She shut the door in his face before he could say goodnight. He stood there for a few seconds, staring at her front door like it might have the answers to the myriad of questions swirling in his brain.
What had that meant? Had she felt it too? Was she happy he’d kissed her?
He couldn’t believe he’d done that, and there was no doubt in his mind that she was equally stunned. It hadn’t been premeditated. He hadn’t thought it through at all, which was crazy for him.
What is it that you want, Trent?
That voice, so soft and sexy, so sweet and so strong. He hadn’t taken a moment to think because the answer had come to him in a heartbeat.
You.
What was it he wanted?
He wanted her.
And so he’d done exactly what he’d told her he’d do—he’d gone after what he wanted.
The next day he was still thinking about that kiss. Obsessing over it, really. The kiss, and the question that had preceded it.
What is it that you want?
It shouldn’t have been such a mind-blowing question, and yet he couldn’t remember the last time someone had asked him that. Some days it felt like he was always catering to what other people needed, what they wanted—he’d lost track of his own desires.
But with every second that passed, he was more and more certain. He wanted Vanessa. At the very least, he wanted to get to know her better. He wanted to spend time with her. He wanted to hold her in his arms when there was no question that it was real, and not at all for show.
He wanted to see if this connection he felt, this awareness and belonging he felt around her…he needed to see if it was real. It felt real.
But he supposed the real question was—did she feel it, too?
She had to, right? That kiss proved it, didn’t it?
“I would give all the Jell-o in the world to know what you were thinking about just now.” Trent’s mother was sitting upright in her hospital bed, a tolerant smile on her face as she watched him.
He gave his head a little shake. “Sorry, Mom. I guess I just…got lost in thought there.”
“Apparently.” Her tone was teasing and her eyes glimmered with mischief as she leaned toward him and lowered her voice. “You wouldn’t be thinking about that lovely woman you were out with last night, now would you?”
He straightened in his seat, surprise leaving him speechless.
“Oh now, you know nothing stays secret around here for long,” she said. “So tell me, how long have you been dating this Vanessa woman?”
“Uh..” He scratched the back of his neck as he shifted in his seat. It was one thing to lie to a bunch of acquaintances at the party last night. But lying to his own mother?
He couldn’t do it.
“I’m afraid they were exaggerating,” he said. “We’re not really together.” His mind flashed to that kiss. “Not yet, anyway.”
She clapped her hands together. “Not yet! I like the sound of that.”
He smiled at her. “You’re incorrigible. Most people would have given up on me by now.”
“A mother never gives up on her son.” She tilted her head down and fixed him with an even stare. “I expect you to bring her by to meet us soon, you hear?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He tried to hide his surprise. Not that his mother wanted to meet her, but that she suggested he bring her by. Over the years, he’d stopped bringing his girlfriends by to meet his mother because it always led to disappointment on everyone’s part. The girl he was dating tended to read too much into meeting the parents, and the new feeling of stress and expectations about the future of their relationship resulted in Trent calling things off—putting a halt to the fledgling relationship before anyone could get hurt. This inevitably led to his mother’s keen disappointment in the fact that she’d now have to wait even longer to see her only son married.
And it was best not to get her started on grandkids.
It was a sick cycle of disappointment all around, and Trent had decided years ago that it was easier to keep his dating life separate from his family life
He and his mom never really talked about it, but she’d seemed to understand. And now…
“Wait, you want me to bring her over to the house?” he clarified.
She nodded. “Or bring her here, if that’s easier.”
“You’re being released later today,” he reminded her.
She beamed at him. “There’s no time like the present to meet the mother of my grandbabies.”
He stared. He blinked. He took a moment to worry about his mother’s mental health. And then he drew in a deep breath. “Mom, maybe I didn’t make it clear—”
“Oh, I understand,” she said. “You’re not officially together yet. But you will be.”
He stared at her and she patted his hands with a chuckle. “You don’t get to be my age without learning a thing or two, son. This one? She’s the one.” She tapped a finger to her temple. “I know it.”
He opened his mouth to speak some reason but she cut him off with a wave of her hand. “Don’t argue with your momma when she’s in a hospital bed.”
He clamped his mouth shut and her eyes gleamed in triumph. “That was low.”
She grinned. “What’s the fun in being hospitalized if I can’t use it for guilt trips?”
He was still laughing as she launched into a barrage of questions about the campaign for sheriff. “Your dad and I are so pleased, you know.”
He smiled. “Thanks, Mom.”
She reached out and grasped his hand. “Not just because you’ll become sheriff—”
“It’s not a done deal yet,” he reminded her.
She ignored him, her eyes narrowing on him with intensity. “We’re pleased because you’re going after what you want.”
The way her words echoed Vanessa’s had him blinking in surprise. “What do you mean?”
She shrugged. “I mean, you’re such a good boy. So responsible. You always worry so much about others, I’m afraid you don’t worry enough about yourself.”
The thought that she seemed to be picking up on everything he’d been thinking only added to his certainty that his mother was psychic.
“I’m not exactly a martyr, Mom,” he started.
“No, I know that. I just think sometimes…” She heaved a sigh. “I think sometimes you’re so focused on your responsibilities, you lose sight of yourself.”
They sat quietly for a moment as he tried to think of the appropriate response. He wanted to assure her that he was just fine, but she broke the silence first. “Now, tell me what you and your lady friend are doing to celebrate the Fourth of July this weekend.”
This stumped him more than it should because for all their talking last night, they hadn’t discussed next steps, let alone future dates. After promising to keep his mother informed about his weekend plans, he made his way down the hall toward the exit. He stopped at the sight of a…giant dinosaur?
He caught a flash of a profile and called out. “Addison?”
The inflatable dinosaur spun around and Addison’s face peered out of the hole in the dinosaur’s neck. “Oh, hi Trent!”
He pressed his lips together to keep from laughing. “Nice costume.”
She blushed and shrugged, making the inflatable T. Rex arms flap wildly. “Word spread after I dressed up like a princess for one of the little girl’s birthday parties last month, and now…” She shrugged again and this time he couldn’t quite stifle a laugh.
“There’s a dinosaur fan in the pediatric ward, I take it?”
She grinned. “I’m pretty sure all kids are fans of dinosaurs.”
He reached past her to hit the button for the elevator to the main floor.
“You know what else kids love?” she asked.
“What’s that?”
She leaned over as if letting him in on a secret and bumped the dinosaur head into his shoulder in the process. “A real life deputy with a badge.”
He grinned down at her. “Point tak
en, and I’m happy to volunteer with you guys. Just tell me when.”
She beamed at him. “I told Colton that’s what you’d say.”
“Haven’t the kids had their fill of deputies with badges with Colton volunteering here with you?”
She arched her brows. “Oh, they’re used to having a deputy around, but a sheriff…” She widened her eyes. “They’ll go nuts over that.”
He held back a groan. “You know I haven’t actually won yet, right?”
She waved one hand and the arms flailed again. “You will.”
He let out a huff of amusement. “You and my mother seem awfully certain.”
“That’s because she knows you, and I know Vanessa.” Her smile turned knowing. “I’m gonna guess that you’re starting to realize that your campaign manager is a force to be reckoned with.”
“That is an understatement,” he said with a laugh.
“Speaking of Vanessa,” she said as they climbed into the elevator, which had been empty when they entered but was now filled by the inflatable T. Rex tail. “What was going on with you two last night?”
He turned to her in surprise. For a second he thought she was asking about the kiss. “Uh…”
“Colton and I left the party early but I heard people talking about the handsome deputy and his new girlfriend?” She gave his arm a little smack when she said ‘girlfriend.’
“Oh that,” he said.
She smacked his arm again. “What’s going on?”
He turned to face her, which conveniently put his arm out of reach for any more smacks. “You, uh…you didn’t ask Vanessa?”
“I would have but I was asleep when she got home, and she was still sleeping when I left the apartment this morning.”
He stared down at her openly curious expression, wondering just how much to tell her. The kiss was obviously none of her business, and yet… He looked up to face the numbers over the door, afraid of what his expression was giving away. It was embarrassing to admit to himself that a little part of him wanted to ask Addison about it.
Like a kid in junior high, he had the distinct urge to get Vanessa’s best friend’s opinion on the situation before he faced Vanessa herself. Man, that was pathetic. Next thing he knew, he’d be passing notes.
“So, is it true?” she asked. “Are you guys dating?”
She sounded so excited, he was reminded of his conversation with his mother all over again.
“Not exactly.” In a few sentences he filled her in on what Vanessa had done and the logic behind it.
Addison visibly deflated. Well, her mood deflated. The T. Rex was still blown-up and intact. The elevator hit the ground floor, and the doors slid open. “You guys were really convincing,” Addison said. Her tone was thoughtful, and when he glanced over he found that her brows were drawn together like she was lost in thought.
He fought another laugh at the sight of such a thoughtful T. Rex and tried not to ponder what the people they passed in the waiting room were thinking about this tableau he was now a part of. The deputy and the dinosaur. Now that would make an excellent kids’ book.
When she still hadn’t said anything as they reached the door, he held the door open and asked, “What is it, Addison?”
She shook her head and gave him a small smile. “It’s nothing, just…” She bit her lip. “I’ve known Vanessa a long time, and…”
They both turned at the sound of a honk and saw Colton driving up to the curb.
He looked down at Addison and she shrugged, her smile growing. “I’ve just never thought she was that good of an actress.”
He returned Colton’s wave and watched as he attempted to help maneuver his T. Rex-clad girlfriend into the front seat. He couldn’t laugh. He couldn’t even grin.
His mind was too busy racing away from him as he replayed what she’d said over and over until he was absolutely certain.
He wanted Vanessa…and she wanted him too.
He just wasn’t sure if she knew it yet.
11
Gina stopped beside Vanessa’s table in the back of Java Lava’s. “Um, exactly how many tables do you suppose campaign headquarters will be taking up these next few weeks?”
Vanessa pursed her lips as she studied the three tables she’d pulled together so she could spread out her supplies. “This should do it, I think.”
Gina shook her head with a laugh. “You’re lucky I like you, and even luckier that I love Trent and think he ought to be sheriff. When Billy comes to town and sees this, he’s going to flip.”
Billy was Gina’s boyfriend who Vanessa had yet to meet. From what Addison had told her, he owned the coffee shop but was rarely in town, or even in the state. Apparently he was some rich guy who had a condo in Redhook but his other businesses kept him traveling most of the time.
What Addison hadn’t said was that she didn’t like the guy. Addison was too nice to outright say it, but Vanessa could read between the lines.
This was one of many reasons she felt no guilt at taking up the tables at Java Lava’s. The other reasons? She fully planned to tip Gina outrageously so she didn’t lose out on money by losing seating, and also…Vanessa had no other options at hand.
After that kiss, one thing had become very, very clear. She couldn’t possibly be alone with Trent in her apartment. Or his house. They needed to be out in public or…
Or what?
She swallowed, shoving the thought to the side as she straightened her files. She’d been doing an excellent job of avoiding overthinking the mistake on her doorstep for the past twenty-four hours and she wasn’t about to start now.
“What’s all this?” Gina asked.
“Research.” She’d been online all morning interacting with residents and checking out their social media. Trying to figure out what were the biggest issues to which segments of the population and spreading the word that Trent cared about these issues.
Because Trent did care. That was what made him such a great candidate to work for. Political campaigns had never been her passion, but she’d been around enough politicians and blowhards when she was in New York to know how rare it was to find someone who cared so genuinely about others.
“What does your research tell you?” she asked, leaning a hip against one of the tables as she peered over the printouts Vanessa had picked up from the office supply store two towns over. Each one had a picture of Trent’s oh-so-handsome face with different slogans she was trying out.
“Research tells me that this town loves Trent Arnolds,” she said.
Gina grinned. “Is it any wonder? The guy’s a walking, talking Prince Charming.”
“If that’s true, why aren’t you into him?”
“Ew, he’s like a brother,” Gina said. “And besides, I have it on good authority that I have terrible taste in men.”
Vanessa laughed. “Oh yeah? Who told you that?”
“The men I’ve dated didn’t have to tell me,” Gina said in a haughty tone. “They did an excellent job of showing me.”
Vanessa laughed again. “I know the feeling.”
“But…” Gina held up a finger, her ponytail swooshing with her energetic movements. “I am pleased to report that all of that has turned around now that I’ve met Billy.”
Vanessa’s smile faltered. “I hope you’re right.”
Their conversation was interrupted by Colton, who swept up to the table, pulled out one of the seats and made himself comfortable. “You’ll be happy to hear that I am here to advise.”
Vanessa and Gina exchanged a look. “I wasn’t aware I needed your advisement.”
“Trust me, no one knows Trent better than me.” Colton grinned up at his sister. “Would you be a love and grab me a coffee?”
There was grumbling involved, but Gina went off to grab his drink as requested.
“Look at this handsome mug,” Colton mused as he picked up one of the posters.
Vanessa didn’t look. She didn’t have to. She’d been staring at those handsome f
eatures all morning, and that didn’t help her endeavor to not think about the kiss. All it did was remind her of how hot he was.
So not helpful.
“I should rephrase,” Colton said, dropping the poster and meeting her gaze. “I’m not here to advise so much as I am to give you some advice.”
His gaze met hers evenly and some of that easy, charming humor faded from his eyes.
Uh oh.
“Look, you don’t have to—”
“Au contraire, mon frére,” he interrupted.
“What did I miss?” Gina asked as she handed over Colton’s coffee.
“Colton offered to give me advice.” She turned to Colton. “But I don’t recall asking for your advice.”
“That’s never stopped him before,” Gina said.
Colton smiled like that was a compliment. “Exactly.”
“Why would you give me advice?” she asked, although she thought she knew. They hadn’t exactly been subtle last night and there was no telling what wrong ideas Colton had gotten into his head.
He leaned forward. “I want to help because I like you for him.”
She blinked in surprise. “You barely know me.”
“Oh please.” He waved a hand. “I remember Nessie Shea.”
Her eyes widened in disbelief. Colton had been the town’s favorite player, bad boy…whatever name you wanted to give him, he’d been bad news. Like Trent, he’d also been lightyears out of her league. They were beloved and sought after while she’d eaten lunch alone in the library and only had friends when Chip deigned to let her tag along.
The only difference between Trent and Colton was that Colton had grown up in the same low-income neighborhood. His mom had been friends with Vanessa’s parents. So it was possible, she supposed, that he had some memory of her.
As if reading her thoughts, he leaned in. “I remember you from the old neighborhood, and what I remember is this—you were kind, you were smart, and you were strong.”
Her lips parted in shock. That was how he remembered her? Not as the Loch Ness Monster, as Chip so kindly reminded her?
He leaned back, seemingly enjoying her rapt attention. “And if that wasn’t enough, I know you as Addison’s friend. I’ve heard the way she talks about you and I know exactly how good of a friend you’ve been to her over the years.”
Fake Dating the Hometown Deputy: A Sweet Standalone Romance (Fake Dates Book 2) Page 8
