“Exactly when did the stove catch on fire?”

The panicked blonde pushed back a lock of hair. “About five minutes after I turned it on. I was just trying to make tea.”

Why did he have to find out the cottage he’d intended to buy had been sold this way? He forced kindness into his tone. “Don’t ever hesitate to call on us, Charlotte. But why the sudden need for tea?”

She flushed. “I just signed the papers on the place today. I told Melba I just wanted to have a cup of tea on my new deck.”

“You’re Melba’s friend?”

Chief Bradens had mentioned his wife’s friend was buying a weekend cottage in town. Now, annoyed as he was, he’d have to be nice. A friend of the fire chief’s wife demanded special care. Jesse pulled a business card from his pants pocket. “I’m a licensed contractor. If you like, I’ll help you figure out what really needs work.” If he couldn’t have the house, maybe he could at least get the work.

She narrowed her eyes. “Why would you do that?”

“Because you’re a friend of the chief’s. Because I’m a nice guy.” Because I’m trying not to be a sore loser.