by Debra Holt
There was a lot more he wanted to learn about the woman beside him. And he had his work cut out for him adjusting how she viewed cowboys.
Chapter Four
Neither of them referred to the comment Davis had made to the two men. Stacy was glad of it as she was certain her cheeks had to have been flaming red. It had been a while since anyone had elicited a blush out of her. However, the man beside her was not just any man as she was discovering the more time she spent in his company. The words he had spoken on the way to the town had stayed with her.
As much as she wanted to find a way to dismiss them, she couldn’t. Her opinion had been hammered into her being over the years and she hadn’t come across anyone to prove it otherwise. Maybe she was stubborn… maybe? Okay, she would admit to it. Circumstances in her life had created a wall that she kept high when it came to things that could possibly inflict pain. What was wrong with taking precautions to minimize that from occurring? It made perfect sense… until a blue-eyed ranger came along.
There was something between them that she had not experienced with any other man. An “awareness” was the only description she could find for it. Her pulses raced when he came near and she smiled more than she had done in a long time. He stayed in the forefront of her mind whenever they had been parted. The slight touch of his hand at the small of her back, or the light cupping of her elbow in his palm as they stepped off the curb to cross the street… each of those inconsequential, yet solicitous, touches elicited more response from her senses than an embrace from the men she dated. It was hard to keep her wits about her at times, but she needed to do better at it. After all, he was her friend, not a date. They had agreed. How lame did that sound in her mind now?
“My business with the sheriff didn’t take as long as I thought it would. I’m sorry if you didn’t have enough time to do some shopping in the stores that interested you earlier. If you’d like, we can certainly still take time to do that now.”
Stacy looked up at her companion with surprise registering in her eyes. Was he too good to be true? A man actually offering to go shopping with her? She found it an amusing idea, but one for another time. Was there going to be another time?
“Thank you for the offer, but it’s not necessary. Do you have any other stops to make?”
“As a matter of fact, I do have one if you don’t mind?”
“I’m along for the ride. Where to next?”
“McKenna Springs… there’s someone there I need to stop by and check on… it won’t take long. And then we can have lunch at my sister’s diner.”
“McKenna Springs it is.”
“Did your business go well with the sheriff?” She ventured an attempt at a neutral topic when the silence grew inside the truck.
His brow knitted as he considered her question. There was a definite set along his jaw line. It was definitely not a look she had yet to see on his face.
“I’m sorry,” she spoke up. “It’s really none of my business.”
Davis threw a quick look over at her. There was concern in his blue gaze as it fell on her. Then a slight lift of the corner of his mouth made him look less formidable.
“It’s not that. I don’t mind you asking. It’s just that while I was there, a report came in about a disturbance on a ranch belonging to some people I know. In fact, they’re my neighbors. It’s between Farris and McKenna Springs. I know Sheriff Dobbins and his deputies can handle it. It’s just force of habit.”
“I see.” She really didn’t see the whole picture, but she felt compelled to say something. “I’m sure the people you know will be okay.”
He didn’t reply, but he did give her a nice smile that earned one from her in return.
“So, your sister Darcy owns the diner. Do you have other brothers and sisters?”
“It’s just the two of us. Our parents would have liked a bigger family, but that wasn’t in the cards.”
“Do your parents live in McKenna Springs, also?”
“Not any longer. They moved to Florida a few years back. Dad is an avid fisherman and mom competes in golf tournaments for seniors. They stay active and come back to visit three or four times a year. Darcy and I go to visit them when we can make our schedules work.”
“They sound like quite a pair. It’s obvious that you’re close to your family. You’re lucky.”
“Obvious?”
“The way you speak of them. There’s a warm undertone of pride in your voice and your eyes take on shades of affection.”
His eyes held a question as he glanced her way.
“It’s a writer’s habit,” she explained. “I observe people. It’s a helpful trick of the trade, so to speak. It serves me well in my development of characters. When I was younger, people often thought I was shy as a child and then aloof as a teen. I was neither. I was just quiet and observant.” There she went again; saying more to this man than she normally would about herself.
“How would you draw my character if you put me in one of your books?”
That was certainly an unexpected question. Stacy didn’t respond right away. Although, there were words that quickly came to mind… virile, strong, sexy… but she held them in check. Her brain sorted through each and picked out the safer ones. “Tall, of course,” she replied, her smile a bit hesitant, perhaps tinged by self-conscious nerves? “Strong jawed… steady-eyed… nice smile.”
She could have added that he had a deep laugh that had an enticing quality to it because he was using it at that moment.
“Sounds a bit boring.”
Boring? Him? Not likely. She wasn’t going to point that out, though. “It’s easier to write it on paper. You wouldn’t be a boring character. I wouldn’t allow that to happen.”
His gaze was warm when it met hers across the small space. Stacy found it a little difficult to speak for a moment or two; her lungs suddenly had difficulty working. Luckily, their destination came into view, and his attention went back to the road, allowing her to resume normal breathing. Just a friend, remember?
The truck veered off the main road again and onto another highway much the same as they had previously done in Farris. This time, there was a four-story, granite and limestone courthouse with twin turrets in the middle of a square surrounded by a shady green lawn. The street circled around it and then branched off in four directions. Just as in Farris, there were many shops along the streets that looked inviting enough to stay and shop a while. Perhaps she might take a drive over one day and explore them. While he had made the offer, Stacy didn’t think the man beside her was one to enjoy standing idly by while a woman browsed for hours.
A few minutes later, they parked in front of a small, red brick home that sat on one of the side streets a few blocks from the square. There was a petite brunette in the front yard trying to get a lawn mower to start and not having any luck it seemed. A little brown-haired boy that looked to be about six or so played with a couple of trucks under an oak tree not far away. When they pulled into the drive and parked, the child’s face lit up and he headed their way in a run.
“This will just take a moment if you want to stay here or you’re welcome to come and be introduced to some good people.” He gave her the choice to make as he slid out of the truck, a broad grin lighting his face as he met the child at the end of the sidewalk, and swung him up into his arms, the child laughing out loud.
Stacy was mesmerized by the change in Davis. He looked carefree and totally at ease in this element. She saw the woman break into a smile and soon she too was receiving a hug from the tall ranger. Stacy decided to ignore the sudden tug in her brain at the sight of that particular welcome between the pair. She opened the door and stepped outside. She hadn’t planned to do so, but she was intrigued. Nothing more. Who were these people who seemed to be so important to this man?
Davis caught sight of her and he motioned for her to join them. When she had, he made introductions.
“Stacy Smith, I’d like to introduce my good friends Leslie Moreno, and her son Alex.
And this is Stacy,” Davis said, nodding at her and bestowing a smile on her that seemed to tell her he might be very pleased she had chosen to not wait in the truck. “Stacy is a new friend of mine and I brought her to see McKenna Springs today.”
“Any friend of Davis’s is always welcome in our home.” Leslie smiled, nodding at Stacy. She had a lovely, welcoming demeanor and Stacy responded in kind. “Can I get you something to drink? Tea? Coffee?”
“We can’t stay very long, I’m afraid. I just wanted to drop off something for you while I was coming out this way. It’s in the truck.” He sat Alex back on his feet. “Let’s you and I go get it, big guy. You’ve grown a foot since last time I saw you.” The boy giggled and followed along beside the man.
“He always says that and Alex loves it. He’ll tell everyone for the next week that Ranger Davis said he was tall. Are you certain I can’t get you something to drink?”
“No, really, but thank you. We’re on our way to the diner to have lunch after this.”
“You’re in for a treat then. Darcy and her diner are crown jewels here in McKenna Springs. I do hope you’ll like our town. It’s a wonderful place to visit and an even better one to live in.”
“I might have heard that a time or two already,” Stacy responded with a grin.
Davis came back from the truck and Alex carried a large envelope in his hands. He handed it to his mother. She glanced at it and her smile changed a bit. The sparkle left her eyes, but she regained her composure in an instant.
Davis had seen the same thing, Stacy noted his gaze narrowed a bit and he looked across the yard. “Looks like you were having a tussle with the lawn mower when we pulled up.”
“Yes, Jimmy usually comes over and mows the yard for me but he had to go out of town this week for reserve training with his National Guard unit. I used to mow the yard just fine whenever my husband Alex was on an assignment, but it’s been acting up of late.”
“Let me look at it.” Davis headed that way. The woman called after him.
“Please, don’t bother with it, Davis. You and Stacy have lunch plans. I don’t want you to waste time on that.”
“We aren’t in any hurry.” Stacy spoke up and then she thought maybe she shouldn’t have. But Davis turned and gave her one of those smiles that threatened to knock her equilibrium for a loop again. And this time, he added a wink to go along with it. Lordy.
“You two ladies make yourselves comfortable on the porch. Alex and I have this covered.” The boy raced along beside him.
They settled into two of the chairs on the porch and watched the two males have a meeting of the minds with the machine. Stacy grinned when it looked like the machine might be winning.
She glanced over at the woman, sitting quietly beside her, and noticed her attention wasn’t on the pair; her eyes were on the envelope that lay in her lap, her fingers holding the edges in a firm grip. There were no smiles in evidence.
“If you’d like some privacy while you read your mail, I can go and…”
Her head came up and she shook her head. “No… please, that’s not necessary. I’m afraid I’m not being a good hostess.”
“I don’t mean to pry, but I hope it isn’t bad news?”
“The bad news already arrived eight months ago,” she said, her reply cryptic and a feeble attempt at a smile fell flat. “These are the final copies of the insurance settlement for my husband. He was a highway patrol officer. He was killed in the line of duty eight months ago. Davis was kind enough to look them over for me. He and Alex, my husband, had known each other since high school. I don’t know what we would have done when Alex died if it hadn’t been for Davis and other members of the community. He’s good about stopping by and checking on us at least once a week when he’s not on assignment. Darcy does the same. They’re good people, the McKennas. You won’t find better.”
“I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I can’t imagine how hard that is for you and your son.”
“One day at a time. You learn to treasure what people and time you do have in your life. Tomorrow will come whether we want it to or not. You learn that what matters is what you do with today. And you give thanks for the good people who surround you.”
The sound of the lawn mower roaring to life broke the pall that had settled over their conversation. Leslie laid the envelope on the table and stood, clapping her hands and a smile returned. “Good job. Now, Davis, you come and take your pretty friend to lunch and let me get back to my yard work.”
A few minutes later, Stacy waved another goodbye to the woman and her son who returned it with smiles and repeated invitations to come back and see them anytime. They had travelled a couple of blocks before Stacy spoke, her gaze falling on the man behind the wheel.
“Leslie told me about her husband. I’m so sorry to hear that. She seems to be a very strong lady. Her son certainly thinks the sun rises and sets on you.”
“They’re good people. Alex was one of the finest friends a person could have and he and Leslie had one of those marriages you hear about but rarely get to see in reality. A long time ago, Alex asked me to make a promise to him if anything happened to him… I’d be there. I gave my word. I just hadn’t wanted it to be the case so soon.”
“I have a feeling that you’d be there whether you had given your word or not. You are one of those good guys no matter what color hat you wear.” Stacy stated the words quite simply.
She knew them to be true as sure as the sun would rise tomorrow. It was also apparent that Davis wasn’t one to talk about himself. He changed the subject.
“I think my stomach is telling me that it’s way past lunchtime. Good thing we’re just a block away from the diner now.”
They pulled into a parking space across the street from The Diner on Main Street. Side by side, his hand at her elbow, they crossed the wide street. The Diner’s storefront was painted white, and there were two large windows on each side of the glass door. Bright red and white gingham curtains decorated them. A healthy-looking Boston fern hung in the center of each of the windows. The “homey” look of it appealed to Stacy. Davis held the door open for her, allowing her to precede him. A wonderful aroma met her as she crossed the threshold. Whatever it was, it made her stomach rumble in happy expectation.
At that hour, most of the lunch crowd had come and gone. Half a dozen diners remained and most were seated at the tables and a few more at the counter. They looked up in curiosity as the couple walked in. More than a few interested glances were sent her way. She had been pegged as an outsider in their community. As for Davis, there were a slew of hands raised and heads nodding in greeting as he guided her toward a booth at the back of the room. He was known and welcomed among the other diners. Choosing the side of the booth facing the door, he placed his hat on its crown at the far end of the table. Stacy slid into the booth across from him.
“Well, well… look who finally showed up.” The voice was female and belonged to a petite brunette with sparkling blue eyes. Stacy immediately identified her as his sister… their blue eyes were too much alike not to be related. Her gaze soon landed on Stacy as she came to a halt beside the table. “Hello, I didn’t know my brother brought a lunch date.”
“Darcy, this is Stacy Smith, and she’s not a date. She is—” He didn’t get to finish.
“Oh, my gosh! I recognize you! I have your book. It’s in the office. Wait! Don’t move.” The girl fairly flew away from the booth, disappearing through the swinging doors into the kitchen. Within seconds she was back, waving a book in hand. Her voice was breathless. “I’m so glad I still had it in my office. I lent it to one of the waitresses and she just brought it back yesterday… and I’m rambling. Could you please sign it, Miss Noelle…er, Miss Smith?”
“Of course,” Stacy responded, stifling a laugh. She liked his sister. “Do you have a pen?”
“Here, use mine,” Davis offered across the table, with a bemused look in his eyes as he handed her the writing instrument.
Stacy was glad it was the latest novel, and not one of her earlier works with the cover plastered with bare-chested men and swooning females. This cover simply had a red rose lying in a spotlight in a dark room. Love’s Last Rose was the title. She personalized the brief note and signed her pen name, then dated it. With a warm smile, she handed the book back to the woman. The pen, she handed back to Davis.
“This is just great! Thank you so much.” Darcy said to her. “Have you read it yet?” This was directed to her brother, who sat with arms folded across his chest, content to watch the scene before him.
“Not yet, but I certainly plan to. In fact, I’ll read yours,” he replied as his fingers plucked the book from his sister’s hands before she could stop him.
Stacy felt queasiness in the pit of her stomach as she watched her novel turned over in his palms. She was proud of her work, but she had to wonder what he would make of it… especially the sizzling love scenes she had placed in that one. It was best to keep her mind off that at the moment.
“Are you writing another book?” Darcy was asking, having slid into the seat across from Stacy, bumping her brother with her hip into making room for her. “Of course, you are. Who am I talking to? You always seem to have a book just out on the shelves. Here I go again… sorry, but you can guess we don’t get a lot of real celebrities in our little town, much less stopping into my diner.”
“I understand. And, yes, I am. I’m working on a suspense novel right now. In fact, your brother has agreed to help me in my research… on the law enforcement aspects of it.” It was incumbent that she clarify the research had nothing to do with anything sexual. It was important to keep the friendship part of their relationship clear-cut. But for whom?
“You’ll still have those great romances, right? And those bedroom scenes you write… wow.”
This brought Stacy’s gaze up while Davis’s left the book cover and landed on her. There was an interested blue gleam in his eyes and she felt a sizzle in her veins.
“Now I know that I’ll read this right away.” The smile was slow and matched the tones in his voice, as the book went to rest beside his hat. Stacy could swear her blood pressure went off the charts from the look his cobalt eyes flashed her way. Danger.
