Free Raising The Stakes (Heartwarming Romance) by Karen Rock

man.”
    Rowdy grunted and flipped the burgers.
    Brett loaded some dishes into the washer and shrugged. “You should get your chakras checked. Maybe you wouldn’t be allergic to tofu anymore.”
    Maggie nudged Vivie. “Don’t see that happening.”
    “Not in this lifetime,” Vivie whispered back, and the women turned, hiding their grins.
    Automatically, Vivie’s eyes flew to the clock. Only fifteen minutes had passed? This waiting would kill her.
    Another ring of the bell had her glancing at the door. Liam strolled in, exchanging a nod with the firefighters before sauntering to the counter.
    His army-green T-shirt and khaki shorts fit him too well for her comfort. Vivie forced her eyes away. Her slamming pulse, however, didn’t cooperate, making her feel slightly dizzy as he drew close.
    “Hey, Officer Walsh,” chirped Maggie. “We’re all out of raisin pie but we’ve still got some strawberry rhubarb if you’d like a piece.”
    Sister Mary waved her fork. “Beat you to it again, Officer.”
    Liam smiled at the elderly woman then slid onto a stool, his gaze on Vivie. “Strawberry rhubarb sounds good. And a cup of coffee. Black, thanks. How are you, Sister?”
    She scratched at her white stockings and adjusted her head covering. “Itchy. Had to garb up for another retirement party this week. Forgot how uncomfortable uniforms are. Right, Officer Walsh?”
    He nodded politely, though Vivie had to admit, he wore his as though it were tailor-made for him.
    Maggie finished scribbling and bustled off, leaving the two of them alone. Vivie eyed Liam, noting the slight droop of his broad shoulders, his pale lips. Her self-consciousness turned to concern. “Long day?”
    Weary eyes rose to hers. “Been helping out with a forest fire.”
    “You don’t think it’ll come near my house, do you? Threaten Button?”
    He lifted the mug, and his eyes closed as he gulped the strong brew. Absurdly, Vivie was glad she’d made a fresh pot a few minutes earlier. She wanted to please him. Crazy.
    “No. Wind’s going in the opposite direction.”
    “Good. Plus, my neighbors come home next week. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to their house while they’re away.” She moved aside as Maggie returned with the pie. “Still can’t believe their nephews are so bad. Muriel and Pete are the nicest people. They were the first friends I made after I moved into my aunt’s house.”
    “And I was your second after you stopped supplying me pies and finally agreed to become my partner!” piped up Maggie.
    “That’s because you wouldn’t quit pestering me.”
    The friends grinned at each other. Vivie remembered the day she’d finally taken the chance and gone all-in with the money her aunt had left her. At the time she’d been nervous, but she’d never regretted the decision. She’d gained a business and a work family.
    When Rowdy rang the pick-up bell, Maggie loaded the firemen’s plates on a large tray. “I’ll take these over.”
    “What about Mount Vesuvius?” Vivie couldn’t resist teasing.
    “It erupted a few minutes ago.” Maggie pointed at the flatter red spot on her chin, then headed away, her hips swinging as she neared the boisterous men.
    Lauren whizzed by, scooped up some baskets of chicken strips and fries, and grabbed a bottle of vinegar. “These snowbirds are going to kill me. Do we even have an early-bird special?”
    “No. But we have the senior discount. If that’s not enough, I’ll talk to them.”
    Lauren nodded, grateful, and returned to her section.
    “It’s busy, tonight.” Liam put down his fork. “And this is excellent.”
    “Thanks,” Vivie eyed the pie, noting the overly browned edges, the way the crust hadn’t flaked when he’d cut into it. Last night’s baking had been a disaster because her mind was still full of the test and not on measurements, rolling or oven timers. A certain officer had also stolen a few of her thoughts...
    “Do you think they’re dangerous?”