“Dinner?”
Kevin watched Amy’s face pale, could almost see the thoughts whirling in her mind. Was she searching for the words to decline his offer in the kindest way possible? Maybe he should just retract the offer, suddenly remember a previous engagement he couldn’t avoid, say he felt a case of bubonic plague coming on. Why had he just blurted out the invitation? Because Amy was damn beautiful and he hadn’t thought of anything but her since they met!
“I’d love to go out to dinner with you.”
He almost blurted out, ‘really’? But thankfully, he caught himself. Good law enforcement training, no doubt. Think before you speak. She’d even smiled at him seconds after agreeing to go out with him. She hadn’t displayed any sign of her acceptance being uttered under any self-perceived duress or as an obligatory gesture resulting from his helping in her time of need.
Maybe she genuinely found him attractive, or interesting, or who cared. She’d said yes!
*
“Perhaps we could fit in a movie, too.” Constable Robertson sounded cheerful.
Amy’s heartbeat slowed. When he first asked her to dinner, she panicked. She hadn’t accepted a dinner invitation from a man since her husband’s death. Not a date for a movie. Or even to meet for a drink or a cup of coffee. Finally, the single men in her circle of friends got the message and stopped asking.
But this man tempted her in a way no other man had. She wanted to accept his invitation to dinner. But that would mean leaving Rover home alone and a vision of Macaulay Culkin’s hands on his cheeks flashed through her mind. Would Rover panic if she left him? She should have inquired at the Humane Society if he suffered separation anxiety. Of course, the poor critter had been on his own for so long who would he have been separated from? Other than the person who’d abused him, and that was probably a blessing.
“Hmm. Just dinner, I think. I don’t want to be away from home too long.” Amy realized she’d have to test Rover by leaving him alone for a few hours eventually.
And she would be testing herself as well.
Would she enjoy dating again? Would being out with a new man feel like a betrayal? Like she was cheating on Allan’s memory? You’re a widow, she reminded herself. Leslie and Tiffany had begged her to start dating again, and she’d recently admitted to herself that they were right. For some reason, the thought of starting a new relationship scared her to death. But she wasn’t committing to anything long term. It was just a date, she told herself.
Apparently, both Rover’s and her testing would begin tomorrow night.
“Am I pulling you away from an exciting scene in your next book?” asked Kevin, raising one eyebrow. He lowered his voice. “One of those steamy sex scenes where the guy does unspeakable things to the heroine.”
“And what would you know about steamy sex scenes in romance novels?” Amy laughed and then tilted her head. “Are you a closet romance reader?”
“Never been reading in a closet or come out of one either.” Kevin shrugged. “I have a married sister who lives in Texas now. She buried her nose in trashy romance novels for hours when she lived at home.”
“Trashy? I’ll have you know there are millions of copies of romance novels sold every year in a variety of genres, thank you very much.” Amy stood hands on hips. “The day of the bodice ripper is long gone and authors of romance consider them adult entertainment.”
“Sorry, I stand corrected.”
“Well, you’ll see what I’m talking about when you arrive for our date, Constable Robertson.” Amy suspected such a cryptic response would pique a cop’s interest. And judging by how intently he’d been staring into her eyes and watching her every move, he might be extremely interested in her already. Was that little comment about the closet to let her know he wasn’t gay? The thought had never crossed her mind. She hoped he hadn’t noticed her racing pulse and rapid breathing while defending her livelihood, all the time visualizing herself as the heroine he’d spoken of and he as the hero. And she sincerely hoped he was attracted to her. Lord knows, she found him attractive. Dating again might be fun, especially a slightly younger man. She’d peg him at twenty-five, maybe twenty-six. Of course, nothing permanent would ever come of it.
“Okay.” He frowned for a minute and then smiled. “Please, call me Kevin. I’ll see you tomorrow night at six-thirty.”
“Six-thirty works for me.” She set aside her shock at being asked out on a date and playfully wagged her finger at him. “But no more driving while using your cell phone.”
“Wouldn’t think of it. I have a professional image to maintain.” Kevin maneuvered his cart around hers. “See you tomorrow.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
Amy was standing in line at the checkout counter when Kevin pushed his cart toward the grocery store exit fifteen minutes later. She heard him whistling. And then his cell phone rang.
*
Kevin pulled his cell phone out of his pocket while he steered his cart through the automatic doors and exited the grocery store. “Hello.”
“Kevin, this is Sally Wilson.”
“Yeah, I noticed your call awhile ago, but I couldn’t answer just then.” Kevin unlocked his truck and stuffed his bags of groceries onto the passenger seat.
“Driving?”
“Something along those lines.” Kevin chuckled, recalling the chastisement he’d received from Amy for ‘driving’ his grocery cart while using his cell. He returned the cart to the cart stand.
“The reason I called...I thought you’d like to know the latest.”
“About what?” Kevin rounded the truck, climbed into the driver’s seat, and fastened his seat belt. All the exciting stuff always happened on his days off, he lamented.
“That teen that broke into Amy MacArthur’s house?”
“The one in rehab? What about him?”
“His parents were just informed that he’s missing,” announced Sally.
Kevin’s heart stopped for a second before resuming a normal rhythm. “You’re kidding me! What happened?”
“His parents signed him into rehab, dropped off a suitcase of clean clothes, and informed him he was staying put for at least three months until he got his life together.” Sally coughed, sipped something, and then continued. “Sorry. Anyway, I called the rehab and talked to the supervisor in charge. Seems our thief traded a pair of designer jeans for another kid’s help in causing a diversion of some sort to facilitate an escape. Apparently, it worked perfectly. He’s gone.”
“Shit!”
“Yeah, exactly. And plenty of it hit the fan when the supervisor found out. The kid has been missing for a couple of hours now. He didn’t go home, obviously, and nobody has a clue where he went.”
“Thanks for letting me know, Sally.”
“I wish we could inform Amy. He did threaten her.”
“Let’s wait and hope they catch the little bugger before much longer.” Kevin’s index finger tapped the steering wheel in a rapid staccato. “If he isn’t apprehended by tomorrow, maybe I’ll ask our supervisor’s opinion. Maybe he’ll grant permission.”
“Okay. Garrett doesn’t think he’ll attempt to contact her. But a couple of cars will patrol her neighborhood on a regular rotation until he’s caught.”
“That’s good.” Kevin paused. “Between you and me, I’m having dinner with her tomorrow night, so I’ll decide then whether or not to recommend she be advised of his escape.”
“Okay. Let’s hope our guy is found before then.”
“And behind bars, not returned to the damn rehab, so we know where his ass is.”
“Exactly. But with his dad being a bigwig in town, lots of money and pull, the son could be allowed to return to rehab under tighter security.”
“Maybe, if they ever find him. Call me the second you hear anything.”
“Will do.”
“Bye.” Kevin disconnected the call and punched the steering wheel.
Amy seemed troubled enough by the incident
, learning that the burglar escaped from rehab was the last thing she needed to hear. Of course, she wasn’t even aware he’d been placed in rehab. As he pulled out of the lot, Kevin cursed the fact he had to keep this info to himself.
Chapter 5
Amy shuttled her reusable cloth grocery bags from the shopping cart to the second row seat of her Lexus. Today marked their second trip to the grocery store. On the way there, she’d stopped at the pet store and bought a metal barrier to ensure Rover stayed in the back third row area of the vehicle and couldn’t trample any more groceries on the way home.
“Is that your dog, lady?”
Amy turned and discovered a freckle-faced, red-headed little boy about four-years-old, standing on his tip toes, attempting to peek into the SUV’s back window. “Yes, he is. His name is Rover.”
“I like his red hair. It looks like mine.”
“Now that you mention it, you’re the spitting image of each other.” Amy chuckled and finished loading her groceries into the SUV.
“I can’t spit. My mom says it’s not polite.” The little boy glared at her, as if she’d attempted to lead him into a life of crime.
“You’re absolutely right. Spitting is a terrible thing. What was I thinking?” Amy attempted to appear chastised.
“Tommy, where did you disappear to?” A thirty-something, strawberry blonde woman, stepped out from behind a navy Dodge Caravan parked two vehicles over from Amy.
“I’m saying hello to this dog,” answered the little boy.
“Never mind the dog. We’re going to be late picking up your brother from his piano lesson. Let’s go.” The harried-looking mother clasped the little boy’s hand and turned toward Amy. “I hope he wasn’t bothering you.”
“Not at all. He noticed my dog has the same hair color as his. Judging by the tail wagging, Rover was happy he wandered over.” Amy smiled and headed for the driver’s door.
“Thank you for humoring him. Tommy loves animals. He’ll probably grow up to be a vet.” The woman strode back to her vehicle with her son in tow.
Amy climbed inside, closed the door, and peeked into the rear view mirror. “Made a new friend, have you?”
Rover woofed and his tail wagged furiously.
“Well, Red Rover, I’m happy for you. But I’ve got big news. I have a dinner date tomorrow night with Constable Robertson, and Kevin is in for one big furry surprise when he arrives. I’m really attracted to this guy, Rover. Please promise you’ll be on your best behavior. Okay?” The dog tilted his head in apparent confusion, or else he was considering her request.
****
By six o’clock the next evening, Amy was a nervous wreck.
“Rover, why did I accept this date?” He’d become a constant companion in the short time they’d been together. He stuck to her side like glue, half the time she was tripping over him.
“I’m a complete fool. I don’t even know the guy. Well, being a cop, the chances he’s a serial killer or registered sex offender are extremely slim. But still.” She shook her head.
“Twenty months ago, my husband died instantly, driving home one night after working late,” she shared some of her history with Rover. “His name was Allan Dickson. And yes, big guy, Allan didn’t mind that I kept my maiden name. Fate just ripped him from my life in the blink of an eye. I had nightmares for months, seeing his BMW being creamed by that drunk driver.” Tears filled her eyes at the memory.
Never having had the chance to say goodbye angered Amy the most. Never being able to tell him she loved him one last time had left her heart hurting so badly and for so long she feared she would die from the pain. But she hadn’t, and her heart survived, too. Almost two years had passed, but sometimes it felt like yesterday.
“I stood beside Allan’s grave when I buried him that rainy September afternoon, Rover, and I vowed to never love another man. And I haven’t dated since he died, consumed with grief and honoring my vow.”
Amy grabbed a tissue off the bedside table, wiped her eyes.
“And then I met Kevin.”
She tossed the tissue into the trash can beside the dresser.
“How many people have told me that time heals all wounds?” Amy glanced at Rover. He cocked his head, listening to every word. “Well, Constable Robertson looks like a pretty good candidate to mend the last of them.”
Amy took a deep breath and noticed the time on the bedside clock.
“Six fifteen! Oh God, Rover, I still haven’t decided what to wear.”
Her dog lay sprawled across the pale green carpet blocking access to her walk-in closet.
“Rover, you’ve got to move.” Amy struggled to haul the dog onto his feet. “Or is this your way of keeping me at home?”
Finally, the dog lumbered over to his bed, flopped down, and stared up at her with sad, pleading, brown eyes. “Don’t do that. Kevin will arrive in ten minutes, and it is way too late to cancel now.”
And then reality struck. For the first time since Allan died, she was going on a date. And with a man she’d only known for a few days.
“Maybe I should cancel?” she glanced over at Rover, almost expecting him to agree with her. The dog lay on his bed, resting his head on his paws, watching her expectantly. Was it fair? Leaving Rover home in his crate, in a strange house, all alone?
“I’ve got to do it sooner or later. I guess it’s going to be sooner.” She glanced down at Rover. “I’m not certain if I’m more stressed about this date, or leaving you home alone in your crate.”
A date.
Oh God, oh God, oh God.
“You can do this, Amy,” she coached herself. Taking a calming breath, she strode into her walk-in closet.
A couple of weeks ago, Amy had bought a little black dress which emphasized all of her curves in a good way according to the salesclerk. She hadn’t considered wearing it on a date, imagined she’d wear it to a fund raiser or at a writers’ convention. Tonight was the night to debut it. Amy quickly finished dressing, donned her favorite diamond studs, and nervously awaited her date’s arrival.
At six thirty sharp, the doorbell rang which sent her canine security system into a barking frenzy. Amy walked into the entryway with Rover at her side. She opened the door and greeted her date with a smile. “Hi, there. Right on time.”
Kevin took a step inside and spotted the dog. “Hey. Where’d you get him?”
Rover had bounded downstairs, tail wagging in anticipation a minute ago. Now, seventy pounds of Irish setter caught a glimpse of the man towering over him and raced back upstairs with his tail between his legs.
“That was Rover, my new housemate.” Amy figured she could have stood there naked. Instead of Kevin admiring the woman in the new black dress, all he’d noticed was the four-footed guy wearing the red fur coat.
“Where did he go?”
“Upstairs. Probably hiding under the bed.” Amy chuckled. “He’s a rescue from the Humane Society. The poor guy suffered terrible abuse, and he hates men as a result of the beatings and kicking he received from his former owner. But he loves women and kids.”
“Poor dog. How could someone abuse such a beautiful animal?” Kevin stood hands on hips.
“You like dogs?”
“Love dogs. I even considered applying to the K9 unit at one time. But it never worked out for a lot of reasons.”
Kevin didn’t elaborate, and Amy didn’t inquire further. Maybe it was part of that confidentiality thing again. “I should go up and get him. I intended to leave him in his crate in the kitchen while I was away.” Amy started up the stairs.
“Need some help?”
“I’ll call if I require back up, Officer,” she added, glancing back at him and grinning.
“Cute.” Kevin chuckled and waved his hand. “Go get your hound.”
Amy kicked off her high heels and raced upstairs. “Rover, where are you? You big goof. That guy would never hurt you.”
Silence.
Amy crouched down on all fours and peeked un
der her bed. Sure enough, a set of terrified brown eyes met hers. “Rover, it’s okay. I can’t believe you actually fit under there. Come on out.”
Rover whined but remained ensconced in the safety of his hiding place way at the back.
Amy clambered to her feet and headed for the other side of the bed, hoping for greater success. As she rounded the end she stubbed her toe on the chest at the foot of her bed.
“Ow, ow, ow, oh shit.” Amy flopped onto the bed to examine her injury. “Damn that hurt!”
Kevin raced into the room. “Are you okay? What happened? Did he bite you?”
Amy burst out laughing, still grasping her throbbing baby toe. “No. I stubbed my damn toe when I attempted to walk around to the other side of the bed.”
Kevin attempted to suppress a grin. He failed miserably and burst out laughing. “Where’s Rover?”
“Under the bed,” answered Amy. “Just him and the dust bunnies.”
“Well, let me try. At least the dust bunnies won’t bite me.”
“Don’t be too sure. Saturday is cleaning day, so there’s a week’s worth under there until tomorrow.” Amy examined the toe which appeared red but not broken.
Kevin bent down on one knee, raised the dust skirt and peeked underneath. “Rover, what ya doing under there? Come out here and kiss your owner’s booboo.”
Amy chuckled. “My booboo? Oh, that’s precious.”
“Don’t laugh. I’ve kissed a booboo or two in my time.” Kevin grinned. “I’ll kiss your booboo, if you want?”
“Move over. My booboo is just fine.” Amy stretched out on the floor and peeked under the bed again.
Kevin lay down beside her. “Would he come out if you offered him a treat?”
Rover lifted his head and his ears rose up a fraction.
“So, you understand ‘treat’,” observed Kevin.
“Oh, yeah, and c-a-r and p-a-r-k and t-o-y and w-a-l-k.” Amy met Kevin’s eyes, shook her head, and felt herself smiling. She’d fantasized about having another man in her bedroom one day, but she just never imagined it quite this way.
Love To The Rescue Page 6