Saltwater Secrets - Amelia Addler Page 0,56

dumb enough to make a full confession, or even leave anything at the scene of his crimes. Though Jade didn’t seem like she even wanted us to pursue anything.”

Chief shook his head. “That girl is a lot like her mother. Very forgiving. But we can’t just let him get away with it.”

Matthew smiled. Jade was a lot like her mom – and he was quite fond of both of them. “Let’s hope that her pepper spray aim is just as good – if she ever needs to use it.”

“Agreed.”

There were only a few days left until the vote on Proposition 16, and Jade happily reported that absolutely nothing unusual happened since moving into Chief’s house. Matthew was glad that she could feel safe again – that was what he wanted all along. He was fairly convinced that Eddie was to blame for all of the shenanigans. Work went back to normal, and Matthew didn’t have to feel so worried that something might happen to her.

There was only one thing that he didn’t know how to handle – Toast’s daily visits with Jade. Matthew didn’t mind making the drive, and Toast loved the attention. In a few short weeks, Jade managed to teach him half a dozen new tricks. He was even starting to walk nicely on his leash.

But now that she was no longer in danger, Matthew didn’t know if she still wanted to deal with him. He didn’t want her to think that he was using her as a free dog trainer; but when he brought it up to her, she insisted that she didn’t mind – she even said that she loved spending time with Toast and having his company throughout the day.

Laura wouldn’t like that it was still going on, but at least for the time being it seemed like she was swept up in the excitement of Matthew being a “hero.” The word embarrassed him – he didn’t feel like a hero at all. If Jade knew that he’d been sitting outside of her house, she definitely wouldn’t think of him as a hero. She’d probably just think he was a weirdo.

And running into the house wasn’t a choice that he made – when he heard her scream, he just reacted. Nothing would’ve stopped him from going inside – even if it seemed like he wouldn’t make it out alive. The thought didn’t cross his mind, really. He’d like to think anyone would’ve done the same.

At least Laura was quite pleased with being the girlfriend of a hero. Matthew was just glad that she hadn’t asked about the country club again. And that Saturday, she was having a girls’ night with some of her friends from work. Matthew was happy about it; it gave him a chance to catch up with Luke.

Initially, Luke suggested that they take Chief’s boat out on the water for a spin. Unfortunately, Chief was not on board with that idea. Matthew suggested that they could rent a boat, but Luke dismissed it.

“No no, it’s just as well,” Luke said. “I’m supposed to take a boating safety course that I keep putting off. How about we head to the brewery and chat? I need to solidify our friendship now that you’re island-famous.”

That sounded like a perfect evening to Matthew. It felt like he hadn’t gotten a moment’s rest since the fire. Plus, the brewery was one of his favorite places on the island – it was a beautiful, brand-new building with warehouse tall ceilings and wide windows. There was a nice outdoor patio, too.

Once the weather was a bit warmer, he hoped that he’d be able to bring Toast onto the patio and relax with friends. It wouldn’t have been a possibility before Toast attended Jade’s obedience school – he would’ve been terrified by all the people – but it seemed that every day with Jade made him less fearful and inched him closer to being a confident dog. It was amazing to watch.

They met at the brewery and got a table tucked in the corner with an expansive window view. It was surprisingly cozy despite the open space being filled with voices and laughter. It felt good to be in such a lively place – it seemed like people were putting their worries aside for the evening, and Matthew felt the pull to join them.

They ordered a few things off the menu Matthew sat back, enjoying the calm.

“I feel like I haven’t seen you in ages,” Luke commented.

“That’s probably because you