He exhaled a slow sigh, his shoulders lowering a bit. “Routine until around six. We had a domestic disturbance to deal with.”
“Aren’t those dangerous?”
“They can be. That’s why I called for backup. You just never know what can happen.”
A shiver of alarm chased down her spine. She’d been so blinded by the negative image of him as a police officer that she’d never really thought about the danger he was exposed to on a daily basis. It gave her a whole new perspective on cops. All her life she’d seen them as heartless, unfeeling. Now she saw them as men who had families who loved them, who put their lives on the line each day.
How would she feel if something happened to Seth while he was on duty? She closed her eyes, refusing to let those kinds of thoughts into her mind.
Lightning flashed outside, jerking her attention back to the meal she’d prepared. She carried the plates to the table. Outside, the storm rolled on with a loud clap of thunder. Seth glanced over at her. “This is a nice way to end a workday. A hot meal with a friend on a stormy night.”
Carrie saw his cheeks flush pink. The implications must have occurred to him, too. They were behaving like a family. Only they weren’t.
Seth cleared his throat. “So you promised to fill me in on your big plans for the picnic?”
Another boom of thunder gave her a moment to regroup. “I mentioned that I want this to be like an old-fashioned picnic. But I’ll also have setups for volleyball, baseball, cornhole toss and horseshoes. We have a band scheduled to play, a few carnival games, craft stands—oh, and the airplane.”
“Airplane?”
She nodded. “Vern Bailey has a restored historic plane from WWII that he’s going to bring to the park for the kids to see. You know, during WWII there was a pilot-training center here in Dover.”
“I know. The airfield was where the municipal complex and the attendance center are now. That’s a fun idea. It’ll remind everyone of our history. The seniors will love it and the kids will, too.”
“That’s what I thought.”
“You’ve done a great job putting this together. There’s something for everyone. But it’s a big job. Why haven’t you asked me for more help?”
Carrie shrugged. “I haven’t really needed to until now. I’ve requested a map of Friendship Park so I can start figuring out where to position everything. Then I’ll have to visit the park soon and make sure the space will work and the location is suitable for each event. I could use your help with that.”
“Sure thing. Let me know when. Jack would enjoy the park.” Seth pushed to his feet. “Speaking of Jack, I’d better get him home to bed.”
Carrie followed, stopping under the arch to the living room, where Jack had fallen asleep on the floor with Leo. The little dog raised his head as if warning them to be quiet. “Poor little man.”
Seth started forward. A loud pop resonated through the house and the lights went out.
Fear exploded in her chest, stealing her breath. She dropped the glass in her hand and heard it shatter on the floor. She yelped, burying her face in her hands. The darkness closed in, stealing her air.
She turned and bumped into solid warmth. She screamed and pushed away.
Strong hands grabbed her arms. She fought to pull free. “Carrie, it’s okay. It’s only a power outage. It’ll probably be back on in a few minutes.”
“Lights. I have to find the flashlights.” The blood pounded in her ears.
“Here.”
Light from his cell phone chased away some of the darkness and took the hard edge off her fear. She sucked in a shallow breath and gripped the phone with shaking fingers. Fighting a wave of humiliation, she avoided his gaze, turning back into kitchen and fumbling in the drawer for the large flashlight she kept there. Once it was on she could breathe a bit easier. “Is Jack okay?”
“Sound asleep. I’m sure he won’t even know the lights went out. I’m more worried about you. You’re shaking like a leaf. Are you afraid of the dark?”
She turned away from him. “No. Yes. A little.”
The lights flashed back on, and Carrie sagged against the counter.
“You’d better sit down. You’re pale as a sheet.” Seth wrapped his arm around her shoulders and guided her toward the table. He cleaned up the broken glass, retrieved another one, filled it with water and set it in front of her.
Carrie wrapped her fingers around the tall glass, but her hand shook so much that she had to put it down again. Why did this happen every time the lights went out? She knew the reason, but why couldn’t she get over it?
Seth reached out and took her hand in his, the contact draining off more of her fear. She squeezed tight, needing the comfort.
“You want to talk about it?”
How much could she tell him without opening up a topic she didn’t want to share? She knew Seth well enough that he wouldn’t take a flippant response. He’d press until he knew the truth. She just couldn’t tell him who had done it to her.
“I got locked in a closet when I was twelve years old. Ever since then I’ve been terrified of the dark.”
“How long were you in there?”
“Eighteen hours.”
“Is that why you always have every light in the house on?”
She nodded. “Silly, huh? I’ve tried to get past it, but when the lights go out, I panic. I have big flashlights in every room and I replace the batteries religiously. I even sleep with a light on in my room every night.”
“That explains why your place always looks like the neighborhood lighthouse.”
His teasing and understanding wiped away the last of her fear. “I know I should be over it by now, but...” She shrugged. “Thank you for understanding.” The look in his eyes enveloped her emotions, tugging her toward his warmth. His strong fingers tightened around hers, making her feel safe and protected. His nearness made it seem as if they were all alone, in another place entirely. If Seth was with her all the time, she might actually get over her phobia. There would be nothing to fear with him at her side.
Reality punctured the dreamy sensation. She tugged her hand from his. This couldn’t happen. “I think the rain might be letting up.” She stood and took her glass to the counter.
Seth followed, stopping at her side. Every sense in her body was attuned to his solid presence, and the compelling scent of him. It would be so easy to rest her head against his broad chest and put her arms around his waist. She dared a glance.
He placed his hands on her shoulders and angled her to face him. “Are you sure you’re going to be all right?” A sudden boom of thunder made her jump toward him. He pulled her into his embrace, his hand stroking her hair. “I think this storm might last all night. The power could go out again.”
“I’ll be fine.” She held up the giant flashlight. “I have these everywhere.”
He brushed her hair away from her temple. “I’m sorry you had to go through such a frightening ordeal. No child should be left alone in the dark.”
Unable to resist, she wrapped her arms around him, letting them slide up the muscled back. She wanted to remain there, safe in his arms. But she wasn’t safe. Not with him. She moved away, missing the warmth of his embrace. But when she looked into his eyes, she couldn’t look away. Their gazes mingled together in mutual attraction. His hand came to rest on the side of her neck, turning her insides to melted butter.
“Carrie.”
He said her name like a whispered prayer. She looked into his eyes and saw her own feelings reflected in his cobalt gaze. She stepped back and looked away. She had to be strong. For both their sakes. “Seth, maybe we should get a few things clear. I’m not looking for a relationship. Between my studies and my job, there’s just no time for anything else.”
She dared a look at Seth. He nodded, hi
s face devoid of any discernible expression. Was he upset or relieved?
“I know. I’m not in any position to get involved, either. With my new job and Jack to think of, I’ve got all I can handle.” His gaze softened, and he tapped her nose lightly with his finger. “But I can always use a good friend.”
“Me, too.”
Thunder rumbled across the sky. “I’d better get the little guy home to bed. Are you sure you’re going to be all right?”
She nodded, wrapping her arms around her waist to keep from reaching out and hugging him again.
“Are you sure? Because I’m not leaving until I see you smile. Then I’ll know you’re really all right.”
His gentle teasing had the desired effect. She smiled, and her heart skipped a beat when he returned it with his dazzling smile. Their gazes locked and she didn’t try to look away. She liked looking at him, watching the fascinating planes of his face move and shift as he spoke. His twinkling eyes, with the little laugh lines, and his generous mouth, bracketed with deep dimples, never failed to capture her attention and evoke an appreciative sigh from her.
“There it is. Okay, Sunshine, I’m going to take Jack and leave, but promise you’ll call me if you need me? Lights off or not. Deal?”
“Deal.”
The moment the door shut behind Seth and Jack, Carrie felt the stark loneliness of her cottage. She busied herself with cleaning up, then tried to study, but her nerves were still on edge from the power outage. She’d revealed another piece of her past to Seth. Little by little she was allowing him to get closer. Too close. Shoving aside the memory of being in his arms, she prepared for bed, but once under the covers she could no longer deny her attraction. She was losing her heart to the man with the killer smile and caring nature.
She had to find a way to fight these feelings because falling for Seth was a very, very bad idea.
Chapter Six
Sunday morning. Seth convinced Carrie to sit with him and Jack for the late service. It had taken a little persuasion and his best smile, but she’d finally agreed. To be honest, it was probably more Jack’s begging that had done the trick and not his smile.
Now that they were here, he found it hard to concentrate on the sermon. He’d been vividly aware of her nearness. Each breath he inhaled was mingled with her sweet perfume, and the brush of their shoulders as they stood for the hymns sent little tingles along his nerves. She sang with conviction and raw emotion, as if embracing every word.
He wanted to know how she was faring after the power outage the other night. As far as he knew, the lights had stayed on throughout the rest of the storm. Learning about her childhood experience had unleashed a powerful protective instinct in him. He wanted to keep her safe from not just from the dark, but anything that frightened her—the way he wanted to protect Jack. But his need to shield Carrie felt very different. In fact, all his emotions where Carrie was concerned were new to him. It was an uncomfortable sensation and he wasn’t sure he liked it at all.
When Reverend Jim began the sermon, Seth had to resist the impulse to rest his arm across the back of the pew. It was a possessive gesture he shouldn’t risk. Carrie wouldn’t appreciate it. Spending so much time together was becoming a huge distraction. He thought about her too often while at work, and couldn’t take his eyes off her when they were together. Her sunny smile flashed through his mind at the most inopportune times. He’d told himself it was only natural to be drawn to Carrie. She was a beautiful woman with a sweet nature and a caring heart. Every night this week she’d had a hot meal waiting when he came to pick up Jack after work. He’d never questioned coming home to his empty cottage and tossing a frozen dinner into the microwave. Now he looked forward to Carrie’s welcoming smile and a little boy’s exuberant bear hugs. It was a life he’d never imagined, but one he could get used to.
The thought forced him to address the other moment with Carrie. He’d almost kissed her. He would have if she hadn’t backed away. He’d wanted to for a long time now, but denied the impulse. Carrie was a friend. He had enough complications in his life without trying to deal with a relationship. But Carrie drew him in with her irresistible smile, her bright eyes and her caring nature. He’d never known anyone like her.
Seth struggled to concentrate on the sermon and still zoned out for most of it. He’d have to take time this week to go back and listen to it on the church website when it was posted. One comment, however, took root in his thoughts. The pastor warned against seeking forgiveness from the Lord, but not forgiving ourselves. He pointed out how easy it was to rehash our sins and wallow in regret instead of handing the issue over to the Lord. Giving up control, even of our guilt, was hard to do. It was easier to keep carrying our mistakes with us and nurturing the shame, thinking we were somehow making up for what we’d done. The words caused him to squirm in his seat and dredged up an emotion he wasn’t ready to examine.
Settled in the truck after the service, Seth steered away from the square and took Peace Street out of town toward the south. He braced for Carrie’s reaction when she realized they weren’t going back to the cottages. His conscience stung a bit. He should have told her what he was planning, but he’d been afraid she’d turn him down.
“Where are we going?”
He gave her his best smile. “It’s a surprise.” The light in her eyes dimmed.
“Seth, I’m not fond of surprises. What’s going on?”
“I’m bringing you home to meet the family.” Too late he realized how that might sound. “My mom invited you to Sunday dinner.”
“Oh. No. I can’t do that. I’m sorry.”
The look of alarm on her face puzzled him. “It’s only dinner.”
“You should have warned me.”
“I was afraid you’d say no. Besides, my mom is anxious to meet you and thank you for helping with Jack. She also told me I’d be grounded for a year if I didn’t bring you along.”
That brought a small smile to her face.
“I like to be prepared for things. I would have dressed differently.”
“Don’t you mean you would have had time to come up with a better excuse?”
She looked away, confirming his assumption.
“Carrie, why don’t you like people?”
“I like people just fine. I work with them all the time in my job.”
“Yes, but away from the church, you don’t go anywhere or have any friends that I can tell.”
“Are you keeping tabs on me?”
“I live next door. I notice things. It’s what I do. Observe.”
A muscle in her jaw flexed. “Are you speaking as a man or a police officer?”
“Both.”
She played with the hair at her ear. “I work hard. When I come home, I’m tired and I have studying to do. That doesn’t leave much time for socializing. I go out. Kathy and I have lunch now and again.”
“So why don’t you want to meet my family?”
“I do. But I’m not good with strangers or in groups. I never know what to say.”
Was she serious? She was warm and friendly and everyone liked her immediately. He reached over and squeezed her hand. “Don’t worry. It’ll be fine. My family is easy to be around. No pressure. Just be yourself. Besides, you’re going to love my mom’s cooking.”
Carrie sent a stern look in his direction. “Fine. But I reserve the right to be taken home on a moment’s notice.”
It was an odd request. “Deal. But I know that once you’ve met everyone, you’ll want to hang around.”
He noticed Carrie had clasped her hands tightly together in her lap. Was she really that anxious about meeting new people? Phil’s comment reared its ugly head. Was Carrie hiding something? Is that why she didn’t like to meet strangers and why she kept to herself? She did have an emotional fence around her, one in which
she kept the gate firmly closed. But there was no way he’d believe that her fence was protecting something unlawful. He’d rubbed elbows with enough criminals, even in his short law-enforcement career, to know a decent person from someone hiding an ugly past.
Seth parked near the front door of the family home, a large sprawling structure that combined nineteenth century Victorian with Colonial Revival. The result was a stately mansion that fit perfectly in the oak-draped landscape.
“This is where you grew up?”
“Yep. Don’t let the size fool you. It’s just a house.”
Carrie looked a bit pale and wide-eyed. “That is not just a house—that’s a mansion. I had no idea the Montgomerys were so...”
“Blessed?” He chuckled. “Everyone has a preconceived idea of what we are.” Seth hopped out and went around to open Carrie’s door, then unbuckled Jack from the backseat.
“This is Grandma’s house.” Jack raced up the sidewalk and onto the porch in time to be greeted by a stately gray-haired woman who opened her arms and gathered the boy up into a hug.
Seth looked at Carrie. She stood stock-still, breathing rapidly. He took her hand. “Take a deep breath. I promise this won’t hurt.”
He led her up the stairs. “Mom, this is Carrie Fletcher.”
“I’m so glad to meet you. I know we were introduced when you first came to work at the church, but I’m looking forward to getting to know you better. Seth and Jack talk about you all the time.”
Seth beamed. “See. I told you it would be fine.”
“Come on in and meet the rest of our clan.”
Seth started to follow, but Carrie hung back. “What’s wrong?”
“Can you take me home now?”
He wanted to reassure her again, but he had a feeling it wouldn’t do any good. “Carrie, you’re worrying about nothing. I’ll be with you every moment.”
Jack darted out onto the porch. “Hurry, Miss Carrie, we’re going to eat, and Grandma is going to let me feed Champ.”
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