“It’s got to hold some special meaning for him,” Logan stated.

  Kyle nodded in agreement. “That’s exactly what I’m thinking. Maybe he was an abused child, or maybe he lost someone important to him there.”

  “It’s possible, but whatever significance it holds for him, we need to figure it out and catch him at his own twisted game,” Nina replied.

  Tensing his facial muscles, Logan said, “That you can be sure of.”

  “We can do this, Nina. We’ll find this sick jerk and see to it that he’s put away. The citizens of Melville are counting on us,” Kyle told her.

  “Well, if the three of you will excuse me, I’ve got a meeting with the mayor in twenty minutes on this very subject. I trust that I’ll be hearing some good news real soon?” Chief Moore asked.

  “We’ll track him down. You can bet on it,” Nina assured him. “Melville needs to get back to normal. The only way for it to happen is for us to put this criminal behind bars for a long time.”

  “I heard that,” Logan said with a grin.

  Kyle stared at Nina intensely as she gathered her purse and put away her tablet. “There’s nothing as appealing as someone who knows what they want and a plan of strategy on how to get it.”

  “It’s my job. It’s what I do,” she replied. Nina was determined to maintain her professionalism in spite of her heart beat accelerating again.

  “And so do we,” Logan added. “I’d like to discuss a few ideas with you. How about joining us for a late breakfast?”

  His invitation caught her off guard. “Are you asking me to brunch?”

  “If you want to call it that, yeah, we both are,” Kyle confirmed.

  “It would give us a chance to knock around some plan of strategy. OK, but I’m paying,” Nina said.

  “You can try, but it’s our offer, so we’re paying,” Logan corrected. “There’s no use in arguing the point.”

  “I guess chivalry is alive and well in Melville,” Nina said, smiling at them.

  “You’ve got that right, Kyle said. “It’s our treat. Let’s hit it. I’m starved.”

  Chapter Two

  After the trio arrived at the Red Rooster, a popular diner in the middle of town, Logan sat next to Nina in the booth seat, and Kyle took a seat opposite them. A moment later, their hostess, Debbie Bennett, approached the table.

  “Hey, Logan, Kyle, what can I get for y’all today?” she asked, adjusting the front of her red and yellow uniform.

  “Debbie, this is Nina Taylor. She’s with the arson investigation unit,” Logan said.

  “Well, I’m pleased to meet you, Nina. I sure hope y’all catch the creep real soon. Folks around here are so jumpy and on edge. No one knows whose property is gonna go up in flames next.”

  Staring at the young, blonde waitress, Nina could tell she was nervous as well just talking about it. She wanted to put Debbie’s mind to rest. “Don’t worry, every hour we’re getting closer to catching the person responsible for the crimes. Rest assured, we’re gonna find him and bring him to justice.”

  “It makes me feel a whole lot better knowing that these two are watching over us,” Debbie replied with a smile, referring to Logan and Kyle. Toying with the jewelry she wore, she said, “It’s like having your own set of personal heroes just waiting to rescue you.”

  “I can see how that would help you rest comfortably at night,” Nina told her.

  “Uh-huh, it sure does,” Debbie replied, smiling even wider with a sparkle in her bright blue eyes.

  “That’s a beautiful necklace,” Nina said, complimenting Debbie on the white gold necklace with the sterling silver locket she was wearing.

  “Well, thank you. It was supposed to be a special gift from someone who had a lot of making up to do,” Debbie replied, wrinkling her freckled nose.

  Observing Debbie’s response, Nina commented, “It doesn’t seem like it worked.”

  “You’re right about that. It didn’t. Everything was great at first. Unfortunately, Danny turned out to be a jerk. His wandering eye was what caught me, but it kept wandering if you know what I mean, so I had to cut him loose.”

  “Sounds like you made the right decision,” Nina told her.

  Opening the locket, Debbie revealed the content. “It used to contain both our pictures, but when I broke up with him, I removed his. I kept the necklace though. I love it so much. I never take it off. It’s a reminder of what he was like in the beginning. He was so sweet and dedicated. It gives me hope for the future,” Debbie explained.

  Nina offered her an encouraging smile. “Ah, I see. Well, too bad for him. It seems like he let a good one slip away.” After quickly scanning the restaurant menu, she asked, “May I have the breakfast special?”

  “Deb, darlin’, we’ll have three specials,” Kyle confirmed.

  “You’ve got it. I’ll get y’all some coffee,” she said, walking off toward the kitchen.

  “She seems quite nice, and she’s as cute as a button,” Nina commented.

  “If you ask me, I think she’s got a crush on Kyle,” Logan teased.

  “Oh, no, sounds like Deb’s already got a boyfriend. Besides, I like my women a little bit older, but I must admit, it does wonders for the old ego,” Kyle explained.

  “I think she’s crushing on the both of you,” Nina said, turning her attention to Logan. “Don’t tell me getting compliments like that doesn’t make you walk a little taller.”

  Staring into her ginger-colored eyes, Logan said, “It’s flattering, but for me, nothing can take the place of maturity. I need a woman who knows the difference between love and infatuation. You know…someone who knows what she wants and exactly how to get it.”

  “I heard that. And who knows what to do with it ,” Kyle added, smiling at her mischievously.

  Nina felt the blood rush to her face and spread across her cheeks. She knew what they were doing. They were fishing, trying to test her limits of composure. It wasn’t going to work. She was determined to stand her ground. It was way too soon to let either of them know that, in no time flat, they had found the key to manipulating her emotions. Not being one to lose control, she made an attempt at deflection.

  “How would your wives or girlfriends feel if they knew you two were talking like this?” she asked.

  “Sorry, but you’re wrong on both counts. We’re two eligible bachelors as they say…no ties, no commitments,” Logan explained, leaning back against his seat. “Nice try, Cali.”

  “Cali?” she questioned.

  “It’s the nickname we picked out for you. You know, you’re being from the west coast and all,” he responded.

  Nina felt awfully confused. “You’ve got to be kidding me, right? Not even any girlfriends? How is that—“

  “Drinks are served,” Debbie announced as she placed the creamer and three cups in front of them, pouring the piping hot coffee. “Your food will be ready in five. Y’all be sure to let me know if you need anything else.”

  “Thank you, Deb. We’ll be sure to do just that,” Kyle said.

  After Debbie left the table, Nina picked up the conversation where they had left off. She couldn’t help herself. She was absolutely intrigued. “OK, how is it possible that neither of you have a wife or a girlfriend?”

  “It hasn’t been easy for us to find the right woman,” Logan answered.

  “You mean the right women,” she corrected.

  “No, Nina, he meant what he said,” Kyle confirmed. “You know—two men and one beautiful woman for them to share.”

  “Are you serious?” she asked, feeling her mouth drop open slightly. You’re both into that?”

  “You seem quite surprised by the idea,” Logan said. “It’s not that uncommon of a thing.”

  Kyle was closely examining her body language. “You’re from L.A. I thought you would have seen just about everything there is to see.”

  “You’ve got that right, but here in Melville?” Nina asked, shaking her head. “This is a small town. Aren’t you worried about people talking?”

  “You’ve only been here for a short time. You’ll find that we’re quite progressive. People around here tend to mind their own business as long as you don’t make it their business,” Logan told her.

  “That’s why we’ve got to find whoever is setting these fires. Our lives have got to get back to normal,” Kyle said.

  “I guess so, if you consider what you two are talking about to be normal,” Nina expressed.

  “You know what we’ve got ourselves here?” Logan directed his question to Kyle. “Our partner from the west coast is turning out to be a good, old-fashioned, proper kinda gal. So tell me, Nina, who’s the lucky guy who claimed you?”

  “I’m not involved with anyone, Logan, and don’t try to change the subject. What are you trying to say? Are you calling me a prude right to my face?”

  “If the shoe fits,” Kyle added.

  Debbie approached the table carrying a large tray. “Here y’all are. Enjoy your meals. Call me if you need me.”

  “This looks delicious,” Nina said, staring at the plate of eggs, bacon, hash browns, and freshly sliced tomatoes.

  “It sure does,” Logan agreed. Reaching underneath the table, he gently brushed his hand against her thigh.

  It was as if an alarm had been triggered in Nina’s head. Immediately, her heart started pounding as panic filled her mind and body. Her mouth was suddenly dry, and she started choking on the fork full of food.

  “Are you all right?” Logan asked with great concern, patting Nina across the back.

  After taking a sip of coffee, she said, “I’m fine. I think it just slipped down the wrong pipe.”

  “Are you sure you’re OK?” Kyle asked, handing her his napkin.

  “I’ll get you some water,” Debbie told her, quickly walking back to the main counter.

  “Why did you do that?” Nina asked, staring into Logan’s sympathetic blue eyes.

  “I’m sorry, Nina. I didn’t think you would react that way,” he explained.

  “What the hell did you do?” Kyle asked, looking puzzled.

  “I touched her leg,” Logan replied.

  A smile spread across Kyle’s mouth deepening his dimples. “You’re a jumpy one, aren’t you?”

  Suddenly, Nina burst into laughter, realizing she lacked the ability to remain angry at either of them for more than a few seconds at a time. It was funny to her, but also a little disturbing. She’d only known them for a couple of hours. Normally, it took her a lot longer to warm up to strangers. They were slowly tearing down her defenses whether they meant to or not, and it was making her question her better judgment.

  During their last forty-five minutes together, the trio got down to business. They decided their first move would be to return to the crime scenes and conduct additional interviews with the victims and their neighbors. Nina was convinced they had a serial arsonist within their midst, and someone out there, knowingly or not, held the key to his capture.

  After brunch, the three headed back to the firehouse where Nina picked up her car and headed for home. She knew they were racing against the clock. It was only a matter of time before the arsonist would strike again, and she wanted to be there to catch him in the act.

  Nina was thankful for the help she was receiving from Station 42. Like herself, both Logan and Kyle were dedicated to bringing those responsible for setting the blazes to justice.

  Pulling into her driveway, she began reliving the moment at the diner when Logan had so boldly stroked her thigh. Under any other circumstances, she would have reported him to the chief and asked that he be relieved of duty. If only it hadn’t been him, or Kyle, for that matter. Just thinking about them made her heart flutter. At that moment she finally admitted to herself she wanted them both.

  * * * *

  As soon as Nina entered the house, she got to work. For the next few hours, she sifted through the pile of crime scene photos and contacted the arson victims again. Afterwards, she stepped into the shower to relax a bit.

  Soaping herself, feeling the pulsating jets of water warm her skin, her mind drifted back to the diner. Once again, she was reliving the moment when Logan’s hand touched her thigh. The sensation she experienced was electrifying and totally consuming. It made her want to linger within the daydream that is until she heard her doorbell ring.

  Wrapping herself in her favorite thick white robe and stepping into her white terrycloth slippers, Nina made her way to the front door and looked through the peephole. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Logan standing on the other side, dressed in a dark blue T-shirt and a pair of blue jeans. She quickly opened the door.

  Smiling at her, he asked, “Did I catch you at a bad time?”

  “No, I just stepped out of the shower,” she explained, running her hand through her long, damp hair.

  He appeared a bit uncomfortable. “I wrestled with the idea of coming here. I just wanted to stop by and say I’m sorry for my inappropriate behavior back at the diner.”

  “It’s OK. I’m no worse for wear, but I appreciate the apology,” she replied.

  “Well, I guess I’ll be heading for home,” he said in a somewhat reluctant voice.

  “Pardon my rudeness. Obviously, I wasn’t expecting any company, but why don’t you come in?” she said, offering him a slight smile.

  “Are you sure?” he questioned. “I don’t want to be a bother to you.”

  Nina tightened the tie on her robe, “Nonsense, I’ve already finished my work for the day. I’d welcome the company.”

  “All right, if you insist,” he said.

  Nina showed him into the living room where she offered him a seat on her soft, classic gray sofa. Logan settled back into the cushions and got comfortable.

  “Where’s Kyle?” she asked.

  “Oh, he had some errands to run. It was his turn to stock the fridge. He’ll probably be back at the house a little later.”

  “Don’t tell me you two live together?” Nina asked.

  “You sound surprised,” he said, half-laughing.

  “I don’t know why I should be. Sharing is something the two of you seem to have down pact. Let me get you a drink. I’ve got just about anything you could want.”

  “I’ll bet you do,” he replied. “What about a nice, cold brew?”

  “It’s coming right up,” Nina said, stepping into the kitchen. “You two weren’t kidding today when you said you’re looking for one woman to share, were you?”

  Logan stroked his chin a few times. “It’s funny how you would return to that subject with all that’s going on right now.”

  “Believe it or not, for some strange reason, I find it to be a refreshing change from continuously concentrating on finding the idiot that’s behind this mayhem,” Nina explained, walking back into the living room with a large mug of beer and a glass of white wine.

  “Thanks,” Logan said, taking the beer from her. He took a drink from the glass and said, “You know that Kyle and I grew up here, but what you don’t know is we’ve been best friends since we were both twelve. I guess you could say we share the same taste when it comes to women.”

  “If you’ll excuse me for a moment, I’m going to change into something a bit more suitable,” Nina told him.

  “Take your time. I’ll be right here,” Logan said, patting the sofa’s headrest, watching her climb the stairs.

  When Nina returned to the living room, she was wearing a pair of black stretch pants and a white fitted T-shirt. She was barefoot. Her toes were painted a glossy shade of red. At first, Logan tried not to stare at her, though he couldn’t help but notice how sexy she looked even in casual wear.

  Eyeing her from across the room, he asked, “You were saying?”

  “What?” she questioned.

  “You wanted to know why Kyle and I are into sharing,” he prompted.

  She placed her hand to her temple and said, “This is so way out of my league. It’s going to take a while for all this to sink in. Would you like another drink?”

  “I’ll take another one as long as you’ll have one with me,” he said.

  Staring back at him with a distinct look of curiosity in her bright eyes, she said, “Yeah, I would like to know what that is all about. You know I’ve heard of this type of thing, but I’ve never actually met anyone who was so forthright in their admission of it.”

  A slight curl formed at the right corner of his mouth. “So what you’re saying is that you may possibly be open to such a relationship?”

  “Me? What makes you think that I would be willing to enter into such an arrangement?” Nina asked with a subtle tone of indignation filling her voice. She felt her face begin to warm.

  “Well, are you going to answer my question? Is it something you would consider?” he asked.

  Entering the living room again, Nina handed him the drink. Taking a seat at the other end of the sofa, she turned to him and sighed for a second before speaking. “Listen, Logan, I am so thankful that you and Kyle are able to help with this investigation, but there’s no way I can have this turn into anything more.”

  “I don’t see what our personal relationship has to do with this, Nina. You know, it is possible to keep the two separated,” he replied.

  “Eight years ago, I lost someone very special to me in a house fire. That’s how I got this,” she explained, pointing out the scar on her left upper arm.

  “I’m sorry for your loss, Nina. I had no idea.”

  Nina felt a lump forming in her throat. “Thanks…I know you didn’t. I asked the chief not to mention it. After my fiancé, Justin, died in that fire, my life changed forever. It’s the reason I became an arson investigator. I wanted to numb the pain of my loss, so I threw myself into my work.” Forcing a slight smile, she ran her hands through her hair and continued. “Over the next several years, I dated off and on, but I never found anyone whom I wanted to make a permanent part of my life. Is it so hard for you to understand why the idea of being shared by two men seems so foreign to me?”

 

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