“Oh, sorry. It’s Mike.”
“Why are you going for dinner? Did Mom just call you?”
She could hear puzzlement in his silence. “Actually, Red did. And he suggested I invite you, too. I need to speak with your dad, and—”
“What about?” she interrupted.
“I beg your pardon?”
“I just wondered why you needed to talk to my dad,” she hurriedly said.
“It’s police business.” His voice wasn’t as warm as it had been.
“I’m sorry. Mom had just—that is, I’m not going for dinner tonight.”
“Then you’d better call Red. I’m not going to upset him. He was real excited to have you there again.”
“That’s not fair!” she exclaimed. Red was her surrogate grandfather, and she would never disappoint him if she could help it. Was it asking so much, that she let him cook for her? “Fine! I’ll go with you. We can talk on the way.”
“What will we talk about?”
“Don’t play dumb, Mike Davis. You know what we have to talk about!”
“I’ll pick you up at six,” he said, and hung up the phone.
She wanted to hang up on him, but he’d beaten her to the punch. She squared her jaw. He may have had the last word now, but she’d make sure she got the last word tonight.
“SHERIFF,” Willie Martin said, practically meeting him at the door as Mike came in after walking around town.
“Yes, Willie. Did something come up?”
“After lunch I tried to start doing my jogging today, but I had chest pains. I think I need to see the doctor. Is that all right?”
Mike frowned, worrying that he might have asked too much from the fifty-year-old man. “Of course it is. I’ll call the clinic. Harry, you go with Willie, okay?”
Mike grabbed his phone and called Jon. He didn’t want to talk to Caroline again until he picked her up. “Dr. Wilson, please. It’s Sheriff Davis.” Then he waited for Jon to come to the phone.
“Anything wrong, Mike?”
“I don’t know. I asked my men to start jogging today and Willie is having chest pains. He’s on his way over.”
“Hang on,” Jon said. Mike heard him ordering a room for Willie, alerting his nurse of what was coming. “Okay, we’re ready for him.”
“Thanks, Jon. Bill the office.”
“If all your men are going to start jogging, they should be checked to see what kind of shape they’re in. Can the Sheriff’s Office afford to do that?”
“Yeah, I guess so.”
“Then have all of them—no, I tell you what. Caro and I will come over tomorrow morning at eight and check the deputies on duty before they go out to run.”
“Are you sure, Jon? I don’t want to burden either of you.”
“It won’t be a problem. The others can check in here before they go on duty. We’ll leave some time in our schedule.”
“Thanks, Jon. You’re the best.”
Though Caroline might not think so when she heard what Jon had volunteered her for. Not that it would take that much time. Besides Willie, Mike had only five other deputies on duty during the day, and two night guys.
He sighed, hoping Jon told Caro at once and she had time to calm down before he picked her up for dinner.
Fifteen minutes later, Harry returned.
“How’s Willie?” Mike asked at once, coming out of his office.
“Doc says he’s fine. But they’re going to keep him overnight to be sure.”
“Damn. I should’ve had him tested before I ordered him to work out.”
Harry rubbed the back of his neck. “Boss, don’t feel too bad. He didn’t do much jogging. He mostly walked.”
“You went with him?”
“Yeah,” Harry said with a grin. “I jogged in circles waiting for him to catch up. Two blocks and he said he couldn’t go on. I’m the one who insisted he keep going, so it’s my fault if it’s anyone’s.”
“I gave the order,” Mike reminded him. “Anyway, everyone is going to be checked before there’s any more jogging.”
“We are? Hmm, I hope I get to see Caroline instead of Jon,” Harry said with a grin.
Mike tried to keep a calm face, in spite of the jealous pang he felt. “She’s too old for you, boy.”
“I think that’s up to her, boss.”
“No harassing, you hear?”
Harry feigned shock. “I’d never do that!”
“Okay. I want you to go over to the general store. They’ve been losing inventory. Give them some ideas about catching shoplifters, and look for ways they can improve surveillance.”
“Yes, sir. Shall I take Steve with me? He worked there when he was in high school. Might have some insight.”
“Good idea. Check with me when you get back.”
“Yes, sir.”
After the men left, Mike reminded himself how much he liked Harry and how he thought he’d turn out to be one of his best deputies. He shouldn’t let his judgment be altered by jealousy.
He drew a deep breath and tried to concentrate on his paperwork. Not on Caroline.
“TOMORROW AT EIGHT? At the Sheriff’s Office?”
Jon nodded. “I thought that would be more efficient. I approve of Mike’s intention to keep his men in good shape, but Willie shouldn’t have overdone it the first day.”
“Willie jogged for an hour?”
“Well, actually, that’s what he told me. Harry brought him in, and, privately, he said Willie walked all that time. I think I’ll recommend his walking for half an hour and maybe some weight work for fifteen minutes. It ought to improve his health quite a bit.”
“Yes, of course. I noticed the weight he carried. In his present state, he’s a heart attack waiting to happen. The rest of them are in pretty good shape, aren’t they?”
“I think so, but I’m sure several of them don’t do any exercising. Starting can be a shock to the body.”
“Okay. I’ll be there at eight in the morning. Will we see everyone?”
“I think we can check the two coming off duty before they leave and then get the two who go on early duty. The others report in at noon. I reckon they’ll come over to the office.”
“So we’ll see our police jogging all over town now?”
“Harry said Mike is planning on turning the back storeroom into a place to work out. I may offer free exams if he’ll let me work out there, too.”
“So I’d be the only bad guy, charging for my work?” she teased. “I’ll just donate mine without demanding anything in return. Then you’ll be the bad guy.”
Jon laughed. “Somehow, Caro, I don’t think you’ll be considered a guy, no matter what.”
“Oh, you!” She shook her head and went back to work.
Caroline left the clinic at five and, after stopping to check on Mr. Gambil, hurried home. She made her bed when she got there, trying not to recall what had tangled the sheets last night. Then she took a hot shower. It felt so good. Afterward, she dressed in wool slacks and another sweater. She was sure Mike wouldn’t be dressed in a suit tonight. Not if he’d told the truth and he was going to her home to do police business.
She wrinkled her nose as she dusted it with powder. She didn’t bother with much makeup. Her naturally dark lashes needed no mascara, so she just used a little lipstick and powder.
She checked her watch as she heard a knock on her door. Though Mike was a bit early, she wasn’t going to complain. But she’d changed her mind about talking to him on the way out to the ranch. They’d talk on the way home. Then she wouldn’t have to spend the evening with him after he was repulsed by her situation.
She opened the door. “Mike, you’re early.”
“Not much,” he assured her. As if it were a natural reaction, his arms slid around her and his lips covered hers in a passionate kiss. She didn’t intend to respond. She told herself that even as she did. When he lifted his lips, he buried his face in her hair and drew a deep breath. “I’ve been waiting for that all day.”
“Like hell we were. You may be able to, but I can’t. I haven’t thought of much else all day.”
She shoved her way out of his embrace, feeling chilled when she left his warmth. “We’ll talk after we have dinner.”
“We will?”
“On the way home. Yes, we need to clear the air.”
“I like the air just fine.” He studied her, making the blood rush to her cheeks.
“I—I need to braid my hair.” She hurried from the room, thinking she would leave Mike behind for a few minutes so she could regain her composure.
“Want me to do that for you?”
She spun around. He had followed her. “No. Go sit down. I’ll be out in a minute.”
He shrugged his shoulders and went back into the living room.
She drew a deep breath. The man was going to drive her crazy. Every time he touched her, she lost control. That had never happened with Don. Another condemnation of their relationship.
After braiding her hair, she gave herself a pep talk in the mirror. But whatever confidence she’d instilled evaporated the moment she reentered the living room. Just being near Mike made her unsteady.
Best to keep it on a professional level, she told herself. “So I hear you’re starting a new physical program for your deputies.”
Mike shrugged. “I want them to be in good shape. Makes it less likely they’ll resort to gunfire.”
The respect she felt for his lawman abilities increased. “I think that’s good. I’ll be over with Jon in the morning to check out your men.”
“I appreciate that. You ready?”
“Yes, of course.” She grabbed her coat from the hook by the door.
He took it from her and held it out while she slid her arms in. “Thank you,” she said, trying to avoid his touch.
Once they were driving to the ranch, silence reigned. Finally Mike cleared his throat. “You sure you don’t want to talk now?”
“I’m sure,” she said firmly. “You’re going to talk to Dad after dinner?”
“Actually, to Jake and all three of his brothers, and Toby. I understand he has an equal role in decisions on the ranch.”
“And Jim, too. He has his own herd, but he also works with the family.”
“Oh. Okay.”
“So your conversation has nothing to do with me?”
Mike gave her a long look before he turned back to his driving. “Anything I have to say about you will be said to you. At least right now.”
“Okay,” she said, relief flowing through her. She hadn’t quite believed that their dinner tonight had nothing to do with her.
They were warmly greeted when they entered the Randall house. “You’re all still acting like I live miles away,” Caroline complained. “I’m just in Rawhide now.”
Her dad put his arm around her. “We’re still glad to see you, honey. And always will be.”
She hugged him again. “I’m glad to see you, too.”
Jake turned to Mike. “Red said you needed to talk to us?”
Mike shook his extended hand. “Yes, sir. I’m going to make the rounds of all the ranchers to see if they can help out.”
“Good. I look forward to hearing what you’ve got in mind.”
The children were gathering around the table, their parents helping them get settled. When Casey saw his basketball coach, he hurried over to shake his hand.
“Coach, I didn’t know you’d be here. How are your ribs?”
Mike actually blushed, which amused Caroline. It was good to see him embarrassed for a change.
“They’re fine, Casey. I should be back at practice next Monday. How’s it going?”
“I tried that move you showed me and it worked like a charm. You should’ve seen it!”
Pete came and put his hands on his youngest son’s shoulders. The high school senior was as tall as his dad. “Casey raves about your help, Mike. We appreciate it.”
“My pleasure, Mr. Randall. Casey works hard, which makes it fun to teach him.”
Pete beamed. “Make it Pete, Mike. There are too many Randalls.”
“All you Randalls better get to the table,” Red warned. “And guests, too,” he said, looking at Mike. “Or you’ll be missing dinner.”
“Okay, Red,” Casey said. He looked at Mike. “You joining us?”
Pete answered before Mike could. “He’s going to eat with us, son. We’ve got business to take care of.”
“Oh. Okay. I’ll see you Monday, Coach.”
“Okay, Casey.”
“Actually,” Jake said, coming back to Mike, “we could talk now while the children eat. We usually eat in here after them. Unless you think it will take more time?”
“Not at all. That will be fine.” Mike figured it might give him more time alone with Caroline. He’d never complain about that.
Jake said a few words to his brothers and his son, and they all moved into Jake’s office.
Mike took one of the chairs offered and waited until everyone was seated. “I won’t make this long. I want my staff to maintain a certain physical ability. I’ve offered to pay them to exercise an hour a day on duty. I believe it lessens the thought of relying on guns to enforce the law. It will require hiring one more deputy, provided we can find someone qualified. And I’d like to turn the storage room at the office into a workout room. I have some equipment and I wondered if maybe the ranchers in the area would be willing to pay for a few other machines.”
Jake was frowning, and Mike thought he might not have convinced the Randalls. That would be a problem, since many of the local ranchers would follow their lead.
After a moment of silence, Jake said, “Is that all?”
“I beg your pardon?” Mike replied, not sure what he was asking.
“Is that all you’ll need? Money for another deputy and a couple of machines?”
“Well…yes. I realize it’s asking a lot, but—”
“I don’t think so,” Toby answered. “I like your attitude toward violence. When our boys reach the stupid age—or the teenage years, as most people call them—I’d hope they’d get a second chance, instead of being shot.”
“That’s what I hope, too,” Mike said, appreciating his support.
Pete spoke next. “We all like what you’re suggesting. We want to be sure you have what you need. Tell us how much money it’ll take.”
“Well, I hoped…” Mike drew a deep breath. “I was going to ask for donations from all—”
Jake cut him off. “We’ll take care of it, Mike, with pleasure. Now, let’s go enjoy our meal.”
And with that, Mike’s pitch was successfully over.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Mike wasn’t quite sure what the Randalls had agreed to with Jake’s promise. Were they going to canvass their neighbors for him? He would appreciate it. If he hadn’t felt his program was important, he wouldn’t have forced himself to approach the ranchers.
Once he and Caroline were back in his SUV, all thought of Jake and money for his deputies’ training flew out of Mike’s mind. Anytime he was alone with Caroline, she took center stage.
“Did you enjoy dinner?” he asked, hoping to start slowly.
“Yes. Mike, we can’t see each other.”
She’d just plunged into the deep end.
“So I’m supposed to close my eyes when you go by?” he teased, hoping to lighten the moment.
“You know what I’m talking about. Our…actions got out of hand last night and it mustn’t happen again.”
“Why?”
“Because nothing could ever come of it.”
She was staring straight ahead, never looking at him. He reached out and caught her left hand. She jumped as if he’d struck her, and tried to pull her hand away. “What is it, Caro? We’ve held hands before.”
“But we’re not going to do that anymore.”
He let her hand go and sped up.
“
Why are you going faster?”
“Because I’m not going to have this discussion while I’m driving. It wouldn’t look good for the sheriff to veer off the road.”
She said nothing, and he concentrated on his driving, determined to get back to her place as soon as possible.
When they reached her house, she didn’t open her door. “Wait. We need to talk here. I don’t want you to come in.”
“That’s not very hospitable of you.”
“I’m not trying to be hospitable. I’m trying to make my situation clear. And when I get near a bed with you…or a sofa, I forget what I was going to say.”
He liked her confusion. It gave him hope that he might be able to talk her into something. “You affect me the same way, sweetheart. Certain men and women strike each other that way.”
“I’m not going to marry, Mike. And any liaison between us would ultimately end. I don’t want to be hurt.”
He sat there, staring at her. “You think I’d dump you? Are you out of your mind?”
“Probably,” she agreed with a weary sigh.
“Tell me why you won’t marry. Do you think you can’t do your job if you’re married? I don’t see a problem with that. We’re both adults. We both function just fine now. Why wouldn’t we be able to carry on as married people?”
“You wouldn’t want to stay married to me.”
She made that remark with such sad conviction, he stared at her again. Then he reached for her shoulders and swung her around to face him. “Are you seriously ill?” he demanded, the agony in his heart echoing in his voice.
“No,” she whispered.
Now he was getting angry. She’d scared him and he didn’t like being scared. “Tell me right now, Caroline Randall. What are you talking about?”
“I can’t have children.”
He frowned and waited for her to continue. Finally, he said, “Is there more?”
“Isn’t that enough?”
“No.” He didn’t elaborate. There was no need to in his mind.
“You say that now. But you’ll change your mind. Most men do,” she assured him. “I don’t want to go through that heartache.”
“Caroline, I’m thirty-five. If having babies was a priority for me, don’t you think I would’ve done something about it earlier?”
A Randall Returns Page 9
