‡‡
How could the past two weeks have been any more perfect?
Oh, wait, they couldn’t.
Brandi smiled as she shut her cottage door. For the first time in a long time, her insides were as sunny as the day outside. Heat surrounded her and the sun blared overhead as she walked down the sidewalk toward Foster’s. Kerri and Jordan had asked her to join them for some frozen yogurt, and to introduce her to Shayla.
Not even the thought of being in the stunning redhead’s presence, or the other two beautiful women’s for that matter, could dispel Brandi’s good disposition. Kade had set the mood this morning, leaving her bed only after they were both…happy.
He’d been real good at that lately. So far, their non non-relationship was working out great. She’d been to the ranch a few times, but never stayed the whole night. She didn’t want to confuse Cody. And Kade had stayed at her place a couple nights. The sheriff/cowboy/soldier was the perfect boyfriend. He showed just enough interest in her day not to be nosey, and he wasn’t demanding…except in bed, which was okay with her because…well, she was kind of demanding there, too.
Her insides fluttered at the memory of their night at the hotel. He’d driven her crazy, slowly stripping her naked—except for her shoes—and she’d made him wear his beret. Then he took her on the table. Twice.
She was still smiling as she met up with the girls outside the ice cream shop.
“Okay, I know that smile. That’s the smile of a satisfied woman,” Jordan said, pulling her into a hug.
“Well, believe it or not, for once, you’re not going to get an argument from me.”
“It’s good to see you happy.”
“Thanks. I am happy.”
“Okay, then Happy, meet Shayla. Shayla, meet Happy,” Jordan joked, then smiled at the beautiful little girl in the redhead’s arms, the spitting image of her mama. Red hair that curled slightly at the neck and big, blue eyes. “And this cutie pie is Amelia.”
“Hi, Shayla, Amelia,” she said, bending slightly at the knee to look the baby in the eyes. “I’m Brandi.”
Jordan waved a hand at the ice cream shop. “Would you two like to talk first, or eat?”
She glanced at Shayla. “It’s up to you.”
“Talk first would be good if you don’t mind. It’s getting close to Amelia’s nap time.”
She nodded. “No problem.”
“Okay, then why don’t you leave Amelia with us and you two can go have your talk.” Kerri held out her hands and the baby went right for her.
The redhead hesitated, a frown creasing her brow as she stared at her daughter in the cook’s arms. “You sure?”
“Absolutely. She’ll be fine. Now go.” Jordan gave them a small shove.
As they walked to a little picnic area between the beach and the sidewalk, she expressed her condolences on the loss of the woman’s fiancé, then went on to outline the jobs she had going and what she needed. “I don’t expect you to design. What I need is someone to order supplies, schedule deliveries, keep track of them, keep track of the workers, make sure they have the supplies they need, and so on. In other words, your organizational skills.”
“Well, that I have.”
The redhead smiled for the first time since she met her, and if Brandi thought her gorgeous before, now the woman was breathtaking. Choosing a picnic table in the shade of a big oak tree, Shayla informed her of her work history, and explained her duties at the pub, all while keeping an eye on her daughter.
She got the sense the woman was extremely protective of her child and allowing someone else to watch the little one was a bit tough. Which brought up a point. “Some of the job sites are too dangerous for a child, so what will you do with Amelia?”
Shayla blew out a breath. “Mrs. McCall and Mrs. Masters volunteered to watch her until my sister moves in after her semester is done in a few months.”
“That’s right, you’re not from around here, either.”
A brow arched over an intent blue gaze. “Aren’t you?”
She smiled. “Oh, my no. I’m from Pennsylvania.”
“Wow.” The woman’s shoulders appeared to relax a little more. “I’m not the only newbie, then.”
“Nope.” She laughed. “I’m still getting used to the county, but for the most part, everyone seems pretty nice. A good place for your daughter to grow up.”
The redhead blew out a breath and nodded, her gaze once again on her baby happily bouncing on Kerri’s knee. She’d heard all she needed to, and wanted to let mother and daughter get back together.
Rising to her feet, she held out her hand. “The job’s yours if you want it.”
“Really?” The woman stood, her gaze widening. “Just like that?”
“Yes. Jordan and Kerri sing your praises, and from what you’ve told me, you’ll be a great fit. That’s all good enough for me.”
“Wow, thank you, Ms. Wyne, I won’t let you down,” Shayla said, shaking her hand.
“Please, call me Brandi,” she corrected. “And I know you won’t. I’ll have you work with me for a while before I let you handle other sites on your own.”
The woman nodded as they fell into step. By the time they reached the sisters, she’d ironed out the salary, a start date, and was a little alarmed to hear the redhead only had healthcare through the Guard on her daughter, and only for another month, which was the anniversary of her fiancé’s death. Calling around and gathering information on healthcare was the first task she’d give her new hire. And even though she got the impression the woman was secretive and a little untrusting, Brandi still felt really good about hiring Shayla Ryan.
“So, I take it by the smiles that all is good?” Jordan’s gaze bounced between them as Shayla gathered her daughter and held her close.
Brandi nodded. “Yes. Shayla will start on Thursday when we begin your job, Kerri.”
“Sweet.” The cook smiled. “Let’s celebrate. My treat.”
A little while later, they were seated outside at an umbrella table eating their ice cream when Cole and Kevin pulled up and got out. Since the cowboys were still wearing their business suits, Brandi figured Jordan must’ve told them to stop by on their way home. Seated next to her, but across from Kerri and Shayla, Brandi watched the sharp-dressed men turn heads as they ambled near.
Kevin approached, warm gaze trained on the baby looking over her mother’s shoulder. “Who’s the cu—”
And like a ton of blue-eyed bricks, the dreamboat fell to his knees, taken down by an elbow to the groin from a swift acting, startled redhead.
“Kevin, are you all right?” Kerri untangled herself from the bench so Cole could help the doubled-over Kevin sit in her vacant spot.
The grimacing man held up a finger while working to catch his breath. Brandi still couldn’t believe how quick Shayla had moved. She’d seen a look of panic cross the woman’s face, but had no time to stop her or warn the poor guy.
“I will be later,” he said, color starting to return to his handsome face. “Once the fellas drop. Right now, they’re folded in on themselves trying to get away from the redheaded shrew.” He frowned at the mother hugging her daughter close. “What the hell, lady?”
She shrugged. “You’re wearing a suit.”
Kevin’s mouth dropped open, along with everyone else’s. Not exactly the response they’d all expected. “A suit? Really? Christ, I’d hate to see what would’ve happened if I were a biker.”
“Look, I’m sorry. It was reflex. You shouldn’t sneak up on people.”
“And you shouldn’t be around people. You’re dangerous.”
Cole’s eyes glinted with unreleased humor. “Calm down, buddy,” he said, cupping his friend’s shoulder. “You’re just used to women falling at your feet, not doing the falling.”
Kevin grunted. “I didn’t fall at her feet,” he said, as if the woman wasn’t there.
Brandi could see Shayla’s expression was less than tolerant. She held back a grin. The cowboy had better watch his step.
“No,” Jordan said, lifting her cheek for Cole’s kiss. “But you were taken down by a woman.”
“I was not.”
Shayla raised a brow. Kevin scooted further away.
Brandi clenched her jaw. She knew she shouldn’t laugh, but it was becoming harder and harder to keep it all in. Even Kerri stood with her bottom lip between her teeth.
“Well, I have to go. Time to put this one down for a nap. Thanks for the ice cream, Kerri,” the redhead said, rising to her feet, then glanced to her. “And for the job.”
Kevin inhaled and stared at her like she’d grown a second head. “You hired her? For what? A bodyguard? Enforcer? Assassin?”
Shayla turned and stared down at the guy, her blue eyes glinting so cold they sparkled. “No, to keep playboys like you in line.”
And with that, her new assistant left with the slack-jawed cowboy staring after her. He shook his head and transferred his gaze to his crotch.
“Okay, fellas,” he said. “It’s safe. You can come down now. The shrew’s gone.”
A pink-faced Kerri sat in the vacant spot, hand over her mouth as she shook. “I can’t believe that just happened.”
“You can’t…” Kevin reeled back. “Neither can we.”
Unable to hold it in anymore, Brandi laughed and was soon joined by the rest of the table, even the disgruntled victim. The day had certainly been eventful, and with plans to head to Galveston with Kade for dinner tonight, she was hopeful the interesting events would continue—
“Stop!”
The urgency in the familiar, young voice rocked her, and she twisted toward the cries. Her heart stopped for a full beat, then rocked hard in her chest again as two big, bald, burly men ran from the sheriff and his deputy. Kade dove at one of them, hitting the guy in the back of the legs, taking him down.
“Stop,” the deputy called again, trying the same maneuver, only he was too far away.
Grasping the man’s ankle, the skinny kid was holding on for dear life as the guy dragged the deputy across the grassy picnic area she’d been at with Shayla. A second later, a blur in the form of Jordan hopped the table and raced toward the scene. Brandi jumped to her feet along with Cole.
“Jordan, wait,” he said, but his wife continued to run toward the commotion as others moved to the side.
“Stop right there! I’m a former cop…” her friend spouted and planted her feet.
“Outta my way, bitch!”
The man took a swing, but Jordan ducked, landed a fist to his gut, and as he doubled over, she clasped her hands together and brought them down hard on his back, sending him to the ground. While he was down, she wasted no time twisting the man’s arm behind his back, her knee set on his spine.
“Cuffs.” Jordan snapped her fingers at a blinking Donny.
The deputy released the thug’s ankle, sat up and fumbled for the handcuffs on his belt. Brandi couldn’t believe the poor kid had held on that long. His uniform was full of dirt, blood and grass stains. She watched him hand the cuffs to Jordan who nodded for the deputy to come closer.
“No, this one’s yours, kid. Go ahead.”
Donny smiled and cuffed the cursing man, then pulled out a paper from his pocket and began to read the guy his rights.
“Jesus, Cole,” Kevin said with a shake of his head. “Your wife just brought down that big punk.”
“I know.”
“That was hot.”
“I know,” Cole said again. “Excuse me.” He walked over to his wife, crushed her close and kissed her in front of the gathering crowd.
“Damn. Where can I get me one of those?” Kevin pouted.
But Brandi was too busy making her way through the people, searching for Kade. Last she had seen of him, he’d been cuffing the other bald man. Not knowing what the suspects had done, she was trying hard not to give in to the scenarios running through her head. He wasn’t hurt. At least she didn’t think so. Her heart pounded in her ears. The man knew what he was doing. He was fine.
And as she pushed through the crowd and saw him standing with his hand on a suspects elbow, she had all she could do not to run and put a lip-lock on him, not unlike what Cole was still doing to Jordan.
His gaze met hers, and he either sensed her fear or read it in her eyes because he nodded, and sent her a reassuring smile.
Okay, he was good. He was fine. He wasn’t hurt. She then proceeded to talk herself out of that lip-lock idea, and let her gaze roam his fine form, making sure she hadn’t missed anything.
“Jordan, you’re crazy, you know that,” Kerri said, coming up behind her with Kevin.
“Yeah, that was really insane and totally nuts.” Kevin frowned with disapproval as he folded his arms over his chest. “Can you do that again, but maybe this time in a bathing suit and in slow motion?”
Cole draped his arm around his wife and pulled her in close to his side. “Get your own.”
Kade walked over, suspect in tow. “Thanks, Jordan. When can you start?”
Her friend blinked. “Start what?”
“As my new deputy,” he replied. “These two are suspected in the rash of burglaries. Thanks for the assist, I—”
“Halt,” the deputy yelled, cutting him off, glancing from the escaping suspect to his boss. “Mr. Sheriff, sir. He’s getting away!”
Kade blew out a breath and stared at the kid. “Go get him.”
Everyone watched in disbelief as the scene repeated itself. Donny took a flying leap, but this time he…missed.
Cursing under his breath, Kade thrust his suspect at Jordan, then ran after the cuffed man booking it through the grassy park. They witnessed the sheriff tackle the guy, then right him before escorting his big frame to the nearby cruiser. Face grim, Kade set the man in the back and shut the door. He turned to Donny and crooked a finger.
“Sucks to be Skippy,” Kevin muttered.
The deputy rushed to the car and nodded, then stayed put, shoulders drooped as he leaned against the car and watched his boss head back to them.
Once again, Brandi’s gaze traveled up and down the man, searching for bruises. He was dirty and grass stained, but she didn’t see any blood. Her heartbeats leveled out by the time he neared. Yeah, he was just a little dirtier and sweatier, but still okay.
Gray eyes dull, mouth set in a straight line, he looked tired, and she longed to get him back to her place and dote on him. And, well…as far as tonight, she was more than willing to take top.
“So,” he said, retaking possession of his suspect. “You going to help me out, Jordan? I’m begging you. The county can’t take much more. I can’t take much more.”
Her heart squeezed.
“You serious? You’re offering me a deputy job?” Her friend glanced from Kade to Cole, then back again. “For real?”
“Yes, I’m dead serious,” the sheriff replied.
Jordan gazed thoughtfully at the cruiser before her attention turned to Cole. “I’ll have to discuss it with my husband.”
“Okay.” The sheriff nodded. “The job’s yours if you want it.”
Kevin stepped forward and slapped a hand on Kade’s shoulder. “If she doesn’t, you may want to offer it to that redhead. You should’ve been here just a bit sooner. Guarantee you these boys would’ve cuffed themselves and walked into your station on their own.”
How could a week from hell have heavenly moments?
Kade didn’t know. Only that it did, like now. He sat with his friends in a booth at the pub, arm around his girlfriend, her warm curves brushing against his side. Funny how the word ‘girlfriend’ used to scare the shit out of him, but now, with Brandi, it was fitting. Natural. Right. She was his heaven. Plain and simple. Whenever he had a rotten day, and lately, he’d had many, she always made him feel better. Made him feel worthy.
“Whatcha thinking?” Her brown eyes gazed up at him, warm and just a little bit wicked as her hand ran up his inner leg.
He leaned close and whispered, “That if you don’t stop, we aren’t even going to make it across the street to your house.”
“Oh, but, Sheriff,” she said, tipping her head back to whisper in his ear. “Then you’ll have to arrest me for indecent exposure. And cuff me.”
His body went on instant alert and throbbed at the thought. Damn. The woman was potent.
“Okay, enough with the lovey-dovey,” Connor said, approaching at a good clip. “I want the scoop.” He twisted a chair around and sat down, arms folded across the top. “I’m gone six days. Six days…and all hell breaks loose?”
Kade nodded. Boy, did his buddy nail that analogy.
“My sister-in-law takes down a criminal and becomes a deputy,” the cowboy stated, pointing to Jordan. “And what about, you, Kevin? You got taken down by a girl, too? Come on. Someone? Anyone?” His buddy’s brown gaze bounced to everyone at the table. “Please, tell me, and don’t leave out any details.”
Jordan shrugged. “Not much to tell. I saw a suspect running away from the sheriff and his deputy so I intervened. End of story.”
Connor straightened. “That’s it? Come on. I know there were fists involved.”
“There were,” Kade said. “Jordan landed one to the guy’s gut then slammed him on the back and sent him to the ground.”
“Damn,” Connor said. “That must’ve been hot.”
“It was,” Kevin echoed Cole.
“And so now you’re the new deputy?” Connor studied his sister-in-law.
She nodded. “Soon. Just waiting for the paperwork to go through.”
His buddy transferred his gaze to Kevin and grinned. “So, how’d you managed to get taken down by a girl?”
Brandi’s chuckle vibrated through him. He squeezed her closer, enjoying her softness and unyielding warmth. She fit perfectly against him. He kissed her head, catching the sight of several pairs of eyes watching from across the room. The McCalls and Masters. They lifted glasses at him. He smiled. They were good people, and he knew they worried about him sometimes.
“I wasn’t taken down by a girl,” Kevin insisted, blue gaze narrowed. “It was a shrew. There’s a difference. Shrews are mean. And she was mean.”
“And pretty,” Jordan added.
His cousin shrugged, but Kade could tell the woman’s beauty did not go unnoticed by the guy.
“And lethal. She nearly maimed me for life.”
“Oh, you’re such a girl. She barely elbowed you.” Cole frowned and sat back in chair.
“Yeah, but did you see the size of her elbow?” Kevin blinked at them. “It was pointy and…and…lethal.”
Cole shook his head. “Forget it, man. You, the mighty Kevin Dalton, was brought to his knees by a pretty redhead and her cute daughter.”
Kade’s chest tightened. They wouldn’t even be having this discussion if he’d done his job. If Shayla’s fiancé hadn’t died overseas. If the little girl’s daddy was still alive.
Why did everything always come back down to those thoughts? Would they ever leave his head? Would they ever leave him the fuck alone?
A small smile tugged his cousin’s lips. “The daughter was a cutie. Now she…she could bring me to my knees.”
“If there was one thing I learned this past year, Kevin,” Connor said, a big grin dimpling his cheeks. “It’s that there’s nothing wrong with the right woman bringing you to your knees.”
“Amen, brother.” Cole slapped his brother’s hand then kissed Jordan’s smiling face.
He didn’t know anything about that, but he did know if there was a right woman for him, then Brandi was that woman. She got him. Sometimes too well. Like now. He could feel her gaze on him. She made him feel too much, and there were times he held back, closed himself off. He was not ready to relinquish that much of himself to anyone. The last two times he did only brought him pain and disappointment. He wasn’t ready to try again. Granted, they were both with father figures, but the pain was intense and deep.
“So, Kade,” Connor said, pouring himself a glass of beer. “What are you doing about Skippy? You have two deputies now?”
He shook his head. “Hell no. Donny is enrolling in the art program at the local college. Seems somebody noticed his sketches and encouraged him to give college a try.” His gaze shifted to Brandi and she smiled.
“He does have talent,” she said.
“Good, because as a deputy, he sucked,” Kevin remarked, lifting his glass, then stilled. “Speaking of talent, I hear you’re one with a fiddle. When do we all get to hear you play, Brandi?”
Expecting her to stiffen against him, Kade waited but it never happened.
“As a matter of fact,” Jordan said, brown eyes twinkling as she glanced at his girl. “Right now. She’s part of the next set.”
“What?” He turned his gaze on her. “When?”
Over the past few weeks, Jordan and Kerri had tried to get Brandi to join them a few times on stage, but she’d turned them down. And even though he hated to push, and refused to be like her last asshole boyfriend telling her where to perform, he’d encouraged her to play in public. But she would just shrug and say she wasn’t ready.
Her warm fingers squeezed his leg as she gazed up at him. “I decided you were right. It’s time to enjoy myself. Enjoy playing when I want and where I want. And I want to play tonight, for all of you.”
A wave of some kind of positive emotion hit him hard. He cupped her face and kissed her square on the mouth. She kissed him back, and tasted sweet, and happy and full of life, and for nearly a minute he’d forgotten where they were, and that they had an audience.
Until his cousin’s voice broke through his haze. “So, I guess once Kade relinquishes his hold, we’ll all get to enjoy Brandi’s talent. You guys having open mike tomorrow night? ’Cause it might take that long.”
He drew back slightly and caught her happy gaze. “Are you sure? I don’t want you doing this if you’re not ready. I won’t be mad.”
Tears filled her eyes, but she blinked them away. “Thank you. But yeah, I’m sure. I’m ready and really want to do this.”
“Okay,” Jordan said. “You heard the woman. And she’s not going up alone, isn’t that right, Cole?”
Her husband smiled and nodded. “I have the honor.”
Kade nodded. “You’ve no idea.” He turned to Brandi. “Has he heard you?” She shook her head and his smile widened. “Then this is going to be real good. What are you playing?”
“Dueling Banjoes.”
He laughed. “Oh, man, you’re toast, Cole.”
Kevin snickered. “Come on. We’re talking about Cole, here.”
Jordan nodded. “Yes, and Kade’s right. My husband is toast.” She turned to Cole and patted his open-mouthed face. “Sorry, hun. But I love you anyway.”
“Well, I think we need to get this duel started.” Cole stood and held his hand out to Brandi. “Shall we?”
“Hang on,” Kerri said, rushing in from the kitchen to hug the smiling designer. “Good luck. You’re going to bring everyone to their feet.”
Kade nodded. The place was not going to be the same again.
As he watched Cole and Brandi take the stage, he settled in his seat, pride and some unknown emotion tightening his chest. The woman never ceased to amaze him. She knew her limitations, pushed through her fears and tackled challenges head on.
“Hello, everyone,” Cole said, and the crowd clapped then cheered when they noticed he was holding a banjo and Brandi a fiddle. “For those of you who don’t know, this here is Brandi, and the two of us are going to do a little dueling.”
The cheering audience picked up a decibel, then settled down when Cole plucked the first string. Excitement and anticipation skittered down Kade’s spine, and he watched both performers for different reasons. Brandi, because this was a big step for her, and his heart filled to the point of bursting to see such enjoyment light her face as she played with the audience cheering her on.
And Cole because he was getting his ass handed to him by a girl.
The faster he played—and the guy had skills—the faster and more complicated the sound Brandi created, all while holding the tune.
“Holy shit,” Kevin said, mouth opened as he stared at the stage. “Dude.” He elbowed Connor. “You’re brother’s getting beat by a girl.”
His buddy nodded. “I know, ain’t it great? Damn, she’s good.”
When the last string was strung, the crowd whistled and cheered. Cole pulled Brandi in for a hug, then held her hand up, declaring her the easy winner. Kade was on his feet clapping for his girl, noting both Kerri and Jordan had wet faces as they, too, stood and clapped.
“Damn,” Kevin said as they all retook their seats. “Why didn’t you tell us she could play like that?”
“Oh, trust me,” Jordan said. “That isn’t anything. She’s amazing.”
Kade nodded. “That she is.” The woman blew him away.
Soon Cole was trading his banjo for a guitar, a few others got on stage with their instruments, and the crowd was treated to some lively Celtic with Brandi leading the way. She was sweet. Everyone adored her. He adored her.
And as that thought settled in his mind, his chest tightened further. What did he do with that? He was at a loss. Watching the woman play her heart out, putting it all on the line, he never felt more like a coward. He could never open up like that…take a chance like that.
When she finished and put away the violin, the crowd complained. He understood. She made you feel, and if she played something upbeat, you felt good. And who didn’t want to feel good?
“That was fantastic,” Jordan said, pulling Brandi in for a hug as soon as she reached the table.
He waited until everyone congratulated and hugged his girl. Then he drew her in close and held her. Just held her. “I’m proud of you,” he said against her temple, and felt her indrawn breath all the way down to his toes. “You okay?”
She nodded and drew back. “Yeah. I’m great.”
Cole came over, kissed his wife then cupped Kade’s shoulder. “You were right. I was toast.” His friend smiled at Brandi. “You’re amazing. I hope we get the chance to play together again.”
“Absolutely,” she said. “I’d like that.”
As the night wore on, once again he was sitting at the table with his arm draped around the beauty at his side, joking with Connor when Kevin leaned toward Cole.
“So, tell me, buddy, how does it feel to be married to a deputy?”
Jordan smiled and gave a slight shake to her head. “I’m not one yet.”
“True.” His cousin nodded. “But close enough, so spill, McCall.”
Cole lifted his wife’s hand to his lips. “I don’t care what she does for a living. I just love her.”
“Oh, man, are you trying to make me puke?” Kevin shuddered. “That’s not what I was asking.”
“I have no problem with Jordan being a deputy. I think she’ll make a damn good one.”
Kade couldn’t agree more. In fact, he was counting on it. The thought of having someone else on the force capable of doing the job set his mind at ease. Especially with his annual training coming up next month. He knew he’d be leaving the county in good hands for those two weeks he’d be away at AT.
Cole turned to him and nodded. “I also know I can count on you to keep my wife safe.”
He stiffened. Ah, hell. Every hair on his body stood up, while all his blood felt as if it turned to cement. Brandi turned and stared at him. He could feel her gaze, but he couldn’t bring himself to face the woman.
“Ah, Cole, buddy.” Kevin snickered. “You’re wife can take care of herself, remember? You saw her bring that big guy down.”
Jordan nodded. “I don’t need anyone taking care of me.”
Now there were more gazes on him. He felt them, too. The tightness in his chest increased until the urge to leave shook through his body. He had to get out. Sweat gathered between his shoulder blades and trickled down his back.
Before he knew it, Brandi tugged him to his feet, slipped an arm around him and addressed the table. “Thanks for tonight, everyone. I appreciate the support. I had a great time.” Then she maneuvered them through the crowd and outside into the wonderful night air. “It’s okay,” she said. “You need to breathe, Kade. Just breathe.”
Fuck. He hated feeling weak. Fucking hated it!
He released her, walked to his truck and grasped the tailgate while he dropped his head and dragged air into his lungs. This was ridiculous. These episodes had to stop. And if people would stop saying shit like they counted on him, or expected him to do something, then maybe he’d be just fine.
A warm hand slid up his back. “Jeez. You’re all wet.”
He grunted. “No shit.” Then felt bad at the harshness of his voice.
“Come on.” Although her hand stilled, it remained on him. “Let’s go to my place.”
And because he had every intention of going there, he nodded and opened the passenger door. He even smiled and kissed her hand before he walked around and got in behind the wheel. But he sat for a minute. He still needed another damn minute to regain control. A myriad of thoughts rushed through his head. He counted as he breathed and soon this mind and pulse calmed to a dull roar. The night hadn’t gone as he’d planned.
Once safety was no longer an issue, he drove the short distance to her house and parked in her driveway. She was staring at him again, and he couldn’t blame her. With nothing to say for himself, he remained quiet as he walked her to her door. He was an ass, and was beginning to realize she deserved better. A whole hell of a lot better.
She unlocked the door, flipped on the lights and tugged his arm, but he didn’t budge.
“Not tonight. I’m going to go home,” he told her, his heart squeezing at the disappointment clouding her gaze. Lifting his hand, he traced her jaw. “You did great tonight. I’m so proud of you.”
Cupping his hand, she pressed his palm to her face. “Then come inside. Please, Kade.”
God, he wanted to, he really did, but something felt off, not right. An anger resided in him that wasn’t going away.
Usually, after a few minutes of calming down, or method breathing, he’d manage to move forward. But not now. It was getting tougher and tougher as the weeks wore on. Damned if he knew why. This had happened before, not often, but it had happened, and experience taught him it was best if he spent time alone until this mood subsided. He was not up for company, not even hers.
“Sorry, I have to go. I’m not good company. I need to be alone.”
She stepped into him and kissed his neck. “Bet I could change your mind.”
Any other time, and she would have, but not now. Now, he just wanted solitude. The woman made him feel, and that was exactly what he didn’t want.
He grabbed her upper arms and gently but firmly put her away from him. “No.” He shook his head. “I need to go. Goodnight.”
Pivoting on his heel, he strode to his truck, feeling lower than low at hurting the best thing to ever happen to him. But he knew, deep down, somehow he knew this was for her own good.