by Mary Burton
Kelsey's heart tightened.
Mitch's hand touched her lightly on the elbow, drawing her gaze up to his. "That's my sister Caitlin and the Tasmanian Devil she's chasing is Robbie. He just turned a year old."
Caitlin shared Mitch's dark hair and her blue eyes sparked with curiosity as she glanced between the two of them. "Hey, guys."
Mitch winked at Robbie. "Caitlin, this is Kelsey."
"Good to meet you," Caitlin said, as if she genuinely meant it. "Mitch says you'll be joining us for dinner."
When had he said that? "Oh, right. Thanks for having me."
"The more, the merrier," Caitlin said. Robbie arched again. "I better let this fellow burn some steam. Hopefully, he'll run out of gas soon. Then I can rejoin the adult population and have a civilized conversation."
Kelsey laughed.
The news of Kelsey's arrival washed over the group like a wave. She and Mitch had barely taken steps when they were surrounded by all the Garretts. She met Mitch's oldest sister, Brenda, mother to Jeff and Rick; his two younger brothers, Quinn and Redmond, both home on leave from the Navy; and his youngest sister, Anne.
When all the siblings, nieces and nephews had been introduced, Mitch's parents moved from their post at the grill.
Mr. Garrett was as tall as Mitch and his shoulders just as broad. His black hair had thinned but he remained trim. He wore an apron that said Reelect Garrett. Mrs. Garrett was almost as tall as her husband. She was dressed in crisp white shorts and a blue denim shirt. Her salt-and-pepper hair complimented her blue eyes and olive skin.
"So who do we have here?" Mrs. Garrett said.
"Dad and Mom, this is Kelsey Warren."
Mrs. Garrett smiled warmly. "I was sorry to hear about your aunt and your mother."
For the first time, Kelsey felt as if the condolences were heartfelt. "Thanks, Mrs. Garrett."
"Oh, dear Lord, call me Sue. My mother-in-law is Mrs. Garrett."
Kelsey laughed.
Mr. Garrett held out his large hand and when she accepted it, he wrapped warm strong fingers around her hand. "Good to have you aboard, Kelsey. I'm Ken. As you can see, things get a little zooey around here so just dive in and make yourself at home."
Sue glanced at Kelsey's camera. "I hear you are a photographer."
"Yes, underwater shots mostly. But I always carry my camera with me."
"How do you like your burger?" Ken said.
"Medium," Kelsey said.
"Medium it is," Ken said flipping a burger onto the grill.
"Help yourself to sodas," Sue said. "There's a cooler by the picnic table."
Kelsey felt as if she'd been pulled into a current. "Please don't trouble yourselves."
Sue and Ken waved away her protests and returned to the grill.
"This is very kind of your parents to include me," Kelsey said.
"They like you," Mitch replied easily.
Kelsey didn't have time to react to that bit of news. A girl of about ten years old ran up to them. She had short dark hair and wore black soccer shorts and a T-shirt that said Designed For Soccer. "Hey, would you take my picture?"
Mitch raised an eyebrow. "This is my niece Morgan. Say hello before you start asking for favors, kid."
Morgan scrunched up her face at Mitch but when she faced Kelsey, she was all smiles. "Hello," the child said. "Could you take my picture, please?"
Kelsey smiled. "Sure." The girl smiled a wide gap-toothed grin and Kelsey snapped a couple of pictures. "Want to see what you look like?"
"Sure!"
Kelsey knelt down and flipped the switch on the back from Photo to View. A picture of the girl appeared. The child's eyes were closed. Kelsey scrolled through the five she'd taken, settling on the fourth which was the best.
"Hey, that's cool," Morgan said excitedly.
"When I can get to a photo shop, I'll make you a copy." Kelsey turned the camera off and stood.
The girl looked at her as if she'd just promised her the moon. "Thanks!"
"Don't worry about the photo," Mitch said. "She'll have forgotten about it tomorrow."
Kelsey tucked her camera back in its case. "I said I'd get the photo and I will."
He stared at her as if he were trying to see inside her brain. She sensed a tenderness there that made her very uncomfortable.
"So are you here in an official capacity?" she asked. She hated silence and always did her best to fill it.
"It's every man or woman on deck during this event. It's crowded tonight, but tomorrow will be a crush when the day-trippers come in from D.C. for the art show."
He reached in the cooler and pulled out two sodas. "Diet or regular?"
"Regular."
He handed her the can and kept the diet for himself. "Our biggest problems are traffic, drunks and the occasional fight."
Kelsey popped the tab and took a sip. "Sounds pretty routine."
"After this last week, routine suits me just fine."
"Any word on the other body?"
"The medical examiner says female, mid-thirties at death and in the water about five years. But there's nothing else. The body had been stripped clean of all clothing and identification."
She circled the rim of the soda can with her fingertip. "Someone didn't want her identified."
"No. They sure didn't."
Two five-year-old boys ran past them, shooting water guns at each other. The children squealed with reckless excitement.
Mitch shook his head. "Today isn't about murders. And I promised myself I'd keep it light when I saw you."
She thought about mentioning the Kewpie doll with the blackened eyes sitting on her porch. A chill slithered through her veins. She decided to keep it to herself. Mitch had enough on his plate; he didn't need to worry about some sick prank that most likely meant nothing. "Sounds like a solid plan."
"So are you up for a burger? I've got to eat ahead of the crew so I can get back to work."
"Sounds good." Excitement she'd not felt in years thrummed through her veins. Her first urge was to tamp it down, but then she decided to savor it. Tomorrow, the fairy tale would end, but for tonight she would go with the flow.
They got their burgers from Ken and sat at the picnic table. Kelsey bit into the burger and discovered it was delicious.
"So where's your next assignment?" Mitch said.
"As a matter of fact, I had an offer to go to Bali yesterday."
"And?" She couldn't read his reaction.
"I turned it down. There are just too many unresolved questions here that I want to see through."
He picked up a potato chip off his plate. "I was in the South Pacific when I was in the Navy. It's beautiful there."
She nodded. Silence settled between them. "Looks like you've got a lot of campaign volunteers."
"Family, mostly."
"And Tammy."
"She loves to organize and is good at it. She wanted to run the campaign and I don't have time for it. Seemed a natural fit."
Tammy had always had an angle. "I'm sure she'll do a great job for you."
More silence. Seemed every subject between them had a land mine attached to it. Morgan ran up to the table, her lips now purple from a grape soda. Kelsey had never been so glad to see anyone in her life.
"Uncle Mitch?"
"What is it, peanut?"
"I heard Grandma and Grandpa talking."
He settled his gaze on the child. "You're not supposed to listen in on folks."
Kelsey sipped her soda. The kid itched to share what she'd heard.
Morgan grinned and sat next to Mitch. "I know."
Mitch sighed, realizing the kid wasn't going anywhere. "Out with it."
"Grandma wants to know if you are going to marry Kelsey."
Kelsey started to choke on her soda.
Mitch calmly patted her on the back until she stopped. "All right, Kelsey?"
Her eyes watered, but she could breathe. She nodded.
Mitch glared down at Morgan, who didn
't seem the least bit concerned. "Shove off, kid, before I lock you in jail."
Her eyes brightened. "Hey would you? I haven't been to the jail in a long time."
"Go!" he ordered.
Giggling, she ran back toward a group of her cousins, clearly to report back.
"Good kid," Mitch said. "And a real brat at times."
"She's okay." She shook her head and laughed.
"What's so funny?"
"Marriage. The word had never been associated with my name."
He bit into his burger.
Nervous, she kept talking when she knew in her heart she should just shut up. "The most permanent thing in my life is my cell phone number and e-mail address. My friends say I'll never get married."
Calmly, he set his burger down and wiped his hands with a napkin. "Like the old saying goes: Never say never." He tossed his napkin down. "I've got to get out a patrol for the next couple of hours. Why don't you come with me?"
"Me?"
His eyes danced with laughter. "It's either patrol or stay here and get grilled about your intentions tome."
"Patrol sounds good."
Mitch grinned. "Smart woman." He raised his hand and waved to his father. "We'll be back in about a half hour."
His father raised his spatula. "Ice cream will be ready in an hour."
"Will do."
Kelsey fell in step beside Mitch. His back was military straight, but he walked with an easy confidence that she couldn't help but like.
He waved to several people who smiled. Those same smiles vanished when gazes shifted to Kelsey.
"I'm not winning you any popularity contests," she said as they reached the end of the art exhibits.
He placed his hand gently on her elbow as he moved her out of the way of two pre-teens hurrying toward the center gazebo. "I can handle it."
The warmth of his fingers spread up her arm and when he released her she felt a twinge of disappointment. "A few have asked me how long I'm going to stay. They can't wait for me to leave."
"You worry too much."
She caught sight of a woman who was staring at her and shaking her head. When Kelsey's gaze locked on the woman's, the woman held it for a moment, then looked away. "I doubt it."
"Find anything interesting in your aunt's house?"
She thought about the Kewpie doll on the front porch. "Tons of paper."
"Nothing about your mother?"
"Not yet. I've decided to tackle the attic tomorrow. Should be a treat."
"If it's like my folks' attic, it will be daunting."
"I peeked up there late today. It's worse."
"Let me know if you need help."
The idea tempted. "Thanks, I've got it under control."
Mitch spotted an older man dressed in khakis and a golf shirt, swaying as he walked toward his car. "Looks like Sam had too much at the nineteenth hole before he came to the picnic."
Kelsey held back while Mitch strolled over to the man. Mitch talked quietly to Sam as he fumbled with his keys. She couldn't hear what Mitch was saying, but there was a set to his jaw that suggested he wouldn't compromise. Sam finally handed Mitch his keys and Mitch radioed for a police car. When the car arrived, Sam got into the back and Mitch returned to Kelsey's side.
"Off to the pokey," she said jokingly.
"Nope. He's on his way home."
"So do you have a sign somewhere that says Chief Cook and Bottle Washer?"
He laughed as they continued to walk along the perimeter of the park. His deep laugh reverberated through her body. It also transformed him. It softened the hardness of his jaw and eased the furrows in his brow. He was more attractive to her now than he had ever been. Music and laughter drifted around them. "I should."
She cleared her throat. "Looks like Grant's Forge is lucky to have you."
He raised an eyebrow. "Is that a compliment?"
She shrugged. "Maybe."
The laughter in Mitch's eyes vanished as he stared down at her. The look that replaced it was more serious and it touched something deep inside her she'd thought long dead. She leaned toward him slightly. She wanted to know what it would feel like to kiss him. Would it be as good as it had been years ago? His body tensed and he took her hand in his. His fingers were warm and calloused. She could feel the strength radiating from them.
"Hey, Uncle Mitch," Morgan, his niece shouted.
Kelsey straightened, as if she'd been caught with her hand in the cookie jar.
Mitch hesitated before he released her hand. He turned toward the girl. "What's up, brat?"
"Grandpa says the homemade ice cream is done and if you don't come now, he'll feed it to the dogs."
Mitch laughed. "Kelsey, you willing to risk some family meddling for ice cream?"
"Sounds dangerous. But I think I can handle it."
The tension between them melted. And she couldn't have been more relieved. She'd set her foot on an old, dangerous path that she knew led to nowhere.
Stu intercepted them and visited for a few minutes before he made his excuses and slipped away. Kelsey insisted on walking him home, but he flatly refused.
Mitch didn't give her time to overanalyze. He walked her back to the Garrett family and spent the next several hours with them. To Kelsey's surprise, she had a good time. Mitch had to leave several times to make his patrol, and she felt comfortable staying with his family.
His brothers entertained her with stories of his childhood, his mother asked genuine questions about her and about her work, and the children continued to mug for photos. By the time Mitch returned just after the fireworks display, her camera battery was dead and her face ached from so much smiling.
She and Mitch helped Mrs. Garrett clean up and repack the massive coolers with the now-empty Tupperware dishes. He loaded the coolers into his mother's station wagon.
Kelsey hugged her arms around her chest as Mitch strode toward her. She didn't want the evening to end, but she'd learned long ago not to regret endings. They were a part of life.
"Thanks for a great evening," she said.
"Pleasure was mine."
The music had stopped, the art vendors had packed up their work and most of the families had left. "Well, I better take off. I got a full day's work ahead of me tomorrow."
"Let me drive you," he said.
She shook her head. "Thanks, but the walk will do me good."
He pulled his keys from his pocket. "It's just a ride, not a marriage proposal."
Nervous laughter bubbled from her. "Okay, fine."
Mitch walked her to his car and unlocked it with. his keyless entry. Before he could reach the car, she opened her door and climbed in the front seat. Shaking his head, he walked to his side, climbed in and started the engine.
The drive to her house took less than five minutes. He parked the car, shut off the engine and climbed out as if knowing she'd tell him not to walk her to her door.
He reached her as she climbed out. He shut the door for her and together they walked to the front porch. She fumbled for her keys and unlocked the door.
She faced him. The single porch light glowed above, making the hard planes of his face look sharper. Her mouth felt dry. "I had a good time."
"Me, too."
He maintained a few inches distance between them and she knew this was her out. She could escape into the house now. But his scent circled her, drawing her closer. A sensible woman would leave while the getting was good. "You've a nice family," she said, wishing she was a wittier person.
He cupped his hand on her elbow. He'd given her the chance to leave and she'd not taken it. "They like you."
The warmth of his body beckoned her. "You're lucky to have them."
Gently, he tugged her the last inch. Her chest touched his. She gazed up into his eyes, her heart hammering in her chest.
He placed his other hand on her shoulder and leaned down and gently pressed his lips to hers. He tasted salty, sweet, dangerous. Good sense abandoned her. And she wrapped her
arms around his neck and pressed her body closer to him.
Mitch deepened the kiss. His arms tightened around her narrow waist. Her breasts pressed against his chest. Every nerve in her body tingled. It would be so simple to invite him in, take him to her room and let him make love to her all night.
He wasn't making promises and she wasn't asking for any. They were adults. No big deal. Yet, deep inside her, a tiny and much-too-reasonable voice shouted, Very, very big deal.
He pulled back from the kiss but kept his arm wrapped around her. "You taste so good."
"So do you."
His eyes darkened. "I want you, Kelsey."
Reason clawed through the desire and shouted, Run for your life!
She leaned her forehead forward, resting it on his shoulder. "This is a mistake, Mitch."
He stroked her hair with his hand. "It doesn't feel like one to me."
She drew in a deep breath. "I can't."
For a long moment, he said nothing. Then he kissed her on the forehead and stepped back. "I'll swing by tomorrow morning and see if you found anything in the attic."
Already, she missed his warmth. "Okay."
She opened the front door and walked inside. Through the screen door she watched him go to his car. The interior light of the car clicked on when he opened the door. For a moment, he turned toward her and their gazes locked. He sighed and closed the door. The light was gone and his body vanished into the shadows. He started the engine and drove off.
For the second time in her life, Kelsey was tempted to put down roots. She wondered what it would be like to see Mitch every day and to make love to him every night. A smile curved the edges of her lips.
She shook off the floaty sensation.
Life had taught her so many hard lessons. She'd learned long ago that dreams were dangerous and led to pain. She had the here and now and that was it. She'd be wise to remember that.
She sighed. The sooner she got out of this town, the better.
Kelsey closed the front door. Moonlight streamed through the windows, casting tall dark shadows on the long hallway.
A sudden, overwhelming sense of worry washed over her. Nothing was out of place, but the house felt different. Had someone been in here? Or were her overstimulated nerves going haywire?
"I've got a gun!" Kelsey shouted. She didn't have one.
An eerie silence answered her. Her heart thundered in her chest as she flipped on the light. She half expected to see someone standing in a darkened corner. No one was there. The light banished some of her worries and she felt foolish. She slowly ventured farther into the house.
