by Jamie Begley
Holly finished up the filing, trying to come up with different ways to ask out the Assistant Commonwealth Attorney. She wished she were more assertive where men were concerned. She had never felt comfortable being flirty or outgoing to make herself available to men. If anything, she shied away from their attention when they looked at her in a sexual manner. She had gone on many dates with normally placid men who, once they had her in their car or her home, became octopi, thinking she was an easy lay just because of her bra size.
Going to her desk, she took out a pair of tennis shoes then took off her low-heeled pumps and put on the sneakers. Locking the door, she then left the building, leisurely walking down the sidewalk.
She turned the corner that led toward the sheriff’s office, not seeing Knox’s squad car there or at the diner across the street. She now knew Diamond had convinced her husband to take the rest of the day off.
She continued her walk, deciding to go through the church’s playground. The memory of the night she had almost gotten attacked was still in her mind, but since it was daylight, she knew her pastor and Willa were in the church, so she should be safe.
There were several picnic tables set up so that anyone could sit if they wanted to. Closing the gate behind her, she saw she wasn’t the only one there. Greer was sitting on a blanket with two food boxes she recognized from the diner. She thought about ignoring his presence, but he would more than likely call her out on it if she did.
Casually hiding her nervousness, she changed the direction from the large playground. “Hi, Greer.”
He turned from staring at the parking lot. “Hey.” His greeting wasn’t very enthusiastic.
Irritation kept her from moving away, even though she knew he wanted her to.
“You look like you’re waiting for someone.”
His jaw tightened. “Jo’s on her way. She’ll be here any minute, so shoo.”
Any thought of teasing him disappeared. “Oh … Then I’ll leave. I don’t want to interrupt your picnic.” She started to walk away.
Holly had no idea that his relationship with Jo had progressed to picnics. Neither Dustin nor Logan had said anything to her, and she hadn’t wanted to bring up Greer to them for fear of appearing too interested.
She wished she’d had time to prepare herself instead of seeing the intimate setting he had arranged for their lunch.
“Might as well sit a spell. She doesn’t seem to be coming here anytime soon.”
She took a step backward. The last thing she wanted to do was see them together.
“Sit.”
Holly dropped to the blanket, dismayed that she had obeyed his order as she had seen Logan do.
Aggravated at herself, she started to get up, but Greer’s placing one of the boxes near her and, seeming unconcerned, opening his to take out a chicken leg stopped her.
He nodded at her, taking a bite of chicken. “Might as well eat. It will be cold before she gets here.”
Unsure of why, she opened the box to see a chicken leg and fried potatoes. Unable to resist, she picked up the chicken and took a bite.
“That tastes so good.”
Greer’s lips quirked. “Is it good because you didn’t have to cook it?”
“I hate frying chicken.”
“I know.”
Holly raised a brow. She had never complained when Logan asked her to make it, yet she had always tried tempting him with anything else to keep herself from making it.
“I’m not on a first-name basis with this chicken.”
Greer’s head tilted back as he laughed. The skin of his neck was tanned, dipping into the flannel shirt that he had unbuttoned to his chest. Holly had to force herself to look back down at her food to keep from staring at him.
“How are my hens doing?” she asked.
“Still breathing, if that’s what you’re asking. I have a couple of eggs sitting in the fridge. I’ll drop them off one day this week.”
“You can keep them. I can buy—”
“I don’t need them, and you can fix them for Logan for when he stays over.”
“Then thank you. I’d appreciate it. I can give what I can’t use to Willa.”
Greer reached for a small cooler, taking out a small plastic pitcher and two plastic cups, handing one to her. After he poured her a cupful, she took a drink of the pink lemonade, enjoying the tart taste.
“Thank you. Jo’s going to be upset she missed this. I’m impressed.”
“Really? Why?”
Holly shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess I imagined your idea of a date would be making a hot dog and watching a movie.”
“With beer instead of pink lemonade?”
“Yes.”
“I’m a man of many talents.”
“Can I ask you a question?”
“Go for it.”
“Is that the same cooler you put your fish in?”
“No, I bought a new one. Relieved?”
“Yes.” She finished her drink, holding it out for him to refill. “Can I have some more?”
“Woman, if you thought that was the same cooler, why did you drink the first one without asking?”
“I didn’t want to start an argument. It’s nice not fighting with you,” she confessed, waiting for the old Greer to show himself.
“Why should we fight? I got what I wanted.”
Her appetite disappeared at the reminder of what had led to her leaving.
“You can’t miss that dump.”
“It’s not a dump. It had a new kitchen.”
“That’s about it. The floor it rotted through most of the house. I’m working on fixing it up. Already replaced the floor. I’m going to paint it when I get the bathroom done in my new bedroom.”
“You’re tearing out my bathroom?”
“It’s mine now, so hell, yes, I’m remodeling it when I get the crop in. I’m about ready to bust that sink if it keeps dripping.”
“It’s vintage.”
“It’s pink. The whole fucking bathroom is fucking pink.”
“It was in style when your father did it. Tate said your mother loved it. He said she cried when she saw it.”
“Because it was so fucking pink. She hated it. She just didn’t want to hurt my father’s feelings.”
“You’re kidding?”
“Hell, no. One time, she gave Rachel and Dustin markers just so they could draw in there so she would have an excuse to tear it out.”
“Why didn’t Tate know that?”
“Because she didn’t say anything to him. She was afraid he would tell Pa.”
“But she told you?”
“Yes, because he blamed me, since I was supposed to be watching them, and made me clean it. Ma felt so bad, so she told me.”
“Is that why it’s still pink? She felt bad about you getting in trouble and decided to live with it?”
“Nope. She started working the tiles out so they would fall and break. Of course, I got blamed for that, too.”
“How did you get blamed for that?”
“Pa said I played my music too loud.”
“Did she give in then?”
“Nah, she kept thinking she would outsmart him.”
“Were you always blamed?”
“Me and Tate started taking turns.”
“Why would she do that?”
There was no way his father hadn’t realized why the bathroom was targeted, knowing that was where Greer had inherited his “not being outdone” from.
“Because that bathroom is fucking pink.”
“Now I understand.” Holly nodded.
“What do you understand?” Greer reached into her half-full box to swipe a couple of potatoes.
“That you and your family have inherited your craziness.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment. You going to eat that other leg?”
She shook her head. “No, you can have it.” She leaned back on her hands, feeling full.
When she heard the rustling of a
bag being dropped into her lap, she rose up and opened the bag. She barely managed to keep from dropping it.
“Where did you get chocolate-covered strawberries?”
“I had Willa make them for me.”
Holly tasted heaven when she bit into one of them. “I should save one of these for Logan.”
“There are more in the bag. Give him one when you pick him up.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want to take—”
“I ate a few of them while I was waiting for Jo. You can have them. Enjoy.”
Greer threw the remains of their lunch in a trash can as she stood up, brushing down her slacks.
He folded the blanket, putting it under his arm, then lifted the cooler. “Come on; I’ll give you a ride back to work.”
“I should walk.”
“You can walk tomorrow. Let’s go.”
Holly followed him, carrying the bag of strawberries. She knew they were meant for Jo, but he had given them to her.
He would laugh his head off if he knew how much that simple lunch had meant to her. She had dreamed of spending time alone with Greer so many times. He had obviously wanted to impress Jo. Holly was glad she hadn’t showed. No woman would be able to resist the care and thought behind his lunch date.
When he opened the truck door for her, she nearly dropped the strawberries.
“Greer, are you sure you didn’t pull any of your plants early?”
He stared at her quizzically. “No. Why? Has anyone been asking you?”
“No. Are you sick? I can make an appointment at the doctor’s office.”
“I ain’t sick, either.” His face cleared. “Can’t a man do something nice for a pretty girl without anyone thinking I’m high or sick?”
“Yes.” She climbed into the truck. “It’s just not usually me.”
“You’re a girl, aren’t you?”
“I was the last time I checked.” Holly looked down at her breasts.
“They still there?”
What would he do if she asked him to check? The naughty thought that had popped into her head died a sudden death when she saw him wave to the woman who came out of the diner.
She started to scoot out of the truck, but his body kept her blocked inside.
“I can walk back to work if you want to talk to Diane.”
“I’m done talking to Diane.” Greer shut the truck door before she could get out.
She stared at him as he came around the front of the truck.
Getting inside, he backed out and turned onto the street. Diane could easily see in the truck as they pulled out into the street.
“She’s not happy you didn’t stop to talk.”
“She’ll get over it. She always does. Dustin heard she’s been seeing Luke Baxter.”
“You don’t seem upset about it.” Everyone knew Greer and Diane had been having an on/off relationship for years.
“I’m not. Guess I’m down to two women on my list. Next time you go out shopping, buy Logan a new suit. It won’t be long before the town will be hearing wedding bells.”
13
Sharpshooter: Did you get a chance to look through the pictures I sent you?
Kentuckygirl: No. I told you I’m not going to help you remodel your home.
Sharpshooter: Why not? I’m doing it for you.
Kentuckygirl: We’re not going to meet.
Sharpshooter: You know, you’re breaking my heart. Why not? Because of the picture I sent of me? I can take another one. My left side is better.
Kentuckygirl: It’s nothing to do with the way you look.
Sharpshooter: Then is it because of the pictures of my house? I don’t want to move, but if you like one better, I can move.
Kentuckygirl: OMG. You’re driving me nuts. It’s me who you’re not going to like. I’m trying to keep both of us from being hurt.
Sharpshooter: Why do you think I won’t like you? I’m pretty easy-going, and it doesn’t take a lot to make me happy. Come spend the weekend with me, and if we don’t like each other, at least we’ll know.
Sharpshooter: You there?
Kentuckygirl: I don’t want to know. I don’t want to lose your friendship.
Sharpshooter: They say marriages that start as friendships make better marriages.
Kentuckygirl: I heard that, too.
Sharpshooter: Then it must be true. Come on; let’s give it a chance. What have you got to lose?
Kentuckygirl: I could lose this, Sharpshooter. I’d miss talking to you every day. I’d miss your sense of humor, and your talks about your family. I’d miss you fussing about your dog, and how you make everyone mad when you get jelly in the peanut butter jar. I may not be there in person, but when you talk to me, I become a part of it. I’m afraid to risk losing that.
Sharpshooter: I thought you said I didn’t have a sense of humor?
Kentuckygirl: Recently, you’ve been kind of funny.
Sharpshooter: Only kind of?
Kentuckygirl: Yes.
Sharpshooter: Are you going to tell me when I am?
Kentuckygirl: You’ll be the first person I tell. I promise.
“Caleb is going to be here any minute, so get your lipstick on, girl. It’s go time.”
Diamond’s yell from the office behind her had her swirling in her chair.
Using her feet, she scooted her chair toward the door. “I changed my mind.” Then she quickly rolled her chair back to her desk.
“Coward! If you don’t ask him out, I’m going to tell Greer you’re the one he’s been talking to on the Internet!”
She kicked her feet out again, sending her chair back toward the door. “You wouldn’t dare!”
Diamond’s face screwed up mutinously. “Try me.”
The sound of the doorknob turning on the front door had her careening back to her desk.
Pasting a smile on her face, she greeted Caleb with a welcoming one. “Good morning, Mr. Green. Mrs. Richards-Bates is waiting for you.”
Caleb gave her a quick smile before going into Diamond’s office.
Dammit, Holly thought. What am I supposed to do now? The day before, it seemed a good idea to expand her horizons in the small group of men who were single and available.
Most of the men who came into the office weren’t exactly what any self-respecting woman would consider a catch. However, Caleb was the exception. He was a catch. He had been working as an assistant long enough that Diamond said the next time an election came around, she expected him to run.
She hurriedly touched up her lipstick, trying to convince herself she wasn’t cheating on Greer if he didn’t know it was her he was talking to on the Internet.
She set up the coffee server then wheeled it into Diamond’s office after knocking. Handing Diamond her coffee, she then nearly spilt Caleb’s cup when he gave her a charming smile after giving Diamond a quick look.
“Diamond said she can’t eat lunch with me, but that she didn’t think you had anything planned. How about we grab a burger before I have to be in court?”
“I …”
“Anyone here?”
Holly’s stomach dropped to the floor, recognizing the voice from the other room.
“Excuse me. I’ll be right back.” She started for the doorway when Greer appeared before she could stop him.
Caleb turned in his seat, and the two men stared at each other for a minute before she could find her voice.
“I’m coming—”
“Didn’t mean to interrupt. I just want your car keys. Are they where you always keep them? If so, I can get them myself.”
Holly frowned. “Why do you need my car? Is Logan okay?” Concern for Logan had her forgetting they had an audience. He had spent the night at his house; could he have gotten sick last night?
“He’s fine. I just wanted to borrow your car for a few hours. I want to get the rest of your tires looked at and get the oil changed.”
“I can do that. Tell Tate that—”
“Holly, perhaps y
ou and—”
“No need. Your keys in your desk? Sorry about interrupting your conversation with your client.” Greer gave Caleb a once-over.
“Yes, but …” Holly practically ran out the door of Diamond’s office, trying to grab Greer’s arm and steer him away. Greer wasn’t about to be shoved into the other room, though.
“That your car out front?” he asked Caleb.
“Yes.”
“Sweet ride.”
“Thank you. Have we met before?”
“You used Diamond as your lawyer before?” Greer leaned against the doorway, refusing to budge.
“No, I’m not a client. I’m the Assistant Commonwealth Attorney.” Caleb stood up, setting his coffee cup down on the tray. Walking toward Greer, he extended his hand. “Caleb Green.”
Greer didn’t take his hand. Instead, he shoved his hands into his pockets.
Holly wanted to peel the carpet up and roll Greer into it when neither man broke the staring contest.
Caleb dropped his hand to his side. “Are you Holly’s mechanic?”
“I ain’t no mechanic.”
“He’s a friend. Let me get my keys for you.” She moved between the two men.
When she got her keys, she lifted them up so Greer would get the hint then gritted her teeth when he didn’t take his eyes off Caleb.
“Caleb, we need to get this finished.” Diamond’s furious voice had Caleb turning toward her then back toward Greer.
“Well, it’s been nice to meet you, Mr. …?”
“Mr. Hayes. Holt Hayes.”
Holly’s eyes widened at Greer’s blatant lie.
“Is Hayes spelled with an S or an ES?” Caleb’s intimidating gaze on Greer didn’t faze him. Everyone in the room knew that Caleb would make a beeline to the sheriff’s office to run his rap sheet.
“It’s spelled with an F… U—”
“Here are my keys.” Holly practically ripped Greer’s shirt as she moved him away from the door. “Make sure it’s back before I need to pick up Logan.” She opened the front office door, shoving Greer outside. Then Holly smoothed her hair down. “I’m sorry your meeting was interrupted,” she apologized.