Tempted by the Billionaire: A Hometown Hero Series Novel by Clare Connelly

pulled the door inwards, and looked at her quizzically. “I live here.”
    She nodded awkwardly. “I know. It’s just… I thought you’d be at work.”
    He nodded, too preoccupied with his case to wonder why her reaction was strange. “Heading there in a second. Come in. Want a coffee?”
    She pulled a face. “Would I ever say no to coffee?”
    He grinned, but she was struck by how slim he was looking. “Isaac, you are looking after yourself, aren’t you?”
    His shrug was rueful. “You sound like Anna.”
    Willow fell into step behind him, following him to the kitchen. Her stride faltered as her eyes fell on Mattias. Nonchalantly propped against the bench, a newspaper spread wide before him. He looked up as she entered, and when their eyes met, Willow was struck with a feeling of sinking. She smiled at him, wondering if her thoughts and desires and feelings were written on her face. She longed to cross to him, and to kiss him. To put her arms around his waist and hold his strength and warmth tight.
    But she did none of those things. Instead, she put the selection of her books down on the bench and stepped backwards as though his proximity might burn her.
    “Morning,” he said gruffly, his eyes lingering on the pout of her lower lip.
    “Hey.” She looked away, only because she was sure if she didn’t, she’d keep staring at him. “I brought these for you.” She cleared her throat. “To read.”
    He couldn’t help but smile at her obvious nervousness. She was utterly adorable. “Thanks.”
    “Here you go.” Isaac handed her a coffee. Much to her chagrin, he topped his own cup up, right to the brim, and settled himself in one of the stools. Sure, it was his house, but Willow was aching to be alone with Matt.
    As though he could read her mind, Matt shot Willow a teasing look over his own mug, then drained it. He turned his attention back to the paper, and flicked the page. Annabeth Stott’s face filled a quarter of the broadsheet, and Isaac’s gaze fell to it. He visibly reacted, his face blanching.
    “Where the hell is she?” He said into the silent kitchen, slamming his palm down on the marble counter top.
    Willow jumped, startled by the uncharacteristic flash of anger in the otherwise mild mannered friend. “You’ll find her.”
    He shook his head. “It’s been weeks. Our leads are drying up. Her parents are distraught. I just need to know where she is.”
    Willow’s eyes sparked with tears, as she felt the grief of the situation. She nodded thickly. “I know you’re doing everything you can.”
    “I was with her mom until midnight last night. She’s taking a cocktail of sedatives just to get through each day. The not knowing is killing her. Killing them. And I can’t help. I can’t help.” He dragged a hand through his hair. “I just wish I knew what else to do.”
    Willow nodded sympathetically. All thoughts of the night she’d shared with Matt flew from her mind. “If she’s out there, you’ll find her.”
    Matt closed the paper. “Listen, Isaac, people don’t just disappear.” He reached across and touched his old friend’s shoulder. “More than likely, she’s been taken. She could be overseas by now. This is not your fault. You couldn’t have done anything to prevent this, and we all know you’re doing everything you can to find her.”
    Isaac nodded, but his expression was bleak. “I’m going to work. Catch you later.”
    “Ike,” Willow called after him, her caramel colored eyes wide. “Matt’s right. You can’t blame yourself for this.”
    “I’m the police chief, and I’m running the task force. You think I can’t blame myself?” His laugh was hollow. “You should try spending time with the mom.” He shivered. “I just need answers. To help them all move on. One way or another.”
    His words hung heavy in the air for moments after he’d left the house. Willow turned to Matt, her face showing her sadness. “Where could she be?”
    Matt compressed his