“This year, I’m thinking...” She paused dramatically. “Bachelor auction! We’ll call it Heroes and Hamburgers. While people are sitting down to lunch, we’ll auction off dates—to be scheduled for a later time—with local heroes like firefighters and policemen. The committee brainstormed almost a dozen candidates. Deputy Thomas is single and your brother William. And of course there’s you.” She smiled expectantly.
“Oh, I, uh...” If Cole pulled Kate any closer, she would be inside his uniform with him. Lord, he smelled good. “There are different degrees of being single,” he hedged.
Kate shifted, resting her head on his shoulder—both to lend credence to their implied relationship and because she simply couldn’t resist the opportunity. Unlike when she’d felt unnerved by his closeness in Gram’s shed, there was no risk here. Under the guise of his “human shield,” she was free to indulge any reckless impulses she would otherwise suppress.
Becca’s smile had become a tight mask. It looked so inflexible Kate was surprised the woman could still form words. “So you two are dating? Kate can bid on you. The more people who participate, the more money we raise.”
Oh, yeah, Kate could bid—assuming the First Bank of Cupid’s Bow offered bachelor auction loans. If not, she had a feeling she knew exactly who would win a date with Cole.
“Besides,” Becca added in a silky tone, “even if some other woman does land you for an evening, I’m sure Kate understands that it’s for a good cause. She and I were just talking in the Smoky Pig about how she could help with the festival.”
Cole’s gaze swung to meet hers. “You were?” His surprise was lined with betrayal, as if he’d caught her fraternizing with the enemy.
“It came up in a roundabout way,” Kate admitted, feeling guilty that she hadn’t warned him Becca was in the vicinity. She decided to make it up to him by rescuing him from this conversation. Straightening, she flashed a broad smile at the other woman. “Tell you what, give me a few days to warm him up to this auction idea, and we’ll get back to you. Now, if you ladies will excuse us, Cole was just walking me to my car. I’m afraid I’m running late.”
Cole seized the opportunity for escape. As the three women called their farewells, his long-legged stride took the sidewalk whole squares at a time. He held Kate’s hand all the way down the street, not letting go until they’d rounded the corner into the public parking lot. Then he swept her into his arms for an exuberant hug.
“Well played!” Admiration danced in his blue eyes like sunlight on ocean waves. “Advice on Alyssa’s birthday gift and you helped convince Becca I’m off the market? I could kiss you.”
She inhaled sharply, but it didn’t seem to put any air in her lungs. “It’s, ah, probably best if you don’t.” She started to take a step backward, but there was a car in her way.
“Oh, I don’t know.” His voice dropped lower. “Becca’s got spies everywhere.”
“Cole, I...” Her voice was husky, unfamiliar. Though he was no longer touching her, he stood so damned close her thoughts were short-circuiting. Could she allow herself to kiss him in the name of convincing Becca he was taken? A flimsy excuse, at best, but so tempting. She swallowed. “I have to go.”
“Can I call you later? We didn’t finish our conversation.”
The one where she’d been pointing out potential mistakes he was making as a parent? It was so flattering to know he valued her opinion. Exhilarating, even. To hell with the jittery butterflies in her stomach. Hadn’t she recently given a lecture on bravery? Maybe it was time Kate reclaimed some of her own.
She lifted up on her toes, pressing a quick kiss against his lips. It was a peck, nothing more, but effervescent giddiness fizzed through her. She’d surprised herself—and she could tell from his sudden, absolute stillness that she’d shocked him.
“Just in case any of Becca’s spies are watching,” she murmured.
“Right.”
“So... I’ll be waiting for that call. You have Gram’s number. Now, I really, really have to go. I’m not even sure it’s mathematically possible to get to the hospital on time. Not while obeying the speed limit, anyway.”
Cole’s gaze captured hers, his grin wicked. “On the record, I would never condone a traffic violation. Off the record? If anyone has a shot at talking her way out of a ticket today, it’s you.”
She grinned in return, twirling her key ring around her fingers. As she climbed into her car, she thought it might be worth speeding if the result was Cole chasing after her. Yeah, but what then, genius? Everything she’d told him about needing to focus on Luke, about her hyperawareness of the dangers of a policeman’s job, still held true.
Hypothetically, being chased might be fun. But in reality, she wasn’t ready to be caught.
Chapter Six
It was like something out of a pod-person science fiction film. Except, Kate mused as she handed the salad dressing across the table to Gram, she was pretty fond of the alien who’d replaced her son. Ever since she’d picked him up at the hospital, Luke had been uncharacteristically animated. Rick Jacobs was getting a thank-you note in the near future, accompanied by a plate of brownies.
Luke had played video games before dinner, and Kate overheard him telling Sarah through his headset all about the kids he’d met today and about the motorcycle Rick was rebuilding and how the two of them were already brainstorming ways to improve on the entertainment for next month. After dinner, Luke eagerly helped load the dishwasher and waved Kate and Gram into the living room so he could perform a few magic tricks he’d learned.
Gram was impressed. She clapped her hands, then turned to Kate next to her on the couch. “Either your son is a natural illusionist, or my eyesight’s going a lot faster than I thought.”
Kate laughed. “No, he nailed it. Good job, kiddo. Maybe the middle school here has an annual talent show.”
“School talent shows? Lame, Mom.” But he grinned as he said it.
The three of them spent a rather enjoyable evening together, watching a competitive reality show and exchanging comments on their favorite singers. The entertaining color commentary from Luke and Gram was almost enough to distract Kate from the phone that wasn’t ringing. When Cole had mentioned calling, had he meant tonight or a more generic “later”? Maybe he was too busy. Or he’d forgotten.
During a commercial, Kate realized Gram was nodding off. Kate gently shook her awake. “How about we get you to bed? You’ll be a lot more comfortable there.”
“True.” Gram gave her a sleepy smile. “Guess I can’t stay up as late as you young people anymore. Goodnight, Katie.” She blew Luke a kiss, then shuffled down the hallway.
Luke rose from the chair he’d been sprawled in, pulling the ever-present earbuds from the pocket of his shorts. “I’m going to watch some YouTube videos in bed, okay?”
“Only the channels and vloggers we’ve already agreed on,” she reminded him.
“I know, Mom.”
“I love you,” she called after him.
He smiled over his shoulder. “I know that, too.”
Alone in the room, she switched off the television and the lamp. There was a full moon tonight. So much light spilled through the windows that she had no trouble seeing where she was going. She went to her room and pulled on a soft purple nightshirt that fell to her knees, then padded barefoot to the kitchen, telling herself she was going for a glass of water. But she was peering into the freezer and weighing ice cream options when the phone rang, making her jump.
“H-hello?”
“Did I wake you?” Cole’s tone was contrite.
“Not at all.” A silly grin stretched across her face, and she closed the freezer door. “Luke and I just turned off the TV a few minutes ago.”
“I meant to call earlier, but it turned out to be a pretty active Saturday night. What is it ab
out a full moon that makes people more rambunctious? I just dropped off a drunken nineteen-year-old with his extremely angry parents, down the road from your Gram’s place.” He paused. “Any chance you want to talk in person?”
“Yes.” Anticipation thudded in her veins. “But Gram’s already turned in for the night. I’ll meet you on the front porch.”
“See you in a minute.”
Should she change back into her clothes, or just throw on a robe? She wasn’t wearing any makeup, but it was dark out, so she brushed that thought aside. She slid on her music note slippers and belted a black robe around her waist. Then she flipped her head over and brushed her hair, fluffing it into shiny waves that fell against her shoulders.
She was just pulling two cold beers left over from Gram’s cookout from the fridge when a pair of headlights illuminated the front half of the house. She tossed a rawhide bone to Patch to keep the dog busy instead of whining at the front door to join them. Then she stepped outside, hoping Luke didn’t emerge from his room to catch her flirting with a man in her pajamas.
Watching Cole unfold himself from the driver seat highlighted how tall he was. Tonight, he wore his hat with his uniform. He looked very official. And very masculine.
She waited for him on the top step, holding out one frosty beer. It was a nice counterpoint to the heat that lingered long after sundown. “You’re off duty now, right?”
“Yes. And thank you.”
Aside from a small wrought-iron table, there were only two pieces of furniture on the porch—the padded bench swing and Gram’s rocker in the far corner, where she liked to sip her morning coffee and watch the sun rise. Kate wasn’t ready yet to sit in the swing with him; the proximity might cause her to forget the things she’d meant to say. Instead, she took a moment to gather her thoughts, sipping her beer and studying the breathtaking sky. So many twinkling stars were crowded together that it seemed impossible to pick out individual constellations.
“Wow.” She leaned her head against the railing, marveling at the sight. She’d have to bring Luke out here some evening. “Living in the city, I forgot how beautiful this was. We didn’t have stars like this in Houston.”
“Actually,” Cole teased, “I think the stars are the same no matter where you are. It’s where you are that gives you a different perspective.”
That was true of a lot more than stars. If she were someone other than Officer Damon Sullivan’s widow, she would feel completely different about standing here in the dark with the all too appealing sheriff. She might not be staring at the sky in an attempt to keep platonic distance between them. If she were Becca or one of the other women from town... A giggle escaped her.
“Something funny?” Cole asked.
“Sorry. I was thinking about Becca. She’d probably kill to be in my fuzzy slippers right now.”
“I am very glad it’s you here with me.”
She was glad, too. She just couldn’t bring herself to say it.
“So.” He cleared his throat. “Before Becca accosted us today, we were discussing my daughter. There was more you wanted to say?”
“Obviously, I don’t know you and your girls very well.” It was weird to think she’d only met them a week ago. They already felt like an important part of her life in Cupid’s Bow. “So maybe I’m off base, but sometimes outsiders have a clearer view of a situation. When we were at the pool, I got the impression Alyssa feels really left out. I think she hasn’t mentioned how much she dislikes camping or fishing because she’s trying hard to fit in with you and Mandy.”
It had taken Kate a while to translate the girl’s statement that fish guts were comparable to the high dive; they were things Cole and Mandy had in common that Alyssa did not.
“Damn,” he said under his breath. “I know the girls have different interests, but I had no idea camping made her miserable. I wish she’d felt comfortable talking to me...or that I’d been more observant.” He gave a bark of self-deprecating laughter. “I’m supposed to be skilled at catching clues and reading people! I wish I knew how to bond with her. Soccer and fishing are easy, but I don’t think they have father-daughter ballet classes in town.
“Besides,” he added, “the sight of me in a tutu? She’d be in therapy for years.”
Kate laughed. “I don’t think you have to go as far as a tutu. You just have to find a way to show her you value her interests, too. What have you decided for the girls’ birthday party?”
“I haven’t.” Dropping his hat on the table, he raked his fingers through his hair. He sat in the swing and kicked his long legs out in front of him. “My mother keeps trying to take the whole thing over, and it’s tempting to let her. She has a better understanding of the frilly feminine stuff than I do. But she also has an agenda. If I let her make the plans, the event could end up being me, the girls and a dozen single moms with their children.”
Kate recalled having a similar suspicion about her grandmother’s cookout. But there hadn’t been a dozen men, only one very memorable man. Gram was a shrewd woman.
“I haven’t hit on an idea that will wow both the girls,” he continued, “although I guess we could just reserve a pavilion at the park and have another birthday celebration of cake, piñata and outdoor games. That’s what we did last year.” He grimaced. “And now I’m realizing all those games were right up Mandy’s competitive, sports-driven alley. What if Alyssa didn’t have any fun at her own party?”
“Oh, I’m sure she...” The kneejerk reassurance died on her lips. For all she knew, Alyssa hadn’t enjoyed the party any more than she enjoyed the father-daughter camping trips. “There was cake and she got presents, right? She had to enjoy it some.”
“Maybe. For two people who look exactly alike, they have nothing in common.”
Nothing in common. It was the second time she’d heard that phrase today. “Oh! You gave me an idea.” She joined him on the swing. “Your girls may have different personalities, but they can’t be any more different from each other than, say, a small-town cowboy and a New York City fashion model.”
He quirked an eyebrow. “Are you talking about Jasmine Tucker?”
“And her boyfriend Brody. Mandy likes outdoor stuff, right? And Alyssa begged Luke to draw her horses, so is it safe to assume she likes them?”
“As far as I know. But up until this afternoon, I thought she liked camping.”
“Jazz excels at ‘frilly’ and ‘feminine.’ And she mentioned today that Brody likes having kids around. I wonder if they’d let us use his ranch one afternoon for a special birthday party? You could handle the invitations and all the food. Jazz and I, if she agrees, can make sure to add touches Alyssa will appreciate.” Since Kate only had a son, she had to admit, it was fun coming up with ideas that were more girly. What if, in addition to standard face painting or temporary tattoos in the goody bags, she and Jazz organized small makeover stations?
Cole shifted, looking caught between gratitude and guilt. “It sounds like you’ll be going to an awful lot of trouble on behalf of my girls. You sure you don’t mind?”
“I’m a teacher, remember? I miss working with kids.” The sooner she got piano lessons organized, the better. Although, she had mixed feelings about signing up Marc-Paul Johnston as a student. She wondered if he was easier to manage than his mother. “Besides, your girls are sweet. Alyssa reminds me a tiny bit of myself at that age. We both come from households with single dads.”
“Was yours clueless, too?”
“He was...withdrawn. Gram did a lot to compensate.” She tilted her face toward him. “You are an excellent father, but we can all use a little help sometimes.”
“My girls and I were lucky to meet you.” He brushed her hair away from her face and tucked a strand behind her ear. Then he gave her a wry, lopsided smile. “But your generosity is making me feel really selfish.”
“Selfish? You worked all night, then drove that kid home instead of calling his parents to come get him. Now that you’re off duty, there are any number of ways you could be kicking back, but you’re here brainstorming how to be a better dad.”
“Maybe. I’m also the guy who sort of used his daughters as an excuse to spend more time with a beautiful woman.”
“Oh.” She didn’t know what to say. The compliment sent little tremors of pleasure through her.
“And I’ve been thinking about kissing you all night.”
Her breathing quickened. They both knew he didn’t mean the kind of kiss she’d given him earlier. Was she prepared to offer more? Her sensual side had been dormant for over two years. Was she ready to open the floodgates? “I...don’t want that.”
“Liar,” he said lightly. But he stood, giving her space.
She was pretty sure that if his mouth had met hers, he would have overcome her objections in three seconds flat. She was relieved he hadn’t tried. Ninety-nine percent relieved. One percent devastated.
“I’ve taken up enough of your time for one evening.” He settled his hat on his head. “Thank you for the beer and the brilliant party suggestion. I’ll call Brody Davenport first thing tomorrow and throw myself on his mercy. Will you talk to Jazz?”
“Absolutely.”
She rose, deciding she might as well go in if he was leaving. The stars were still beautiful, and she supposed she could stay outside and enjoy the peace and quiet. But it was hot out here, making her feel restless and prickly. You honestly believe it’s the temperature making you uncomfortable and not thwarted desire? No, but denial was her prerogative.
Cole opened the door for her. “Kate? I have five-year-old twins. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s the importance of patience.” He brushed the pad of his thumb over her lower lip, the delicate caress making her ache. “See you soon, sweetheart.”
* * *
Falling for the Sheriff Page 9
