When he hands me the roses, my fingers brush against his, and a shiver runs up my spine. Good Lord.
“They’re beautiful. Thank you.”
I have a date… with the hot sheriff. This could either go blissfully right or disastrously wrong. I hope it’s not the latter. I reach for the scotch to pour him a drink and realize he’s suddenly grown very tense. He turns on the stool and faces the door. At that very moment, a tall blonde walks in. She smiles directly at him as if she knew he’d be here waiting for her. She sashays over, swinging her hips. Her black leather bustier and matching mini skirt leave little to the imagination.
“Ethan, darling,” she purrs in a syrupy-sweet voice.
He unceremoniously removes her arms when she wraps them around his neck.
“What are you doing here?” he asks.
“Your mom called.”
Okay, private conversation. I leave his drink on the bar behind him and slowly walk away.
***Ethan***
Fuck! I should have known Mother would pull a stunt like this. I can feel Casey pulling away, and not just physically.
“What did she say to you, Shae?”
“Only to meet you here. Obviously, you weren’t expecting me.”
“Obviously.”
“Well, now that I’m here—”
“Go home.”
“But, Ethan….”
She pouts her shiny, red lips at me. It’s never worked before, and it’s not about to work now.
“Go home. You and my mother need to stop. It’s not going to happen. I’m not interested, and neither is he.”
For the first time since I’ve known her, she displays some emotion. Her lips tremble, and she blinks back tears. Damn it.
“Look… You’re a beautiful woman. It just won’t work between us.”
“Don’t give me the ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ speech. Spare me. I hope you find whatever it is you’re looking for.”
Her lips are wishing me well, but her eyes say otherwise. She spins on her heels and storms out. We both know she’s not the one, but she has her eyes set on that alpha title, and I don’t need that kind of woman in my life.
I can feel Charlie’s eyes on me. I turn to where he’s sitting and see the nervous look on his face. Casey’s next to him, her arm linked through his. She’s smiling and animatedly chattering away about the New York party scene. I nod, indicating he’s fine. He nods in understanding and joins the conversation. I pick up my drink and start to make my way over to them. Before I’m even halfway there, she jumps up, pulling on Charlie’s arm.
“Come on!” she urges.
With a sigh, he slides out of the booth. She giggles and drags him to the dance floor. Sitting across from Brick, I watch as she throws her arms around Charlie’s neck. Is she trying to make me jealous? I trust Charlie implicitly, but I can’t help the possessive feelings stirring in me. She’s mine. I walk over to them and tap his shoulder. Without a word, Charlie steps out of her embrace and heads back to the booth. As I pull her into my arms, she looks into my eyes.
“Where’s your friend?” she asks.
“I sent her home.”
“Oh? You sent her?”
“I told her to go home.”
“And people always do what you say?”
I shrug indifferently. “Pretty much.”
“I see.”
“It’s just my mother playing matchmaker. There’s nothing there.”
“For you, maybe.”
“Well, I’m not going to lead her on. She’ll only end up being more hurt in the end.”
“I suppose you’re right,” she agrees. “She doesn’t seem like your type anyway.”
“Oh? How would you know my type?”
“You seem pretty down to earth. She… she thinks who she is.”
“She thinks who she is? Are you missing a word there? Maybe a few?”
“Ha-ha. It’s a Staten Island thing.”
“What does it mean?”
“It means she seems like a snob.”
“You thought we were involved. Is that what your little show was about?”
“What little show?”
“With Charlie.”
“I happen to like Charlie.”
“Mm-hmm.” I chuckle.
“What? He’s handsome, funny, smart—”
“Yes, he’s all those things and more.”
“But?”
“But… he’s not me.”
***Casey***
That’s for sure! God knows Charlie didn’t make me feel all hot and bothered. He pulls me closer and rests his cheek on the side of my head. I take a deep breath, inhaling his powerful scent.
“And that’s a bad thing?” I ask.
“Charlie’s my best friend. Don’t get me wrong; he’s a good man. He’s just not the right man for you.”
“And you are?”
“Yes.”
“That’s very cocky of you.”
“You say cocky. I say confident.”
“To-may-to, to-mah-to, right?”
He halts our swaying, and impassioned chocolate eyes captivate me, forcing me to hold his gaze. Right now, we’re the only two people in the world. Charlie who?
“Let’s put it this way—I’m everything that you don’t know you’re looking for.”
Holy shit. The look in his eyes tells me he’s not just saying it, but he believes it. He believes he’s my Mr. Right—something I’m not even sure I believe in. But how can he? We barely know each other. And why is he making me want to believe it?
Jan’s voice breaks my train of thought, and I snap out of my daze. She impatiently motions for me to come to her. I step back and look up into the sheriff’s handsome face.
“Looks like I have to get back to work.”
“Okay, Casey. I’ll see you tomorrow night.”
“Till tomorrow, Sheriff.”
***Casey***
I check my reflection, grunt in disapproval, and drag my top over my head. Tossing it to the nether regions of my room, I rifle through my closet again. I have nothing to wear! No, I just don’t know what to wear. Should I go for casual or sexy? Maybe a little of both. I pull off my jeans and grab my white cotton romper. After I put my legs through and pull it up to my waist, I remember it’s strapless, so I grab a strapless bra from my drawer. It doesn’t help that I’m doing all this while balancing my cell phone between my shoulder and ear.
“Sandy, you’re no help.”
“What am I supposed to do from here?”
“I called for moral support. You know I haven’t done this in a while.”
“I’m here for you. I was mad when you moved, but it seems like it might be good for you. This Ethan guy sounds nice… and hot. Just what you need.”
“He is nice and hot, but he’s the relationship type.”
“You must be the only woman I know who has a problem with that.”
“I don’t. I’m just not looking for that right now.”
Or am I? According to him, I don’t know what I’m looking for, but somehow he’s it.
“You never know. Give it a chance.”
“Eh… Let’s see how tonight goes first.”
“Okay. Call me tomorrow.”
“’Kay. Bye.”
I stand in front of my bathroom mirror, wondering if I should wear makeup. I mean, it’s not like we’re going out. Maybe just a little.
I apply moisturizer, my favorite light green eye shadow, mascara, and lip gloss, then brush my hair and leave it down. Back in my room, I finish my outfit with my favorite green beaded necklace and earring set, and my green wedge sandals to match my jewelry. I give my reflection a final glance before I leave the room. Perfect.
I tiptoe down the hall to check in on Daddy, and he’s out like a light. Mr. Johnson whistles as I walk into the living room. Mrs. Johnson smacks him on his thigh.
“Rupert!” she exclaims.
“Thank you, Mr. Johnson.” I smile and shoot him a playful wink.
&n
bsp; “You look beautiful, Casey. The sheriff won’t know what hit him.”
I turn to Mrs. Johnson with a curious stare.
“Now, how do you know I’m going out with the sheriff?”
“Small town, dear… Very small town.”
“Jeez….”
I sit on the couch across from the Johnsons and observe them for a while. They’re probably my dad’s age, somewhere in their fifties. They’re a beautiful couple. I can just imagine what they were like twenty years ago. They both have dark brown hair splattered with grey. Mrs. Johnson has brown eyes, thick lashes, a straight nose, and full lips. She also has a bosom about three times the size of mine, which is probably only rivaled in size by Mr. Johnson’s belly. His blue eyes twinkle at me and his thin lips curl up into a smile.
“Nervous?” he asks.
“Not at all.”
Yeah, right. I only hope they can’t see my knees shaking. I feel like this is my first date all over again, only Daddy isn’t here to warn the sheriff off. There’s a knock at the door, and I take a deep breath.
“Now, you know the drill. Call me if you need anything. Anything.”
“Yes, yes,” Mrs. Johnson says impatiently. “We know. Now, go.”
“Have a good time, Casey.” Mr. Johnson gives me an encouraging smile.
“Thanks.”
When I open the door, the sheriff does a double take, his mouth falling open. His gaze travels over my body from head to toe and back, and he swallows hard. Huh… Once again, I’ve undermined his cool exterior. Point for me.
“Hello, Sheriff.”
***Ethan***
“You are absolutely breathtaking.”
She gives me a bashful smile, turning her head away. My eyes feast on her, from her fiery hair to her pretty pink-painted toenails. She is a vision… and she’s mine.
“Thank you. You’re looking very handsome tonight.”
“As opposed to all the other nights when I wasn’t?”
She giggles—a sweet, girly sound that sends my heart pounding. “There’s that… umm… confidence again.”
I offer her my arm with a smile. “Shall we?”
She closes the door behind her, curling her arm around mine with a determined nod.
“Let’s do this.”
In the truck, I glance over at her as she crosses her gorgeous legs. She’s quiet, just sitting there staring out the window at the passing scene. When she adjusts her top, it draws my gaze to her luscious breasts, and I quickly return my attention to the road as I feel my dick begin to harden.
“How’s your dad?” I ask.
“He’s okay. I’m thinking of getting him a full-time nurse. I mean, I’d still be there, but it might be better to have someone with some medical training.”
“That could be expensive.”
“For a bartender’s salary?” She turns to me with raised brows.
Fuck. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean—”
“It’s fine.” She chuckles. “My job’s just for me, to keep me sane mostly. My dad was pretty good with money, made some lucrative investments. Plus, there’s his pension and my mom’s life insurance.”
“I see. I might know someone who’d be able to help.”
“Really?”
“I can make a few calls if you like.”
“Would you? I’d be really grateful.”
“I’ll start first thing in the morning.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it.”
I give her a reassuring smile, and she turns her attention back to the scenery. Her phone vibrates in her pocket, and she pulls it out, smiling at something on the screen.
“My friend Sandy wants me to send her a picture of you,” she says.
I turn to her with a smirk. “You told your friends about me?”
“Don’t look so smug. I told one friend that I had a date.”
“Well, by all means, satisfy her curiosity.”
She shoves the phone back in her pocket and smiles. “Not tonight.”
“Is she your best friend?”
“My bestest friend.”
I chuckle at her child-like response. “That close, huh? How long have you known her?”
“She moved into the house next door when we were eight. It’s been the two of us ever since.”
“Sounds like Charlie and me, only I’ve known him forever. Our parents were very close.”
When I turn off the main road, she shoots me a quizzical look. “Don’t tell me you live in a tent in the forest?”
“No, no tent.”
“Cabin?”
“Something like that,” I reply.
“You’re one of those outdoorsy types, aren’t you? Hiking, fishing, hunting….”
“I love nature. Don’t you?”
“Why do you think I moved here? It wasn’t for the gorgeous men, although that is a bonus.”
Men? What men? “Gorgeous men?”
“I guess you wouldn’t notice that. Canid seems to be a veritable buffet of handsome men.”
They all better stay the fuck away from you! I grit my teeth and try not to show my anger.
“Anyone catch your eye?” I ask.
“Oh, I see a few possibilities.”
She’s teasing me, isn’t she? Right? I look over at her and catch the twinkle in her eyes.
“Little minx. You enjoy torturing me, don’t you?”
“How am I torturing you?”
“I don’t want you talking about any gorgeous men, except me, of course.”
She giggles and shakes her head. “Your confidence amazes me.”
With a chuckle, I pull into my driveway. She gazes up at the house in wide-eyed amazement.
“This is it?”
“Home sweet home.”
“Wow. It’s magnificent.”
Before I can open her door, she hops out and stares up at my two-story personal heaven.
“Did you design it?” she asks.
“It’s been in my family for generations. We’ve just made improvements along the way.”
“It’s beautiful.”
“Thank you. Come on.”
I offer her my hand, and she slips her fingers between mine, leaning on my arm as we walk. The contact, being so close to her, sends my heart slamming against my chest. I take a deep, steadying breath and lead her inside.
“Drink?” I offer.
“Please.”
She follows me to the kitchen, openly admiring the décor. Good. It will be her home pretty soon. I pour two glasses of Dom Romanée-Conti and hand one to her.
“Conti, huh? Aren’t you Mr. Fancy Pants?”
“Only the best for you.”
“Mm-hmm,” she answers, the sound rife with skepticism.
“Come on. I’ll give you a tour.”
***Casey***
Wow. This place is gorgeous! It’s spacious, secluded, and elegantly decorated. He has good taste. The size of it surprised me; I was expecting a small log cabin, not a country mansion. My dad would love this place. He wanted me to follow in his footsteps and become an architect, but that just isn’t for me. I absorb the sight before me—marble floors, high ceilings, everything in varying shades of brown. A winding staircase leads to a second floor that’s probably just as beautiful as the first.
I follow him around as he gives me the grand tour—living room, library, office, and family room. The last has to be my favorite so far. I can easily see a family spending many evenings here… kids playing, parents watching TV. There’s a powder room, and he informs me that there are two bathrooms upstairs. As we move through the house, he explains the significance of some paintings and sculptures. I watch his lips as he speaks and can’t help but wish he would just shut up and kiss me. A huge portrait of an older couple catches my eye, and I move toward it.
“Are these your parents?” I ask.
“Yes.”
“Wow. You look just like your dad.”
“So I’ve been told.”
He really d
oes. That’s probably exactly how he’ll look at his father’s age. They have the same eyes, nose, lips, and hair, except his father’s is greying. His mother is beautiful, regal even. She shows few signs of aging, not even a wrinkle. Her blonde hair is perfectly styled, blue eyes sparkling, full lips pouting at the camera. They look great together—a striking couple.
Next to the portrait, are smaller group photos. In one, Ethan is surrounded by five men. Now, these are obviously his brothers. There’s no mistaking it. He points to each one as he tells me their names.
“Josh, Taylor, Michael, Andrew, and… Kyle.”
There is a hint of sadness in his voice when he says Kyle’s name. The hurt in his eyes affects me to the point where I think I can feel his pain. I touch his arm, and he turns to me.
“Kyle was the oldest. He was killed four years ago in a fight.”
“Oh. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. I just… I really looked up to him. Now I’m the oldest, and everyone’s looking to me.”
I slip my hand into his, lacing our fingers. He’s hurt, and I have no idea why, but I have a bone-deep need to comfort him. “Well, from what I’ve seen, you’re a great role model. Having more men like you around is a good thing.”
The sadness vanishes from his eyes and he smiles.
“Thank you.”
He leads me up the stairs and points out a bathroom before announcing with a sweep of his hand, “And these are the bedrooms. Four of them.”
Bedrooms, huh? I smile at him deviously. “Which one is yours? You know, for future reference.”
His nostrils flare and his eyes are suddenly darker. Not taking them off me, he points it out.
“That one at the end.”
“Cool.”
I throw him a seductive stare over my shoulder as I make my way back downstairs. He stands at the top, watching as I descend. Back on the first floor, I move to the sliding doors which lead to a swimming pool.
“You swim a lot?” I ask when he walks up behind me.
“When I can. It’s good exercise.”
I look over his body and have to agree. He’s wearing another one of those T-shirts that hugs his torso, and jeans that show off his ass-ets.
“It sure is.”
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