Papina (Bearville County)

by Katie Hamstead

  Nova huffed and shook her head.

  "Nova." I grabbed her shoulders. "I care about him."

  She pushed me off and shook her head.

  "Please, he's been very kind to us, and tries so hard to make amends with you."

  She lifted her shirt and pointed at her scar.

  I sighed. "Nova…"

  But she pouted and ran upstairs, slamming her bedroom door behind her.

  "Sorry," Megan whispered.

  I rested my hand on her shoulder. "She would have found out eventually. Jackson is eating dinner, but he should have finished by now."

  "Okay. I'll see ya later." A wide smile swept across her face. "Have fun, but not too much fun."

  I rolled my eyes.

  A soft tapping on the door caused us to turn to it. Megan lunged at it before I could react, and Paul jumped.

  "Wow Megan, you are so…" His eyes fell on me and his jaw dropped.

  Megan chuckled and elbowed him in the ribs. "She's gorgeous, right?"

  "Braydon." He shoved a bunch of flowers in my face. "I hope… is this…?" He pulled the flowers back. "They aren't good enough."

  Megan laughed.

  I shoved her and grabbed the flowers. "They're perfect. I can't believe you found some in this cold."

  He followed me into the kitchen. "Bearville florist."

  I grasped a vase from a cupboard. "Their beautiful, thank you."

  I put the flowers in water and turned to see Megan nudging him. He flushed and pushed her away. She chuckled.

  I watched them as I set the flowers on the table.

  His gaze followed me without breaking away for a moment. As I turned back to him, he let out a long breath. "Wow, you're beautiful."

  I blushed, which made Megan giggle. "All right, all right. Get out of here you two, and go make out somewhere."

  She shoved Paul. He reached out, offering me his hand. "Are you ready?"

  "Yes… oh wait, my coat." I hurried to the front door and pulled it out of the closet. Then, to my surprise, he helped me pull it on. I paused as he slid it up my arms and rested it over my shoulders. I glanced back at him, thrown off guard. "Thank you."

  "You're welcome." He offered me his arm.

  I smiled, impressed by his chivalry, and took his arm.

  "You kids have fun!" Megan called as she shut the door behind us.

  He opened the door to his truck for me, and helped me in. I reached for the door to close it, but he caught my hand. I paused and looked into his eyes.

  "Let me do that." He stepped back, never looking away from me, and closed the door.

  As he hurried around the truck, my cheeks burned. I'd never been treated like that, like… a lady. Forrest always treated me with respect, but Paul showed perfect manners and chivalry. I didn't know how to react to it.

  He climbed in, and I looked him over. He'd ditched the hat and simply styled his hair. He wore a white pinstriped shirt and black coat, with dark jeans. The cowboy look completely vanished, and I saw a man I could really be attracted to.

  He glanced at me, catching me staring. My eyes darted away. He smirked. "Want some music?"

  "Sure."

  He turned the stereo on as he started the engine. Great, country. I should have seen that one coming.

  I tried to hold a conversation with him, but every time he glanced at me, he said softly, "You look so beautiful."

  Finally I said, "Paul, I should have worn sweatpants, because you're seriously not engaging with me right now."

  He smiled sheepishly. "Sorry."

  "Where are we going anyway?"

  His smile changed as his eyes lit up. "I thought I might show you my favorite place to eat."

  "Sounds good."

  His grin widened.

  We pulled up outside a rundown looking steakhouse. I grimaced, but when Paul looked at me I gave him a quick smile. I knew better than to judge a date by first appearances. Forrest bought me fast food on our first date, and it turned out to be fantastic.

  He rushed around and opened the door for me. That almost made up for the look of the place. He took my hand to help me out, his grin growing by the second. "You look so beautiful tonight."

  I blushed and giggled. "Thanks again."

  He brushed my hair back from my face. "This place doesn't look like much, but I promise you that you'll like it."

  He rested his hand on the small of my back and guided me inside.

  It appeared to be like any other steakhouse, wood walls and booths, deer heads on the walls and other forms of redneck decor, but I forced the revulsion aside. I needed to trust Paul.

  We were led to a booth in the corner and sat facing each other. Before I had a chance to even look at the menu, he ordered us a steak each, with fries and coleslaw. When the waitress left, he grinned at me. "Best steak you will ever taste. It's local meat from a ranch about five miles away, and the seasoning is perfect. You'll love it."

  I smiled. "If you say so."

  "I know so." He grabbed the drinks menu and flipped to the back. "But leave some room for this apple pie." He dumped the menu in front of me and pointed to it.

  "I can't eat everything, you know."

  "You can try."

  I laughed.

  He reached over and caught my hand. "I like it when you laugh."

  I squeezed his fingers. "I miss laughing."

  "Well then, we better do something about that." He lifted my hand and wove his fingers with mine. "Let me see... knock, knock."

  I laughed. "Are you serious?"

  "Knock, knock." His eyes sparkled and I about melted.

  "Who's there?"

  "Boo."

  "Ah, no." I smirked.

  "That's not what you're supposed to say." He squeezed my hand.

  I rolled my eyes. "Boo who?"

  He grinned. "Don't cry, it's—"

  "Only a joke," I finished him. "You're not very funny. That's a kid's joke."

  He shrugged. "You're smiling aren't you?"

  My smile widened.

  Our conversation was easy and lighthearted. The whole time he held tightly to my hand, with his gaze locked firmly on my face, watching my every reaction to him, and smiling when I laughed. His focus on me only broke when the food was brought out.

  He watched it be set down eagerly. He practically drooled over it, but he waited for me to take a bite of the steak first.

  So, with him watching me in anticipation, I took a bite. "Oh. My. Gosh."

  He grinned.

  "This is... wow! You weren't kidding when you said this is the best steak."

  He chuckled and dug in.

  Our conversation seemed to slow as he ate. Like a typical guy, he was far more focused on stuffing his face than talking. I didn't mind, I wanted to eat more than talk, too. I couldn't believe how good the food tasted, and not just the steak, everything.

  By the time we'd finished everything, I leaned back, stuffed to the brim.

  Paul glanced around. "Ready for that pie?"

  "Are you kidding?" I patted my belly. "I haven't eaten that much… probably ever."

  He smirked. "It's good, huh?"

  "I could die here and be happy."

  He laughed and called the waitress over, ordering a pie to go.

  As we waited, I excused myself to use the ladies room. Inside, I took a moment to ponder my feelings. I shut my eyes and saw Paul's face smiling at me, with a gleam in his eyes which told me how excited he was just to be with me. I smiled, my heart fluttering. He made me happy again.

  I made my way out. He stood waiting by the door holding a box with the pie inside. My stomach filled with butterflies as I looked him over, admiring his strong build and handsome features. Then his gaze lifted and he smiled at me. He took my breath away. He had me, completely.

  He led me to his truck and we drove out to the road back to Papina.

  "Are we done already?" I asked, disappointed.

  "Do you wanna do more?"

  I blushed. "Ah…
maybe… yes."

  He smiled. "Okay."

  After a few miles, he turned off onto a dirt trail. We ascended a hill, and he pulled over by a cliff. It felt familiar, but I didn't know why.

  He climbed out and rushed around to get my door again.

  I smiled as he offered me his hand. "You're a real gentleman, aren't you?"

  "My momma raised me to respect women and treat them right, and when there's one as pretty as you, I just can't help but show my complete respect."

  I stepped down and stood in front of him. "Wow, maybe the whole backward cowboy thing isn't so bad after all."

  "Not everything old fashioned should die out. Sometimes the modern way of thinking isn't what makes people happy."

  I raised an eyebrow at him. "I like that."

  He lifted my hand and kissed it. "Come and look at this."

  He pulled me over to the edge of the cliff and gestured out. "There's Papina."

  I gasped. Under the stars, the glimmering lights seemed to mirror them, and with the full moon, the blanket of snow shimmered in its light. "It's so beautiful."

  He rested his hands on my waist. "I wanted you to see this place when you were happy, so you could see its beauty. Last time you were so consumed by grief I don't think you really saw."

  I took a sharp breath and looked over my shoulder at him. "We came here the day…"

  He nodded as I trailed off.

  I leaned back against his shoulder, looking out. "I like it better this time."

  His arm wrapped around me as he brushed my hair back from my ear. "Me too."

  I sighed as his breath caressed the skin of my neck, sending goose bumps down my body.

  "Bray, you've healed my heart. I never thought I could love again, but then you came along."

  Butterflies filled my belly as I smiled.

  He kissed my neck, making me shudder. I grabbed his arm around my waist, wishing the moment would never end.

  Then, he swung me around and dipped me. I shrieked and he laughed. "Dance with me, Braydon."

  "Do I have a choice?"

  "Not really, no."

  I laughed and he pulled me into his arms. The music from the truck played and we fell in sync with it. I rested my head against his chest, enjoying his warmth, and losing myself in my feelings for him. It had been so long since I'd felt so complete, that I wanted to hold tightly to it.

  He buried his face in my hair, softly kissing my head. "I love you so much, Bray."

  I smiled and looked up into his face. I touched his cheek, and he let out a long breath. My heart fluttered at his reaction, so I stretched up and kissed him. It was a soft kiss, tender, loving, warm, and so perfect.

  Our lips broke apart, but our heads stayed pressed together as I stroked his neck. "I wish I could stay in your arms forever."

  His arms tightened around me. "I'll hold you every day if you'd let me."

  "I'd like that more than anything."

  His lips pressed against mine. I moaned, aching for him, to be with him, to have him hold me as I fell to sleep, and hold me again when I woke. "Come back to my place?"

  He took a sharp breath. "Oh Bray, more than anything I'd love to say yes, but your house is a bit full."

  I giggled. "It is, isn't it?"

  He stroked my hair. "It's only our first date anyway, and I have a feeling it won't be our last."

  I gazed into his eyes. "I have the same feeling."

  He sighed, smiling broadly.

  I rested my head on his shoulder as we danced in the bitter cold under the moonlight.

  He took me home just before midnight, and turned off the lights as he rolled down the street. He cut the engine as we pulled up out the front.

  I reached for my door and he grabbed my arm. "No."

  He rushed around and opened it for me, and again helped me out. He walked me to the door, firmly holding my hand in his.

  I paused by the door, listening to hear if Megan was eavesdropping, when he said, "Well, I really had a great time."

  I chuckled. "Wow, this feels like… high school dating maybe? I don't know. I never dated in high school."

  "Well then, let's skip the pretenses." He grabbed me and kissed me firmly, his lips warming mine, his tongue caressing mine.

  When he pulled away I followed him, yearning for more. "Please stay."

  He chuckled. "I'm flattered you want me to, but you know I can't."

  I nodded, my gaze falling. "I know."

  He kissed my head. "Good night, Braydon."

  "Good night, Paul."

  "We'll go out again next week."

  I smiled. "It's a date."

  I pushed the door open and stepped inside. I shut it behind me and clasped at my heart. He said I'd healed his heart, but he'd healed mine, too.

  Megan's head popped out around the kitchen corner, and a wide grin swept across her face.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  I stared into the sheriff station, debating whether I should go in or not. I hadn't actually seen Paul since our date, days earlier. I'd seen the signs that he'd stopped by our house—a shoveled driveway, chopped wood stacked by the back porch—but I hadn't seen him. I wondered if he was avoiding me, whether I'd been too forward with him.

  I took a deep breath and pushed the stroller in the door.

  Clint and Paul sat at their desks, completely chilled out and talking. When I burst in, they both shot to their feet. But my eyes were on Paul.

  He smiled at me, before his gaze turned to Clint. "I'll need a minute."

  Clint growled. "Just keep it G, okay? People could walk in, and I'll only be in the next room."

  He strolled out, his hands in his pockets as his glare shot between the two of us. When he'd gone, Paul rushed toward me and kissed me. He pulled back and lifted Jackson out of the stroller. "I haven't seen you in days."

  "I know." I sighed, relieved that he seemed to have a good explanation.

  "There's a wolf pack that's been pestering some of the farmers. I've been trying to get rid of them without killing the pack. A sort of coaxing them to move on, kind of thing."

  I smiled. "I hoped it was something like that and not something I said."

  His eyes widened with alarm. "Oh! Ah, no." He set down Jackson. "Are we still up for this Friday?"

  I grinned, butterflies filling my belly. "Yes."

  He caressed my face and leaned in. "Good." He softly kissed me.

  The door burst open and we both jumped. The detective marched in with two officers and pointed at Paul. They rushed forward and grabbed him.

  "What…?"

  "Sheriff Davis." The detective stood in front of him with her arms folded. "We've received an anonymous call saying you had motive to kill Mr. Miller."

  Paul flinched back, confused. "What?"

  "You have been pursuing Mrs. Miller for quite some time, haven't you?"

  "Ahh." He looked at me. "Not until after Forrest died."

  "But she looks like your ex, doesn't she? We need to take you in."

  He glanced at me. "It'll be okay."

  "What?" I gasped. "No."

  "Mrs. Miller, we appreciate all your cooperation." She touched my arm. "We'll be I touch."

  Clint rushed out. "What's going on?"

  Paul glanced back at him. "Something's come up with the case. I'll be in Bearville for a while. Hold the fort for me."

  They tugged him out the door and Clint spun on me, glaring down with his hands on his hips. "What's going on?"

  I flushed and plucked Jackson off the floor. "They got an anonymous tip that he killed Forrest."

  "What?" He roared. He pointed at me viciously. "Why would someone say that?"

  I hung my head.

  "Because of you." He sneered. "I knew you were bad news."

  "I didn't mean for this to happen!" I turned to the stroller. "I'm nothing like this Hannah everyone is obsessed with, so why do you keep blaming me?"

  "At least she never caused him to be dragged off for murder." />
  I gasped. I set Jackson in the stroller and rushed to the door, a fierce pain burning at my heart.

  "You're bad for him," he called.

  I rushed down the street, holding my tears back. I had to go to Paul. I needed to know why they could possibly think someone as gentle as him could possibly hurt Forrest.

  I burst into the house and glanced around. "Nova? Nova where are you?"

  Her head appeared around the corner up the stairs, and by her wet hair and the towel around her, I knew she'd just finished in the shower.

  "I need you to watch Jackson."

  She gave me a confused look.

  "The detective just took Paul. I need to—"

  She rolled her eyes and disappeared.

  "Nova, please! They think he killed Forrest! Someone called up and said he did it because of me."

  I ran up the stairs and found her standing by her bedroom door with her mouth hanging open.

  "Please, Nova. I need to know what's happening."

  Her expression turned cold as her mouth closed.

  "Please! I can't keep doing this. I can't keep riding this rollercoaster."

  I collapsed to my knees as sobs tore from deep inside me. So much pain broke free as I cried into my hands. "I already lost Forrest."

  Several moments passed before she knelt in front of me and slipped a note into my hand.

  I wiped my eyes so I could read it. This is why you can't date him. He hurts you. He hurts everyone. Your love was Forrest, not him. I'll watch Jackson if you end it with him.

  I stared at it, completely stunned. I felt quite the opposite. Paul made me happy. After months of loneliness and a broken heart, he'd given me something to place some hope in. "Nova…"

  She pursed her lips and stared firmly into my eyes.

  I sighed, tears streaming down my face. "Why?"

  She pointed at her scar.

  "That's all? He shot you because you wouldn't put your gun down?"

  Her eyes darkened as her brows lowered.

  "Is there something else?"

  She snatched the note from me and marched to her room.

  "Nova! Please. How can I help you if—"

  She slammed the door shut.

  I grabbed my hair in frustration. I couldn't get anything right.

  Jackson wailed for me from his stroller, letting me know he didn't like being stuck there. I rushed down and unbuckled him, but hurried him out to the car. I needed to find out what they thought Paul did.