Chapter 5
CHAPTER 5
C ole Carter’s Review
Secrets: 3 stars
Secrets are sometimes necessary and keeping mine earns 5 stars. I cannot risk anyone discovering the truth.
But Sarah keeping secrets? One star for totally unacceptable. I will discover every last one.
The air held unspeakable danger.
It was as certain as the sky was blue, the earth round, the future uncertain. To the casual observer, the day might not seem any different, at least not of consequence. It was still a hundred degrees in the shade, smelled of rotted earth and death. His flesh felt like it was burning on a hot stove, but when hadn’t it? Yet something was different. Something dangerous, something sinister.
Something was waiting.
“This is wrong.” Cole turned to Jared, his best friend since they’d been two hotshot kids in boot camp. His youthful pal still looked like a kid, and acted like one, too, rarely without a smile.
Even now he grinned. “Everything looks normal to me, buddy, or at least as normal as it gets in this part of the world. You’re letting it get to you.”
Maybe it was his imagination. Unlike Jared, he took everything seriously, searched for every threat. He’d been rewarded with quick promotions and multiple commendations. Yet was he sensing danger where none existed?
A second later, the answer became clear.
A new scent, this one leaving no uncertainty as to its sinister role, arose. Burning chemicals intent on imminent detonation, poised to shatter the world. “It’s a trap!” Cole roared to the men under his command, yet for the dozen ahead, it was already too late. Bombs ripped through the air, devastating the deathly still with their ominous tidings, shattering soldiers, colleagues, friends . As the few men still standing retreated, Cole rushed forward, grabbed who he could, dashing between a world lit up like the Fourth of July and the precarious safety of the chopper. Jared stood in ghostly stillness, the smile still frozen on his face...
Another bomb splintered reality.
“No!” Cole roared. He had to move, had to get to Jared. Heat scorched his skin, smothering him like a thick woolen blanket. He thrashed against the suffocating thickness, as a piercing screech rocked the world once more. “Jared!” he yelled again. And that’s when the world disappeared.
Or actually reappeared. The desert, Jared and the nightmare vanished, the hellish scene replaced by a modest yet comfortable apartment, the oppressive heat by an early morning Florida sun outside cornflower blue curtains. The sand was a bed, the smothering heat, his blanket, but the sweat, that was real. The piercing sounded again, and Cole jumped before he realized its source. Threading a hand through his soaking hair, he grabbed the phone with the other. “Hello?”
“Son?” The concerned voice of his father came through, the only man who could detect the feelings Cole so ruthlessly hid. “Are you okay?”
Cole breathed out, purposely relaxing his body, forcing his adrenaline-fueled heart to calm. He took a second before answering, “I’m fine.”
A pause stretched. “Another nightmare?”
If only he could lie, but this man had taught him the importance of honesty. “It’s no big deal.”
Now that wasn’t entirely true, no matter how much he tried to convince himself. His father knew about the dreams that plagued him most nights, their exposure betrayed when he’d stayed with his parents when he first came to town. His roars could be heard from the garage to the third floor.
“Anything that terrorizes you night after night is a big deal.” His father sighed. “Son, you know what I think.”
Cole gritted his teeth. His parents had made their opinions clear. Their concern: PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder, a condition shared by many returning soldiers. Still, it was just nightmares… for the most part. He wouldn’t consider what happened when he’d frozen while clutching the precarious branches of the tree – or who had seen it.
“I’m fine, Dad.” Cole slumped back in bed, untangling himself from the mass of sheets. He threw them in the corner for their daily washing, took more from a neat stack and fitted them on the bed, smoothing every wrinkle until it was crisp and perfect. Then smoothing it again. And again.
Another pause, another thousand hidden judgements, then finally, “I won’t push, son. But if you need me…”
“Yeah, I know. Thanks, Dad.” Despite his gruff tone, he meant it. Somehow his father still had the power to calm him, even though he was no longer a kid who strove to live up to the town hero, a task that still seemed unsurmountable, no matter how many deployments he completed.
“I’m sorry to call so early,” his father rumbled. “I thought you’d be up by now. I wanted to ask about your first day on the force.”
Cole tapped his cell phone. 8 a.m. Typically, he awoke hours earlier, a throwback to military life. “I slept later than normal. I caught up with Donovan and Scott yesterday, and we stayed out late.”
“It must be nice to reconnect with the guys,” his father gave the expected reply, yet a catch belied the older man’s words, a tinge of displeasure. “Is Donovan still grumbling about Sarah getting promoted instead of him?”
So he hadn’t been the only one to notice. “Yeah.” Cole rubbed the back of his neck, knotted, stiff and achy from the stress. Perhaps he should get a massage. A mental picture of exactly who he wanted to give that massage popped into his head. Of course, it would only be fair that he returned the favor.
He grimaced, forced away traitorous thoughts. “Donovan seemed pretty annoyed.”
“I’m not surprised. He’s like you when it comes to breaking the rules. Once someone makes a mistake, he doesn’t forget.” Strange his dad made it sound like it was a bad thing. The man hadn’t let him get away with a single infraction when he was a kid. “Don’t get caught up in office politics, son.”
“Yes, sir.” Cole passed the mirror, grimaced at the shadows of the man reflected. Dark smudges underscored his eyes, barely hiding the nightmares within. In a word, he looked like hell. He would know – he’d been there.
“Any important cases at the department?” his father tugged him out of his head. “Are you working the serial arsonist case?”
“Yes, sir.” His father’s knowledge brokered no surprise. His dad knew everything about everything in Harmony Creek, retired or not. “Do you still keep an eye on matters even though you’re no longer sheriff?”
He imagined his father nodding. “After all these years, it’s in my blood. But the entire town knows about this case. It’s all anyone can talk about. Well, that and your return. Some of the ladies seemed especially interested.”
The words were teasing, yet a lighthearted hint lurked behind them, far more subtle than the regular nudges from his mother. He’d had relationships while in the service, yet he always broke it off before it became too serious, to avoid exposing a woman to his dangerous world. Since he’d been back, he hadn’t felt the urge to pursue anything, despite overtures from several new and old acquaintances.
Only that wasn’t entirely true. There was one acquaintance, or perhaps friend, or perhaps rival, or perhaps– He cleared his throat, retreated back to safety. “There aren’t any leads in the case yet, but we’re hopeful for a break. Sooner or later, he’s bound to make a mistake.” He rubbed the stubble on his chin. Perhaps his father’s knowledge could shed light on another mystery. “We had another visitor yesterday. Do you remember Alfred Tanning?”
“What has the reprobate done now?” By his dad’s somber voice, he was well aware of the situation. “Is he still giving Sarah a hard time?”
So this was a regular occurrence? Unease tightened his chest, along with the distinct impression he was missing something significant. “He showed up at the police station in pretty bad shape.”
“Drunk again?”
Cole frowned. “I’m gathering this isn’t the first time.”
“Not the second, third or even the hundredth,” his dad replied gruffly. “He drinks about as often as he breathes. That man will never change.”
Cole’s frown deepened. His father’s recollection didn’t align with his memories. He walked forward, grabbed a black shirt and a pair of blue jeans from his closet. “I don’t remember him being an alcoholic. Actually, I don’t remember much about him at all, which is unusual for a small town, especially since Sarah’s mom died when she was a baby. He always seemed out of the picture.”
“He managed to make it a little less obvious back then,” Jack grumbled. “He was most assuredly not of the picture. Maybe Sarah would’ve been better off if he had been.” He exhaled. “It’s too late for regrets, though.”
Cole smoothed out the clothing on the bed, plucking away invisible wrinkles. “What do you mean?”
His father paused before answering. “Nothing. Just don’t be too hard on Sarah. Sometimes the obvious isn’t so obvious.”
Now what did that mean? Combined with Alfred’s cryptic statements, it seemed like there was a whole lot Cole didn’t know. He would’ve asked if he thought it would do any good, but his father’s tone said the subject was closed, at least for now. Instead they chatted about random matters before hanging up with the promise to speak again soon. He would have to find another way to get the information he needed.
Perhaps it was time to do some investigating of his own.
* * * *
Sarah reclined in the oversized white wicker rocking chair, one of a matched set on her wraparound porch, and gazed out at the perfect day. Not a cloud marred the baby blue sky, watched over by a brightly shining sun charming and warming the world. A soft breeze swept by, rustling the trees and tickling her skin. Birds chirped late morning melodies, broken only by the soft whisper of squirrels and other tiny creatures in the underbrush. She relaxed, comfortable in the first place she’d ever really thought of as home.
The two-bedroom cottage was modest, but it was warm and cozy, created with personal touches and exquisite care. Decorated in the Victorian style with lace, satin and antiques, the home might seem silly for a police sheriff, but for her it was perfect. Of course, she didn’t have a lot of money to spare, so most of the decorations had been hand-crafted or purchased from inexpensive craft fairs or thrift shops. Her childhood home had been austere and without feminine touches, dirty on good days and filthy on bad. Her current home was the one indulgence to offset all she’d missed. What would Cole say if he saw it? She had no plans to find out.
That didn’t mean he wouldn’t.
Unfortunately, he’d already dipped into her background when he took her inebriated father home. No doubt he saw Alfred’s apartment, which, despite her best efforts, remained sad and cluttered with items he refused to relinquish. At least it wasn’t dirty, due to her spending a small fortune on a determined cleaning lady who came twice a month. Still, anything Cole might have seen paled to what he might have heard. Had her father told him the truth about her past?
She wouldn’t think about that now, not when she needed to figure out how to deal with him in the present. Keeping their relationship strictly business was the best path, and hopefully would allow them to create a professional relationship that had nothing to do with ill-advised kisses.
Too bad she couldn’t stop thinking about ill-advised kisses.
Sarah rose from the chair. She loved her carefree Saturday mornings, but if she didn’t hurry, she’d miss the first event of the Harmony Creek Fun and Fit Festival, an annual outdoor event featuring athletic activities and competitions. She walked to her older, compact car, which didn’t boast a single upgrade and made a variety of interesting noises, yet was at least clean and still running. She could’ve afforded a better one if she didn’t spend so much on her father, but she didn’t have a choice. She couldn’t shirk her responsibilities, even if it meant driving a tin can with wheels. She entered the tin can, cranked down the windows and turned the key.
Then she amended that part about the tin can still running.
The car didn’t even try. Didn’t give the slightest indication it had any interest in trying. Not even the weakest, teeniest, tiniest attempt.
Well, damn.
She turned the key again. Once more, twice more, thrice more – nothing. She exited the car, popped the hood and peered into the engine. There were no obvious problems, no gushing oil, smoke swirling or frayed wires (all of which had happened in the last three months), so she’d need to bring it to Sam, Harmony Creek’s sole mechanic. Since he wasn’t open on weekends, she’d have no choice but to wait until Monday.
Her patrol car was at the station, but if she got a lift, she could use it for the rest of the weekend. She retrieved her cell and dialed Zoe, who promised to be there soon. Fifteen minutes to the dot later, the rumble of a car broke the silence. Sarah looked up with a smile, yet instead of Zoe’s cute hatchback, a sleek black luxury sports car cruised to a stop in front of her house.
There was only one person in Harmony Creek who would own a car like that.
She hadn’t yet seen Cole’s car since he’d been back, but she’d heard about it from every auto-enthusiast in town. It was much like him – sleek, smooth and good looking with just a hint of danger. She’d forgotten about his family wealth, attained from solid investments Cole had made over the years. Growing up, it had made her own paltry upbringing seem even worse, paid for by her dad’s odd handyman jobs and the modest life insurance from her mother. There were days when food would’ve been scarce if not for the kindness of Jack Carter.
Yet another tidbit Cole never knew.
He exited the car, and she gawked until two weeks had passed, or at least it felt like it. He wore low riding jeans over long legs and a black t-shirt stretched taut over his expansive chest, stopping just short of powerful biceps. His lips were full and sensual, and those cheekbones belonged to an actor from a police television serial, not an actual lawman. He strode with his typical confidence, wearing aviator sunglasses and a cool sophistication few could replicate.
She breathed out. Relax. This was the same guy who put applesauce in her shoes in third grade. Okay, she put applesauce in his shoes, but still. There was no reason to get worked up just because he’d developed a little muscle.
Yeah, right. He was power and strength in one delicious, tasty, lickable… ahem .
She shot up, far too quick and far too eager, covered it with a little cough. He strode right up to her and then some, stopping mere inches away. He never seemed to understand a little thing called personal space, especially when it came to her. He spoke first, “I can’t tell if you’re merely unhappy or utterly devastated to see me.”
His humor challenged her resolve to stay firm. “I’d say devastated is most appropriate.”
“How flattering.” He lifted his sunglasses, revealing emerald eyes one could fall into, then laze around for a week or two. Intelligence, insight and challenge swirled in their fathomless depths. “Do you know it’s actually possible to like me? Other people do.”
Her lips twitched. “You’re kidding.”
“Truly.” Cole lowered his voice, as if revealing some deep, conspiratorial secret. “Even some women.”
That was an understatement. Half the unattached women in town were pursuing him, and the other half were too shy. They gushed about him at the police department, at the diner and even at the gas station. Then she’d gone to her book club, where they’d discussed a book touting how you don’t need a relationship to be happy. Somehow the discussion had deteriorated into how good Cole Carter’s ass looked in jeans.
She took a peek, just for research.
Well, at least they’d been right about something.
She looked up to see him watching her. With a smile. Damn. She quickly moved on, “It’s been great chatting with you, but I’m sure you have someplace to be. There must be someone going a mile over the speed limit somewhere.”
The sides of Cole’s lips twitched up, but he made no effort to depart. “How many times do we have to rehash this? You were going ten over when we had that conversation. Besides, I’d just gotten my own license and had the ‘obey the rules of the road’ speech from my father.”
“I was going six over. You rounded up.”
“It was twelve. I rounded down.”
Actually, it had been fourteen. “In any case, I’m waiting for someone…”
He disregarded her not-so-subtle hint, notched his head toward the open car hood. “Mind if I take a look?” He didn’t wait for an answer before stepping forward. Sarah tried to stand in front of the car, but blocking Cole was a bit like blocking a lion who’d just entered a rabbit den. He simply stepped around her and positioned himself in front of the automobile.
He gave a low whistle as he looked down. He touched a few parts, tinkered here and there and shrugged. “I know what’s wrong.”
Sarah opened her mouth to demand he leave, halted instead. “You do?”
“That’s right.” He then proceeded to tell her in not-so-layman’s terms a laundry list of problems her car was suffering, some small, some medium, some time-to-check-behind-her-couch-for-spare-change large.
Her frown deepened with every word. “Is that all?”
“Did I mention the plague?”
Sarah closed her eyes, counted to ten.
“Sorry.” He gave her a surprisingly sympathetic look. “But to be honest, that’s probably not all. It’s just what was obvious on first inspection. It’s not going to be an easy or inexpensive fix. At least old Sam will give you a good deal.”
He was right. The garage owner would give her a break, but it would still be pricy. “I guess I’ll have to forgo some of my usual luxuries this month, like fixing the toilet that only flushes when it’s in the mood.”
He wiped his hands on his jeans. “We don’t have time now, but I’ll take a look at that later.”
Not “Do you want me to take a look?” or “Can I help?” No, as usual, Cole Carter took right over when it came to her. Yet how could she be angry at someone for offering to help? She hid the scowl, tried for politeness. “Thank you, but that won’t be necessary.”
“Do you have someone else to fix it?”
“Of course.” It wasn’t a lie exactly. She had someone she could call. She just couldn’t afford to pay him and thus wouldn’t be using him.
As usual, Cole saw the truth. “I’ll take a look.”
Now the scowl came, with its good friends hands on hips and tapping foot . “What are you going to do? Give the toilet a good talking to? Command it to work without delay or it’s ten days in the county jail?”
He lifted an eyebrow. “Don’t you think that’s a bit extreme, especially since this is a first offence? I was thinking the toilet could go to some sort of remedial class, maybe do community service.”
Her scowl was trying to turn into a smile. She lifted her chin. “Actually, the toilet is a habitual offender. It hasn’t learned its lesson.”
“Then you definitely need backup.” He stepped closer, all rippling muscles and good-looking charm. “Come on, Sarah. Let me help.” He blinked those emerald eyes, and somehow she was nodding her agreement. He shone with the satisfaction of a man who knew he’d won. “And by the way, the person giving you a lift is me.”
She stopped, blinked. “I’m sorry?”
He smiled. Widely. “Zoe had to take a call. I was on my way to the fair, so I offered to take you instead.”
No, no and, hell to the no. She’d already acquiesced to the toilet. By the time the ride was over, she’d be writing “I’ll never put applesauce in Cole Carter’s shoe” fifty times. It was what he’d made her do the first time, after all. “No, thank you,” she replied politely.
Did he accept it? No, no and, hell to the no. “Are you planning on walking?” he asked just as politely.
Obviously not. The park was miles away. “I’m fine. I wouldn’t want to inconvenience you.” Or fall deeper into whatever spell he was weaving.
“Like I said, I’m headed that way, so it’s no problem.”
Yes, it was a problem, to her good sense. Every time Cole Carter came near, logic and reason hailed a ride to the moon. There had to be excuse, any excuse, that could work. She got carsick in expensive cars. She’d suddenly come down with the plague. Oh look, an alien attack! Getting in the car with him was far more dangerous than any of those.
An excuse that didn’t involve aliens or the plague burst into her mind, and she smiled triumphantly. “I’m afraid that won’t work. I have to pick up my patrol car from the station, and that’s on the other end of town. Zoe can take me after her call and–”
“I’m on the night shift, so I’m going to the station after the festival anyways.” Cole plowed neatly through her excuse. Now he smiled triumphantly. “So actually, it’s perfect. Otherwise, Zoe will have to go out of her way, and you’ll miss half the events.”
Alien attack it was. “We can’t arrive together.”
“Why not?” He folded his arms across his chest. “You’re going to have to find a better excuse. Unless…” His expression turned sober, his eyes calculating. “You’re scared to be with me.”
Frustration, anger and the certainty he was one hundred percent correct splashed acid into her stomach. “I am a seasoned officer of the law and your boss. Of course, I’m not scared.” She marched over to the passenger side. “Let’s go.”
Cole looked wholly satisfied. Well, why not? He’d won. Again. “I’m glad you’re ready. We have to hurry to fit in all those annoyed looks you plan on giving me.”
“Don’t forget all the disapproving expressions you scheduled for me,” she retorted.
Cole held out the car door for her, then walked around to the driver’s side and folded his muscular frame into the plush driver’s seat. It caused the car to immediately shrink to half its size. “I don’t disapprove of everything you do,” he said with a disapproving expression.
“Really?” Sarah adopted her best annoyed look. “You gave me one yesterday just for making coffee.”
“Honestly, who puts five packets of sugar in a single cup? If you weren’t sheriff, I’d arrest you.”
It’s lucky he didn’t know about the dozen she’d added when he distracted her. “I like my coffee sweet. Besides I had to add something after you adjusted the coffeemaker to the mud setting.”
She expected Cole to respond with a reprimand, but instead he stayed silent. Suddenly, he was chuckling. “Mud? Really?”
Then Sarah couldn’t help it. She started laughing, too. Her chest lightened, and so did the world. What did this man do to her?
Cole quieted as he contemplated her. “Why does every conversation we start end like this?”
Because no matter how much time passed, he was still the boy who frustrated, challenged and intrigued her. And they were acting more like moody teenagers than professional adults. “I don’t know. Habit, I guess.”
“Perhaps it’s time to break old habits.” Cole deftly turned the wheel as he drove through the quiet streets. “Start over as friends and not enemies.”
“You want to be friends?” A seemingly unattainable obstacle, yet something about the offer was inordinately tempting. Just like the man she never could quite define.
“You sound like I asked you to quit the force to join the circus,” he teased. “Being friends with me isn’t that hard.”
She wouldn’t know – she’d never tried. However, they did have to work closely, and every argument sabotaged her position. Perhaps it was time to try something different. “You’re right. Everything will go smoother if we get along.” Yet warnings flashed, even as she agreed. She had to ensure the powerful man didn’t take control. “We have to make some rules first.”
He tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, a light staccato set to the melody of road noise. “What type of rules?”
No clothes! her traitorous mind suggested. Bad mind! She cleared her throat. How could she insist on not getting too close without reminding him of just how close they’d been? And how much she wanted to repeat it. “Everything stays professional.”
“Agreed.”
“And no mentioning the past.” She lifted a finger. “If you really want to start fresh, we let go of the old.”
“You mean I can’t mention the time you switched your shampoo with–”
“No!”
He grinned. “Come on. We’ve known each other for over twenty years. There’s no way we can avoid our entire past.”
“All right,” she acquiesced. “Just no mentioning anything negative. Not my issues with the law or our many arguments. And definitely not the time I switched two ridiculously similar bottles of hair products.”
“Anything else I can’t mention?”
He said anything , but he was talking about something . He wanted her to bring up the kiss. Well, she wouldn’t, not now, not ever. “I’m sure you know what’s appropriate to bring up with your boss,” she said primly.
“I’m not sure I do,” he said wolfishly. “Maybe we’ll find most of our problems come from miscommunication, after all.”
Could he be right? Miscommunication created a maelstrom of discord and distrust, specifically his misinterpretation of who she really was. Yet the past must remain in the past, for both their sakes.
“Since we’re stuck in the car, how about we start now?” he suggested. “Would you like to go first?”
She’d rather put it off for a decade or two. Yet the sooner they worked though their issues, the sooner she could return to a calm, well-ordered existence. “All right. You have to stop acting like my bodyguard.”
He slid her a sideways glance. “Then you need to stop putting yourself in positions where you need one.” He expertly guided the car past construction. “Besides, when was the last time I did that?”
“Five minutes ago.” She gestured to his luxurious car. “And about a thousand other times. When you ratted me out because I was ten minutes late or dragged me home from a party just because it got a little wild.” She was delving way too far into the past. She needed to keep it current. “Or at Mrs. Carmichael’s house the other day, when you stopped me from going after George.”
His expression darkened. “I think we both agree I did not correctly judge that situation.”
She stifled a smile. “Well, yes, but still. There’s no reason I couldn’t have climbed the tree. I endured rigorous physical training in the police academy. I exercise every single day. Most importantly, I’ve been climbing trees since I was a kid.” She lowered her voice. “I’m not a kid any longer, and you aren’t my protector. You never were.”
Something flashed in his eyes – rebellion, disagreement, challenge . Did he think he was somehow responsible for her? “You need to stop putting yourself in danger.”
She lifted her palms. “I’m the sheriff. It’s literally part of the job description.”
He gripped the wheel tighter. “Just because you’re sheriff doesn’t mean you need to take unnecessary risks. Remember that time Bobby Placo convinced you to help him with homework? If I hadn’t followed you to his house …”
Sarah remembered the incident. Bobby had seemed like a good kid, and since she was always needing help, it felt good to help someone for once. Only homework wasn’t quite what he had in mind. That time, Cole really had saved her – if he hadn’t come when he had, she would’ve lost something very important that night.
She’d never been frightened of Cole, but that night was the closest she’d ever come. Cole had punched Bobby, hard enough to make it hurt, but not enough to cause any real damage. He’d been holding back, however, and for just a moment she got a glimpse of what he would’ve done if he’d lost control. Cole told Bobby to never touch her again or he’d be back. He’d then literally picked her up and carried her to his car, driving until they were in front of her house. Then he’d held her while she sobbed for an hour.
That was the day he became her hero.
She pushed away the memory. She was now grown – she didn’t need a hero. “I’m smart enough not to put myself in unnecessary danger and strong enough to get out of it if I do. People are going to talk if you act like you’re the boss. So lay off, okay?”
Cole looked straight ahead… and didn’t respond.
“Cole…”
“I can’t promise not to protect you.” All humor vanished, as his voice turned serious and somber. “If you’re in danger, I’m going to rescue you. If you need backup, I’ll be there. I just can’t help it, not when it comes to you.”
Sarah opened her mouth, but no words formed. How could she respond to such stark honesty? Any revelation would be foolish at best, dangerous at worst. She’d let herself get too deep before and then he’d left. What if she became attached and he walked out again?
What if he stayed?
She fought for clarity, as the vibrant colors of the festival appeared in the distance, rescuing her from a response she didn’t know how to give. Silence fell over them, amidst a thousand unsaid words. Somehow she knew the conversation would resume later.
For now, she turned her attention to their brightly lit destination. A product of dozens of hard-working volunteers, the festival was a testament to small town dedication, innovation and imagination. Colorful flags heralded the park’s entrance, a sea of rainbows before a backdrop of lush green plants, flowering shrubs and manicured bushes. A symphony of billowing tents held crafters, local groups and volunteers, while a local band played lively tunes on a wooden stage in the corner. People of all ages as milled about, smiling, laughing and talking. Sarah had known most of them their whole lives.
As they entered the grassy parking lot, a group of women waved to Sarah, spotted Cole and gave her a speculative look. They passed another two groups, with more waves and more looks. Not good. People were already getting the wrong impression, and they hadn’t even left the car.
Cole parked, got out and started toward her door, but Sarah emerged before he reached her. With a quick “Thank you!” she dashed away. She wasn’t fleeing, just walking fast for exercise, or at least that’s what she would tell anyone who asked. She couldn’t spend another moment in his presence without sharing their strained relationship with the entire town.
She slowed as she entered the aroma of freshly baked cookies and vanilla cake. The grass provided a soft pathway as she delved under majestic trees teeming with fluffy squirrels and singing blue jays. The chatter of longtime friends and laughter of new ones filled the air with their own sweetness, and people greeted her with friendly smiles and happy waves. In minutes, she arrived at the check-in booth and got in line behind several people.
And that’s when everything changed.
The hair on the back of her neck stood, a tingle raced through her and somehow she realized…
He’d followed her.
She didn’t turn around, because she simply didn’t need to. Cole stalked forward, casting her in the shadow of his massive body. Heat engulfed every cell, piquing her senses and turning the mild day sweltering. The heat turned into an inferno as he leaned down. “We didn’t make arrangements for the return trip.”
Another car ride with her nemesis? No, thank you. “Don’t worry about me.” She waved her hand. “I’ll get a lift from someone.”
“No one else is going to the station,” he purred. “Why inconvenience someone when I’m going there anyways? Unless you’re afra–”
“Don’t you dare say it.” Sarah pivoted to face him. What was wrong with her? They’d been joking in the car, yet she couldn’t forget who he was and what he was planning. If she made one misstep, he’d take advantage, and then her job would be in jeopardy.
Yet now his eyes crinkled at the corners, deep amusement dancing in handsome features. She breathed deeply. As long as she stayed vigilant, there was no reason they couldn’t drive together. “A lift would be great, thank you.”
He nodded pure satisfaction. “If we don’t get together beforehand, I’ll meet you after the fireworks.”
Sarah nodded as her name was called. She pivoted and moved forward, smiling at her friend Amy Allen, who was manning the registration booth.
“Hi Sheriff,” Amy chirped. “Let’s get you signed up for the event. It’s a ten dollar donation to the Special Olympics. My brother is going for gold this year.”
Sarah grinned and handed over a twenty. Amy’s brother was the sweetest – and happiest – person she knew, and she always made time to cheer him on. She waved Amy away when she tried to give her change.
“Thanks!” the sweet volunteer said. “This fundraiser helps them all year long.” She gave Sarah a large tag labeled 36A. She then took Cole’s twenty and handed him a tag that said 36B.
The slightest fluttering of unease rose as Sarah peeled off the paper backing and affixed the sticky tag to her t-shirt. Cole did the same. “Are you using both numbers and letters this year?”
“Oh no. The letters show you’re a team.”
Sarah’s hands stilled. So did Cole’s.
“Excuse me?” She frowned.
“Sounds good.” He smiled.
Sarah looked at the big 36A on her shirt, the 36B on Cole’s. “Wait just a minute. We can’t be a team. Cole, tell her.”
Cole stood back, crossed his arms over his chest. “Why not?”
“Because I’m me and you’re…” Her voice trailed off, but her mind easily filled in the blank. Frustrating. Infuriating. All-too-tempting. She tried again, “I’m your boss. It just wouldn’t be right.”
“Sure, it would.” He gestured to the people around them. “It’s a community event. Colleagues do collaborative activities all the time.”
“Didn’t you come together?” Amy asked as the conversation around them quieted, as people subtly and not-so-subtly listened. In their small town, people didn’t complain about being held up by a private discussion… they encouraged speakers to talk louder so they could hear every word. Now she’d have to explain, lest people get the wrong idea.
Unfortunately, Cole responded before she could, “We did come together.”
Amy brightened, amidst gleeful conversation. A lot of someones were getting the wrong idea. “Actually, we didn’t,” Sarah quickly refuted.
A dozen eyes blinked at her.
She gave a nervous laugh. “I mean, we did come together, but it wasn’t like we came together, like together together.” That made zero sense. “Cole was giving me a lift because my car broke down and he was the only one available.” That made even less sense in a town where dozens of people would help if asked. “So anyways, I’m sure someone else could use a partner. How about you, Amy?” Desperation-o-meter: 100% and rising.
People looked back and forth between them, smiling indulgently. Drat. If the small town decided something was between them, they would throw a bridal shower tomorrow, complete with streamers, bows and a ribbon bouquet. The next day – the wedding.
“I’m partnering with my brother.” Amy kept her smile. “Plus, we’re trying to keep the teams co-ed.”
“How about Phil?” She waved to one of her neighbors. “Hey, Phil, want to join me at the event?”
Phil turned… and sheepishly showed her the cast on his foot. “Fell down the stairs.”
“Oh, I hope you feel better.” As the ever-growing audience watched with expanding bemusement, she searched the field. Unfortunately, all the men either had a teammate or a significant other who would object to any arrangement. Finally, she found someone who didn’t appear to have either. “What about Anthony Johnson?” she asked desperately.
Cole snorted. “Sarah, he’s a hundred and two.”
“And still very good on his feet!”
“Yes, he is, which is why two ladies from the senior center got into an argument over who would be his partner,” Amy said with a wink.
“What about Clyde?” Cole offered. “Since you’re so desperate.”
The crowd laughed as Sarah flushed. “I’m assuming animals aren’t allowed, even police dogs.” Plus Clyde, the station German Shepard, was busy at the children’s booth. “And I’m not desperate.” But she was, and they both knew it.
“Then you’re out of options. Is there a reason you don’t want to partner with me?” Cole drawled, and the crowd leaned in. “You need a teammate; I need a teammate. It’s the perfect solution.”
She was stuck. Like it or not, she’d be spending the entire day with Cole Carter, in some of the races tied to him. Literally. “There’s no reason,” she managed out. “It’s fine.”
Cole smiled. Amy smiled. The people smiled. And each and every one of them sported the same speculative look that asked what was between her and Cole. As he put his hand on her back and led her forward, the answer remained a mystery.