“Fine. It’s just that was my first officer and a gentleman moment, ya know?”
Um, no, he didn’t know.
“It’s the first time a guy has ever carried me in his arms,” she explained. “And it was a man in uniform. Should have had that on the list.”
“List?” he asked.
“It doesn’t matter. I’m sure you must have better things to do than take me to the doc—”
“I don’t,” he interrupted her, opening the passenger door then reaching for her. He settled her into the seat and pulled the seat belt over her, buckling her in. He felt a surge of satisfaction at taking care of her, even in such a small way.
He made his way around his squad car and climbed in the driver’s side.
“What if you get an emergency call?” she asked.
“I’m off-duty, I just stopped on my way home to look for a couple of kids who’ve been skateboarding along the footpaths and crashing into people.”
“Oh, right. I promise I won’t skateboard on any footpaths.”
“You won’t be skateboarding at all,” he told her.
“I don’t know, I was doing pretty well there for a moment.”
“Molly, you’ve got scrapes on your elbows and hurt your ankle again. You know you had no business on that skateboard.”
She sighed. “Maybe I’m a bit old to take up skateboarding, but it’s good to try something different. I’m aiming attempt a new thing every day.”
“Yeah? That seems to be going well for you.”
She wrinkled her nose. “Better than yesterday when I decided to try some canned sardines. Ick. I still feel ill when I think about it.”
“Better an upset stomach than falling and breaking your ankle.”
“I didn’t break my ankle and I’m not exactly happy about this.” She waved down at her ankle. “I’d planned to get a tattoo this afternoon.”
He slammed his brakes down a little hard at the light. He managed to give a friendly wave to Mr. and Mrs. Ellingham as they shuffled their way across the road.
“Tattoo?” She couldn’t be serious.
“Yep. Are you okay? You sound a little odd.”
“I guess I can still get it, I’ll just have to get it done on my other ankle.”
Over my dead body.
He took a deep, calming breath. She was probably just teasing him.
“What sort of tattoo were you going to get?”
She frowned slightly as he pulled into the parking lot at the medical center.
“Do you have a problem with tattoos, Sheriff?”
“No.”
“Hmm, you sound like you do.”
“I do not have a problem with tattoos, it’s just . . . do you know how easily you can get an infection? What if the tattoo artist uses a dirty needle? Where were you going to get it done anyway?” They didn’t have a tattoo parlor in Haven.
“I was going to go to Freestown. And I’ve done my research; Devil is a very well-respected tattoo artist.”
“Devil? You’re getting a tattoo from a guy named Devil?” he yelled.
“Now, you shouldn’t judge someone by their name. Just because he used to ride with the Sons of Silence—”
“He’s in a gang?” He gaped at her. “No.”
“Excuse me?”
“I said no.”
“I heard you, I just wasn’t certain what you were saying no to.”
“To you getting a tattoo, obviously.”
“Oh, obviously,” she said sarcastically. “Funny, I don’t seem to recall asking you for permission.”
“Do you seriously think it’s a good idea to get a tattoo from a gang member called Devil?” What the hell is she thinking? “What were you going to get?”
“Oh, I thought I’d get property of the Devil tattooed above my ankle, but now I’m wondering if I should get it somewhere more obvious. Like around my neck, since he’s obviously going to kidnap me and force me to become his old lady.”
“I don’t think that’s funny.”
“Good. Because I wasn’t trying to be funny. I said he used to be in a gang. He isn’t anymore.”
“Once you’re in you never leave.”
She threw up her hands in exasperation. “For goodness sake, don’t you believe in giving others the benefit of the doubt?”
“Not when it comes to the safety of my people.”
“Well, I’m not one of your people, Sheriff. I’m leaving soon. And if I want to get a damn tattoo, I will. Excuse me.”
She undid her seat belt and before he could make his way out she’d opened the car door and was standing.
“I’ll help you inside.”
She scowled at him. “You won’t. I can do this myself.”
She took a step forward on her bad foot, letting out a pained cry and nearly collapsing to the ground. He caught her, lifting her up into his arms before bumping her car door shut with his hip.
Foolish, bullheaded woman.
Molly nearly cried as she stared at her bandage-wrapped ankle. This time the doctor had given her crutches, some stronger painkillers and a warning to be more careful.
Yeah, she got it. She was an idiot. Perhaps attempting to skateboard wasn’t her brightest idea, but she’d never tried it as a kid. Now she’d managed to not only re-injure her ankle, but she’d also made a fool of herself in front of the too-handsome sheriff.
Awesome.
“Molly? You okay?” Jake asked her carefully.
He’d stayed in the waiting room until she was finished and now he was driving her back to the Ferguson ranch. She’d been too tired and in too much pain to argue with him. She couldn’t drive her stick-shift for a bit with her ankle the way it was, and she didn’t want to bother Max or Logan by calling them. They’d already done so much for her. In fact, she was starting to wonder if she shouldn’t take Laken up on her offer of the apartment above her store. She loved being out at the ranch, but she didn’t want to wear out her welcome. Plus, staying with them just made her realize how much she was missing out on. Max and Logan adored and cherished Savannah. Molly had never had that. She’d never had someone love her the way Max and Logan loved Savannah.
Plus, being in town would make it easier for her to get around. Although she’d have to wait until she got rid of the crutches since going up and down the stairs to the apartment would be a real nuisance. Yeah, maybe she’d call Laken when she got back to the ranch and see if she’d mind a tenant for a while.
This was going to put a serious dent in her plans to go to Saxons this weekend.
“Molly?”
“What?” She turned to Jake.
“Are you all right? You kind of spaced out.”
“Oh, sorry. I was just thinking about moving into that apartment above Laken’s shop.”
“Why? Don’t you like staying with the Fergusons?”
“Oh, no, I do. They’ve been amazing to me. But I just feel like a third wheel, you know? Or is that fourth wheel?” she joked.
“Something like that.”
“I just think it’s time for a bit of independence.”
“I’m sure Laken would be happy to have you stay in the apartment. It’s been empty for a while, and I think it comes fully furnished.”
“It does. Which is good since I got rid of all my stuff.”
“So you could move to some tropical island?”
“That’s right. Cocktails, sunshine, and beautiful beaches here I come.”
“So why did you come here first?”
Because she’d wanted to get through her bucket list first and go to the island knowing she’d achieved everything she wanted to before she died.
She purposely didn’t look at Jake. She didn’t like lying to him, she realized. “I wanted to see Savannah and Laken.”
“Do you check up on all your old patients?” he asked.
“Just the special ones.” She grinned. “Plus, after hearing about Haven I just had to come here myself. It seemed too good to be real.
”
He snorted as he pulled into the driveway leading to the house. “Not everyone sees it that way.”
“Then they’re idiots. I like the way people here look out for each other. Especially how the men take care of the women and children. It feels safe.”
“You didn’t feel safe before?”
“New York isn’t the safest city, but I didn’t feel unsafe exactly. Just more cautious. Here, I feel freer.” She turned to him. “Thanks for all your help, Sheriff.”
“Any time,” he said easily.
Feeling a bit daring, she reached over and patted his arm. His skin was warm, and her nerve endings tingled, her pussy clenched. He shocked her by grabbing hold of her hand. His palm was rough, not smooth like Richard’s had been. She shivered slightly, imagining the feel of his hands on her bare skin.
Calm down, Molly.
“You okay?” he asked huskily.
“Yep. Getting a little cold in here.”
“Really? Here I thought it was just heating up.” The look he gave her was filled with fire. And desire. Did he feel what she did? He moved in closer. She leaned in. This was it. He was going to kiss her. Anticipation flooded her then came to a shuddering halt as she heard a door slam. Jake immediately drew back, and she looked over to see Savannah flying down the stairs.
Before she could say anything to Jake, like, how about a rain check on that kiss?, he had the door open and was greeting Savannah.
Well, damn it.
6
Jake sighed as he saw the bright red car parked just three feet away from the stop sign. There was only one person in Haven with a car like that and she was becoming the bane of his existence.
He’d known she’d be trouble, what he hadn’t realized was that he’d spend most of his time trying to keep the damn woman from hurting herself.
A menace. That’s what she was. An absolute menace.
He pulled out his ticket pad from his car. This time, he wasn’t letting her get away with it.
“That’s Miss Molly’s car, isn’t it?”
He looked up as Fred and John Hollows moved down the stairs of the library. Some of the ladies met in the back room every Thursday afternoon to knit and socialize. He kind of thought more gossiping went on than actual knitting. Fred and John were married to Mildred, who came every week.
“Yes. She’s parked too close to the stop sign,” he said grimly. He was not going to be talked out of giving her a ticket.
“Now, son, there’s no need to give her a ticket,” Fred admonished him.
“Miss Molly wouldn’t have parked here if she’d realized,” John added. “She was probably just in a hurry.”
She was always in a rush and she very rarely paid attention to her surroundings.
“She broke the law. Doesn’t matter if she knew or not.”
“I’m sure she’d move her car if you just went and said something.” Fred gave him a look of disapproval.
“She probably didn’t want to walk too far because of her ankle and all,” John chided.
Great. If he gave her a ticket now, he’d look like an asshole. Not to mention he’d probably have the knitting circle and half of the bowling league coming after him with pitch forks. The bowling alley was conveniently located in the next block, which was no doubt where Fred and John were now headed.
Jake flipped his pad over. “Fine. I’ll go talk to her.”
“Here, dear, you’ve dropped a stitch. See?”
Molly had to hold back her sigh as Pearl unraveled half of her knitting. The irony of having someone called Pearl attempt to teach her to purl wasn’t lost on her. She’d thought this would be easy. Most of the other ladies managed to knit while holding down a conversation, and the things they produced were perfect. Gorgeous sweaters and scarves and hats, not that there was a lot of call for those things in Texas, but it seemed it was more about getting together and socializing than anything else.
“Hello, Sheriff,” one of the woman called out.
Her body heated as she glanced up and saw Jake step into the room. Damn, what was it about the man that lit her up? She hadn’t seen him much since that incident with the skateboard. She figured he was avoiding her after that near-kiss.
“Did you come to pick up the sweater, Sheriff? I’ve just now finished it.” Agnes, who was about ninety if she was a day, started to push herself out of her chair, an orange and brown knitted monstrosity in her hands. Jake immediately rushed over, placing a hand on her shoulder to keep her sitting.
“Don’t get up, Agnes,” he told her gently.
Agnes patted his hand. “Such a good man, you are. Here it is, like I promised you. I made it a nice blue. You look good in blue.”
That thing was not blue. Pearl leaned over and whispered, “She’s completely blind. But she’s been working on that sweater for the sheriff for weeks and no one had the heart to tell her it wasn’t blue.”
Jake took the sweater with a smile and obligingly held it up to his chest. It looked about four sizes too big and the color was even worse when you saw the thing spread out. And it still looked better than the scarf she was working on.
“It’s perfect, Agnes,” Jake told the older woman who beamed. “Thank you.”
“You got my Alfie out of that tree. I don’t know what I’d do if anything happened to him,” Agnes told him. “You deserve that sweater, dear. Anything else you want me to knit you?”
“Alfie is her cat,” Pearl explained.
Jake looked slightly panicked and she had to fight hard to hold back a grin. As if sensing her mirth, he looked over at her. She raised her eyebrows innocently.
He narrowed his gaze. “I’m fine at the moment, Agnes. But I’ll let you know if I need something else for me. Or for a friend.” He stared pointedly at her. This time she couldn’t hold back her grin.
“Molly, could I speak to you a moment,” he demanded.
“Ooh, what did you do, dear?” Pearl asked.
“Me? Nothing.” That she could think of anyway. Her halo was practically glowing.
“You’ve done something. That’s the voice my Earl, God rest his soul, used to use with me when I’d done something to earn some discipline.” Pearl smiled and patted her shoulder. “You lucky girl.”
She moved away as Jake approached. Discipline? Her ass tingled at the thought. What would it be like to be placed over the sheriff’s wide lap, to feel that big hand coming down on her ass?
Cool it, Molly. He’s been avoiding you. It’s obvious he regrets nearly kissing you.
“Hello, Sheriff.”
He nodded abruptly. “Can you follow me?”
She reached down for her crutch. She was down to just one and she hoped to get rid of it by the weekend so she could head to Saxons with Duncan and Laken. She’d put off going until her ankle felt better. Crutches weren’t exactly sexy.
He frowned slightly and held out his hand to help her rise. She slipped her small hand into his big, warm one. He let go of her as soon as she was steady, though. He moved slowly towards the front door, matching his strides to hers.
He was everything she’d imagined a Dom to be. Protective, commanding, and stern. And it was a bonus he was sexy as hell. If only he was as attracted to her as she was to him.
He opened the front door and pointed down at her car. “What is wrong with your car?”
She pursed her lips. “Um, well, it’s a little heavy on gas, but other than that it’s a pretty good car. Reliable. Comfortable. Plenty of trunk space.”
He sighed.
“Where is it parked?”
“On the road.”
He just glared at her. “It’s parked by a stop sign, Molly.”
“Oh, is it?” Drat, she could see her fake-innocent look wasn’t getting her anywhere. “Sorry?”
“Is that a question or an apology?”
“Kind of thought it was both. Sorry, I was running late and I figured by the time I found a park and then limped slowly along the footpath that the knit
ting circle would be finished.” She wasn’t above using her sore ankle for sympathy when it was necessary. “I’ll just go move it.”
He grabbed hold of her arm, his touch gentle but firm. “Give me your keys. I’ll move it.”
“Why, Sheriff, I don’t let just anyone drive my baby.”
“Either I move it, or a tow truck does.”
She grabbed her keys from her pocket. “Here you go.”
“I’ll bring them back in a minute and tell you where it’s parked.” He pointed at her. “Next time, watch where you’re parking.”
“Yes, sir!” She saluted him.
He grumbled something under his breath.
“Nice sweater, Sheriff. It will be good for those cooler nights.”
He stared at her. Her grin widened.
“Laugh all you like, I have a drawer full of knitted goods. They keep knitting me things for just doing my job.” He seemed a little puzzled by that, which surprised her. Didn’t he realize it was their way of telling him they appreciated him?
She patted his arm. “They do it because they want to take care of you the way you do them.”
He looked slightly confused as if he still didn’t understand.
“When I get better at this knitting thing, I’ll make you a scarf to match,” she teased.
“First skateboarding now knitting, what are you planning on taking up next?”
“I don’t know, I hear the bowling league can get very wild. Thought I might check it out.”
He turned away, shaking his head, and she lingered for a moment, watching him. Damn, the man had a mighty fine ass.
Molly tested her foot, walking back and forth across the living room of the apartment above Laken’s shop. Savannah had tried to convince her to stay with them, but she felt good about making the move into town. She needed a bit of independence. And when it came time to leave Haven this would make the transition easier. She hoped.
She’d had to wait until her ankle had been strong enough for her to walk without the crutches. Going up and down the stairs using crutches would have been a pain in the behind. While her ankle wasn’t completely healed, at least she didn’t limp—not much anyway.
She was finally going to Saxons. She’d been in Haven for well over a month now and she’d barely made a dent in her bucket list thanks to her foot. But tonight that changed. Nerves danced in her stomach. Would she actually be able to submit? Was Jake right about her not taking this seriously enough? She was still a bit sad that the attraction between them hadn’t bloomed into anything. It was really too bad. She could easily see herself submitting to him.
Molly's Man (Haven, Texas Book 4) Page 6