Sometimes, I pick up my phone to tell you something and realize I don’t even know your number anymore. - Unsent text message from Liam to Kennedy

I sauntered into work, feeling like everything was sunny-side up on Monday morning. I’d spent an awesome day with Kennedy, and if I hadn’t been reading things wrong, I think she’d been tempted to invite me to stay for longer last night.

In the staff room, I unpacked my gear and went to the kitchen to start coffee brewing. That done, I flopped onto the sofa.

“You look pretty pleased with yourself,” Asher said, joining me.

I grinned like a goof. “I had a really good weekend.”

“Must be nice,” he grumbled. “What did you get up to?”

“Went hiking with Kennedy.” I took in his morose expression and frowned. “What’s wrong with you?”

He sighed. “My folks have been talking to some friends of theirs whose son recently got engaged and they were on at me all Sunday to find a nice girl and settle down.” He jabbed a finger in the air. “I already know every girl our age in Destiny Falls, and I’ve dated half of them. If I haven’t found the one yet, I guess I’ll just have to double down on flirting with the tourists who come through. Maybe one of them will fancy moving to the middle of nowhere to live with a sexy paramedic.”

I laughed. I knew all about that well-intentioned parental pressure. “Can’t help you there.”

My phone buzzed. A quick check of the screen showed Kennedy was calling.

“Hi, beautiful,” I said, getting to my feet and putting some distance between Asher and me because I didn’t trust him not to eavesdrop. “Don’t tell me you miss me already.”

Her breath hitched. The silence became awkward. Damn.

“Um, I wish that was the only reason I was calling.” Her voice was strained, instantly putting me on alert.

“What’s the matter?”

“Someone spray-painted the cottage door this morning. I think it was the stalker. Nate has been here already, but I thought you might want to know. You said to call if anything happened.”

My hands curled into fists. “I’m glad you let me know.” Even if it made me want to beat the crap out of someone. “How are you doing? Is Blair with you?”

“I’ve been better.” She sighed. “I’ve also been worse though. Blair is here and threatening to never let me out of his sight again.”

My tension eased. Things may be strained between Blair and me at the moment, but I trusted him to be there for whatever she needed. “Listen, I—” A siren rang through the station, and I cursed my rotten luck. “Damn it, I have to go. It’s work. Sorry.”

“Of course.” She sounded falsely cheerful. “I’ll talk to you later. Stay safe.”