His bucket rolled from beneath him and thumped against the railing. When he paced into the darker half of the porch, Chloe closed her eyes and clenched her fists in the tablecloth.“Remember to breathe,” she said to herself. “He’s right there. I could take four steps and touch him if I had to.”Walking onto the porch was one thing. Being left alone on it in the dark? Not happening.His head jerked up and he strode to her side in less time than it would have taken to call his name. “Sorry,” he muttered, then turned his attention back to his caller. “Neve? You did what? Hold on and I’ll ask her.” He glanced down. “Neve wanted me to ask if your fire alarm is hardwired into the building.” She told him no and got to her feet, half expecting flames to lick up the side of her store.“Chloe said no, so you need to pry the cover off and pull the batteries out. Are you sure you don’t want me to—” He frowned. “No, the fire department can’t monitor—” Pinching the bridge of his nose, he said, “Fine.
