By the Book

Chapter Eight

The sheriff had come and gone and the boxes in her office had been repacked and piled in the center of the room. Nothing was missing. That was a relief to Amanda. But the police still had no leads on who her attacker might be, which was more than a little worrisome.

Still, she didn’t want to dwell on the negative. There were plenty of positive things in her life at the moment. She had a new home and would have By the Book up and running again within two weeks. Besides her online business, which was doing very well, she’d have her small shop open too. She also had several good friends in this town.

Then there was Jonah.

She listened and could hear muted sounds coming from the kitchen. Jonah hadn’t left until Patrick arrived and he had returned an hour later. It hadn’t escaped her notice that the sheriff had stayed until Jonah returned.

Not that she minded the company. She wasn’t stupid and knew she’d be jumpy for a few days. She also wasn’t looking forward to tonight. It wouldn’t be easy to sleep alone, but she would do it. There wasn’t any other choice. Jonah couldn’t baby-sit her forever.

Besides which, she wasn’t about to let some stranger frighten her or chase her away from her new home.

A knock came on the front door. Amanda wiped her hands on the back of her jeans, and left her office, taking care to close the door behind her. She opened the door and stared at the stranger standing in front of her. He was a tall man, thin, with brown hair that was starting to turn gray at the temples.

A quick glance at the curb assured her that a deputy was still stationed there. The sheriff had told her he’d leave a man there until tomorrow morning, but then he’d have to pull him. A small town didn’t have the resources for more. Amanda suspected he’d already gone well beyond what any normal police force could or would do.

The man waiting on her doorstep didn’t look happy.

“Can I help you?” She kept the door partially closed, ready to slam it if necessary.

“You the woman opening up the bookstore?”

Sensing a potential customer, she put on her best professional demeanor. “Yes, I am.” She offered her hand. “Amanda Barrington.”

He looked it, but didn’t take it. She reluctantly lowered it back to her side, her nerves returning.

“I’m Hector Baker. I own a shop on the far end of Main Street. It’s called the Buy and Sell. You might have heard of it.”

Bewildered, she shook her head. “No, I’m sorry I haven’t. I’ve just moved and haven’t settled in yet. I’ll be sure and stop by.” She was still no closer to knowing what he wanted from her. Was this just a social visit from another local business owner? She didn’t think so. Mr. Baker didn’t seem to be in a particularly social mood.

“I sell a lot of books.” He pulled back his shoulders and frowned at her. “A place this small doesn’t need another bookstore. You might want to rethink opening a shop here.”

Hector frowned at her. “Heard you had some trouble here last night.”

Amanda heard the underlying threat in his words. After last night, her nerves were on edge, but she stood her ground. Jonah was in the house. If she yelled, he’d come running.

There was no sound, no footsteps, but suddenly she felt Jonah behind her. He tugged the door wider so that Hector got a good view of him standing behind her. “You know anything about that, Hector?” Jonah’s voice was low, his tone mild, but it sent shivers down Amanda’s spine.

Hector took a step back. “No. No, I don’t know anything about it. Just what I heard down at the diner. Everyone is talking about it.” He squinted at her. “Someone tried to choke her. That’s what they’re saying. And she don’t sound so good.”

“Mr. Baker.” She waited until she had his attention, eager to nip this problem in the bud. “I don’t think my business will interfere with yours at all. Do you sell mostly popular novels and paperbacks?”

He nodded. “I do real well with them too. I trade with some folks and sell with others.”

“I deal primarily in collectables, not in paperback fiction. In fact, I’ll have to stop by your shop and pick up some reading material for myself.”

Hector stared at her hard, as if trying to assess if she was telling the truth. “You do that. In the meantime, I’ll be keeping an eye on you.”

“That a threat, Hector?” Jonah tried to ease her to one side, but she held her ground.

This was her problem and she had to deal with it.

“No threat. Just a fact.” Turning, he ambled down the walkway and made his way to a dusty brown truck that was parked at the curb.

“Well, that was my first welcome from the local business community.” She frowned.

“If you don’t count Cyndi, which I don’t because she’s my friend.”

Knowing she was rambling, she shut the door. Jonah stood waiting patiently beside her. She really should lecture him about butting into her business. Instead, she went up on her toes and planted a kiss on his chin. “Thank you.”

Jonah looked slightly bemused as if she’d surprised him with her action. He’d obviously expected her to tell him off for butting in. She’d had her say to Mr. Hector Baker, but she suspected it wasn’t the last she’d hear of him. Amanda was smart enough to pick her battles and this one wasn’t worth squabbling over with Jonah.

“I’m going upstairs to straighten up a bit. If you need me for anything just give me a shout.” She could feel his eyes on her as she walked up the stairs. It wasn’t her fault that there was an extra bit of swing in her hips as she did so. No, it was his fault for making her feel so sexy.

She worked upstairs for an hour, unpacking her suitcases and putting away her belongings. She’d have to move the things in her closet to paint it later, but she needed to be able to find her clothes.

She also unpacked a box that contained several books she was reading. She stacked them on the shelf in the nightstand, promising herself she’d get back to them soon. It was then she remembered Cecilia Sutter’s journal. She’d meant to tell Jonah about it before they’d gotten distracted by the sheriff’s phone call.

Pulling open the drawer, she drew out the small volume. She debated and decided she could take a few minutes to read some more of it. What would it hurt? Scooting up on the bed, she leaned against the headboard and opened the book. Flipping past the first page, she began to read.

The wedding supper was fresh lamb that Henry’s father slaughtered just for the occasion. His mother baked a cake and just about everyone in the town showed up, everyone that is except Edwin Brown. He wanted me to marry him, but the only man for me is Henry Sutter. He was Henry’s best friend until we announced our engagement.

Then he just turned his back on us. I feel bad for Henry, but there is nothing we can do about it. Hopefully, Edwin will come around once he finds a wife of his own.

We received the most wonderful presents: a pie plate, a fancy serving dish, linens, a quilt and so much more. Henry and I danced the evening away. It was the best day of my life. My parents were so happy, but none was as happy as I.

When we left the reception, Henry carried me back to our new home. Mama had come to my room the night before and told me what to expect on my wedding night. She lied. It was so much more than she’d said. I blush even to think about the things that Henry did to me, and I to him. I love him more now than I did when I married him.

“I hear you,” Amanda mumbled as she turned the page. “These Sutter men can be lethal to a woman’s heart.” Sighing, she flipped through a few more pages. There was a recipe for biscuits along with a new remedy Cecilia had tried for removing stains from linens. But underlying all of the entries was her love for her husband.

She made a mental note to mention the journal to Jonah. If Elizabeth didn’t want it, maybe he did. In the meantime, she decided to leave it up here in her bedroom. If it got lost amongst the many books downstairs, she might forget to mention it to Jonah until she’d had a chance to organize the rest of the shop. Plus, she freely admitted that she wanted to read a bit more. The journal was a fascinating insight into Cecilia Sutter’s life.

She felt that she and the other woman had something in common—their fascination with a Sutter man.

Closing the journal, she tucked it safely away into the drawer of the bedside table.

She’d been here longer than she’d anticipated. Her stomach growled and she glanced at the clock radio. It was almost time to think about supper. She’d eaten one of Cyndi’s muffins and a banana for lunch, but she’d need something more substantial for supper.

After a full day and half a dozen cups of lemon and honey tea, her throat was feeling much better. Maybe she’d open a can of soup and make some biscuits for supper. She thought she had all the necessary ingredients to make them. If she didn’t, she had a can of ready-made ones in the refrigerator. Reading the recipe in the journal had given her a craving for them.

She’d just reached the bottom of the landing when a knock came on the front door.

This was certainly a busy place today. She opened the door and smiled. It was Jim Brown, the realtor who’d sold her the house. Dressed impeccably in a gray suit with a pale blue shirt and a slender silk tie, he looked every inch the successful businessman.

She wondered if he was related to the Edwin Brown that Cecilia talked about in the journal.

“Hi, Jim.”

“Amanda.” He smiled and took a step forward. It was either let him run into her or take a step back and let him in. She let him in. He was a good-looking man if you went for the classic blond with an athletic build. But he was a little too pushy for Amanda’s taste. The trait was probably good in his business, but it would be hard to take on a regular basis.

“To what do I owe this visit?” Jonah was still here somewhere and this man was his ex-brother-in-law. Amanda hoped to avoid an awkward meeting between the two.

“I heard you had some trouble.”

“The police are looking into it.” She had no intention of going into the particulars with him.

“The police are looking into your electrical problems?” He frowned. “I don’t understand. And do you have a cold? You’re very hoarse.”

Amanda laughed at herself. Seems not everyone in Jamesville was aware of her business. “I’m sorry. I thought you were referring to the break-in last night.”

“Break-in? Are you okay?” His frown deepened. “Do the police have any leads?”

“I’m fine, and no, they don’t have any leads. I’m sure it was a random thing.” She didn’t think that for a second, but really didn’t want to go into it with him.

Jim nodded and pushed his sleeve back, glancing at the expensive timepiece strapped to his wrist. “I heard you had some problems with the electrical system. It was all outlined in the papers I gave you.”

So that’s why he was here. He wasn’t concerned about her, but about her causing problems for him. “I know. I rechecked the inspector’s report. It was my fault for not reading it more closely.”

Jim nodded, a lock of his blond hair falling rakishly against his forehead. “I’m sorry for your trouble. Let me make it up to you.” He smiled and leaned closer. “Let me take you to dinner. There’s a nice Italian restaurant in town, or a steak house if that’s more your style.”

Amanda was taken aback by the offer. She stared at Jim, noting how the corners of his blue eyes crinkled when he smiled. There was no disputing that he was a handsome man, but she just wasn’t attracted. Any man, no matter how good looking, would pale beside Jonah. “Thank you for the invitation.” She summoned up her best professional smile. “But I have to decline. With everything that’s happened, I just don’t have the time right now.”

He inclined his head. “I’ll ask again when you’ve had time to settle in.” Before she knew exactly what to say to that, he added, “At least let me help you sort out the problem with the electrical system. It’s the least I can do.”

She was grateful that she didn’t have to fib about this. She was no good at lying and didn’t want to give him false hope for a future date. “I’m having it taken care of.”

“By whom? I can recommend an electrician if you’d like.”

“She doesn’t need your recommendation, Brown. I’m doing the work.”

Amanda felt the change in the very air around her. It thickened, making it hard to breathe. Jonah sauntered up to stand beside her. The two men were a study of opposites.

Jim, with his blond hair and suave suit, was the epitome of the sophisticated businessman. Then there was Jonah. With his dark hair and rugged face, Jonah appeared stronger, more dangerous. It had nothing to do with the faded jeans and work boots he wore, but had more to do with the man he was.

This could get ugly. Amanda stepped into the breach. “Jim just stopped by because he’d heard I had a slight problem with the house. I assured him I didn’t hold him or his office responsible.” Turning back to Jim, she offered him a professional smile. “If that’s everything, it’s been a long day.”

He took the hint. “I’ll be going then. If there’s anything you need or if you change your mind about wanting my help, just call my office. They always know where to find me.”

“Thank you.”

He inclined his head to Jonah. “Sutter.”

Jonah just glared at him as Amanda ushered him out of the house and shut the door behind him. “Well, that was fun.”

“Stay away from him.” Jonah’s tone was harsh. He prowled toward her. She took a step away, but he kept coming. Amanda felt the door hit her back. There was nowhere for her to go. Not that she was afraid of Jonah, but she wasn’t quite sure what to make of his mood.

“You can’t tell me who I can see or who I can’t. But I have no reason to contact Jim Brown for anything. I already have a house. Remember?” He ignored her obvious sarcasm and cupped her face with his hands. They were calloused and hard, yet warm and gentle.

“That man is not to be trusted.” A muscle ticked just under Jonah’s right eye. “Stay away from him.”

Totally exasperated, she reached up and pulled him closer. “I repeat. I have no reason to contact Jim Brown for anything else. He was my realtor. Nothing more. If I want a recommendation for any work around this place, electrical or otherwise, I’ll ask Shamus.”

Jonah let out a sigh that ruffled her hair. She’d tied her hair back earlier today, but tendrils had escaped from the holder and were now curling wildly around her face.

“Shamus, huh?” His fingers slowly caressed her face as they slid down to her neck.

He was very careful not to let them touch her bruises.

“Yup. He’s my best friend’s husband, plus it’s his business to know who to recommend. The man is a contractor after all.” She let her fingers slip through his hair.

“And he did recommend you.”

A slow smile crossed Jonah’s face. “He did, didn’t he?” Leaning down, Jonah brushed his lips over hers. He didn’t stop there, but kissed her cheeks, her nose, her forehead and chin. “How are you feeling?”

He’d asked her this question at various times today, but this time she had a feeling he was asking for a very different reason. For a man she hadn’t known long, she was quickly becoming attuned to his moods. She knew he disliked his ex-brother-in-law, but that was to be expected. What she hadn’t expected was the edge of something darker and deeper.

There was more to his dislike than just a simple divorce, but now wasn’t the time to ask.

With Jim gone, Amanda sensed the change in Jonah—mentally and physically. She felt the hardness of his erection as he crowded closer to her, felt his growing need for her.

She knew it was because he wanted her, but it was partly a guy thing too. His need to establish his connection to her. It was primitive and raw, and damn if it didn’t turn her on.

Her hands fell to his shoulders and her fingers curled into the material of his shirt.

She could feel the thick muscles bunching beneath her palms. He was so strong and so warm. “I was just about to make supper.” Her voice had an almost breathless quality about it.

“Supper can wait.” He kissed the side of her neck, nibbled at the lobe of her ear.

“I’m hungry for you.” He let his hand roam down her body, following the curve of her waist and hip. Curling his hand behind her right thigh, he pulled it up around his waist.

The action brought her mound into direct contact with his erection. She moaned, unable to help herself. “Supper can wait,” she agreed. Supper could definitely wait, but she couldn’t. She wanted Jonah. No, she needed him. Needed him to fill the empty space inside her, to warm her from the inside out, to make her feel safe and wanted and sexy.

Jonah traced his tongue over the whorl of her ear before taking the lobe between his teeth and gently tugging. Her pulse quickened and her breathing got shallower. “Jonah,”

she gasped and pulled him closer.

He buried his face in the curve of her shoulder and took a deep breath. It made her feel better to know that he was as affected as she was by the sexual heat between them.

He raised his head. “Are you sure? I don’t want to hurt you, Amanda. But be sure. If I start, I’m not certain I can stop.”

She swallowed hard. Her throat was still tender, but other than that she felt perfectly fine. Better than fine. She was on fire for Jonah and only he could give her what she needed.

“I’m sure.”