All was not forgiven, though. He still had questions, and if she thought him being here absolved her of the lies and deceit, she was wrong.
When she finally released him, Ben expected her to lead him to the table so the long overdue talk could begin. But after she ran a hand down his chest, she went straight to the fridge.
Ben sighed. She would fill him with a homemade meal, tell him...whatever, and barely look at him again. At least he recognized the ground rules: she wouldn’t tell the truth and he wouldn’t confront her. The relief was instantaneous. He was off the hook for now. And so was she. But he wasn’t leaving Montana without knowing exactly what happened with his father.
* * *
GRACE SENSED SOMEONE standing behind her and turned to see Roy looking over her shoulder as she finished her end-of-shift report. “Yes? Did you want something?”
“Give out any more tickets today?” Roy chuckled. “Can’t believe you cited Ben. I bet that pissed him off real good.”
“Not my problem.” She shuffled some papers and obscured Roy’s view. “He shouldn’t have been speeding.”
“That hard-ass attitude ain’t gonna win you any friends around here.”
A sarcastic remark almost slipped out. But that would be stupid. Curious, she asked, “So, you wouldn’t have given him a ticket?”
Roy walked over to the coffeemaker sitting on a metal filing cabinet. Only the two of them were in the office. Danny was out on patrol, and it was Wade’s day off. And Gus, he worked a couple days a week. She’d never heard of a part-time deputy position before.
Roy’s eyebrows drew together as he refilled his mug. He’d never impressed her as someone who thought before speaking.
“It’s not a trick question, Roy. I’m honestly just curious.”
He studied her for a moment, then dumped a ton of sugar into his coffee. “I doubt it,” he said finally.
“Does anyone ever give speeding tickets?”
“Sure.” He shrugged. “Out on the highway. But here? Not too often. Usually it’s the high school kids we stop. Or tourists.”
“Thank you.” She smiled at him. “That’s good to know.”
“No problem.” Frowning, he concentrated on stirring his coffee.
She wanted to tell him not to worry. He wasn’t consorting with the enemy. She was merely another deputy trying to do her job. And contrary to popular belief, whoever was named acting sheriff wasn’t guaranteed a permanent position. The November election would settle that.
In the meantime, they didn’t have to be friends, but it would be nice to have a tension-free work environment. Roy could be decent at times, Danny was a follower, but Wade was a problem. The self-appointed ringleader had quit the department months ago and then returned thinking he’d slide right into the vacant sheriff’s position. Roy wanted the job, too, but when it came down to it, he was no match for Wade.
According to Clarence, Noah didn’t think either man was qualified. But knowing her uncle as she was beginning to, she’d be wise to believe only half of what he told her.
Roy sipped from his chipped blue mug, staring at her over the rim. “You think you’re gonna like it here?”
“Honestly, I don’t know. It’s very different from where I grew up.”
“I’ve been to Texas once,” he said. “But not Arizona.”
“Well, this is the first time I’ve been this far north. It’s pretty country, though I’m not too anxious to drive in snow.”
“Ah, you’ll get used to it. We keep the roads clear.” Roy sat down, which delighted her.
They were both officially off duty. He usually left the moment he finished his report. Instead, they were having a civilized conversation.
“You lived in Tucson, right?”
“No, about eighty miles west of the city. I grew up in a fairly small town. Maybe twice the size of Blackfoot Falls.” Her father had been the sheriff there for thirty-two years before he had retired. Just as her grandfather had held the office before him. It hurt to think she would never carry the torch.
“Were you close to the Mexican border where they have all those drug problems?”
“Close enough to keep us on our toes.” She hoped he didn’t pursue the subject of drugs or anything that would lead to questions about her last job.
“See, I’d take snow over chasing drug dealers or cartel honchos any day,” he said with a grin.
Grace relaxed. “You have an excellent point.”
“Now, I heard you were part of a joint task force with the DEA and Tucson PD. Is that right?”
Her heart sank. Being as truthful as possible was her best bet. “Briefly,” she said, wondering if she was being set up. Had Roy pretended to befriend her to dig for dirt? Or was he just curious? “When the cartels switched routes to ship the drugs north, some of the outlying counties were forced to become involved. We were one of the lucky winners.”
Roy frowned, shaking his head. “That’s rough. I mean, you don’t sign up for that horse pucky, and all of a sudden, it’s on your doorstep. Bet you were glad to leave that crap behind.”
Grace smiled. There was no cunning plot to uncover her past. The guy was simply trying to make conversation.
Her cell rang. She saw it was Clarence and hesitated, not sure she wanted to answer. Though he’d find her eventually.
The second she said, “Hello, Mayor, what can I do for you?” she realized she’d made a face, and that Roy had seen it.
* * *
THE WATERING HOLE was crowded for a Sunday evening, every wobbly table and mismatched chair taken. Grace suspected Rachel’s friends had something to do with the abundance of cowboys sidled up to the old mahogany bar or playing pool in the back room. Katy and the other two bridesmaids were there. So was another woman Grace recognized from the party. The four of them were having a fine time flirting and dancing.
Grace felt badly for occupying a table for forty minutes. But she’d stupidly expected Clarence to show up at 6:30 p.m. like he’d promised. Meeting here hadn’t even been her idea. He’d claimed he wanted her to meet a couple of his friends and, trying to be cordial, she agreed.
Now she was thinking it might’ve been a ploy to force her to get out and mingle with the townsfolk. She had no problem with that since she wanted to get to know people. But in her own good time. In fact, she’d visited The Watering Hole twice already. The drinks were cheap, the people friendly, the decor quaint, but of course, the atmosphere was nothing like the neighborhood bar she’d frequented with her cop buddies in Tucson. The reminder that her life had changed forever depressed her.
On the upside, she liked Sadie, the older woman who owned the place. Most of the area’s hired hands dropped by at some point during the week, and they all knew better than to break one of her rules. It was awesome how she’d get a rabble-rouser to tuck his tail with just a single look.
Grace returned the smile of a good-looking blond cowboy sitting two tables down, eyeing her. If it turned out he couldn’t tell the difference between a friendly smile and a flirty one, she wasn’t worried. He’d cool off the moment he found out she was the new deputy. It had worked like a charm so far.
Taking a sip of her now-warm beer, she waited impatiently for Nikki to deliver pitchers to the pool players. Grace wanted to catch her so she could pay her tab and take off.
The door opened and she glanced over, hoping it wasn’t her uncle. Ben strolled in, pausing, his gaze sweeping the bar. Grace looked down and took another gulp of the disgusting beer. She’d be foolish to think he wouldn’t see her. Even so, he’d most likely ignore her. She’d done something very stupid...stopping Trace and not giving him a ticket...Ben had to have heard...
“It’s Ben!”
Rachel’s friends had perked up. Good. They wouldn’t leave him alone for long.
&nb
sp; Chancing a peek, Grace watched Ben head straight to the bar. He spoke with Sadie, his back to everyone. Damn, but the man knew how to wear a pair of jeans. The denim hugged his long legs and butt as though they might’ve been tailored for him. Even the plain black T-shirt stretching across his broad shoulders seemed anything but ordinary.
She wondered if he’d ever wanted to act instead of do someone else’s stunts. He certainly had the looks. But he’d also need the acting chops.
Digging into her pocket for money, she found lip balm and her room key. She tried the other pocket, deciding she needed to get more organized or start carrying a purse. Like that would happen. Finally she pulled out some bills and found a ten.
“Excuse me, ma’am.”
She looked up.
It was the blond guy who’d been watching her. He smiled and touched the brim of his hat. “If you aren’t expecting anyone, I’d sure like to join you.”
“The lady’s waiting for me.” Ben set a frosty mug in front of her, his steady gaze and faint smile daring her to contradict him.
Her mouth opened, but she couldn’t think of anything fast enough.
The cowboy nodded at Ben, then returned to his table. Ben pulled out the chair across from her and sat down with his beer.
She raised her brows at him. “What makes you think I’m not expecting someone?”
“Sadie said you’ve been sitting here for quite a while.”
Figures. Grace looked toward the back. Nikki was taking forever. “Actually, I was just leaving.”
“You can’t have one beer with me?”
At his brusque tone, Grace stiffened. “Sure,” she said and met his detached gaze. She had the feeling her earlier error in judgment was about to take a bite out of her. Not that she had to explain herself to him. Damned if she’d do that.
5
BEN HAD SWORN he’d keep his cool when he saw Grace again. But he hadn’t expected it to be this soon after his visit with his mother. The whole time he’d been at the Sundance with her, she’d been doing something for someone. Filling a thermos, making sandwiches, keeping the floor swept. She never forgot she was the McAllisters’ maid even as she asked him questions, while avoiding his with a laugh or a wave of her hand. It made him want to run and never turn back.
And now he was looking at another reminder of where he was in the pecking order. Grace was already friends with the McAllisters and probably hadn’t said two words to his mom.
Okay, maybe Grace was different, but he wouldn’t bet on it. Already she was giving the family preferential treatment.
Still, she looked great in a plain button-down red shirt and jeans, though he wished she’d left her hair down.
He wondered who’d stood her up. “I heard you stopped Trace.”
“I did.” She took an unhurried sip of beer. “Thanks for this, by the way.”
“My pleasure.” He kept his voice even and waited for her to offer an explanation. Obviously, it wasn’t going to happen. “I’m curious about something...”
“What’s that?”
“Why is it that Trace received a warning, but I got a ticket?”
“You would’ve preferred I wrote up your friend?”
“Nice try.”
Grace sighed. “What do you want me to say? I won’t apologize for doing my job.”
“See, that’s the thing...I would’ve expected you to be more consistent.” He saw the moment she realized he’d pushed her into a corner. She blinked and glanced away. “And frankly, more fair.”
Her gaze shot back to him. “I don’t give locals a pass and zing out-of-towners, if that’s what you’re implying.”
“You know what I mean. I’m referring to the McAllisters. You’ve been here, what...two weeks...and already you’re bowing to them.”
“What?” She gaped at him. Her astonishment wasn’t an act. “What are you talking about?”
“I want to know why you let Trace off and not me,” he said, no longer sure he’d pegged her correctly.
She gave him a long, hard look. “Are you trying to get me to void the ticket? Is that what this is about?”
“No.” Leaning in, hoping to lighten things up, he asked, “Is it working?”
She smiled a little. “Look, Ben, let’s not waste each other’s time. I know your type.”
The words were like a slap in the face. He hadn’t been wrong, after all. He sat back, disappointed as hell. He’d been typecast most of his life. Nowadays, he didn’t run into that sort of ignorance much, and when he did, he took it in stride. But coming from Grace...
“Is that right?” he asked. “And what type is that?”
“Do I need to spell it out?” She stared him square in the eye. “Fine. The quintessential charmer. The consummate flirt. You think you can sweet-talk your way out of anything. And you’re probably quite successful at it. Not this time.”
Ben hardly knew what to say. He’d been wrong again. The only thing left was to hit the ball back into her court. “Guess we’re even, because I know your type, too.”
She held his gaze, waiting out the silence, then finally asked, “Which is?”
“You’d rather do a pole dance than tear up a ticket.”
Grace let out a loud laugh, then briefly covered her mouth. “You really underestimate me.” She cleared her throat. “How did you come up with that one? A pole dance?”
He smiled. “A man can dream, can’t he?”
“Pole dance,” she muttered, shaking her head. Someone drew her attention toward the bar, and she nodded.
“Your friend show up?”
“Who?” She frowned at Ben. “Oh, Clarence. No.” After taking another sip, she lowered her gaze along with the beer. “I think I let Trace skate because I was so relieved it wasn’t you.”
He thought for a moment, not sure what she meant. “Huh.”
She looked up. “Don’t make me regret admitting it.”
Ben smiled at the light blush spreading across her cheeks. “I’ll work on that.”
“Please do,” she said in a dry tone. “How long are you in town for?”
“Maybe a week, give or take.”
“You going back to LA?”
He nodded, still confused over her comment about being relieved it was Trace driving. Though he doubted he’d get an explanation. “LA’s been home for fifteen years.”
“You don’t miss Montana?”
“Hollywood has its upside. Though I don’t live there anymore. I moved to Valencia.”
“I’ve never been to California. When I was a kid, I begged to go to Disneyland.” Her smile dimmed. “It didn’t work out.”
“So go now.”
“I’m a little past that stage. Blackfoot Falls is more my speed.”
He didn’t believe that. And neither did she, judging by the wistful look in her eyes. “Wait till you’ve been living here a few months. Disneyland will start looking good.” He saw it again, that small seed of doubt before she shuttered her expression. “Where are you from?”
“Arizona. A town not far from Tucson.”
“Why the move here? Not for your uncle.”
“No,” she agreed. “I didn’t know him very well before coming here. But he said there was an opening in the sheriff’s department, and here I am.” She lifted her mug, pausing midway to her lips. “I’m very grateful to him for recommending me. I hope I didn’t give you a wrong impression.”
“You took care of that by writing me a ticket.”
“Oh, and you bore no responsibility by driving like a lunatic.”
Ben grinned. “Were you in law enforcement in Arizona?”
She nodded and took a long time to sip a small amount of beer. The waitress stopped at the table, and there was no missin
g the faint sheen of relief in Grace’s eyes. “What do I owe you?”
He did a double take at the petite brunette. Trace’s fiancée? “Nikki?”
“Hey, Ben. I saw you at the Sundance this morning, but you left before I could catch you.” She winced at the sound of her name being yelled from the back room. “Anyway, Trace and I were hoping we could get together before you left. For drinks, dinner, whatever. You, too, Grace...we can make it a foursome—” Another shout had Nikki sighing.
Ben glanced at Grace for her reaction. Whatever she thought of the idea, she kept it to herself.
“Would you excuse me while I go teach that cowboy some manners?” Nikki said with a deceptively sweet smile.
“Go get ’em.”
Grace hurriedly put money on Nikki’s tray. “That should cover me, right?”
Nikki gave it back to her. “Your beer’s on the house.”
More hollering cut off Grace’s objection. Her eyes shooting daggers, Nikki stormed for the pool tables. With a hand on her hip, she got in some guy’s face.
Ben had met her last night. “She’s perfect for Trace,” he said, looking at Grace.
She seemed annoyed about the free drink. He noticed she’d slyly tucked a bill under her half-empty mug. He hoped she wasn’t leaving.
“I really like her,” Grace said, glancing and smiling at the cowboy who sheepishly scratched his head as Nikki gave him an earful. “Between her and Sadie, I understand the place rarely gets too rowdy.” She turned back to him and frowned. “Why the smirk?”
“Poor bastards. Now that you’re added to the mix, they don’t stand a chance.”
The corners of her lips twitched. “No, they don’t.” She shook her head, and some wisps escaped her slicked-back hair. She tried to tame a stubborn curl that kept getting in her eye, and damned if that innocent move didn’t light a fire in his groin. “Have you eaten yet?”
“Me?”
Ben smiled at her widened eyes. “How about the diner? The food used to be good.”
“It still is. I’ve eaten there a lot. Aren’t you staying at the Sundance?”
“No. They had their hands full with Rachel’s friends. I figured it was easier to stay here in town.”
Anywhere with You Page 5
