Xander felt like a stalker. He’d been pulling out of his driveway when he remembered Kennedy was starting work at Elvira’s tonight. He considered going by, but nothing he had to say needed an audience. No reason to add further grist to the gossip mill. Plus, the last thing he wanted to do was upset her at work. So he’d waited, driving aimlessly around the county, trying to get his head on straight, to find the right words. Ultimately he’d ended up parked down the street from Elvira’s, waiting for closing.
As downtown Eden’s Ridge emptied, he slid from the Bronco and walked down to the tavern and around back. No bear tonight. But Joan’s SUV—repaired now—was parked beneath the security light with the other employee cars. He kept out of sight, avoiding conversation with anyone else. He didn’
