“I’m good.” Although a little unnerved. The presence of a group of men from L.A., at least one of whom I’d previously met, in Destiny Falls made me nervous. I’d have to get my security company to look into them, just to make sure there was nothing red-flag-worthy going on.

“My plans are still up in the air.” I didn’t intend to tell this practical stranger that I wanted to move to the area permanently.

“In that case, you should join us,” he offered, oblivious to the anxiety rocketing through me. “We’re driving to Queenstown today to do more reconnaissance. We’ll stay for a few nights and have plenty of fun—bungee jumping and hitting the clubs. We’ve got room for one more.”

“Uh.” The fact he’d just invited me—someone he’d met once—to a multi-day event with his friends had tendrils of unease unfurling within me. Perhaps he thought it was okay to extend the invitation because I was famous and he wanted to party with me for social standing. Whatever the case, I didn’t see why any woman would take off with a guy they barely knew. That was how people ended up in trouble. “Thanks, but I’ve already got plans.”

He cocked his head. “Are they as exciting as bungee jumping with some seriously cool guys?” He moved closer. “I’ll make it worth your while.”

And nope. I was out.

“I’m afraid I really can’t.” I backed off again. “Have a good time.”

“We will.”

I grabbed my keys and started toward the car.

“I’ll see you around,” he called after me.

I cringed. Not if I could help it.

I started the engine and drove away. When I was safely back at my cottage, the first thing I did was contact my security company and ask them to do a background check on Aiden Waldron.

Chapter Ten

LIAM

Every time I see you on TV, I can’t help but wonder if you’ve become one of those phony people who look down on others and throw their money around to get what they want. - Unsent text message from Liam to Kennedy

I didn’t see Kennedy all weekend. It was a goddamn miracle. On Monday, I got to the fire station ten minutes early and made semi-decent coffee for my workmates. If I’d let Asher or Zane have the honors, we’d be drinking instant crap diluted to the point of being flavored water. Igor had reasonable taste, but he was notorious for being late, so I couldn’t count on him to keep us supplied with the good stuff at the beginning of a shift. I farewelled the night-shift guys as they packed up and headed out with red eyes and sleepy faces.