but it was asking for trouble to put even a ballpark number on a woman’s age. Today she looked a little older and that probably had something to do with the natural disaster she was dealing with. It was her job to coordinate resources and the emergency response. Judging by the expression on her face, whatever she had to say wasn’t good.
“Faith, I’ve got some bad news.” The mayor got straight to the point. “We just received word that there’s an evacuation order for everyone who lives near Crawford’s Crest.”
“That’s where my house is.”
“I know.” The woman’s voice softened and her expression was sympathetic. “I’m on my way to the staging area right now for an update from the fire captain and wanted to let you know myself.”
“And I appreciate it more than you know. I’ll just go to the house and grab a few things for us.”
The mayor shook her head. “They won’t let you through. The sheriff has blocked off the road. You can’t go home, honey.”
Faith blinked as the meaning of it all sank in and shock took over. “Oh my God. You mean I could really lose it—”
The woman started talking, telling her about everything being done—tankers dropping fire-retardant chemicals and water on the blaze. Firefighters were clearing the brush, trying to deprive the fire of fuel to burn and slow it down so they could surround it. But Sam saw the worry on her face and what she was leaving out. No one could control the wind that was fanning the flames, limiting the ability of ordinary men to save the structures in the fire’s path.
“All your neighbors are getting out. That’s a lot of people to find shelter for.”
Sam watched the color drain from Faith’s face and had the most absurd desire to pull her into his arms and tell her everything was going to be fine.
“Faith, honey, we’d rather keep evacuees in private homes as opposed to setting up temporary quarters in the high school gym. You know how people in this town pull together when there’s a crisis. My office has lined up volunteers and we’ve almost got everyone covered. You and Phoebe can stay at my house. It’s pretty full, but we have air mattresses and floor space in the living room.”
Apparently Sam’s male chromosomes, the ones that made him want to fix a problem rather than just stand by and listen, kicked into gear. That was the only explanation for what came out of his mouth. That and the fact that there was no way he would let them sleep on air mattresses, even if it was in the mayor’s living room.
He touched Faith’s arm. “You and Phoebe can stay with me.”
Faith’s sassy inner flirt went absolutely silent and all she could do was stare at Sam for several moments. Then her mind just went numb. “I’m sorry. You want Phoebe and me to do what now?”
“Stay with me.” His concern seemed genuine but that didn’t mean it was.
Although the look was another winner for him. And the fact that she could even think that in a time of crisis was reason enough to decline the offer. “That’s very nice of you. But I wouldn’t want to cramp your style.”
“What style would that be?”
“You know.” She glanced at the mayor, not wanting to discuss his personal life in front of her. Plant lady–client privilege should be as sacred as the confessional.
“No, I don’t know.” He folded his arms over an impressive chest. The stance oozed challenge, daring her to elaborate.
“Okay then, I’ll spell it out. You’re a bachelor and you date a lot. I have a young daughter. It might not be the best arrangement for us.”
“As you know, I don’t have many third dates, which is the threshold, according to what I’ve heard, for connecting in a—” He looked at the mayor, who was taking in this conversation with more than a little interest. “More physical way.”
“So you’re saying you didn’t ‘connect’ with Kiki? Hard to believe since you had her room number at the lodge.” Hey, he opened that door by stretching the boundaries of discretion.
“A gentleman always respects a lady’s privacy. Especially about connecting—”
“Look, I’m not Phoebe,” Mayor Loretta said. “I’ve heard the word sex. In fact, believe it or not, I’ve actually experienced it a time or two.”
“Right. Because you’re married.” Faith’s cheeks were burning with embarrassment. “Here’s the thing—Phoebe is young and impressionable. Witnessing a parade of women going in and out of Sam’s house would raise a lot of questions that I’m not prepared to answer right now.”
“I think I can survive without female companionship while the evacuation order is in effect. We’re only talking a day or two. Right?”
The mayor nodded. “That’s the best guess right now. But fire is unpredictable.”
“I’m grateful for the offer, Sam. Really. But it would probably be best if we stay with Loretta and Tom.”
“Even though I have multiple bedrooms with actual beds? Not air mattresses on the floor.”
The mayor looked puzzled. “Of course you’re welcome, Faith, but it sounds as if you’d be more comfortable at Sam’s until the danger is over.”
Faith was comfortable teasing and tormenting him when he bought flowers from her. Being in his house didn’t sound comfortable at all. “Phoebe has to be my first priority so—”
“Look, Faith, your aunt Cathy was my best friend,” Loretta said. “When she was losing her cancer battle she made me promise to watch over you and Phoebe for her. And I swore I would make sure you were being taken care of. In this situation I have to say the best place for you is with Sam.”
“Selfishly,” he said, “you’d be doing me a favor.”
“Really?” She didn’t actually buy into that and was humoring him.
“I’m new in town and trying to fit in. Folks here take care of their own. It’s a hallmark of Blackwater Lake. So let me be neighborly in order to win them over.”
“He’s got a point,” the mayor agreed.
“And it’s not an inconvenience.” Sam gave her a look that probably melted female resistance like a Popsicle in the summer sun. “I’m sure the firefighters will get things under control pretty fast.”
“And I really need to get an update on their progress.” Loretta looked at her watch.
Faith felt ganged up on and wanted to dig in but there was no mistaking the worry and weariness in the other woman’s face. She wouldn’t add to it. “All right. If you think it’s best, Loretta. Sam can earn points for being a good citizen.”
“Good. That’s settled.” Loretta looked relieved. “I have to run.”
Faith
