Not only had Willow ridden in the engine, Drake and Marly had gone along for the ride, too. He wondered if the mayor saw him riding around in the engine. Honestly, he didn’t care. He wasn’t breaking any rules—he wasn’t driving, he wasn’t in any type of uniform and he hadn’t even worn one of his SFD tees.
Regardless if the mayor saw them or not, Drake would still put Willow’s wishes and his promise to her ahead of Tipton and his moronic rules.
“How about I take her on a tour of the station?” the assistant chief asked. “I’m sure she’d love the behind-the-scenes tour we didn’t give her class.”
Drake looked at Marly. “I don’t care,” she told them. “I just don’t want her to be in your way.”
Tyler shook his head. “Impossible for her to be in my way.”
Willow jumped up and down, holding on to her fireman’s helmet with her hands. “This is the best day ever,” she squealed.
Willow grabbed Tyler’s hand and practically pulled him into the department’s open bay. Drake laughed and turned to face Marly.
“He’s a sucker for kids. He’ll do anything she wants. Don’t be surprised if she comes home with a T-shirt.”
Marly smiled. “I’m just thrilled she’s so happy. I worried about moving her out of Nashville, but she has really taken to the small-town life.”
“Have you taken to the small-town life?” he asked, taking her hand and pulling her toward the back of the department, where there was a bench in the shade...and away from the street with nosy onlookers.
They took a seat, and Drake didn’t even try to sit away from her. He wanted her to get used to the feel of him beside her. He wanted her to not worry about anything but the way they were so obviously meant to be on this path of healing together.
“I can’t believe the festival is in just a few days,” she told him, turning her face up to the soft breeze.
“I’ll be glad when we can present a check to Shawn and Amy. They have to be running on fumes going back and forth, taking turns being with Jeremy and trying to keep their business up and running here.”
Marly nodded. “I know. Good news, though. I called to check on Jeremy earlier today, and his first surgery went even better than the doctors had expected. He’s doing really well.”
Relief swept through Drake. “That’s great, Marly.”
Drake wrapped an arm around her and rested his hand on her shoulder. That was something else he wanted her to get used to—his random touch. Being near her and not seeking that contact was nearly impossible, but she needed to discover the positive aspect of touches from a man. She needed to know what a normal, caring relationship was about, and if he had to take baby steps to get her to that point, then so be it.
She stiffened just for a second, then relaxed against his side. “You’re going to spoil me.”
Drake grinned. “That’s the plan.”
She leveled him with her sweet smile, her eyes seeking his. “What else is in your plan?”
“To stop Kevin Haskins from getting near you or Willow.”
Marly gasped, her eyes widened and she went pale. Damn it, he hadn’t meant to blurt that out, but he wasn’t thinking straight.
“Drake,” she whispered. “Please, you can’t.”
Now that she knew that he was perfectly aware of who she was running scared from, Drake decided to lay it all on the line. She needed to know someone was fighting for her, needed to know that someone was him and that he wasn’t giving up just because things may be getting a bit difficult.
“I can and I will,” he insisted. “Kevin may be powerful, but I guarantee I’ve got more motivation and drive. Guys like him just pay people off, thinking that will get them ahead. You’re living in Stonerock now, and he has no one on this police force in his pocket.”
* * *
The determination in Drake’s tone sent shivers through Marly despite the early-fall temperatures.
“You have no idea what you’re up against.” A tremble rippled through her at the endless, terrifying possibilities. “Have you involved your brother?”
Drake merely stared at her, not answering her question.
“You can’t do this,” she all but cried. “First of all, he will not only ruin your career, he will ruin Cameron’s if he’s gotten involved. Not to mention this will give him ammunition to take Willow. You can’t just steamroll me and think you can decide what is best without talking to me.”
“I talked to you, Marly. I’ve told you over and over that I wouldn’t let anyone hurt you or Willow.” Drake pushed forward off the back of the bench until he was leaning in toward her. “Just because I know who your ex is now changes nothing from my standpoint. I will still protect you, I will still keep you safe and I will still keep trying to get you to see that I’m not going anywhere.”
Marly battled the urge to throw her arms around his neck and revel in the strength and protection he so freely offered.
Coming to her feet, Marly brushed her hair behind her shoulders. “I can’t live through this. I can’t be with someone who would go behind my back and try to control my future.”
“And were you planning on being with me?” he asked, slowly rising to his feet. “Were you planning on fully taking that guard down and letting me in?”
Was she? She was certainly headed in that direction.
Marly smoothed her hand over her bangs and shook her head. “I don’t know, Drake. I just know this is a mistake. Going beyond friendship is impossible.”
Drake rested his hands on his hips, his eyes never leaving hers. “Fine.”
Taken aback by his simple reaction, Marly crossed her arms over her chest. “Fine? That’s all you have to say?”
Drake shrugged. “I can still care about you and respect your wishes. If friendship is all you can give, I’ll take it. But I won’t stop caring, so you can’t ask me to.”
The man was relentless. He knew what he wanted, had this notion that they could help each other. And he might be right, but...could she take that chance? Could she risk his life by pulling him into her nightmare?
“Let’s take Willow for some ice cream.”
Marly laughed. “What?”
“Things have been too intense with us lately,” he told her with that grin that never failed to melt her. “We need to relax, just have fun. Friends go for ice cream, don’t they?”
How could she argue with that logic?
“If Willow found out I turned down ice cream, she would never forgive me.”
Drake held out his hand. “Then let’s go get her. We’ll pick up the ice cream and go sit in the park. There’s a bridge there where you can throw bread crumbs and feed the ducks.”
Marly looked from his outstretched hand to his eyes. “And you have bread crumbs on you?”
“No, smarty pants.” He reached down and grabbed her hand when she didn’t take his invitation. “We’ll swing by the store and get a loaf. Have you taken Willow to the park yet?”
“We went there for a walk a few times, but we haven’t fed the ducks. She’ll love it.”
Drake led her toward the front of the department, but stopped short of the open bay. When he tugged on her hand to turn her to face him, Marly put her other hand on his chest to prevent falling.
He tipped her head up and captured her lips in a brief, yet potent, powerful kiss. Barely lifting his head, he stroked her bottom lip, which was still tingling from the all-too-short encounter.
“You may be stuck in this friendship phase, but you should know, I’ve moved past that.” He nipped at her lips once more. “When you’re ready to catch up with me, let me know.”
With that, he left her standing in the sunshine, wondering what in the world she was going to do with all of her emotions, her wants and desires.
How could they remain just friends when she’d had a taste of that sensual mouth, knew how arousing his touch could be, had experienced that selfless generosity he so freely gave?
Willow’s sweet squeal sounde
d from inside the department. Marly smiled. Had her father ever gotten that reaction from her? Had her own father ever surprised her with anything so simple as ice cream and a trip to a park?
Something stirred deep within Marly. No matter what she told Drake, what barriers she tried to put between them, he’d managed to break through each wall. He’d managed to penetrate her heart.
God help her... She was falling in love with him.
* * *
The morning of the festival was already promising a beautiful sunny day. Marly stuck signs on each table, stating what each station was: face painting, pie tossing, bake sale, silent auction.
She’d had days to think about her growing feelings for Drake and she was still a mess. He’d not made another move, hadn’t kissed her again and had been totally, 100 percent...friendly.
Darn that man.
Of course, she was giving mixed signals because her heart and her mind were battling for dominance. And her heart was winning.
Glancing around, she spotted Drake and his brother Eli speaking to an elderly woman. Marly smiled. The two strong men towered over the lady holding a rhinestone cane and wearing a hot pink skirt and...heels?
Marly laughed and turned just as a middle-aged woman came up to the table.
“You must be Marly.”
Nodding, Marly smiled. “I am.”
“I’m Drake’s mother. You can call me Bev.” Her eyes darted to the distance and back. “Bless her heart. Maddie Mays always bakes the most unusual breads and gives them as gifts. I suppose she’s donating to the bake sale.”
Intrigued, Marly tilted her head. “Unusual breads?”
Bev laughed. “Pomegranate pumpkin, kale and strawberries... Never just a traditional banana or zucchini.”
Marly made a mental note to bypass those “specialty” breads.
“But she was my husband’s best patient, and now she has a soft spot for Eli. Of course, she randomly injures herself pole dancing.”
Marly froze, her eyes wide. “I’m sorry. Did you say...”
“Pole dancing,” Bev confirmed. “She has a pole in her living room and that’s how she says she gets her workout in.”
Marly couldn’t help the bubble of laughter that escaped. “Well, here I just walk or jog for exercise. Apparently I’m boring.”
“According to everyone I’ve spoken to, you’re far from boring,” Drake’s mom said with a soft smile. “I’ve heard you described as quiet, sweet, caring, a great nurse and wonderful mother. Sounds like quite a full plate of excitement to me.”
Marly didn’t say anything... What could she say? Drake’s mother asking about her was exactly what Marly would do as a mother. She couldn’t blame the woman.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Bev said, patting Marly’s arm. “I didn’t mean to make you feel awkward. If it helps, I’m a little out of my element, too. I mean, it’s been so long since Drake allowed any woman to occupy his time. I’m just so thankful he met you, and I had to see you for myself.”
Marly smiled. “I understand. I have a little girl, so I get the curious-mom feeling.”
Bev’s smile was so warm, so caring. Marly knew this woman had her hands full with three boys, yet she still seemed...soft, sweet.
“Well, two amazing ladies standing by the silent auction table.” Drake came up to stand next to his mother, giving her a kiss on the cheek. “People will pull out the checkbooks for you two, for sure.”
Drake’s mom smacked him in the stomach. “You hush. Nobody could afford us. Isn’t that right, darling?”
Marly nodded. “Afraid so. Especially because I come with an adorable little tomboy.”
“Oh, where is she?” Bev clapped her hands together. “I’ve heard just how wonderful she is and I can’t wait to meet her.”
Marly smiled, glancing over to where Willow sat beneath a large oak tree, petting a giant mixed-breed dog, which was just one of the many Eli’s wife, Nora, had brought for kids to play with from the local no-kill animal shelter.
“That’s her,” Marly said, pointing. “I may never get her away from those dogs.”
“She’s an animal lover, huh?” Bev asked. “What kind of dog does she have?”
Marly swallowed. “Um...we don’t have a dog. We just moved here and...”
“Mom, can you go help Eli?” Drake chimed in. “He was setting up the bake sale area and I have a feeling he’ll be sampling the goods if you don’t keep an eye on him.”
Bev patted his cheek, as if Drake were still her little boy. “I know when you’re trying to get rid of me, but you’re right. With Nora busy, Eli will eat everything in sight if left alone.” She turned and smiled at Marly. “It was a pleasure to meet you. Have Drake bring you by for dinner so we can talk more.”
“I’d like that,” Marly told her, realizing just how true the statement was.
Once she was gone, Drake turned to Marly. “Sorry about that. I should’ve warned you my mother would be here.”
Shrugging, Marly shoved her hair behind her ears. “It’s no problem at all. She’s great.”
“Yeah, she is, but I’m sorry about the dog comment. She has no clue about your history. She only knows who you are right here.”
“Too bad I’m not that person for real,” she muttered.
“You are that person, Marly,” he told her, resting his hands on her shoulders. “You’re the caring nurse, the festival coordinator, loving mother. You’re out from under Kevin’s thumb, so anything you’re doing now is the real Marly and who you want to be.”
He was right. This was her. The small-town life, the laid-back atmosphere, the community where people came together to help when one of their own was hurting. This was what she’d yearned for while being a picture-perfect wife for so long.
Willow’s laughter cut through the park, and Marly glanced over to see her getting her face licked by an adorable little puppy.
“I need to get her a dog,” Marly murmured. “She’s never asked. How could I not see this?”
Drake squeezed her shoulders until she faced him once again. “You were a little busy setting up a stable life and keeping you and your daughter protected.”
“I know, but I still can’t ignore the fact she’s a child and it’s my job to create memories for her.”
Drake ducked his head just a tad until his bright blue eyes met hers. The smile he offered had her heart doing flips.
“You chose the rental house with a tree house, you’re letting her help with this festival, we gave her a ride on a fire engine... I’d say she’s already formed some pretty great memories since you’ve moved here.”
Reaching up to hold on to his thick wrists, Marly tilted her head. “You’re right. Parenting is hard. I just want to give her everything.”
“You’re doing an amazing job.”
Marly glanced to the side and noticed a few older ladies staring in their direction. The women had purses on their wrists, pearls around their necks and smiles on their faces.
“We’re being watched,” Marly whispered.
Drake laughed. “Small-town life. Your business is everyone’s business.”
Groaning, Marly closed her eyes. “They think we’re...we’re...”
“Lovers?” he whispered next to her ear, his warm breath tickling the side of her neck.
Her eyes flew open; she dropped her hands from his wrists. “We are friends. That’s it.”
Drake’s smirk had Marly backing up. “For now,” he told her.
Squinting her eyes at him, Marly held up a finger. “Don’t put words in my mouth. You know where I stand on this.”
Laughing, Drake inched closer with each step back she took. “Oh, I know what you said, but I also know what you’re not saying.”
Holding up both hands, Marly gritted her teeth. “Stop. Right there. I’ve got things to do and you’re distracting me.”
“That’s part of my evil ploy.”
She turned, but stopped when he whispered, “If you stomp off, they’ll
think we had a lovers’ spat.”
Clenching her fists, Marly did the only thing she could think to do. She turned around and kissed him. Full on the mouth, hands gripping his shoulders.
Then she pulled away and gave him a shove.
“There,” she told him. “Now they’ll be all confused and ask you about the girl you’re seeing. What will you tell them about us?”
His eyes widened; his nostrils flared. Desire settled into his eyes, and Marly turned and walked away before she did something really crazy...like drag him back to her house. Because lately, more and more, she wanted to do just that.
And now she had to figure out what she wanted. Did she want to live in fear or did she want to finally go after something that would make her happy, something that would make her future—and that of her precious daughter—brighter?
Chapter Fourteen
“Looks like a great turnout, Chief.”
Drake cringed inwardly at the voice that was literally mocking him. He’d come over to the face-painting table to see Willow get transformed into a puppy, but now he’d have to turn and confront the one person he wished he could go the rest of his life without seeing.
On a sigh, Drake opted to be the bigger man here as he pushed away from the table and turned.
“That’s what we were hoping for,” Drake told him. “What are you into? Getting your face painted?”
Oh, the endless jokes Drake could come up with about options for the paint job. But for now he would play it like the upstanding, albeit suspended, citizen he was.
“Just came out to support the family in need,” the mayor stated, his tone higher no doubt so people could hear.
Drake didn’t miss the fact that the smarmy guy didn’t even know Shawn and Amy’s names. This little publicity stunt made Drake loathe the man even more.
Drake also highly doubted the jerk would take out his wallet to make a contribution of any kind. Oh, if the newspaper were around, he might.
“I trust you’ll be at the council meeting on Monday?”
Drake gritted his teeth and forced himself to remain calm. “Wouldn’t miss it.”
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