by Stacy Finz
“How ʼbout the safe for now?”
“Suit yourself, sweetheart.” He took her hand. “Let me show you the combo.”
She giggled like a teenager. “Is that code for something else?”
“You’ve got a dirty mind, woman.”
Before they made it to his study, Grady bounded into the kitchen. “What’s for breakfast? I’m starved.”
“Starved? You had two bowls of stew last night and a half loaf of bread. How do chocolate-chip pancakes sound?”
“Score!” Grady pumped his fist in the air.
“Where’s Travis?” Jace had had another talk with him last night and Travis had agreed that apologizing to the Klines in person was his best option. His other choices were to either write them a letter or call them on the phone.
Jace was proud that his son wasn’t intimidated to look a grownup in the eye while asking for forgiveness. The Klines were good people. They wouldn’t be too hard on him.
“Fixing his hair and hogging the bathroom.” Grady rolled his eyes.
“Tell him Charlie’s making pancakes and to get the lead out.”
Grady ran off and Jace showed Charlie how to open the safe in his study.
“What’s that?” Charlie poked at a stack of albums tucked at the back of the box.
“My grandfather’s coin collection. It was something we used to do together.” Jace had been thinking about the coins a lot lately. They were the only thing he owned besides the house and land that had any real worth. But like the ranch, the coin collection held more than financial value. They were pieces of his grandfather.
Charlie’s face lit up. “Really? That’s sweet.”
“You’re sweet.” He backed her against the wall, his hands inching underneath her soft yellow sweater.
She swatted them away. “Breakfast, remember?”
He groaned. “Just five seconds of foreplay.” He pulled her in for a quick kiss and swatted her behind. “Race ya to the kitchen.”
Charlie started the pancake batter and Jace leaned against the counter to watch her.
“What do you have planned today?” he asked.
“A meeting with Tiffany at the coffee shop to go over some of the last-minute details for the fundraiser. Then I guess I’ll work on my chair. Aubrey is bringing over one of her clients later this week and I’d like to have plenty of inventory.”
“Thanks for organizing this shindig for me and thanks for putting up with Tiffany. I should be better at campaigning, better at the bullshit, but I’m not.”
She reached up and took his face in her hands and kissed him. “I’m actually having fun. It’s the first time I’ve felt useful in a long time.”
“Ah, baby, if it wasn’t for you and everything you do around here, my life would be in utter chaos.”
She snorted. “Chaos? You seemed to have managed just fine before I came along, but I do appreciate the vote of confidence. And you should thank your cousin. The barbecue was his idea. Was the picture of Angela?”
“Yeah, I think so.” He had mixed feelings about the photograph. It proved that two years ago Angie was alive, which gave him hope. But how many times had they followed seemingly good leads only to come up with nothing?
“That’s wonderful, right?”
“It’s an old photo, Charlie. We’re no closer to finding Angie than we were five years ago.”
Charlie got the griddle down from the pot rack. “Do you think she intentionally disappeared, like I did? Is there a chance she’s running from someone?”
“I don’t know. It’s entirely possible. She kept some pretty weird company. But she was close to her family, all of us. By now I would think she would’ve reached out.”
Charlie was quiet, then in a soft voice said, “I haven’t. I’ve wanted to so many times but can’t seem to dial their phone numbers, partly because I want to keep my parents and Al out of it. And partly because…”
He tilted his head to one side. “Because why?”
“The shame is unbearable. How did I let this happen to me, Jace? How did I fall for an abuser?”
“You ever think about talking to someone about it? A counselor or a therapist?” It was the second time he’d suggested seeking professional help. The first time, she’d brushed it off. But maybe with a little push she’d reconsider. “What happened to you wasn’t your fault. No one thinks that. But maybe a professional could help you sort it out.”
Travis and Grady came in for breakfast and the conversation came to an abrupt halt. The boys, absorbed in their own conversation, didn’t seem to notice that the room had suddenly become quiet.
Charlie made them each a stack of chocolate chip pancakes. They were about the best thing Jace had ever eaten, yet Travis barely touched his. Jace almost felt sorry for the kid.
“Ready to go?” He gave Travis an encouraging pat on the arm.
“I am.” Grady jumped up and hurried into the mudroom for his backpack.
“You sure you don’t want me to take Grady?” Charlie flashed Travis a sympathetic smile.
“No sense in us both driving, not when I called in late to work. Grady can wait in the truck during our detour. Let’s go, guys.”
Travis gathered up his stuff as if he was about to walk to his execution. Jace didn’t miss Charlie giving his son a reassuring squeeze as they filed out of the house.
He started to pull out of the driveway and threw the SUV into park. “I forgot something, be right back.”
He jogged to the house and into the kitchen where Charlie was finishing the breakfast cleanup.
“Hey, you’re back.”
“I forgot this.” He pressed her against the counter and took her mouth with his, kissing her with enough pent-up passion to start a bonfire. He couldn’t seem to get enough of her. “See ya tonight.”
“I could stop by the sheriff’s department after my meeting with Tiffany and say hi.”
“Yeah?” She’d never seen his office, not that there was much to it, but he was proud of the department he’d helped to shape. “I’d like that.”
They kept kissing until he pried himself away. “Gotta go.”
“Yes, you do.” She pushed him toward the door and laughed.
It was in that moment that he knew he was in love with her. Not the same way he’d been in love with Mary Ann. That had been a desperate and lustful kind of love. Real at the time but without the staying power to last.
This…with Charlie…was a forever kind of love. Mature and passionate and desperate in its own way, but wholly different than what he’d had with Mary Ann. Because when Mary Ann left he moved on.
With Charlie he wasn’t so sure he could.
Chapter 17
In a suit that looked straight off a Talbots rack and enough bling to fill a display case at Zales, Tiffany waved to Charlotte from across the coffee shop.
The place was already full and it wasn’t even noon yet. In one corner, five tables had been pushed together to accommodate twenty diners. Judging by their cowboy boots, Wranglers, and Western shirts, they were cattlemen. Cash sat at the other end of the restaurant with a middle-aged man Charlotte had never seen before. They were deep in conversation and Charlotte didn’t think Cash had seen her come through the door. Otherwise, he would’ve bobbed his head at her, the Dalton universal sign for a greeting.
A couple of the moms she’d befriended in the middle school pickup line were in a booth, drinking coffee. The two facing her waved, and she waved back.
Laney came out from behind the counter and gave Charlotte a big hug.
“How are my boys? You must be keeping them well fed because they’ve upped and deserted me.”
“We were here just a few days ago, Laney.” They’d had steak sandwiches after Grady’s soccer game.
Laney snorted. “They used to come three times a week
and Saturday mornings. But that’s okay. Nothing’s better than home cooking.” She nudged her head at Tiffany. “Miss High and Mighty’s been waiting for ya.”
“We’re planning Jace’s fundraiser. You’re coming, right?”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world. Miz Bedazzled already hit me up for my black-eyed pea and bacon salad.”
“Thank you, Laney.”
Charlotte wended her way around the tables. Crazy, how in such a short amount of time the coffee shop, and all of Dry Creek for that matter, had become as familiar to her as the neighborhood where she grew up.
“I took the liberty of ordering you a diet cola,” Tiffany said as Charlotte hung her coat on the back of the chair.
She didn’t drink diet soda—aspartame left a strange aftertaste in her mouth—but started to take a sip to placate Tiffany because she didn’t want to go against the tide. But as soon as the glass touched her lips, she changed her mind. “You know, I’d rather have ice water.”
Tiffany raised her hand in the air to get the attention of a server and Charlotte said, “I’ll order it with the rest of my meal.” Later, it would occur to her that a few months ago she never would’ve interfered for fear that she would appear ungrateful or controlling, or high maintenance.
The whole time she was with Corbin, she let him order for her at restaurants or choose her clothing when they were out shopping, even if she wanted something else. Why would a person do that?
“Shall we get down to business?” Tiffany pulled a tablet out of her leather tote bag and booted it up. Her gold bangles jangled like church bells with every flutter of her hand. “Laney’s supplying the salads, Pie in the Sky over in Chesterville is donating two dozen sheet cakes, and Ale Yeah, the beer.”
“That’s terrific. Adams Family Vineyards is good for the wine and the Nally brothers said in addition to sodas, chips, and veggie burgers, they’d throw in the paper plates, napkins, and compostable forks and knives. You think that’s enough?” Charlotte wondered if they should have something besides burgers and dogs.
“I’ll talk to Tony Sanchez about his taco truck,” Tiffany said.
“Ooh, that would be fantastic.”
Laney came to take their orders and wound up making herself at home at their table. “Let me try that on.” She pointed to one of Tiffany’s gaudier pieces, a cocktail ring with a cluster of garnets as big as a tangerine.
Tiffany slapped Laney’s hand away.
“You want that last slice of chess pie, you let me try it on.”
“Oh, all right.” Tiffany slid the ring off her middle finger and handed it to Laney, who couldn’t get it past her knuckle.
“Girl, your finger is as skinny as your ass.” Laney put it on her pinky instead. “What do you think?”
Charlotte held her tongue. The ring was ugly as sin.
“It looks ridiculous there.” Tiffany swiped it off her hand and nearly dropped it in her soda.
“Let me try on that necklace.” Laney weighed the braided gold rope around Tiffany’s neck in her hand.
“Get your own jewelry, Laney.” But Tiffany took off the chain and popped it over Laney’s head, flattening it over her apron.
Laney quickly took their orders. “I’ll be right back. I want to show Jimmy Ray what I want for our anniversary.”
She took off for the kitchen and Tiffany and Charlotte went back to planning. Tiffany wanted Jace to make a speech at the barbecue. Knowing Jace, Charlotte thought it highly unlikely he’d go along with the idea.
“He’d be more comfortable mingling,” she said, and Tiffany studied her long and hard.
“What?” Charlotte stared back.
“The two of you need to go public.”
“Public with what?” Charlotte’s stomach dropped, fearing Tiffany had somehow found out about Corbin.
“That you’re engaged.”
“We’re not engaged.” Charlotte gulped. Where had Tiffany gotten that idea?
“It would be extremely helpful if you were. The rumors about him breaking up Aubrey and Mitch’s engagement have never completely died down.”
“Aubrey’s marrying Cash, for goodness’ sake.” Charlotte looked around the coffee shop to see if Cash was still there, but he was gone. She’d never met Aubrey’s ex-fiancé but the rap on him wasn’t good. According to Aubrey, he’d narrowly escaped being brought up on conspiracy charges. Charlotte didn’t know the whole story, but this talk about Jace running off with the bride-to-be was patently ridiculous.
“When did the truth ever matter? People believe what they want to believe. And Mitch’s mother has a lot of friends in this county. Don’t underestimate her influence.”
Charlotte couldn’t pick Mitch’s mother out of a police lineup. She knew nothing about the woman. “What are you saying? Folks around here will vote for a completely inexperienced candidate because of a nasty old untrue rumor?”
“That’s exactly what I’m saying. Look, all you have to do is hang on Jace’s arm and act like the adoring fiancée during the barbecue. From where I’m sitting it doesn’t seem like that much of a stretch. I mean, come on, the live-in babysitter who, like the sheriff, happens to be gorgeous, young, and single, decides she wants to plan a fundraiser for her boss because it seems like a fun thing to do. Really, Charlie?” Tiffany tilted her head and squinted one eye at Charlotte.
Jace Dalton had given her her life back. Planning his fundraiser was nothing in comparison, Charlotte wanted to say. But it was more than that. Much more. She knew that, but it wasn’t a landscape she was ready to navigate. Not after her disastrous relationship with Corbin.
Laney returned with their food and Tiffany’s necklace, saving Charlotte from committing to anything.
Tiffany didn’t bring it up again until they were halfway through their salads. “Just think about it. I could even lend you a ring to wear on your wedding finger.”
Charlotte already had one. It was somewhere at the bottom of her purse, where it would stay.
After the meeting, she drove the two blocks to the civic center. It was sprinkling. Charlotte found an umbrella in the back of the car and crossed the parking lot. The complex consisted of a series of 1920s white-brick buildings that housed the city hall, a few county offices, a small library, and the sheriff’s department.
“Hi,” Charlotte greeted a woman in uniform at the front desk. “I’m looking for the sheriff.”
“Do you have an appointment?” the deputy asked and peered over the counter as if to see if Charlotte was armed. “Or are you here to bring baked goods?”
“Baked goods? Uh, no. I have an appointment. Charlie…Charlie Rogers.”
“Oh.” The deputy instantly appeared contrite. “I’ll call Annabeth.”
A few minutes later a well-dressed gray-haired lady came to the front desk to escort Charlotte to Jace’s office.
“Lovely to finally meet you, Charlie. Jace speaks so highly of you.”
“And of you too.” Charlotte shook Jace’s secretary’s hand and they walked to the rear of the building. “Are you having a bake sale today?”
Annabeth appeared confused. “A bake sale?”
“The deputy at the counter asked if I was dropping off baked goods.” Had Charlotte known, she would’ve made something.
Annabeth stifled a chuckle. “Many of the local ladies like to bring the sheriff cookies and pies and things from their kitchen.”
“That’s lovely.” Charlotte marveled at how nice people were in small towns. “What a wonderful way of saying thank you for a job well done.”
“Mm-hmm,” Annabeth said and lifted one of her perfectly arched white brows. “He has quite a little fan club, our sheriff does. If all he needed was the single female vote he’d be a shoo-in to win the primary.”
“Ahh.” Now Charlotte grasped the situation. Some of these bakers were likely
the coffee moms.
“And it’s making us all fat.” Annabeth snorted.
Not Jace. He didn’t have an ounce of fat on him. At least he wasn’t bringing the pastries home, flaunting all his would-be suitors.
Annabeth tapped on Jace’s door and slowly opened it. “You have a visitor.”
Jace was on the phone but he motioned for Charlotte to come in and shut the door. The office wasn’t anything like his study at home with its rough-hewn log walls, woodburning stove, and high ceiling. This room was large but rather bland. White walls, a sofa and chair, a small conference table, a few certificates on the wall, and framed pictures of Travis and Grady on his desk and credenza. He needed a few more personal touches to warm the place up.
He winked at her and motioned for her to take a seat on the sofa while he continued his telephone conversation. Something about squad-car cameras and budgeting. He leaned back in his chair with his sleeves rolled up and his boots propped on the desk, looking thoroughly masculine. And her heart did a little hopscotch.
“How’d the meeting go?” He hung up the phone, got up and joined her on the sofa.
“Good, we’re ready for Saturday.” She intentionally left out the part about Tiffany’s ploy for them to pretend they were engaged. “We’re expecting a big crowd. How was Travis’s meeting with the Klines?”
“It went as well as could be expected. They said he could do homework with Tina at the house two nights a week as long as an adult was present, which I thought was pretty generous given the stunt they pulled.”
“Travis must’ve been relieved.”
“Yep.”
He moved closer and she suddenly felt like a giddy teenager, waiting for her first kiss. He did that to her even though she’d once believed she’d never have those feelings again. He reached in and pressed his lips against hers and every part of her body fired to life.
“I don’t think we should be doing this here,” she whispered against his lips, fearing that in another minute or so she’d be under him, naked, panting for more.
“Probably not.” But he continued to kiss her. His arms wrapped around her, heavy and strong. “Want a tour?”