Justin’s gaze shifted instantly to Patsy. She could feel her cheeks burning as he studied her thoughtfully. To cover her rush of embarrassment, she reached for her son.
“I’ll take Billy.”
“No need,” Justin countered, his expression turning stubborn. “I’ll carry him in to bed.” He held out a huge sack. “You can take this, though.”
She reached for the bag and almost dropped it. “What on earth?”
“Billy and I did a little shopping.”
Remembering what Jenny had said earlier, she asked, “For yourself or for him?”
He grinned. “He’s promised to let me come over and play with his new toys every now and then.”
“Justin, you really shouldn’t have.”
“Of course I should. I haven’t had so much fun in years. Wait till you see this really nifty police car. It even has a siren.”
Sharon Lynn regarded him with amusement. “I thought you had your own police car with a siren.”
The comment didn’t seem to faze him. “Yeah, but Billy didn’t,” he said matter-of-factly.
As far as Patsy knew, Billy had never expressed any interest in having a remote control car. As Jenny had suggested earlier, she suspected the toy really was for Justin, bought under the guise of a gift. She hefted the bag, which weighed a ton.
“There’s more than a car in here, isn’t there?”
“We saw a basketball set that was pretty snazzy, too.”
Patsy stared. “Basketball? Billy’s two. It’ll be a long time before he can even hold a basketball, much less play hoops with someone your size.”
“This is a toddler basketball set. The net’s only as high as my waist and the ball weighs about five ounces. It’s not exactly regulation.”
“I see. Anything else?”
“A surprise for you. Billy picked it out.”
“At the toy store?”
“Yep.”
Sharon Lynn regarded them both with tolerant amusement. “Looks like it’s your turn for surprises, Patsy. I’ll just run along now and leave you to it.”
“Don’t go,” she said in a rush. She didn’t want to be left alone with this man whose every action charmed her and reminded her of how long it had been since anyone at all had given a thought to what might make her happy.
“I have a long drive,” Sharon Lynn said, ignoring the plea and getting into her car. “See you two in the morning.” She blew a kiss in Patsy’s direction. “Thanks again for everything.”
After she’d gone, Patsy seemed to be rooted to the spot. It was Justin who finally said, “I think maybe I ought to get Billy into bed before he wakes up.”
Flustered, she murmured, “Yes, of course.”
Inside, she followed him into Billy’s room. She took off Billy’s shoes and socks, then stripped off his shorts. She left his spaghetti-stained T-shirt on, fearful that removing it would awaken him. He settled onto his tummy, his thumb going instinctively into his mouth.
She glanced up and caught an odd expression on Justin’s face, something that might have been longing.
“He’s a terrific kid,” he said softly.
“He’s the light of my life,” she said. “I don’t know what I’d ever do if something happened to him.”
Justin’s gaze shifted to her. “What could happen?”
Realizing that she’d almost given her very real fears away, she said, “You know, any of the million and one things that can happen to a kid.”
Justin shook his head. “You sounded as if you had something very specific in mind,” he said, seizing on her slip of the tongue.
“No,” she protested. “Just the usual worries any parent has.”
His piercing gaze was unrelenting. “Why don’t I believe you?”
“Because not believing me has become second nature to you.”
He continued to study her intently, then finally sighed and relaxed. “Okay, maybe my cop’s instincts have been on overdrive since we met. I’ll try to let up.”
Patsy recognized it for the futile promise it was. Rather than debating it with him again, she poked at the bag she’d dropped on the floor. “Okay, where’s my surprise?”
Justin picked up the sack and carried it into the living room. “Close your eyes.”
She did as she was told and waited with as much anticipation as she might have the promise of a kiss. Her heart skipped a beat. Her pulse pounded.
“Hold out your hands.”
She held them out in front of her. A second later she felt something soft and fluffy being placed in her hands. She opened her eyes and saw a toy dog that looked so real she was certain it would begin to bark at any second. The terrier look-alike was caramel colored and had a pink tongue so real looking she expected him to lick her fingers.
“He’s wonderful,” she said, hugging him to her.
“Billy said you liked dogs. I figured I shouldn’t try getting you a real one without discussing it with you, but this looked like the next best thing.”
“He feels real,” she said, running her fingers through the curling plush hair. “And look at these eyes. He’s staring right at me.”
“Have you ever had a dog?”
She shook her head. “My parents both worked. They didn’t think it was right to leave a dog home alone all day.” And Will hadn’t wanted anything that might mess up the house and spoil his image if a reporter happened to drop by unexpectedly.
“You could have one now,” Justin suggested.
She gestured toward the cats that were curled hither and yon in the living room. “What about them?”
“They’re used to every kind of animal under the sun. Dani’s a vet, remember? She’s spent her whole life taking in every stray that wandered by. She might have one next door even as we speak.”
“Several,” she conceded, thinking of the cacophony of sound they’d set off earlier. She grinned. “There’s always Punk.”
“That’s not a dog. That’s a beast.”
“He has his own home, anyway. His owners are due back any day now.”
“You sound sad about it.”
“I’ve gotten used to him. Punk and I have an understanding. I sneak him treats and he doesn’t lick me to death.”
Justin grinned. “See what I mean? You’re a natural pet owner. Think about it,” he encouraged.
Getting a dog of her own would make a statement of sorts, she realized, if only to herself. It would mean that she intended to stay right here, that she was beginning to put down roots. It would also finalize her decision never to return to Will.
“I’ll think about it,” she said, then stroked the toy dog in her lap. “In the meantime, Chester here will do just fine.”
“Chester?”
She shrugged. “I have no idea why. The name just came to me.”
He grinned. “Don’t expect me to argue with divine inspiration.” He stood and headed for the door, then paused. “I’m glad you like the surprise.”
“I love the surprise,” she said emphatically. It was the very best one she could remember.
* * *
With Sharon Lynn’s wedding only a few days away, the burden for running Dolan’s fell on Patsy’s shoulders. She was grateful for the responsibility. It kept her so busy she didn’t have time to think about how much longer she could continue with this charade before Justin found out the rest of the truth.
“You’re sure you can handle things if I’m gone today?” Sharon Lynn asked for the umpteenth time.
“I can handle it,” Patsy repeated, also for the umpteenth time.
“You remember how Mrs. Jenkins likes her eggs?”
“Scrambled moist,” Patsy dutifully recited.
“And Tate prefers—”
“Rye toast, not plain.”
“What about Doc Dolan?”
“He likes egg salad on white for lunch with a scoop of potato salad on the plate.”
Sharon Lynn nodded. “Yes, perfect.” She started for the door,
then turned back. “I won’t be back from Dallas before seven. I’ve got the fitting for the wedding dress, then a meeting with the florist and a late lunch with two of my bridesmaids, women I went to high school with who’re living in Dallas now.”
“I can close up,” Patsy reassured her. “I’ll leave the day’s deposit in the night drop at the bank. You’ve shown me what to do.”
“I know. I just hate dumping all this on you.”
“You’re not dumping anything on me. You told me, when you hired me, you were getting married and that I’d have extra work. Stop worrying and get going before you miss your final fitting.”
“Given the number of times Kyle and I almost made it to the altar in the past, you’d think I’d have this down to a science by now.”
“Well, this time’s the charm. It’s less than a week till the wedding and everything’s going smoothly, right?”
“I suppose.”
Patsy studied her intently. “Sharon Lynn, is there something else worrying you?”
“Not really. I suppose it’s just panic. There’s been one crisis or another every time the wedding date got close. I’m afraid we’re jinxed.”
“I don’t believe in jinxes. Now go, before your uncle Jordan pitches a fit. He is flying you over, isn’t he?”
“Yes, and you’re right. He’s always in a rush. I’ll call you later just to see if anything’s come up.”
“If you call, I’ll be insulted.”
Sharon Lynn grinned. “Okay, okay.” She paused to hug Patsy. “Thank you. You’ve been a godsend.”
“So have you,” Patsy replied quietly. “More than you know.”
Sharon Lynn gave her an odd little look, but she let whatever questions she had die on her lips. Finally she smiled and said again, “Thanks.”
“Go.”
“Let me check—”
“Sharon Lynn!”
“Okay, I’m out of here.”
Justin met her in the doorway. “It’s a good thing,” he said. “I just got a call from Dad. He’s at the airport and he’s getting really irritated. You were supposed to be there a half hour ago. He has a business meeting he’s going to miss if you don’t hit the road right this second.”
“Why didn’t he call me?”
“Because apparently your phone is dead or off the hook.”
“Oh, my God,” she murmured as the color drained from her face. She raced into the back room.
Patsy and Justin exchanged an amused look, then followed. They caught Sharon Lynn putting the receiver back into place.
“I laid it down to look for my wedding checklist while I was talking to Mom,” she explained sheepishly. “I guess I got distracted.”
Justin shook his head. “Which explains why I had a call from your mother, as well,” he said with tolerant amusement. “Maybe I’d better drive you to the airport.”
Sharon Lynn looked oddly relieved. “Would you? You’re a doll.”
Justin turned and winked at Patsy. “Remember that, would you?”
“No need,” she said. “I already knew it.”
He seemed startled by her reply. He hesitated as if there were something more on his mind, but Sharon Lynn clutched his arm and dragged him away.
“I’ll be back,” he promised, “And I won’t forget what you said.”
Patsy’s heart skipped a beat. He was making far too big a thing out of a casual admission, she thought. Had she known he would? Was that why she’d said it?
Of course not, she consoled herself. It had just been a teasing response to his own deliberate taunt. It had been so long since she’d engaged in even the most innocent flirting, she’d forgotten that it could be taken seriously. She hadn’t meant to light that fire in his eyes. Surely she hadn’t meant to undo all she’d done to keep him at a distance. Justin had simply read too much into it.
The fact remained that he was going to be back here in no time and he was going to have expectations of one sort or another. And she was going to have to think of yet another lie to push him away, when all she really wanted was for him to sweep her into his arms and never let go.
Was that why she’d tempted fate just now? Had she wanted him to take the decision out of her hands at last? Had she deliberately prompted him into making a move so that she wouldn’t have to hold herself accountable? Was that the kind of woman she’d become?
She was still debating with herself and not liking any of the answers she came up with, when a man with white hair and the impish grin of every Adams she’d ever run across walked in and sauntered up to the counter. He settled on a stool, then looked her over with blatant fascination.
“Can I help you?” she said, trying not to flinch under that penetrating scrutiny.
“That depends. Are you Patsy Gresham?”
She nodded.
“I’m Harlan Adams. Since no one’s seen fit to bring you by the ranch to meet me, I figured it was up to me to perform the introductions. I’m Justin’s granddaddy.”
“Yes, sir.”
His gaze never wavered. “And you’re the woman who’s managed to tie that boy into knots.” Another grin broke across his face. “Congratulations!”
Patsy swallowed hard. “Sir, I don’t know what you’ve heard, but I think you’ve got it all wrong. Justin and I are just friends. Acquaintances, really.”
“Girl, I don’t care what you call it, as long as you bring some joy into his life.”
She was stunned by his analysis. “Actually, all I’ve brought into his life so far is aggravation,” she said, to set the record straight.
He chuckled at that. “So much the better. Now I want you to come to White Pines for dinner tomorrow night. Bring that little one of yours, too. The place will be crawling with my grandbabies. One more won’t make a bit of difference. In fact, the whole family will be there.”
“Then won’t I be out of place?”
“I invited you, didn’t I? Besides, it’s a little get-together in Sharon Lynn’s honor. You belong there.”
“Yes, but—”
He got off the stool and headed for the door. “Seven o’clock sharp. Maritza gets downright testy if her food gets cold.”
He was gone before Patsy could argue. One thing his visit had proved, though. The Adams men were bossy as the very dickens and she was pretty sure most of them always got their own way. It was one more thing she needed to keep in mind when she was dealing with Justin.
Chapter Eight
Justin’s day went from bad to worse. After he dropped Sharon Lynn off at the small local airport, he got a call about a prowler at the home of an elderly woman. More than likely it was her overly vivid imagination, but he couldn’t ignore the call. Once Letty Jane got to talking, though, it took an act of God to get him away from the place. Literally.
A late morning thunderstorm rolled in with unexpected force, toppling a line of trees. Everyone vowed it hadn’t been a twister, but Justin couldn’t prove that by the damage the wind had done. It had upended a trailer on an acre of isolated property on the opposite side of town from Letty Jane’s. He spent all day running to and fro, from one crisis to the next, never settling in one place long enough even to call Patsy and explain why he hadn’t gotten back.
Not that she was likely to mind, he conceded. He’d seen the quick flaring of panic in her eyes when he’d promised to return. He’d known he was pushing again, but he hadn’t been able to help it. There was something between them and he intended to do whatever it took to force her to admit she felt it, too.
After that, they could worry together about the consequences, assuming there was anything that needed worrying about.
Which he still didn’t know, he reminded himself with a weary sigh.
As he drove back into town he told himself it was only natural to be going down Main Street just to see that all was right with his little world, even though a shortcut would have gotten him home more quickly. It didn’t have anything at all to do with hoping to catch a glimpse of Patsy
, either at Dolan’s or at her own place.
Unfortunately, the drugstore was locked up tight, the only light the red glow of the exit sign inside the door. Patsy’s was just as dark. He tried to tell himself it was just as well. He was exhausted and filthy. Even if she’d opened her arms and invited him in, he was too damned tired to do much about it. He satisfied himself with just knowing that she was all tucked in for the night.
He drove on to the sheriff’s office. He could get a cup of coffee there, do his paperwork and head on home for a shower and a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow would be soon enough to pursue things with Patsy. Tomorrow or the next day.
Or the day after that, if she had her way.
“My, my, you’re a pretty sight,” Tate Owens observed when Justin dragged into the station.
“Fortunately, you’re not paying me according to my appearance,” he retorted. “This is what happens when you slog around in a foot of mud for a few hours chasing down a woman’s belongings.”
“It surely was a mess out there,” Tate agreed.
“I noticed you didn’t linger long enough to muss the crease in your trousers,” Justin commented good-naturedly. They both knew that Tate wasn’t above getting filthy if there was a need for it. Today Justin had had things under control without his help.
Despite the jest, Tate’s expression turned serious. “Becky called. Something came in over the wire she thought I ought to see.”
A solemn note in Tate’s voice alerted Justin that it was something he needed to see as well. “About Patsy Gresham?”
The sheriff nodded and handed over a flyer. “Her name’s Longhorn,” he said. “And she’s got a husband over in Oklahoma who’s been looking for her for a while now. Seems like she’s been gone since just a little before she showed up here.”
Justin stared blankly at the missing persons flyer. The picture was a family portrait—Patsy, Billy and a man who had to be her husband, Will Longhorn, according to the information at the bottom. For some reason that picture reminded him of a damned campaign poster. Even though the three of them were at some sort of outdoor picnic, there was a posed quality to it, a perfection to the lighting that suggested it had been taken by a professional, rather than some family member or a cooperative stranger.
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