Chapter Five
As they drove back toward her apartment, Randi pondered whether to invite Jack inside since it was still early and she wasn’t ready for the night to end.
“Since it’s a bit early, would you like to check out Dewey’s for a while?” Jack asked.
“What’s Dewey’s?” she questioned.
“It’s the local cowboy bar. On Saturday nights, it’s always packed and features a great band,” he explained.
“That sounds nice,” she replied.
“Great.” Jack grinned at her before pulling into a parking lot.
“Well, you weren’t exaggerating about it being crowded,” Randi commented.
“It’s like this every weekend. Let me just find a spot, and then we’ll go in,” he said.
“Alright.”
After parking the truck, Jack got out and walked around to the passenger side. Randi couldn’t take her eyes off him. She especially loved the white cowboy hat he wore, and she sighed at the sight.
He opened her door and offered his hand, and she gladly placed hers in his. As he led her through the parking lot, their fingers intertwined. Jack navigated through the crowd until they reached the entrance; he opened one of the doors, nodded for her to enter, and followed her into the busy bar.
“The band must be on break,” he whispered close to her ear, sending a shiver down her spine. “Let’s grab a seat before they come back. Do you want to sit at the bar or get a table?”
“The bar is fine.”
Jack guided her to two empty stools. Randi was impressed by the way he helped her settle into the stool before sitting down himself. It made her wonder why some men knew exactly how to treat a lady while others didn’t seem to care at all. What happened to some men?
“What can I get you?” a pretty red-haired bartender asked, smiling as she approached.
“I’ll just have a cola, please,” Randi said.
“Same for me,” Jack added to the bartender.
“It looks like we made it just in time, the band is about to return,” Randi noted.
“Yeah,” Jack replied, smiling at the bartender as she set their drinks on the counter. He paid her and waved away the change.
“Jack?” Randi turned to see a big man standing next to him.
“Noah? It’s great to see you again,” Jack greeted him, standing up to shake his hand.
“You too. I heard you were back and hoped to catch up,” Noah said.
“Noah, meet Randi Guthrie. And Randi, this is Noah Conway, a good friend of mine and one of the finest saddlers you’ll ever meet.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Noah. You really make saddles?” Randi inquired, extending her hand.
“Yes, ma’am, I do. Nice to meet you as well,” Noah replied as he took a seat on the stool next to Jack.
Randi found herself admiring Noah’s rugged good looks and impressive stature as she listened to the easy conversation between him and Jack, clearly long-time friends.
Not long after, the bartender leaned over the bar and kissed Noah on the lips. When he stood, cupped her face, and deepened the kiss, cheers erupted from around the bar. Then Noah turned toward Jack and said,
“Jack, this beautiful woman is my wife, Scarlett, also the owner of Dewey’s. Sweetheart, meet my good friend Jack Lawrence and his date, Randi Guthrie.”
Randi shook Scarlett’s hand and immediately liked her; Scarlett’s down-to-earth manner shone through right away.
****
Jack’s grin widened as he locked eyes with Noah. “What the hell does she see in you?” he teased, his tone both amused and incredulous.
Before Noah could string together a retort, Scarlett interjected with a playful note, “He’s great in bed.” The remark tugged a mischievous smirk from Noah, making Jack laugh.
“Hey, what can I say? She’s honest if nothing else,” Noah said, his grin radiating a mix of pride and amusement.
Jack shook his head, his expression teasing as he remarked, “I’m sure you like to think so. Oh, by the way, Randi owns that new shop in town. She makes and sells candles, soap and…?” He paused, his frown shifting to amusement as he shot Randi a knowing look that made her smile broadly.
“Bath salts,” she replied, her voice light and confident.
“Yeah, bath salts. I just went blank on it. I’m sorry,” Jack admitted, a teasing tone lacing his words.
“No worries.” Randi laughed.
“Oh, I’ll be making a trip to town then,” Scarlett declared, her eyes twinkling with anticipation.
“It’s across the alley from Paige’s,” Randi added, the corners of her mouth curving up as she painted a picture of the quaint streets lined with friendly shops.
Scarlett burst into laughter. “Well, I definitely know where Paige’s is,” she said, her tone playful yet confident.
“And I’m so glad she does,” Noah added, his voice softening with sincerity amid the banter.
As the evening wore on and a few slow dances melted into the ambient background, Jack turned his attention to Randi, his gaze thoughtful. “Are you ready to leave?” he asked gently, the low hum of conversation floated around them.
Randi nodded. “I am. I was up early and I think it’s catching up to me.”
“So, tomorrow, you’ll be busy?” Jack inquired; his interest evident in his tone.
“Yes, as I told you, I have to make soap, candles, and bath salts,” she explained, her voice carrying the rhythm of a well-practiced routine.
“And that takes you all day?”
“Not always, but I’m hoping to get started early. Once they’re made, I just have to let the candles and soap cure. The bath salts are ready right away. It will take several hours for the soap since I’ll be making quite a few bars, the same with the candles. So, it’s going to take a good part of the day,” she replied.
A smile played on Jack’s lips. “Oh. I was hoping to go horseback riding with you.”
“We can do that next Sunday,” Randi said, her eyes sparkling with a mix of challenge and anticipation.
Jack’s glance shifted as he added, “I work next weekend,” the slight disappointment evident in his tone.
“Well, damn. The following weekend, then?” Randi asked, her voice hopeful.
“Alright. We’ll do that. How about dinner at the diner that Saturday night?” Jack suggested, a friendly challenge in his tone.
“Okay,” Randi agreed after a thoughtful moment. She cocked her head as if weighing the options. “Are you off during the week when you work weekends?”
“Yes, I’ll be off Thursday and Friday. I have some things to do around my property, and then I’ll probably take a ride to check out the land. Friday, I’m just going to be lazy,” he said with a grin.
“That sounds nice,” Randi murmured, her voice softening with genuine appreciation.
“Are you having any luck with hiring?” Jack inquired, shifting the conversation to work with a tone filled with both interest and a bit of sympathetic humor.
“No. Maybe I can get through tourist season just fine, but I’m hoping Christmas will be busy,” Randi confessed, her tone reflective.
“I’m sure it will, but maybe after that you can relax,” Jack suggested.
“That’s what I’m hoping. I’m sure sales will go down after the holidays, but Valentine’s Day is not too long after that,” she replied, her voice hinting at a mix of hope and realism.
“True. I’m sure a lot of women would rather receive nice smelling soap, candles, and bath salts than flowers,” Jack observed with a chuckle.
“I know I would,” she teased back, a playful spark lighting her eyes.
“Let’s get out of here,” Jack said, turning to Noah and extending his hand in a friendly farewell. “I hope to see you again, Noah.”
“Same here, Jack. Randi, ma’am, it was nice meeting you. Try to keep this guy in line,” Noah added, his tone both humorous and affectionate.
Randi laughed. “I’m not sure that’s possible,” she replied with a mischievous glint in her eye.
Jack chuckled, the warmth in his voice unmistakable. “Damn. First date, and I’m busted.”
With that, Randi smiled at Noah as Jack gently took her hand. He led her away from the bar, their departure a blend of companionship and promise. After carefully helping her into the truck, he drove slowly down Main Street, the neon glow reflecting off wet pavement, and pulled into the narrow alley beside her shop before circling to the stairs that led them both to a quiet night’s end.
He swung open his door, stepped from the truck, and made his way around to the passenger side, where he opened the door for her. Taking her hand, they ascended the stairs together. At the stoop, Randi fished out her keys, but Jack took them from her, unlocking the door, pushed it open, and returned the keys to her with a smile.
She turned to face him, her eyes reflecting the porch light. “I had a wonderful time,” she said, her voice warm and sincere.
“Me too,” Jack replied, his tone earnest. “I’d like to see you again, Randi, but I won’t pressure you. If you tell me you’re not interested, I’ll respect that and leave you be.”
“I’d love to see you again, Jack,” she replied, a smile tugging at her lips.
Jack’s face lit up with a grin. “I’m glad to hear that, though it’ll be two weeks before we can go out again.”
“I could make you dinner here Friday night. We both have early starts on Saturday, but we could have dinner around six,” she suggested thoughtfully.
“You close at six, don’t you?” he inquired, tilting his head slightly.
“Yeah, but I can close an hour early. I’ll prepare something in the crockpot, so I won’t have to fuss over cooking,” she reassured him.
“That sounds good. I’m sure we’ll talk before then. I’ll call or text you,” he promised, his eyes staring into hers.
“Okay,” she nodded, her gaze steady on his.
Jack gazed into her eyes, his own flicking briefly to her lips before returning to her eyes. He reached out, gently brushing her cheek with his fingertips. “I’d love to kiss you goodnight,” he murmured, his voice a soft promise, waiting.
“I’d like that,” she whispered, her eyes never leaving his.
Jack leaned forward, capturing her lips with his in a tender kiss. The moment their lips met, his heart skipped a beat, a rush of warmth flooding through him. As she wrapped her arms around his neck, he placed his hands on her waist, pulling her closer, deepening the kiss with a gentle passion. She moaned softly as he slowly drew back, their breath mingling in the night air.
“That was good,” he said, his voice a low rumble.
“Very good,” Randi agreed, her grin wide and bright.
“I’d better go, sweetheart. I’ll talk to you soon. Sleep well,” he said, reluctantly stepping back.
“I’ll try. Goodnight, Jack,” she replied, her voice laced with warmth.
“Good night, Randi.” He turned to descend the stairs, but paused, glancing back at her, the brim of his hat casting his eyes in shadow beneath the porch light. “Sweet dreams, darlin’,” he added with a teasing smile before jogging down the steps. At the bottom, he turned once more to look at her, touching the brim of his hat in a silent salute, and nodded for her to go inside. Once she disappeared behind the door, he strolled back to his truck, climbed into the cab, and drove away, a contented smile on his face.
****
Monday morning arrived with an unyielding haste that left Randi feeling as though the weekend had been stolen away. She’d spent the previous day immersed in the art of soap and candle making, her muscles still murmuring reminders of the labor as she awoke with a dragging weariness in her limbs. Ever since Jack had departed on Saturday night, Randi’s sleep had been haunted by the vivid memory of his chiseled, captivating face. An image that refused to fade even when her eyes fluttered closed. To compound matters, her early rise on Sunday had left her body and soul sorely behind in the race for recovery.
Emerging from her apartment, she locked the door behind her, her steps a blend of determination and exhaustion as she trotted down the stairwell. With the air warm and the morning light stretching slowly across the pavement, she walked to the back door of her small shop. It was eight-thirty, and the coffee maker beckoned her; she knew she couldn’t face the day without another cup of its restorative warmth.
After pushing open the back door, Randi stepped into the familiar coolness of the storeroom, secured the door behind her, and made her way straight to the cramped but cozy office. There, she carefully stowed her purse in one of the antique wooden drawers of her desk and locked it away. Then she made coffee, the soft hum of the machine filled the quiet space as she waited for it to finish its task, then cradled the steaming cup and strode into the sunlit showroom. She ensured that every item was perfectly in place before she flipped the ‘Closed’ sign to ‘Open’, silently wishing for a bustling day to help the hours pass more swiftly.
As she gazed out the wide front window, her lips curved into a warm smile at the sight of cowboy after cowboy striding in and out of the diner. A thought tickled her mind, perhaps she’d have lunch there, and maybe, just maybe, Jack might accompany her. Not wanting to impose, yet yearning for his company, she retrieved her phone from her pocket and sent a text message that carried both hope and hesitation.
Hey Jack. Would you be able to meet for lunch at the diner today?
Almost immediately, his reply arrived:
I’m sure I can do that. What time?
Eleven-thirty?
Okay. I’ll see you there.
Stay safe.
Yes, ma’am.
A genuine smile formed on Randi’s face as she carefully tucked her phone back into her pocket and steeled herself for the busy day ahead.
By eleven-fifteen, the shop had transformed into a hive of activity, filled with friendly chatter and bustling customers. Randi’s heart sank slightly at the realization that she might not escape in time for lunch with Jack. Although she was reluctant to rush her patrons, the anticipation of his company nudged her decision. Swiftly, she raised the ‘Out to Lunch’ sign and positioned the ‘Closed’ sign underneath it, her hope that the gesture would deter any further visitors drawing a small, satisfied smile on her face.
“Are we keeping you?” a woman enquired.
With a laugh, Randi replied, “Not really. I have time yet. I’m meeting someone for lunch and didn’t want anyone else coming in.”
The woman grinned in understanding. “I’m ready anyway. I’m sure I’ll be back though.”
“I appreciate that,” Randi said warmly.
As the last of her customers departed, Randi practically dashed to her office and retrieved her purse from the drawer. Securing the front door behind her, she stepped out into the beautiful day. She waited for a lull in the traffic before crossing.
At the entrance of the small diner, she reached toward the door, only to pause as it swung open with the arrival of a friendly-looking woman. The stranger offered a bright smile, held the door open for Randi, and ambled down the street, leaving an impression of friendliness behind.
Inside, Randi’s eyes scanned the diner, searching for the familiar face of Jack. With no sign of him yet, she moved toward a stool at the counter and settled in, absorbing the diner’s comforting atmosphere.
“Hi, Randi. What can I get you?”
“Hi, Connie. Nothing yet. I’m waiting for someone,” she replied, her tone light with anticipation.
“Okay, hon. Just let me know when he gets here,” Connie said with a knowing look.
Unable to suppress a laugh, Randi stared at her. “How do you know it’s a he?”
Connie winked and teased back, “A pretty woman like you has to be waiting for a good-looking deputy.”
Shaking her head with amusement, Randi confirmed, “Thank you, and you’re right. I’m waiting for Jack.”
Connie’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she winked once more. “I figured as much.”
She smiled as Connie walked away. When the bell over the door jingled, she looked to see Jack entering and her heart skipped a beat. He was just so handsome in his khaki shirt with a badge pinned to it, a holster on his hip, a white straw cowboy hat on his head, and those jeans. She sighed. He smiled when he spotted her, but he kept being stopped by people as he tried to get to her.
When he finally reached her, he sat on the stool next to her.
“I’m sorry I’m running a little late.”
“It’s fine. I just got here myself. I had to practically push customers out of my shop.”
Jack grinned. “Not good for business, sweetheart.”
“I was anxious to get here.”
“To see me, I hope.”
“For the burgers,” she said, biting her lip.
Jack’s eyebrows shot up. “Damn.”
Randi laughed. “I’m kidding. Of course, to see you.” She shook her head. “I had such a good time Saturday night.”
“I did too. We’ll do it again. I’m sorry I have to work this weekend.”
“Yes, but you are coming for dinner Friday evening, right?”
“Oh, yeah. I wouldn’t miss it.”
“Hey, Jack. Are you two ready to order?” Connie asked.
After ordering, Jack told Connie they’d grab a booth, then headed for an empty one. They slid onto the benches as Jack’s phone buzzed. He looked at Randi.
“Excuse me, it’s Sam,” he said as he looked at the screen, then put the phone to his ear. “Sam?”
Randi watched Jack listen to what Sam was saying and a frown marred his brow.
“Yeah, I can.” Jack shook his head. “It’s fine, Sam. Okay.”
“Something wrong?” Randi asked when he put the phone back into his shirt pocket.
“I have to work the nightshift this weekend. Damn, I hate that.”
“I’m sorry.”
Jack grinned. “It’s not your fault. Apparently, one of the deputies had a family emergency. I’ll be working three to eleven.”
“At least you won’t have to get up early Saturday then.”
“True.”
Randi chuckled. “I can tell you’re really looking forward to working nightshift.”
Jack shook his head. “I can’t hide it, can I?”
A few minutes later, Connie set their lunches on the table, then walked off. Randi picked up her burger, took a bite and moaned.
“These are so good. I never should have tried one.”
“They are addictive.”
As they sat there, talking, Randi knew she wanted to know more about him. He was such a nice man.
“Do you have any other siblings other than your sister?”
“No. Just Brenna. I’m glad she and Beau got together. They’d known each other for years, but their ex-spouses cheated on them together.”
“Oh, no. I’m glad they got together too. I bet that went over well with the exes.” Randi grinned.
Jack smirked. “They tried to break them up. It made no sense other than they were jealous. My sister has never been happier and if I ever see her ex, I’ll arrest him for the hell of it.”
Randi laughed. “You would, too.”
“Damn right, I would. He hurt my sister.”
“Big brothers and their little sisters.”
After lunch, Jack paid the bill, and they walked outside. He leaned down and kissed her lips.
“I’ll see you Friday evening.”
“Looking forward to it.” Randi smiled, then crossed the street and entered her shop.
****
Jack watched her go inside, then he headed along the sidewalk. As he entered the sheriff’s department, he smiled at the empty chair behind the counter. Betty Lou had been a fixture here forever. He wondered how she was handling retirement.
As he passed Sam’s office, he saw that it was empty, so he continued onto his own. He waved at Brody as he passed his office.
“How’s it going, Jack?”
Jack turned back to the door. “It’s going well, Brody.” He leaned against the doorframe. “I have to work nightshift this weekend. Man, I hate that.”
“Yeah, me too. I’ve had to do it several times. When I first came back, I was on nights.”
“I’ve met Mark and Paul, but who else is on nights?”
“Declan Cavanaugh.”
“Dec? Damn, I haven’t seen him in forever.”
“Yep, he took over his parent’s ranch about two years ago when they moved to Arizona. He grows feed for Ash Beckett.”
“I can’t wait to see him. How’s he doing both jobs though?”
Brody shook his head. “I have no idea. Of course, being on from three until eleven, he gets some rest and can get things done during the day.”
“I’m not sure I could do it.”
“Declan doesn’t seem to have a problem. He has a K-9 too.”
“When did Sam start that?”
“When Declan asked him about a job. You know Declan worked the K-9 unit when he was a trooper, so when he wanted to come here, Sam thought it would be a good idea to add the K-9 too.” Brody grinned. “Not many people will stop when you yell you’ll shoot, but tell them you’re letting the dog go, most surrender.”
“That’s true. I’m just not sure I could run a farm and work nights too.”
“Yeah, I wanted to raise cattle when I first came back and be a deputy, but I was kidding myself.” Brody grinned.
Jack chuckled. “I hear ya. It’ll be good to see him. I’ve got some paperwork to do. I’ll talk to you later, Brody.”
“Sure thing, Jack.”
Jack headed toward his office, entered, strode around the desk, and sat down. He signed into the computer and got to work.