that should be approached cautiously.”
“It can’t hurt to poke around a bit,” she argued. “So far I’ve just made phone calls and stopped by the police station.”
“And if this unknown perpetrator feels you’re getting close to him, what do you think he’ll do?” He didn’t want to frighten her, but he needed her to consider the possible consequences. He watched her face as she processed what could happen not just to her, but to Austin and her family.
“He’ll come after me…or worse,” she answered, speaking slowly. “I can’t just sit around and let it happen, though. What could he do next?” She shuddered, and his imagination went to some unpleasant scenarios.
“You’ll need help,” he declared.
“The police are giving me the brush-off, and I don’t want to involve Charlotte or Mom if this is dangerous.”
“You’re skipping the obvious solution to the problem,” he pointed out. Had she just not thought of him, or was she intentionally keeping him at a distance?
“You?” Her wide eyes and dimples showed her disbelief.
“Me,” he confirmed. “No one goes at these sorts of situations alone. The police have backup, and the SEALs work in teams. Always. It’s how it’s done. So I’ll be your backup.”
“I suppose you have experience.” Her voice was dead serious, making him grin at her businesslike approach.
“Is this an interview?” He kept it light. Most of his experience was documented in classified files somewhere and definitely included things she didn’t want to see.
“I know you’re capable…I’m just a little surprised you would offer.”
“I don’t want anything to happen to you,” he said, turning solemn. She could believe it was because she was the mother of his child if she chose to. Spending time in her house and sitting across the table from her had reminded him of how much more existed between them.
“And you know I’ll go at this anyway.” She drank the last of her wine, watching him over the rim.
“I do know that. I’ve seen your determination in action.” He’d misjudged it the night she’d ended their engagement.
“I’d appreciate your help,” she said. “Thanks.”
He breathed an internal sigh of relief, but he gave nothing away on his face. The role reversal between them was ironic. Here he was, a former Navy SEAL, begging her to let him come along for the ride while she investigated. He’d follow her lead and have her back—with the definite bonus of being with her more.
“Where do we start?” he asked.
“The police won’t tell me anything more about the robber, so I need to follow another lead. Drew Castle at Castle Jewels has been after Mom and me to sell. He’s the only person I can think of who could be behind this. It makes sense, right? He wants to buy us out, so he tried to damage the business’s reputation and get it cheaper—with the added bonus of putting us in the position to want to sell.”
“You and your mom aren’t interested in selling?”
“Not at all.” She dismissed the suggestion. “And we’ve told him that repeatedly.”
Drew Castle quickly became a viable suspect in Zach’s mind. Jewelry stores were often in competition with each other, and he might make the error of thinking that the Evert women were easy marks.
“We’ll go there tomorrow,” Zach said. “I’ll act as your bodyguard.”
“That won’t work.” She chuckled. “Drew’ll think it ridiculous that I need protection. Not the right approach.”
Saying he was a friend seemed weak. He had another idea, but she might not like it. What the hell. He was going to suggest it anyway.
“How about we say I’m your fiancé, which gives me an interest in your business and a reason to be with you.”
“I…” She stopped herself, her face going pale.
He kept his gaze steady on hers. Neither one of them had brought up their engagement until then. The air thickened with unsaid words and the memories of their last conversation…when he’d slung his duffel over his shoulder and left the apartment they’d shared, her ultimatum still hanging between them.
“I guess that could work,” she said slowly.
“Good.” He controlled his urge to smile. “Let me help you clean up.” Their empty plates sat on the table, ignored while they made plans.
“I’ll take care of it.” She got to her feet and stacked plates.
He didn’t bother to argue with her. That was pointless. Actions worked better. He picked up the dishes and headed for the sink.
“Wash or dry?” he asked, turning on the water and filling the sink.
“Dishwasher,” she said, bumping her hip against the appliance, which