Page 25 of Slay Bells

“Of course. See you bright and early in the morning, be here for breakfast.”

With a sigh, she went to the small kitchen, filled the kettle with water and placed it on the stove. Then she pulled out a jar of peanut butter and a jar of Hawkins jam.

Just as she opened the silverware drawer to select a butter knife, there were three knocks on the front door.

Through the window, she could see an outline of a man. She lifted to her toes and peered out the peep hole to see Jeremy wink.

“I believe I owe you dinner,” He walked in with take out bags and a plate, which he motioned to with his head. “Mom sends cookies.”

Her eyes went wide. “Does your Mom know you were bringing me dinner?”

“Is that a problem?”

“I suppose not. I just don’t want to give her a bad impression of me.”

His chuckle accompanied by deep dimples made Gabriela’s stomach do funny things.

“This was her idea. She’s playing matchmaker. Mom is convinced I need help finding the one.”

“Me? Really?”

“Why do you find it so hard to believe. You’re beautiful and single.”

Gabriela didn’t point out the fact she was not white because obviously it didn’t matter to his family. She smiled at him. “I suppose we can play along.”

The meal and cookies were as delicious as kissing Jeremy. Finally, he reluctantly went to the door. “Best not let Mom think she’s too successful. There won’t be living with her then.” He told her and pressed another lingering kiss to her lips.

“I’m tempted to give her a very bad impression of me,” Gabriela pulled him close and nipped at his jaw. “Thank you for dinner.”

When the door closed behind him, Gabriela blew out a breath. The hunky detective was definitely making her rethink her dislike of country living.

She would be up for a while. Not only did she wish to interview Natalie in the morning, but also take shots of the festival progress.

In addition to that, she hoped to find out how the investigation of the murder progressed.

At the thought, she quickly locked the door and ensured all the windows were locked. She’d definitely be leaving the lights on all night.

Shuffling outside the cabin woke Gabriela from a deep sleep. At first she wondered if it was a wild animal, but when it sounded more like someone tried the front door. She was immediately wide awake.

Doing her best to keep her breathing under control, she slipped from the bed and went to the bedroom doorway. Listening intently, there was no doubt, someone was trying to come into the house.

Gabriela dashed back into the bedroom and peered out the window. There were tracks on the snow, leading to the front door. She could make out the outline of a person, who backed up and studied the cabin as if trying to assess if someone was inside.

Whoever it was, wore a thick coat, a scarf pulled over their nose and ski cap. However, the body type was like that of the man who’d tried to snatch her camera.

Having to use both hands because they shook so hard, she picked up her cell phone to call Jeremy.

Just then barks sounded, and the person sprinted off. Shortly after, the Hawkins’ two dogs flashed past, followed by Jeremy on the snowmobile.

Gabriela let out a breath and sat on the bed, too shaken to move. Something like this had never happened to her in the city.

When in college, she’d had to report a guy who had tried to force himself on her. She’d reported him and for weeks, the guy had harassed and tried to intimidate her. Another time a friend had been mugged while they shopped together. It was horrible and scary, but that was the extent of her experience with crime. Now, personally being part of a crime investigation was terrifying.

As expected, there were knocks on her front door a moment later and she shuffled to the front door peeking out before opening it.

“You okay?” Jeremy asked as the dogs hurried past her and began to sniff. “The dogs heard someone sneaking around.”

“Did you catch him? Whoever it was tried the doorknob, but didn’t seem too intent on breaking in.”