Chapter 8
CHAPTER 8
S arah Sloan’s REVISED Review
Cole Carter: 3 stars
Perhaps one star was a little hasty. When he’s not being overprotective, authoritative and dictatorial, he can be a little nice. And kind. And giving and fun and so, so smart. I don’t hate all my time with him.
And those kisses…
“It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for. The results of the competition are in.”
Sarah leaned back on her feet, at the ceremony heralding the festival’s ending. They stood in a woodsy clearing, filled with tired yet happy townspeople and surrounded by soaring trees, baby-blue skies and tiny critters that scurried, flew and crawled in the brush. The air was sweet and pure, scented with oak, gardenias and roses.
Her feelings were as varied as the environment. Along with the expected relief, disappointment loomed, not unlike the roller coaster of emotions she’d experienced all day next to Cole. They’d stayed far too close, or perhaps too far. Then there was that kiss .
The worst part was she didn’t have a bad time. Or even a good one. No, she had a great time, which was very dangerous when it came to Cole Carter. He’d been kind and considerate, sweet and thoughtful, and for the first time she wondered whether she’d judged him fairly. Was she still seeing the boy he’d once been and not the man he was? Was she making assumptions, just like she accused him? Yet it didn’t matter. She needed to stick to her original resolve to stay detached from him.
Clearly, he was determined to do otherwise.
He stayed close the entire day. Even as people tried to lure him away, he never left her side. Oh, he had lots of excuses for why he didn’t leave, yet none quite tracked. Even partners didn’t need to stay together the whole time. What was he up to now?
“First place and $100 goes to Ali and Chris,” the announcer reclaimed her attention as he boomed into the microphone. “Leonard and Joan, you’re in second for $50 and Jessica and Peter, you came in third for $25. Congratulations!”
Sarah clapped for the winners. They never had a chance, not with their balloon toss splashfest and the obstacle course debacle. She turned to Cole, who was as usual within two feet of her. “Surprised we didn’t win?”
“Shocked,” he rumbled. “I thought we earned twenty points for style in the balloon toss alone.”
“Really?” she teased. “You didn’t think our performance was less than stellar?”
“I thought it was perfect. We were this close.” He held his arms as wide as they would stretch. And yeah, the muscles did their flexing things again. And yeah, most of the nearby women noticed. And yeah, Sarah wanted to arrest them.
Instead, she said, “I think we came in a hundredth place.”
“Weren’t there only sixty teams?”
“Exactly!”
“Don’t give up hope if you didn’t win a prize.” The announcer held up a fishbowl filled with bright rainbow tickets. “Our generous community sponsors donated dozens of exciting prizes for the raffle. If you were in the competition, you’ve already been entered, and we sold plenty of extra tickets for a very generous donation to the Special Olympics.” He paused for applause. “Our first prize is a month of couples massage instruction.”
This couldn’t be happening.
“And the winner is…” He poked his hand into the fishbowl.
Please don’t let it be us. Please don’t let it be us. Please don’t let it be us. She couldn’t take another round of touch-the-hunk-without-saying-screw-it-and-kissing-him-until-the-sun-turned-red-giant. When the announcer called out a different pair, she pumped her fist in the air. Literally.
Cole leaned down. “You look like you just escaped a twenty-year jail sentence. Was touching me that horrible?”
“Of course not. I liked it far too much,” Sarah’s mouth said before her brain could stop it. Crap. “I didn’t mean that.”
He smiled widely. “Yes, you did.”
“No, I didn’t.”
“I think you did.”
“Really sure I didn’t.”
“Really sure you did.”
She wrinkled her nose. “Hush. I’m trying to find out if I won a month’s worth of dry cleaning, which incidentally would be far superior to massaging you again.”
“Ouch. Do you feel the same about me massaging you?”
She wasn’t a good enough liar to deny it.
They didn’t win dry cleaning from Edna’s Laundry Services, nor did they win Miss Dina’s homemade apple pie, matching handmade scarves or his and her goldfish. Finally, only one envelope remained in the announcer’s hand. He smiled as he held it up. “We saved the best for last. Before I tell you the prize, let’s see who the winners are.” He reached into the fishbowl and picked out a purple ticket. He smiled. “They keep our entire town safe, so I couldn’t have picked a more deserving team.”
“Oh no.”
“Don’t worry,” Cole leaned down. “Maybe he’s talking about the pest control team.”
Yeah, right. Cole knew exactly who the announcer was suggesting, confirmed a moment later. “Congratulations to our grand prize winners – Sarah Sloan and Cole Carter!” The crowd clapped enthusiastically. “I bet you guys are excited to know what you won. As you know, the travelling Renaissance fair will be visiting Lilac Springs next weekend. Not only will you get two VIP tickets to the fair and a full Renaissance makeover, but you’ll be guests of honor at the evening feast. How does that sound?”
Spend an entire day with Cole? Pretend to be the damsel in distress to his powerful knight? Somehow hide her ridiculous attraction for another day? Sarah opened her mouth and tried to form words. Unfortunately, only one came out: “Damn!”
The announcer gasped.
The crowd gasped.
Somewhere, a baby laughed.
“She meant damn good, didn’t you Sarah?” Cole smiled widely. “It sounds great. We’re both thrilled.”
Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn.
Cole tapped her arm.
“Yes, thrilled,” she squeaked.
The announcer blinked at her. “Well, we’re glad you’re so damn… uh… glad. Winners, please come to the information booth to claim your prizes.”
As friends and colleagues congratulated them with wide smiles and plentiful pats on the backs, Sarah managed a numb smile. How had a pledge to spend as little time as possible with Cole turned into an entire day together and another planned? She trudged to the information booth, where organizers handed them an envelope filled with tickets and information on their grand prize and no path to escape it.
Finally, it was over, and they walked from the crowded area. Sarah spoke before Cole could comment on their luck . “Can we talk about everything tomorrow? I need a moment to regroup.” And also to refocus, to remember why she couldn’t be with this man.
He looked at her steadily, and she grimaced. His power to unbalance her was significant, made even worse that he realized it. Yet he was all gentleman as he nodded. “Of course. We could head out if you’re ready. I have a full shift tonight.”
Another wave of disappointment seized her, surprising in its depth and breadth. What was the matter with her? She should be thrilled to finally get a reprieve. “Let’s go.”
They walked to his car. He held the door open for her, then circled around and entered, but didn’t turn on the ignition. For a moment, they sat in silence, before he said quietly, “Are you mad at me?”
She fought for the anger Cole typically inspired, the resentment, the annoyance, but they simply wouldn’t come. “No.” She sighed softly. “I’m not.”
“Okay.” He looked straight ahead. “Then why are you suddenly so somber?”
So many reasons, which she could barely identify, much less reveal. She was frustrated, not at him but at herself, inexplicably frustrated for not being frustrated. Maybe it did make sense. When she was angry with him, she could forget all those other emotions he inspired. Like that she actually enjoyed being with him, wanted to spend time with him. Of course, she could never let him know that. “I’m just thinking,” she said honestly. “It was an eventful day.”
He nodded. “At least we came away with something.”
At this point she was just glad she came away with her shirt. For a while there, it seemed doubtful. “Do you remember the time we went to the Renaissance fair as kids?”
A ghost of a grin plied his lips. “I remember you volunteering me as the target for the pie thrower.”
Sarah smiled at hazy memories. “I had complete confidence in his abilities.”
“He was twelve years old.”
“A kid with a lot of experience.”
“Which he learned from playing video games.”
“He had great vision.”
“He was blindfolded!”
Sarah laughed. “It made it all the more exciting.”
“Don’t you remember what happened?” He tapped the wheel. “I never did fulfill my destiny as the pie thrower’s target.”
She did remember. She’d volunteered him for the position, but when he was actually up there with a performer whose skill was very much in doubt, something suspiciously akin to guilt hit her. She claimed to feel faint and dragged Cole off the stage before the first pie soared. She’d wondered if he ever knew her true motivation.
What else did he know about her?
He pressed the start button and the car rumbled to life. With his arm on the back of her seat, he carefully backed up. “You liked me even back then. You just didn’t want to admit it.”
She humphed. “Who says I like you now?”
“I do.” He switched the car into drive and smoothly glided forward. Pedestrians and other drivers waved warm farewells as he merged into traffic. “Don’t you remember that I know everything? You used to tell me that all the time.”
“I said you thought you knew everything. There’s a difference.”
He shrugged, yet sparkling eyes gave him away. “Not to me.”
They drove in comfortable silence, punctuated by the occasional light comment. She relaxed into the plush seat but straightened when he turned off the main road a couple of miles before their destination. They traversed Harmony Creek’s small downtown, with cobblestone streets flanked by charming brick buildings, bright mom and pop restaurants and eclectic stores. Lush landscaping and brilliant flowers bordered the quaint town road. “Where are we going?”
Cole parked outside Andy and Annie’s Pizza Restaurant, named not for the dolls but for the coincidentally named husband and wife owners. With a red brick exterior, white awnings and wicker baskets overflowing with sunshine gold marigolds, the restaurant held a storybook appeal. “Dinner.”
He exited the car before Sarah could respond… or protest. This time she stayed in the car until he came around. And even when he opened the door, she still didn’t move. “We can’t go to dinner.”
He leaned against the doorframe, crossed his arms over his chest. As usual, his stance was pure challenge. “Why not?”
Because I’m starting to not hate you. I’m starting to like you. Perhaps even something more. She searched for an answer that wouldn’t reveal too much. “Because… you’ll be late for your shift. And I hear your boss is a real stickler about these things.”
He leaned down. “Actually, neither is true. My shift doesn’t start for two hours. As for my boss, she might pretend to be tough on the outside, but on the inside, she’s a softie.”
Sarah opened her mouth, then closed it. Tried to untangle the knot of warmth and indignation his words brought.
“Next excuse?”
“Hold on.” She frowned. “I’m thinking.”
He reached in and grasped her hand. “While you’re thinking, I’m going to be eating. Come on.”
She grumbled but allowed him to lead her into the restaurant. Despite the name, Andy and Annie’s Pizza was one of the classier establishments in town, decorated with hand-carved, whitewashed furniture, floral China dishes and antique lamps. Crisp white tablecloths covered round tables, each adorned with a small vase of flowers picked from Annie’s own garden. The tables were spaced for privacy, and lace curtains provided an intimate feel. Soft violin notes hummed from hidden speakers, and the scent of freshly baked bread filled the air.
Johnny, Andy and Annie’s red-headed teenage son, emerged from the back with two menus in hand. “Hi Miss Sloan, Mr. Carter. Great job at the events today!”
Sarah smiled wryly. “We didn’t actually win.”
“Yeah, but you could have if you tried. Everyone’s joking about how you guys mistook the balloon toss for a balloon fight.”
Sarah forced a smile. Clearly, they had failed to escape notice, with antics that attracted even more attention. It wasn’t just small town news that travelled fast – gossip made the rounds ever quicker.
“Bobby Fisher told me all about it. Shannon Davidson told him, who heard it from Angie Peters.” Johnny counted on his fingers. “I don’t remember who told her, but I can ask.”
“That’s okay.” Sarah smiled so wide her lips hurt. “It didn’t mean anything. Nope, nothing at all.”
Johnny blinked while Cole grinned. She reached out to give him a little poke in the side, but he captured her hand instead. He didn’t let go.
Johnny’s eyes widened.
Perfect. With a doubt, Bobby would hear about it, then Shannon, then Angie and so forth until it made its way through every man, woman, child and potted plant in Harmony Creek.
Johnny recovered, but the speculative light in his eyes took on new meaning. “We’re sure glad you joined us on Cupid’s Day.”
“Cupid’s Day? What does that mea–” Sarah stopped, blinked at the décor. She’d been so preoccupied with Cole’s attempted coup, she hadn’t noticed the dangling heart shaped lights, scattered rose petals or fabric cupids hanging from the ceiling. She’d definitely missed the sign that said, “A Night Made for Love.”
She slowly turned toward Alcatraz Island’s soon-to-be newest resident. It didn’t matter that the prison had been closed for years – she would find space for Cole. However, before she could demand an explanation, arrest him or both, he held up his hands. “I had no idea. Really.”
From his earnest tone, she believed him, but the twinkle in his eyes betrayed his amusement. Didn’t he realize what a disaster this was? If people started to get the wrong idea…
Who was she kidding? They already had the wrong idea.
She frowned at the heart-shaped napkins on each table. “It’s just a coincidence. We’re not here on a date or anything. In fact, we don’t even like each other.”
Cole winced. “Ouch.”
Sarah grew warm. “That came out wrong . I mean of course we like each other. A lot.” She grew warmer. “That came out wrong, too. I mean–”
“I think he got it, Sarah,” Cole took her arm, which one definitely shouldn’t do on so-not-a-date and gestured to a secluded table in the corner. “Is this one taken, Johnny?”
“It’s all yours.” The teenager left both menus on the table and walked away. Sarah practically dove into the chair Cole held out for her. He sank into the plush cushions of the opposite seat and picked up his menu.
She didn’t even glance at hers. “You shouldn’t do that.”
“Sit down?”
“Not that.”
“Pick up the menu?”
“You know what I mean.” She lowered her voice. “You shouldn’t hold the chair out for me.”
“Why in the world not?”
She swept her gaze around the space again. Thankfully, the restaurant was still mostly empty, probably due to the lingering festival. No doubt it would fill up quickly as people left the event. “We shouldn’t give anyone the wrong idea.”
“That I’m a gentleman?”
“Obviously not.”
He raised an eyebrow, and she breathed out. “That’s not what I meant. I just don’t want anyone thinking this is a date when it’s not. After the festival, people might get the wrong impression, but it’s not like anything happened.
He looked at her though hooded eyes. Oh yeah. That kiss happened. She lowered her voice even more. “I mean nothing happened that anyone saw. Just a big mistake, a one-time thing.”
He continued to look at her. Oh yeah, those other kisses. “Fine, a three-time thing, but that’s all over. Let’s just act like we’re two colleagues grabbing a meal, okay?”
“Do you really think it’s over?” he said softly. “That whatever this is will simply disappear?”
The words elicited a shiver, and a singular response: No.
Thankfully, he said nothing more, and neither did she. She picked up the menu, but the words danced before her, and she put it down. Minutes of silence passed, before Cole lowered his own. “What are you going to order?”
She was far too worked up to eat, especially in the presence of the overbearing man. Plus, she was going home as soon as she picked up her patrol car. “A cup of coffee will be fine. I’ll eat at home.”
Cole frowned. “But you hardly ate all day.”
She managed to hide her surprise that he’d noticed. She was normally a very hearty eater, but with the hectic day, she’d skipped lunch. “I have some sandwiches in the fridge.” Before he could protest, Johnny returned, and she rose. “Will you excuse me?” She didn’t need another disastrous encounter that would be shared with Bobbie, Angie, Shannon, etc.
She dashed away to the one place Cole couldn’t follow, exhaling pure relief as the ladies’ room door slammed behind her, leaving her alone in a quiet space at complete contrast with her stormy emotions. She strode to the sink and turned the faucet to a cool stream, splashing water on her face. For a few minutes, she just stood there, contemplating the day, and in the end could only come to one conclusion:
She’d lost control.
If she wanted to succeed as the town’s sheriff, she had to get along with all her deputies, even the ones who sent her senses on a trip around the galaxy. She’d endured life-changing challenges to get here, and no way was she giving it up. She should go back and order the lasagna she loved so much, and who cared how long the meal took or who saw them eating it? Newfound resolve buoying her strength, she turned to leave when a movement caught the corner of her eye. She peered out the window to the dark alleyway behind the restaurant. Drenched in shadows, it contained overflow parking for the restaurant, so seeing a person wasn’t unusual.
Seeing someone holding a lit torch was.
Cole considered himself a patient man. Well, perhaps not patient, but reasonable. So he waited five minutes and then another ten after he’d ordered them both lasagna in the rapidly filling restaurant. Obviously, Sarah was avoiding him. He should let her spend the entire meal in the bathroom, but then annoyance changed to concern and concern to worry. What if there was a reason she wasn’t returning? What if she was unwell? That concern finally propelled him to rise and stride toward the back.
Annie, the restaurant’s owner, was exiting the restroom just as he reached the door. “Hi Cole!” The handsome older woman smiled brightly. “How are you doing?”
“Great.” Cole smiled back. “I just wanted to make sure Sarah was okay in there.”
“The sheriff is here?” The proprietress frowned as she looked at the door behind her. She shook her head. “There’s no one else in there.”
He stiffened. Something had happened. Something urgent and something important, enough to set off every instinct honed from years of action. Sarah might avoid him in the restaurant, but fleeing the entire building? That wasn’t her style.
“I did notice the back door open a few minutes ago.” Annie gazed past him. “I figured it was Johnny, but it could have been her.”
“I’ll check it out.” Cole stepped forward, senses urging him not to waste another moment. Perhaps Sarah left to avoid him, but his gut said something different. If she wasn’t running from him, what was she doing? Running from something? Running to something? He emerged into the dark, cool alley, and a frisson of fear tickled its way down his spine. Instincts screamed grave warning. And that’s when he smelled it…
The acrid scent of fire.
He took off at a run. The scent grew stronger and stronger as he reached the end of the alley and a fork in the path. He followed the smoke, turning down a smaller road to his left, then rounding another corner and stopping short. Sarah stood silhouetted in front of smoldering remains, covered in soot from head to toe. She had her back to him, her torso heaving as she fought to breathe. She leaned down, coughed heavily.
Fear as he’d never known it seized him.
Then suddenly, everything changed. He was no longer in the deep, dark alley, no longer before an extinguished fire, no longer in Harmony Creek. The world disappeared, replaced by another no less frightening, no less dangerous. Sarah disappeared, as well, and soldiers took her place, only they were not standing. They had fallen, every single one of them.
Cole gritted his teeth, fighting himself, fighting the vision, fighting for reality. With his effort, came some success, for although he still saw the vision, at least he knew it for what it was. But it wasn’t enough, not when everything hinged on one goal:
He had to save Sarah.