at Billy. "How soon can we get back in?"
He shrugged. "Could be a few weeks. Or months. I'll post a deputy on the street to make sure no one goes inside to take your stuff. Do you have a place to stay?"
She sighed. "I'll figure out something."
"They will stay with me," Jean-Luc announced. "I have a guest room they can use."
Billy's eyes narrowed. "Don't you own that fancy new store on the edge of town?"
"Yes. Le Chique Echarpe."
"Whatever," Billy muttered. "So the store is your residence, too?"
"For the time being, yes."
"Excuse us one minute." Billy grabbed Heather's arm and pulled her a few yards away.
Jean-Luc rested a hand on Bethany's shoulder to keep her from running after her mom. He turned to look at the house, but he could still hear Billy's whispered words.
"I don't know why, but the guy's after you, Heather. He could have set the fire to force you to live with him."
"He wouldn't do that," Heather muttered.
"How do you know? How long have you known this guy?"
Heather sighed. "Since Friday."
"And you're going to live with him? I didn't think you were that stupid."
Jean-Luc clenched the brass handle on his cane. He'd had enough. He marched toward them.
"Do you actually trust him?" Billy asked.
Jean-Luc halted, holding his breath while he waited for Heather's answer.
"Yes," she whispered. "I do."
It was exactly what he'd hoped to hear, but it still sizzled through him like a small shockwave. She turned and met his gaze. A hesitant smile tugged at the corners of her mouth, but her eyes retained some wariness. She might say she trusted him, but he had the distinct impression she was not entirely comfortable with it. He would have to proceed carefully. If she found out the truth about him too soon, he might lose her completely.
There was something unique about Heather. He wasn't sure what it was exactly, perhaps a combination of things. She had a beautiful face and hair, but in his line of work, he saw that often. She had a body that made his mouth water. He wanted to nibble every inch of her.
Even so, his feelings went beyond simple lust. He liked the way she talked, the way her mind worked, her sense of humor and compassion. He simply liked her. It was so simple, yet felt so profound.
"Will you come home with me?" he asked.
She studied his eyes, and her expression softened. "Yes. Just give me a minute."
Billy made a grab for Heather's arm and scowled when she pulled away. "I'll stop by tomorrow to make sure you're all right." He shot Jean-Luc a warning look.
"She'll be safe with me." He touched her shoulder. Thankfully, she didn't step away.
Billy turned and strode across Heather's front yard. He yelled at a deputy to bring the crime scene tape.
"I can't believe this is happening," Heather whispered as they began running the yellow tape across her front porch. "We have no clothes."
"You're in luck. I make clothes."
She gave him a dubious look. "Do you have designer wear that'll fit me or Bethany? Or Fidelia?"
He glanced at the older woman. She was almost as wide as she was tall. "I have some designer sheets."
Heather rolled her eyes. "The toga look could get old in a few days. I'll just drop by the discount store and pick up a few things. Luckily it's open 24/7."
He winced. "I would prefer you have something nice."
"It's all I can afford right now."
"You will not pay for it." He motioned toward her house. "I am responsible for this."
"You didn't start the fire."
"I know who did."
Her eyes widened. "Are you sure it was him?"
"Yes. This is Lui's sick way of announcing he knows your identity."
A fleeting look of panic crossed her face before she regained control. "I was afraid of that."
"Then you fully realize the danger you are in. Lui will try something worse next time."
"That's why I'm desperate enough to move in with you."
"I thought you trusted me."
She gave him an exasperated look. "Do I have any choice now?"
That hurt. "You can trust me, Heather. I promise I will keep you and your daughter safe."
She searched his eyes. "I do want to trust you. I think I do trust you, but everything is happening so fast. The bear you won for my daughter - that was really very sweet, about the sweetest thing I've ever seen from a man."
"Thank you." He moved closer. "The kiss wasn't bad, either."
Her cheeks blossomed a rosy pink, and she looked away. "I don't usually...I