The Lawman's Promise by Alexis Morgan

Author:Alexis Morgan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2023-03-08T15:20:50+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

“DO YOU WANT me to move out?”

Maxim Volkov held his breath as he waited for Rikki Bruce’s answer. For what seemed like an eternity, she continued to stare out the front window at the small group of people who were marching back and forth in front of her bed-and-breakfast while carrying signs protesting his presence in their town. Maybe she was trying to decide if the amount of money she stood to make if he remained in residence was worth the hassles it might cause her here in Dunbar.

“Just say the word, and I’m gone.”

She finally turned to face him, her clear gray eyes practically shooting sparks. “Are you unhappy with the service here?”

Not the question he was expecting, and it took him by surprise. “Of course not. I’d give this place a five-star rating every day of the week.”

“Have I complained about anything you’ve said or done while you’ve been staying here?”

“No.”

“Then if you’re not unhappy here, and I’m not unhappy with you as a guest, why would I ask you to leave?”

As nice as her assessment of the situation was to hear, she was daft if she didn’t think there might be unpleasant consequences if the protesters decided to up the ante. He pointed out the window. “You know that if I win my case about the Trillium Nugget, the fine citizens of Dunbar will be up in arms about it. I don’t want you and Carter to get caught in the middle. Eventually I will go back to Portland, but this town is your home.”

“You let me worry about us. I won’t give in to bullying tactics ever again, and no one else will dictate how I operate my business. I get that they’re upset, but that doesn’t give them the right to act like fools.”

This wasn’t the first time Maxim had had this same conversation with Rikki. If he was any kind of gentleman, he wouldn’t leave the decision up to her. It wasn’t as if he needed to stay in Dunbar while his claim was being evaluated. He’d heard Chief Peters had discussed the matter with the city council, and Max expected to receive an update on the situation. If Cade didn’t contact him soon, he’d make another trip to the police station. “I’m going to hang out at the café for a while. Can I pick up anything in town for you while I’m out and about?”

“Thanks for offering, but I can do my own shopping.”

He knew she could, but couldn’t the stubborn woman let him help out once in a while? Well, two could play at that game. He’d been ordering his dinner to go at the café rather than eating it there. The other patrons didn’t usually speak to him directly, but their angry stares and muttered comments took the shine off even Titus’s excellent cooking.

“I’ll be back by six. This time I’m bringing enough dinner for all three of us. My treat.”

She gasped in shock. “No, I can’t let you do that, Max.

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