by Ginny Baird
But the tightness of her embrace told Elizabeth her daughter was afraid.
The only thing she didn’t know was of what?
Nathan paced the well-worn path between his desk and the coffeepot, unable to get back to work. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. It wasn’t like his sister to make snap decisions. Then again, Belle was fairly headstrong. Once she was determined to do something, there was no talking her out of it. Like the time she moved to Blayton, for instance. It had taken Nathan a while to find out about it. He hadn’t known until after his two-year trek out west. Nathan was ashamed of the guy he’d been then. Someone so into sorting out his own head, he hadn’t kept up with his family. He hadn’t even known Belle and Tony were having trouble. Not that Belle would have entrusted him with that knowledge at the time. She and Nathan had only gotten close after he’d tracked her down in Blayton. The town was recruiting a new sheriff, and, with his outdoorsy know-how and previous police experience, Nathan was an ideal candidate for the job. He liked it here, so decided to stay. Plus, his priorities had changed. He’d come to realize his role in looking after other people was actually the best way to honor himself. It helped him become the sort of man he’d always wanted to be. Someone like his father.
“Something troubling you, Sheriff?” Martha’s eyes were just visible above the top of her book.
Yeah, something was bothering him all right. Something that had to do with his sister’s sudden move. He checked the clock against his watch, seeing it was just past five o’clock. Most nights he worked until six. But tonight wouldn’t be one of them. He strode back to his office and nabbed his keys off his desk. “I’m going to knock off early,” he told her.
She set down her book and studied him.
“Is everything all right with Belle? Did something happen when she and Melody stopped by earlier?”
“I’ll let you know,” he said, heading out the door.
By the time Nathan got to Belle’s house, the interior lights were all off and the doors were locked tight. “Well, I’ll be…” He couldn’t believe they’d packed up and gone this quickly. He peered through a first-floor window and saw the furniture still in place. Then again, that wasn’t unusual. Most places in Blayton were rented fully furnished, and Belle’s house was no exception.
He strolled around to the screen porch out back and stepped through it toward the kitchen. Through the windowpanes in the door, he could see inside. Normally, Belle kept a bunch of junk on the refrigerator: magnets, Melody’s school pictures, reminder notices for events at the library. Now the front of the refrigerator was bare, gleaming in the pale light streaming in through the kitchen windows. She and Melody had gone, all right. Poof! Just like a puff of air.
Nathan kicked himself now for not getting Belle’s new address in Bristol, if she’d even gotten one on such short notice. He should have asked her what they planned to do. Stay with friends? Hold up temporarily in a hotel? And why now? Right after the start of the school year, when surely it would have been better to at least wait until winter break?
These and a million other questions were occurring to him now, but he’d been so broadsided by Belle’s surprise visit, he hadn’t thought to ask them then. Nathan sat heavily on a bench and rested his elbows on the old picnic table that stood on the back porch. He’d have to find them somehow. Maybe he could enlist Bernie’s help. Sure wouldn’t hurt things if their communications systems got back up and rolling. He’d give Lex a call tomorrow to check on the status of things.
Chapter Nine
Elizabeth and Nathan sat her kitchen table drinking coffee.
“Thanks for being here tonight.”
“Claire’s first high school dance.” He sipped from his mug. “It’s a big deal.”
Elizabeth loved the way Nathan got everything. He was so intuitive, always sensing what she and Claire needed before even they could see it themselves. Like a few nights before when there’d been that disruption next door. Elizabeth never would have imposed on Nathan by asking him to stay. But he’d understood she and Claire would be more comfortable if he did. So when he’d offered, it had seemed only gracious to accept. The truth was, Elizabeth had rested easier with a man in the house. Especially a man with gorgeous hazel eyes who filled out a uniform the way Nathan did. His hat sat on the table beside his elbow. He’d be stopping by the dance later just to check on things, though Bernie was the main man on duty there tonight.
Claire appeared in the threshold, an utter transformation. Her bangs were pinned back and her face brushed with the slightest hint of makeup.
“You look very nice,” Nathan said. “That Perry is a lucky guy.”
Claire blushed and did a slight pirouette in her short pastel dress. Its color was light pumpkin spice, ideal for the season. It had actually belonged to Elizabeth, but she’d only worn it once to a press dinner in Richmond. She was surprised it fit her daughter so well. Claire really was growing up. “You’re beautiful, Claire.”
“Thanks.”
The doorbell rang, and Nathan stood. “Want me to get that?”
“Please,” Elizabeth answered.
When he’d gone, she gave her daughter a hug. “I want you to have fun tonight. But not too much fun.”
“Mo-om.” Claire sighed heavily. “Next you’re going to tell me to ‘make smart choices.’”
“That’s not a bad idea.”
Nathan pulled back the door and let Perry inside. Aw, nice. The kid was all dressed up in a jacket and tie and—good for him—carrying a corsage. “Perry,” he said with a nod, “you clean up well.”
Perry firmly shook his hand, man-to-man like. “Thanks, sir.”
“Claire’s with her mom in the kitchen.”
Perry started to head that way, but Nathan stopped him. “Um, son, I want you to drive carefully tonight.”
“Yes, sir, of course.”
“And no loitering between here and the school, if you know what I’m saying.”
Perry shifted on his feet. “I really like Claire a lot. I’m not going to do anything stupid.”
“I didn’t imagine you would.” He met the boy’s eyes. “Which is why I’ll be stopping by the dance later to check on you.”
Perry just stared at him like a deer caught in somebody’s headlights.
Nathan swatted his shoulder with a grin. “You two have fun now.”
A few minutes later, Elizabeth and Nathan stood on the front porch, waving the kids good-bye. In spite of herself, Elizabeth felt the sting of moisture in her eyes.
“They’ll be okay, you know,” Nathan told her.
“I know. It’s just that…”
“Yeah, it’s hard seeing them grow up. Hard but good at the same time.”
“Yes.”
“Elizabeth,” he said, turning to her. “That’s what you want, for Claire to find her own way.”
She nodded and wiped back her tears. “I know this is stupid.”
He brought his arms around her. “No, it’s not.”
She shared a shaky smile. “What makes you so right about everything?”
“I’m the sheriff.”
“Go on!”
“Plus…” He tightened his embrace. “I’ve got some special inside knowledge on Claire.”
“How so?”
He brought his forehead to hers. When he spoke, his voice was husky. “I’m developing a thing for her mother.” He was near enough to kiss her now, his mouth hovering over hers.
“Let’s go inside,” Elizabeth said, nearly breathless.
She walked toward the kitchen, her knees trembling, and her skin on fire. She’d never wanted a man like she wanted Nathan. There was something so special about him. Just being in his arms felt like heaven. And when he kissed her, oh my…
Nathan walked up behind her where she stood by the coffeepot.
“Want some more coffee?”
His voice was a whisper beside her. “No.”
The next thing she knew, his
lips were against her nape, and Elizabeth felt faint, dizzy from the sheer pleasure of his kiss. “Nathan,” she breathed, gripping the counter for support. “I…”
He spun her gently in his arms and tilted her chin up toward his. “Yes?”
She was lost in his eyes and the deep longing she saw there. “I…don’t know what to do.”
“Then let me lead.”
He brought his mouth to hers, and Elizabeth shut her eyes, thinking this must be a dream. Nothing this wonderful had ever happened to her. He pulled her to him and kissed her more deeply and with even more ardor than he’d exhibited outdoors. Parts of her anatomy came alive that she’d forgotten existed, and now all of her was calling to be cuddled and caressed by him. His hands trailed down her back and settled lower as he pressed the lower half of his body to hers. The rock-hard lower part of his body. “Elizabeth,” he said between kisses, “if I were a reckless man…”
“But you’re not,” she whispered back.
A sound escaped him that was half moan, half growl. “God, woman, you’re driving me insane.”
“Then we should stop.”
“Yes.”
When he pulled back, his hair was mussed and his complexion ruddy. “I’m sorry, I—”
“No. It was both of us.”
“We can’t—”
“Not with Claire.”
“We have to set the example.”
“Yes.”
She stared up at this gorgeous man, wondering how she’d been fortunate enough find him. His gaze poured over her, and she felt warm from head to toe.
“You’re wonderful. Do you know that? Hands down the most incredible woman I’ve ever met.”
“I believe that’s the nicest thing a man has ever told me.”
“Then you’d better get used to it. Because I’m going to be telling you again…” He brought his lips to hers, chastely this time. “And again…”
How she wanted him to carry her away. Straight to her bedroom upstairs. But this wasn’t the right time or the right way. Both of them knew it. “And you,” she said between soft kisses, “are without a doubt the sexiest guy I’ve ever had occasion to kiss.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” he said, kissing her once more.
An hour later, he finished his iced coffee and placed his hat on his head. “I’ll be back before you know it.”
“Want me to come with you?” Elizabeth offered.
“Don’t you think it puts enough pressure on the kids having me show up?”
Elizabeth laughed sweetly. “You’re right.”
She was beautiful standing there, her lips and cheeks still bright with color from all that kissing. And man, didn’t he want to kiss her again. He could make an occupation of it. Nathan didn’t know how he was lucky enough to have a woman like Elizabeth come into his life. It was like that old saying about things happening when you weren’t expecting them.
And the cool thing was, he’d gotten another person in the deal. Claire was a good kid with a big heart and a lot of love and admiration for her mother. That part was obvious, which only made Nathan like her all the more. He felt glad he’d been able to contribute in some small way. Although they were new in town and he was still getting to know them, Nathan couldn’t fight the uncanny feeling that he and Elizabeth and Claire somehow fit together.
“Shouldn’t take more than an hour,” he said, strapping on his holster.
“I’ll keep the home fires burning.”
He shot her a wink as he walked out the door. “I like the way you said that.”
Meanwhile, at the dance, Perry refilled Claire’s cup from the punch bowl. The place was all decorated like Halloween, with glowing plastic jack-o’-lanterns on the tables and everything. “Thanks,” she said, holding her heels in one hand. She’d kicked them off about midway through the first number and had been dancing barefoot on the gym floor ever since. “I’m really thirsty.”
“No wonder.” Perry laughed. “Who knew a girl could move so fast?”
“It was fast dancing.”
“Yeah.” He handed her the cup. “Wonder when they’ll start playing the slow ones?” His gaze travelled across the room to a bunch of girls seated at a table. A couple of them stood and headed in their direction. “Uh-oh, don’t look now, but we’ve got company.”
Before they could move away, Lilly and Joy approached. At first, Claire thought they’d ignore her, but Joy walked right up to her instead.
Claire took a quick sip, unsure of what to say. “Punch is good.”
“I’ll get some,” Joy said, “but first…” Her expression was slightly downcast. “I wanted to apologize.”
“What?”
“We both do,” Lilly said beside her.
“For what?”
Joy shrugged and hung her head. But Claire knew. They’d been behind the whole locker thing and likely other schemes too. Who knew what else might have come off had Melody stayed in town.
“It’s cool,” Claire told them.
Relief flooded their faces. “Really?” Joy asked.
“Really.”
Lilly cocked her head to the side. “Just like that? Wow,” she said to Joy, “she’s pretty chill.”
Perry drew closer and draped his arm over Claire’s shoulder. “It’s nice to see everybody getting in the holiday spirit.”
“It’s Halloween, Perry,” Joy said, appearing puzzled.
“Even ghosts can be nice,” he said.
“Yeah, well, we wouldn’t know.” She glanced at her friend. “Would we, Lilly?”
Lilly looked vacant. “About…?”
“Never mind.” Joy nudged her arm. “Come on, let’s go.”
“Aren’t we going to get some punch?”
“You all have fun now!” Perry waved goodbye, angling Claire away.
She giggled, still tucked under his arm. “Can you believe that?”
“Think it’s ’cause Melody’s gone?”
“I don’t know. Somehow…”
“Somehow what?”
“Somehow I didn’t get the feeling Melody was really that bad. Underneath, I mean. You know what I’m saying?”
“I know what you’re saying exactly.”
Just then the music changed to a much slower tempo, and the dance floor cleared. Perry took Claire’s cup and set it aside. “Want to?”
She glanced around, noting only a few other couples dancing. Serious couples. Ones that everybody in the school knew were going together. Although Perry hadn’t asked her to be his girlfriend yet, if he did, she knew she would say yes. “All right.”
He took her by the hand and led her to the center of the room, just below where a retro disco ball sparkled, sending shimmers of colored light across the dance floor. It was awkward at first, and Claire didn’t know where to put her hands. On his shoulders? Around his waist? She gave a few false starts, then burst out laughing. “I’m sorry, I haven’t really done this before.”
He stared at her in disbelief. “Slow dance with a guy?”
She shyly shook her head.
He smiled warmly. “It’s okay. Just give me a hug.”
“What?”
“Here,” he said, stepping toward her.
He settled her arms up over his shoulders so she could link her hands behind his neck, then wound his arms around her middle. She’d never been so close to a boy. Ultra close. And warm. And Perry smelled so good, like he was wearing aftershave or something. “This all right?”
“Six inches!” Bernie cut in.
Perry turned toward the deputy, who’d suddenly appeared at their side with a flashlight. “Huh?”
“Six inches,” Bernie repeated. “That’s the distance you’re supposed to keep between you.”
Claire felt her face color.
Perry stared at him with pleading eyes. “Come on, man. It’s our first dance.”
“Let’s not make it be your last.”
Perry raised his eyebrows at Claire, and she suppre
ssed a giggle.
“Yes, sir. No problem, sir. Don’t want any worries with the law.” He stepped back a pace, making more space between them. Bernie clucked with satisfaction, then strolled away, muttering something about kids these days.
“Don’t worry,” Perry whispered to her. “He’ll go out for a smoke break any minute.”
“How do you know?”
“I’ve been watching him. He leaves every fifteen minutes or so, then comes back in smelling like a chimney.”
“Is he hiding it?”
“Doesn’t want Janet to know. She says it’ll kill him someday.”
“Well, it might.”
“Yeah, well, that’s Bernie’s business.”
“I suppose.”
“See? There. He’s leaving.”
Claire peered past Perry’s shoulder and saw he was right. Bernie glanced quickly around, then slipped out the gym’s side door. “Poor guy,” she said in sympathy.
“Lucky me,” Perry said, holding her tight.
Claire hadn’t really known what dancing was until this moment with Perry. Now she saw why couples did it in all those romantic movies. It was the most awesome thing in the world. Almost as awesome as that moment on the sofa when Perry had kissed her. It had just been on the cheek but set her whole world on fire. If he ever got around to her lips, Claire wasn’t sure she could stand the combustion.
Nathan passed Bernie when he was headed inside. “How are things going in there?”
“No troubles so far.” Bernie held his hand to the side, trying to conceal his cigarette. But gray puffs of smoke swirled skyward in the night.
“I thought you were giving that up.”
“I’m trying, man. But sometimes it’s hard.”
Nathan scrutinized his face, surmising something. Bernie rarely got stressed, unless it was his wife that was stressing him. “You and Janet have a fight?”
Bernie took a drag on his cigarette and hung his head. “All I did was make a comment about that stupid magazine.”
