Free Montana Fire by Vella Day Page B

said that was
     where Max liked to dine. Running into him might look like she was chasing him, which
     she most definitely was not. “Valley Café it is.”
    There wasn’t much traffic until they reached town, where finding a parking spot was
     harder than walking on ice in heels. The best Sasha could do was find a spot a few
     blocks away. By the time they reached the inside of the restaurant, Jamie’s hands
     and feet were nearly frozen. “Brr. I thought spring was on its way.”
    “It was, until a big cold front decided to visit us from Canada.”
    That was what Max had said. “Great. Snow’s pretty to look at, great to play in, but
     horrible to walk in when you’re not bundled up.”
    “This is Montana, girl. Get used to it.”
    They snagged the last available booth. Once they ordered drinks, Sasha dropped her
     napkin on her lap. “How’s your friend Jonathan doing?”
    They hadn’t had a chance to catch up today. “Not so good. He’s heavily sedated, but
     at least he’s not intubated anymore.”
    Sasha reached out a hand and clasped Jamie’s. “I’m sorry. I read the paper this morning,
     but I didn’t see any news about whether they caught anyone.”
    “I haven’t heard, but I doubt they have.” If they had a suspect, Max probably would
     have mentioned it. “Finding an arsonist within twenty-four hours of the blaze is unreasonable,
     unless the person is trying to get caught.”
    The waitress delivered their drinks, and Sasha ordered a chicken Caesar salad, while
     Jamie went with an old-fashioned hamburger.
    “Not that I was spying or anything,” Sasha said, wrapping her hands around her steaming
     mug, “but I happen to glance out the window this morning, and saw some total hottie
     pull up in front of the clinic in a black SUV. Wasn’t I surprised when you jumped
     out.” She sighed. “You get all the luck. I mean—” Her eyes widened, then immediately
     drew in a breath.
    “It’s okay. I’m good. And Max is not my boyfriend.”
    It drove her crazy that everyone walked on eggshells around her. Benny had been a
     good person until he cracked. In his warped mind, he was only trying to take away
     her pain. Somehow, he never seemed to realize that even if the victims were close
     to death, it was still murder.
    “Tell me about this handsome non-boyfriend.” Sasha gave her that don’t-deny-me-the
     pleasure-of-living-vicariously-through-you look.
    That made Jamie smile. “Not much to tell. Max Gruden is the town’s new fire marshal
     and arson investigator.”
    “Two jobs in one. Impressive.” She glanced to side. “Max Gruden. I like that name.
     It’s strong, aggressive, powerful sounding.”
    Jamie agreed. “He can be aggressive and strong, but he’s nice, too.”
    His boisterous laugh when she’d done her bad Al Pacino imitation rang in her head.
     The sound was as deep as it was rich, which Sasha would no doubt label sexy as hell.
    “But he drove you to work.” Sasha winked. “Don’t tell me you were coming from his
     place this morning.”
    “Ah, no.” Jamie was too dumbfounded to explain.
    “You can tell me. I’m happy that you have a new beau.” Sasha placed a hand over her
     heart. “About time, too.”
    Jamie tilted her head. “You are so off the mark. Max was at the hospital this morning
     and happened to be checking up on Jonathan the same time I was. He stopped to speak
     with a doctor, and when he came out, he saw my car hood up. I couldn’t get Grayson
     started, so he offered to drive me to work then wait for the tow truck. End of story.”
    Sasha sipped her coffee. “Aw. How sweet. Why can’t I find a knight in shining armor
     like that?”
    “You will someday. I have to admit he was rather princely. I was struggling with the
     car, and poof, he just appeared. A lot of men might have slipped into their vehicles
     and left, but not Max.”
    Sasha snapped her fingers. “Max Gruden. Now I know where I’ve heard that name. Wasn’t
     he the