by Emma Roman
"Anyone want to go to Dallas with me day after tomorrow?" Kelsey asked. "I've got to attend market and I could use the company."
"Can't," Meghan said. "I've got school."
"I would love to, but I have to stay here and run the restaurant," Taylor said with a sigh, knowing she missed her parents being here to help keep their business going. But they deserved this winter away. Soon, they would be retired and while she wished the other members of the family would help out, she didn't really anticipate that.
"We should plan a girls’ trip," Taylor said, knowing her employees could handle the restaurant for one night without her.
"Yes, spring break is coming up in the next week. Let's go to the spa," Meghan said. "I'm feeling the need to get rid of some old dirt."
Kelsey laughed. "Would that dirt go by the name of Max?"
"Hell, yes," Meghan said shaking her head. "The man knows how to wind up a girl. I can't believe he's inserted himself into my life again after all these years."
"You're welcome," Taylor said, knowing she was the reason Max was back in Meghan's life. Part of her felt guilty that he'd been the one to pick her up the night they did the Cupid Stupid routine, but the other part thought Meghan still loved him. And if that was true, she hoped they could work things out.
"Okay, so one week from this Saturday we're going to the spa for spring cleaning," Kelsey said.
"I'll make sure my employees know they are in charge," Taylor said, a trickle of excitement going through her at the idea of the three of them spending the day together.
"I'll make the appointments and the hot massage guy is mine," Kelsey said.
"Great! She's already laying dibs on the only man we'll see," Meghan said.
"Do you want him?"
"No, but it seems you always get the hot, sexy ones," Meghan replied.
"Girls, I don't want him either, so Kelsey can have him," Taylor said.
Kelsey laughed. "I'm the only one who doesn't have a hunk chasing after them and you guys get upset because I called dibs on the masseuse?"
A frown formed between Meghan's brows. "I don't have a hot guy chasing after me."
"I don't either," Taylor said, appearing surprised.
Kelsey shook her head. "Meghan's been complaining about her ex being back in her life, and you," she turned and faced Taylor. "I've heard rumors that a certain sheriff in town is hot on your trail."
"Not mine," Taylor said, knowing it was a complete lie. Her cheeks grew warm just thinking about the night she'd spent with Ryan. She'd never had such a great sexual experience in her life. Never, and yet, she was afraid of getting permanently connected to yet another lawman.
"Then why is his patrol car seen a lot of nights in front of your townhouse?"
Nothing was secret in this town. Nothing. "Because he often walks me home or takes me home from the restaurant. I am carrying the night’s receipts with me."
"Why don't you drive," Meghan asked.
"I could, but look outside. I'd have to put a lot of nickels in those parking meters because there is no parking in the back. Not unless I want my car sideswiped by a delivery truck."
Kelsey stared at her intently like she could see inside and knew she was lying. Somehow she needed to change the discussion. "He's trouble, Taylor."
What could she say? She wanted to ask Kelsey what happened between them that left her so bitter. But they were in a crowded restaurant filled with her clients who sometimes had large ears and even bigger mouths. This conversation was more appropriate in a small quiet setting. Besides, the only thing happening between her and Ryan was sex. A lot of really great sex. Nothing permanent or even temporary other than using each other’s body.
And her conscious immediately twinged, sending a shudder through her.
"Our sheriff has been doing his duty by making certain I arrive home safe and sound. Nothing more. Not like Miss Meghan who is sitting over there with one of the greatest NFL players chasing her."
"He's retired. And he's nothing more than a high school football coach who I share a disturbing past with."
"And he'd like to make it your future as well," Kelsey said.
"Maybe. But maybe not. Either way, it doesn't matter because I don't want a future with him. We have too many trust issues to try to resolve and I'm over him. What about you, Kelsey? You've not said how your brothers reacted to hearing you were streaking through town."
A heavy sigh released from her. "I'm not certain what is going on. My brother’s friend Cody picked me up, remember? But so far he's kept quiet. You know, if he wasn't my brother's best friend, he might be kind of nice. But dealing with my brothers is way more than I want. Yet, Cody is a nice guy. He's been coming over and helping me in the shop."
"Whoa, there," Meghan said. Her brows drew together in a frown. "You've known this man for twenty years and you're telling me he's suddenly a nice guy? Last time we were all together, you were talking about his Superman underwear."
"Well, he's nice. He even kissed me the other day, but I could never get seriously involved with him. He's my brother's best friend. They would know all our business."
Meghan shook her head. "Not buying it. You like Cody, but you're afraid."
"Am not. I kissed him."
"On a scale of one to five with five being a really great kiss, tell us what you thought," Taylor said knowing she was putting Kelsey on the spot, but sometimes you had to with this girl.
"It was a six," she said quietly.
"Oh," Meghan said. "There is more to this story."
"No. It cannot happen between me and Cody. Jim would love it and he’d think he had control over me."
"Who gives a crap about your brothers. You worry way too much about them," Meghan said.
"She's right," Taylor said and it smacked her in the face like a two by four. She worried what Meghan and Kelsey would think of her dating Ryan. She was the biggest damn fool. Just then the bell over the door rang and she glanced up.
Sheriff Ryan walked in the door and headed straight for their table. She was in so much trouble. The girls were already suspicious, but now she somehow had to act nonchalant in front of Ryan fearing it would make him mad.
Ryan glanced at the three girls sitting at the table in the restaurant. An unwelcome air about the place as the conversation stopped and the three women stared at him, like he was public enemy number one. He hadn't called, but just dropped by to tell Taylor he was bringing barbecue brisket tonight for a late dinner. And hopefully another romp in her bed.
They had been going at sex like newlyweds. Every chance they had, they were exploring each other’s bodies. He wanted to take her back out to his family's farm and shake some dust from the walls with her moans and groans. And sit outside by the fire and watch the stars together. Right now, he was desperate for some time with Taylor.
Walking over to their table, he noticed the panic in Taylor's eyes. She was trying to signal him and he knew without saying a word what she was telling him. No, the girls, her best-friends, his ex-girlfriend didn't know they were dating.
Of course, they had not made any commitments to each other, but Ryan was not one to share and when he had sex with a woman, they were exclusive. Sharing was not an option.
"Good evening, ladies," he said.
"Sheriff, what brings you by?" Taylor asked.
So many things came to mind that he realized would only upset her, so instead he lied, playing her game for now. "I wanted to tell you that I wouldn't be on duty tonight. So I won't be here to walk you home."
She nodded and rose. "That's fine. I just appreciate it when you come by. Come to the kitchen. I have something for you."
He grinned. She made his favorite desert. He was going to enjoy it with her curled by his side.
"Thank you, Taylor."
"It's the least I can do since you've been escorting me home," she said and together the two of them walked away from the table.
Out of earshot and away from prying eyes, she turned
toward him. "I'm sorry, I haven't told them yet."
He grabbed her and laid a kiss on her mouth, plundering her lips with his, showing Taylor how much he wanted her. She better tell those women.
She brought her hands up between them and pushed him away. "Ryan," she said, her cheeks flushed, her mouth swollen from his kiss. Now he had branded her with his lips and she looked like she'd been appropriately kissed.
Try explaining that to the girls, he thought smiling.
"Yes," he said with a grin. "You need to tell them. You're running out of time. I'm not going to be quiet about us much longer."
Picking up the box he turned and walked out of the restaurant forgetting to tell her about the brisket.
He didn't like hiding something from view of everyone, not even his old ex who needed to get over the past. Let it go. He'd been wrong. He'd been young and he'd been stupid.
But how many years would he have to pay for that one act of foolishness? How many times would he lose someone because of his actions? People made mistakes.
8
Taylor walked in her house after a long day at the restaurant. Zeus greeted her, dancing and jumping on her while giving shrill barks telling how excited he was she came home. There was nothing like the love of a dog. Uncomplicated and sincere.
"Hi, baby," she said, setting her purse on her kitchen counter. Opening the back door, the dog ran out to do his business.
She walked back to her bedroom, kicking off her shoes when the doorbell rang. With a frown, she wondered who could be here at this time of night and knew.
Anger had her walking to the door and yanking it open.
He frowned. "You didn't check to see who it was through the peep hole."
"It was you."
Without asking him in, he walked through the door and kissed her on the lips. "Always check. It might not have been me."
"I thought you said the city of Cupid was a safe place to live?"
"It is, most of the time. Occasionally every place has issues."
Once she closed the door, he pulled her into his arms and she stiffened. Pulling back, he gazed at her, his forehead scrunched. "What's wrong?"
"Do you know how long it took me to convince them we weren't dating?"
"Maybe that's the problem. You shouldn't be trying to persuade them of what's not true. Maybe you should just tell them the truth."
Shaking her head, she stared at him. "It's not that simple."
"I need to talk to Kelsey privately and tell her about us. I didn't want to create a scene in the diner. What are we doing, Ryan, besides having sex?"
They walked into the kitchen and she let the dog back in the house. He ran over to Ryan like he just found his long, lost, best friend. Seeing Ryan made her happy, yet she'd been so angry with him for kissing her senseless and then leaving her to face the girls.
"We're developing a relationship. We're exploring each other’s mind and body to find out if this thing between us is real and everlasting. And your friends should accept we're together."
Sinking down on the couch, she watched him walk over and sit beside her. "Everything is moving so fast. We went from one date to suddenly in bed and I'm afraid. We might burn out just as quickly."
"What is it going to take to calm your fears?" he asked.
She didn't want to respond to his question. At the moment, her life was peaceful. She didn't need the stress of dealing with her friends’ reactions to Ryan. She was enjoying this time; why wasn't that good enough for him?
"I don't want to tell everyone we're dating and then the next day say oops, I'm sorry, we broke up. I like that we're keeping this our secret for now."
"But I hate hiding like what we're doing is wrong. I won't do it much longer, Taylor. Not for you, not for Kelsey or Meghan. If you're going to be my girl, I want everyone to know we're together."
The words were genuine and seemed to take the edge off the frustration that had been brewing between them. Yet, she still needed to talk to Kelsey. Her time was running out. Ryan wouldn't give her much longer.
Leaning into him, she felt his lips on the side of her neck. "There's something I need to tell you," he said softly, his hand curling around the curve of her breast. She lifted her chest closer to him, needing his touch.
"Later," she said, her lips moving across his chest "We've done enough talking. Show me what you really came for."
With a groan, he picked her up and carried her into the bedroom. "I'm going to make you scream my name."
She giggled. "Yes, Officer, please. Make me scream, then rescue me."
The morning rush was just about over when the door to the diner opened and Jack strolled in, a haggard look on his face. Picking up the coffee pot, she walked over and filled his cup. "Morning, Jack."
He glanced up her. "You're certainly chipper this morning. You and that new boyfriend doing all right?"
"Yes," she said, remembering last night and how many times she'd climaxed before falling asleep in his arms. A deep, sound sleep until the alarm alerted her it was time to leave him with her dog cuddling in bed while she went to work.
That had been hard. Damn hard.
"What time does your family arrive."
He sighed and watched as the waitress delivered his eggs. "Trip was called off. The granddaughter has some kind of band activity, and well, my daughter said they would come this summer. We'll see."
"When was the last time you saw them?" she asked.
"Margaret's funeral," he said, taking a bite of his toast. "No reason to come visit the old man anymore."
"Don't say that, Jack," she said, upset at the very idea. "They're just busy. Your granddaughter’s at that age where friends and school take over. You think your grandparents will always be there."
As he picked up his coffee cup, she noticed a tremor in his hands. "Margaret’s gone and I don't know how much longer I'll be around. I'm not as young as I use to be."
His words left her anxious, but yet, he wasn't that old. Nowadays, being in your sixties was young.
"You're going to be coming in here and checking on me. You have to make certain this new man sticks around."
He gave a half-hearted smile. "You always brighten my day. I could eat breakfast at home, but I enjoy your company."
"I enjoy yours as well."
He pushed his plate away. "Did you tell your friends about this man?"
She chewed her lip. "No. I hate to cause a ruckus. We've only been back in town together a little more than a month. What if this doesn't work out between me and Ryan? What if next week he's off chasing some other woman? I could be his first pass through the buffet line."
Jack started laughing. "A good thing you're in the restaurant business. You can connect anything in life to food."
Taylor smiled. "Well, I had a knowledgeable teacher. My mother connected desserts to all life lessons."
He lifted his coffee mug to his lips and gazed at her. "A good man doesn't go through the buffet line once or twice before he finds something that interests him. If your man is as smart as I think he is, he'll know he's found a dish that is going to satisfy him for a long time. Someone who will stand by him, support him, and even give him little pumpkin pies - my personal favorite."
"Jack, you make everything in life sound so easy. Are you saying take a breath and give it time."
"I am."
She kept reminding herself to relax and have fun with Ryan. Eventually everything would work out. Time was running out and soon she knew he would force her to tell the world about their relationship.
"What if I find out something horrible about him? What if I learn he's doing something terrible?"
"What is your gut instinct telling you?"
"Relax. He's a wonderful man. Even better than my disastrous fiancé."
"There you go," Jack said. "Quit worrying about the future and appreciate the here and now."
Sighing, Taylor noticed the dark circles under Jack's eyes. "You all right?"
"Be
en a bit tired the last few days. I'm getting old. Whatever it is, it’s not a big deal."
"I still think I need to set you up with an online matchmaking site. You might find someone else."
He smiled. "Oh no. I had a great married life, a lovely wife and lover. I don't want to take a chance and ruin my record."
"I want a marriage like you had with Margaret. After I'm gone, I want my man to miss me like you miss your wife. I want him to say I was a great companion."
He smiled. "All it takes is complete honesty, treat your husband right and shower him with love. It's simple and yet hard. There were days when nothing went right, the kids, job issues, money problems. But in the end, I would do it all over again."
She grinned. “Did Margaret ever dance around the Cupid statue?”
He laughed. “No. But she threw a coin in the fountain and made a wish the day before I asked her to marry me."
"Oh no! I'm in so much trouble," she said, her chest freezing. Could her and Ryan be meant to be together.
"Why?"
"That's where I became reacquainted with the man I'm dating."
He stood and she did as well. He gave her hug. "Remember, if your love is meant to be, it will come easy. Always keep that in mind. Have a great day."
"You, too, Jack," she said and watched him walk out the door.
The man was sad, yet she also enjoyed talking to him
Her eyes widened at the thought and she looked out the window to watch him walk toward his truck. Such a lonely man and yet he'd experienced the greatest treasures life had to offer with his lovely wife, Margaret.
The next morning, Jack didn't show up for breakfast. At first, she worried when she realized he hadn't come in, but she remembered her mother saying sometimes he came in for supper. He didn't come in. On the second morning he didn't come in, she looked up his phone number and called. No answer, just his wife's lovely voice on the message machine.
She considered calling Ryan and having him drive out to her friend's place, but didn't want to appear an alarmist. Later that day Ryan came into the restaurant and sat in her office. "What time are you coming home tonight?"
