zipped through her.

They settled into the same booth as before and she wondered if it was a family table. Most of the other booths were full, as were the stools along the counter, indicating a thriving business.

A woman Piper hadn’t met yet approached the table. “Hey, Troy. And you must be Piper. I’m Sato. Welcome to Phail, and I hope you enjoy your time with us.”

Piper smiled and shook the proffered hand. “Nice to meet you, Sato. So far, I’m enjoying Phail. There are a lot of great people here.”

Sato beamed. “There sure are. Now, what can I get you?”

After Sato took their order, the people Piper hadn’t met yet came over to introduce themselves and welcome her to town. They all thanked her for trying to help them out.

Phlummoxedwith a Ph was definitely her word for the week.

When Sato brought out their breakfast burritos, the crowd returned to their own tables.

“Wow. Phail surprises me at every turn. Your people are amazing.”

Troy grinned. “They are. I can’t imagine living anywhere else, certainly not an anonymous city where you’re surrounded by strangers most of the time.”

Piper thought about her life and lack of contact with many people outside of her work. After her parents died, her world had shrunk even more.

She had a lot of familiar strangers in her life. The people in the coffee shop and the takeout places. People on the train. But not many friends. Even after the break-ins and the crash, she hadn’t had many people to call.

All her own doing. She’d never been super outgoing, and her focus had been on her career. Her string of bad luck had left her wanting more. A whole lot more.

And Phail might be just what she needed.