The Sheriff's Little Matchmaker

by Carrie Nichols

  “Maybe the right person wasn’t doing the asking. And you haven’t answered my question.”

  And she wasn’t going to. She wasn’t confessing how she needed to keep him at an emotional distance for her peace of mind. Remy had the type of personality that swallowed up those around him. She sighed and gave in to the inevitable. “Would you like to be in the auction?”

  He lifted one corner of his mouth in that oh-so-sexy, melt-your-panties grin. “Only if you promise to place the winning bid, cher.”

  She swallowed. “You know I can’t do that.”

  “Do I?”

  “Yes, I can’t date a parent of a student.” Oh God, she sounded like a broken record. Even she was getting sick of hearing it.

  “And yet you have and survived dating me.” He tilted his head to the side and grinned at her.

  Of all the… “But-but that wasn’t a date. You said so yourself.”

  “Did I?” He raised his gaze to the porch ceiling as if trying to remember. “I say a lot of things in the course of a day.”

  “You know, Remy Fontenot, you are the most—” She broke off when he bent down and leaned toward her.

  She knew that look, remembered it from that night in New Orleans, had relived it in her dreams on more than one occasion since. Her traitorous lips parted in invitation.

  He brought his hand up and ran his thumb along her lower lip and continued to stare at her, his breath warm on her face.

  “Show me,” he whispered.

  “Show you what?”

  He rubbed his thumb back and forth on her bottom lip. “That you’re feeling this, too.”

  Her breath caught in her throat, and a voice inside her head screamed yes. Over and over. She opened her mouth, but no sound would come out, so she reached up and snaked her hand around his neck and urged his lips toward hers before her practical side could kick in and object.

  She sighed in relief when his lips met hers as if she’d been waiting for this since that first time. How could she have thought she could resist him?

  His tongue parted her lips and swooped into her mouth. Her breath rushed out as if she’d been holding it in anticipation of this moment.

  “What the heck is that?” Sasha pulled away from him. “Are…are you vibrating?”

  “See what you do to me, cher.” He grinned, his lips shiny from their kiss. He took a step back, then laughed. “It’s my phone.”

  “Shouldn’t you answer it?” She licked her lips and regretted it when his gaze zeroed in on her mouth, his pupils dilated.

  “They can leave a message.”

  “But what if it’s an emergency? You being the sheriff and all.”

  “I’m off duty. Have been for the last half hour.” Despite his statement, he reached into the pocket of his jeans. He scowled as he looked at the screen. “It’s Ethan.”

  “Oh?” she croaked and cleared her throat.

  He narrowed his eyes. “Who was the person you asked to be in the auction?”

  “A very charming veterinarian,” she teased, but it fell flat when he scowled.

  “You asked my brother before you asked me?”

  He sounded hurt…was it possible? Now she felt bad. Did he care about the auction or was it her talking to Ethan first? “I bumped into him when I stopped for gas.”

  He put his hands on his hips. “So he was the first bachelor you ran into?”

  She nodded because it was the truth. And she had nothing to feel guilty over. Nothing at all. “As a matter of fact he was.”

  He narrowed his eyes and angled his head. “And if you’d run into me first?”

  “But I didn’t.” She put her hands on her hips. “And why are you so eager to be a part of the auction? I got the impression this afternoon that it would take a lot to persuade you.”

  “You didn’t answer my question.” He continued to glare.

  She glared right back at him. “And you haven’t answered mine.”

  His mouth twisted as if what he was about to say was painful for him. “I wasn’t interested because you weren’t here to bid on me in the past.”

  …

  Sasha locked her car and hurried across the parking lot to the school entrance, glancing at the storm clouds gathering along the horizon. Was that some sort of sign? She greeted a few parents entering at the same time and made her way to the cafeteria that doubled as an auditorium.

  The bachelor auction was the finale of the Spring Carnival. During the day, the playground was full of children’s games of chance, and the cafeteria hosted several bake sales, plus a table that she and Angie Cunningham had manned. Their table sold small treats and toys, accepting as payment the tickets the children won in the carnival games.

  Sasha had thought briefly about skipping the whole thing, but it might not look good for the new teacher not to participate. This was their biggest fundraiser of the year, and many of the students depended on the money for not only supplies but to fund an end of year field trip. The PTA donated funds so the cost to students for their trips remained affordable for everyone.

  Frankly, she was surprised Remy hadn’t offered to pick her up. And that should worry her more than him not contacting her. Had she honestly bruised his ego by asking Ethan first? She’d told him the truth about running into Ethan at the gas station, and she thought he’d accepted her explanation. Although they didn’t repeat the kiss, they’d parted on good terms, or so she’d thought. She’d invited him in to see the little touches she’d done to make the charming house hers. He’d even crawled under the kitchen sink to check a suspected leak in the garbage disposal gasket. Had he decided to abide by her no dating parents rule?

  Her gaze went to the raised platform stage where the bachelors would stand for the auction. Rows of chairs placed in a loose semicircle pattern faced the stage.

  Was Remy here yet? She hadn’t noticed his car in the parking lot, but he could have parked around the back. They hadn’t talked since that kiss on her front porch, so she wasn’t sure if he was even going to show up despite his abrupt about-face regarding his participation.

  She went inside and slipped into a seat next to Floy Wiggenhauser, the library volunteer. Sasha liked the elderly woman and chatted with her for a while. From what she could gather, Mrs. W was excited to learn Remy was once again participating and had shown up just for the chance to bid on him.

  “I bid on him last time, but that Deirdre Simmons had the winning bid,” Floy told her and leaned closer. “She’s been trying to get her claws into our sheriff for some time.”

  “Oh?” Well, that explained the daggers the woman had tossed her way during the committee meeting.

  Mrs. W nodded. “I hear she’s been on the prowl for husband number three.”

  “Then I wish you lots of luck this time,” Sasha said and meant it, telling herself the sick feeling in the pit of her stomach wasn’t jealousy when she thought of Remy with Deirdre. Her concern was for Evie, because Deirdre didn’t seem like a very warm, caring person.

  Sasha glanced around at the gathering crowd but didn’t see Remy. Was he a no-show? Of course something could have come up at work. She, of all people, knew how a personal life could be a casualty with Remy’s job.

  She spotted Ethan in the hallway and turned to Floy. “Could you save my seat? I’ll be right back.”

  “Of course, dear,” Floy said and set her giant purple purse on Sasha’s empty seat.

  …

  Remy checked his watch, then grabbed his jacket off the passenger seat and got out of his official vehicle. So much for arriving early to speak with Sasha and verify she was going to bid on him. He shrugged into his sport coat and tugged on his shirt cuffs. Maybe he was too optimistic thinking Sasha would be sure to place the winning bid. He’d meant to call her this afternoon to tell her he’d pick her up tonight but hadn’t had a minute to himself. Even in a town as small as Rose Creek, people managed to cause enough trouble to keep him busy. Just as well he hadn’t arranged to pick up Sasha. Sh
e’d been married to a lawman, so she knew all about cancelled or ruined plans, but that didn’t mean she liked it. He made it to the school on time because he’d brought his change of clothes into the office this morning.

  He tied the necktie he’d had in his jacket pocket, then opened the door to the school.

  “You’re not gonna let Deirdre win him, are you?”

  He heard his brother’s question as he walked through the door. Sasha was with Ethan, and Remy’s heartbeat notched up. He frowned when he noticed Ethan had his arm looped through Sasha’s.

  “She wouldn’t dream of letting that happen,” Remy said and joined them, giving Ethan a brotherly shove, knocking his arm out of Sasha’s. “Would you, cher?”

  Ethan rolled his eyes at the move but stepped aside. Remy positioned himself next to Sasha and breathed in her sweet scent.

  “I was trying to look out for you, bro. I know you’re not looking to be Deirdre’s number three.” Ethan shook his head. “Or is it number four?”

  Before Remy could answer his brother, a harried-looking Melanie Jones marched toward them, her heels tapping time on the polished industrial vinyl floor. He frowned, realizing Sasha hadn’t said anything. Her bidding on him was the reason he agreed to this silly auction. Otherwise, he’d make a donation and save himself from this embarrassing show.

  “Uh-oh, I think someone’s in trouble,” Ethan said under his breath.

  “Where have you two been hiding? I’ve been looking all over for you.” Melanie’s glare took in all three of them. “Dr. Dent, get in there. You’re up next.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Ethan saluted Melanie and winked at Sasha.

  Sasha started to giggle and slapped her hand over her mouth, and Remy cleared his throat loudly to cover for her.

  Melanie grabbed Ethan and practically frog-marched him away. He glanced back to Sasha and frantically mouthed, “Bid.”

  “Sheriff, I have been looking everywhere for you,” another voice sounded from behind them.

  Deirdre came to a stop in front of them. The smile she gave him had a feral quality to it. He slipped Sasha’s hand into his. Sasha tensed but didn’t pull her hand away. He didn’t like the way Deirdre’s gaze flicked over Sasha, then she seemed to dismiss her.

  “And why were you looking for me?” Remy squeezed Sasha’s hand but didn’t look at her.

  Deirdre glared at their linked hands and narrowed her eyes, but she had her plastic smile in place when she turned to him. “I heard that secretary of yours is thinking of retiring soon.”

  Remy shook his head. “You must’ve heard wrong. Bernice is a fixture in our office. The job is hers for as long as she wants it. Aren’t you waitressing at the Stumble In? I thought I saw your name on the list of employees the last time my deputies raided that place.”

  “Umm…yes, well, I’m there until something better comes along,” Deirdre gritted out.

  “Such a shame.” Remy clicked his tongue. “You’d think after all this time, something else would’ve come along.”

  “Yes, well. They sent me to escort you to the staging area.” Deirdre smiled sweetly.

  “Who is they?” Remy was loathe to leave Sasha until he was sure she would bid.

  “What?” Deirdre gave him a quizzical frown.

  “You said someone sent you to escort me.”

  “Oh…oh, yeah, the organizers, of course.”

  Remy ground his teeth but gave in gracefully, although he leaned over and gave Sasha a chaste kiss. He grinned when she gasped and pulled away, glad he’d given her something to think about.

  …

  Sasha licked her lips as she watched them walk away. Remy didn’t turn back the way Ethan had. Not that she cared. Not one little bit. But he kissed you, and you liked it, a voice in her head reminded.

  “Oh, shut up,” she told the voice and turned on her heel and went into the cafeteria to take her seat next to Floy Wiggenhauser.

  “Who are you bidding on, dear?” the elderly woman asked as Sasha slipped into her seat.

  “Oh, I’m not here to bid.” She was here to support the school. Not to see a certain sexy sheriff and definitely not to bid on him. She wanted nice and normal, not more of the same.

  “Everyone says that, dear.” Floy patted her arm, her bracelets jangling. “Then the bidding begins and everyone gets caught up in the excitement. Especially when someone is bidding on the one you had your eye on.”

  “That won’t happen to me,” Sasha told Floy. She was staying out of this. Who’re you trying to convince? Floy or yourself?

  “Ooh, they’re about to start.” The woman dropped her hand with a rattling of bracelets and turned to face the stage.

  Sasha enjoyed watching the bidding. Many of the guys used inducements such as a free front-end alignment from Dan’s Fine Autos, much to everyone’s amusement. The innuendos were flying around the room, leaving everyone tittering.

  Sasha noticed Ethan needed no such inducement, and he seemed pleased with the winning bid from one of the student teachers.

  Greg Winchester, the auctioneer and the high school’s field and track coach, banged his gavel and announced, “The bidding will now begin on our final participant for the evening. Our very own Sheriff Remy Fontenot.”

  “They saved the best for last.” Floy elbowed Sasha. Sasha couldn’t disagree. Remy looked unbelievably sexy in white shirt, yellow tie, and dark jacket, his eyes never wavering from hers. Like some replay of that piano bar in New Orleans, right down to the shiny boots and star belt buckle. Sasha’s stomach flipped. Who wouldn’t want to bid on him?

  Floy hadn’t bid on anyone but had seemed to enjoy watching the others. Had she really come just for Remy? Before Sasha could ask, the bidding started, and Floy placed the first bid.

  Sasha folded her hands in her lap. For each bid Floy placed, Deirdre Simmons placed a higher one. Sasha had to admit she hated the thought of Remy going on a date with that other woman.

  The bidding went back and forth between Deidre and Floy, who seemed to be all business now. Sasha wasn’t sure if Mrs. W really wanted a date with Remy or if she just enjoyed annoying the other woman. From the way Floy had called her “that woman,” Sasha suspected it was the latter. At first glance, the elderly woman seemed prim and proper in demure polyester clothes. But from conversations with Floy, Sasha thought her appearance hid a woman who enjoyed shocking people with her words and actions.

  Floy was matching the other woman bid for bid, much to the delight of the audience. The crowd seemed to be in Mrs. W’s corner, egging her on after each of Deirdre’s bids.

  Deidre half stood from her seat and glared at the audience. “She just wants the sheriff to clean the leaves out of her gutters.”

  The crowd roared with laughter and many nodded their heads. Floy turned to Sasha and grinned as she placed another bid.

  “This isn’t fair. Floy Wiggenhauser should be disqualified due to her age,” Deidre sputtered. “That woman is too old to participate.”

  Floy seemed to shrink in her chair. Sasha didn’t care who Deidre was, she wouldn’t allow anyone to get away with bullying another person, especially not one as kind as Floy. Before she could think about it, Sasha jumped up and raised Deidre’s last bid by a dollar. Take that, you witch.

  Deidre turned and glared at Sasha. “Who do you think—”

  The auctioneer leaned toward Remy, listened, then banged his gavel. “And we have a winner.”

  Uh-oh.

  Chapter Nine

  Sasha’s eyes widened as she stared at the stage. Oh no, what had she done? Her temper had gotten the better of her, and now she’d publicly bid on the one man she’d intended to stay far, far away from. So much for that.

  “The winner is Sasha Honeycutt. Ladies and gentlemen, this auction is over.”

  Shaking her head, Sasha looked to the auctioneer. He shrugged his shoulders and canted his head toward Remy, who was grinning from ear to ear.

  Mrs. W turned to Sasha and beamed. “See? What
did I tell you? The heat of the moment.”

  “Yes. I mean no…it was—”

  Floy interrupted by leaning over and embracing Sasha in a cloud of Jean Naté. “If I had to lose, I’m glad it was to you.”

  Sasha hugged her back and shook her head as she pulled away. “Mrs. Wiggenhauser, I meant what I said. I didn’t come to bid. You can have the date with my compliments.”

  The other woman squeezed Sasha’s arm. “Don’t be silly, dear. You kids go have a great time. I can call someone to clean my gutters.”

  Sasha’s eyes widened. “You mean you really did want him just to clean the gutters?”

  “It’s gotta be done, and I’d rather stare at the sheriff’s assets up on the ladder than anyone else’s.” The woman’s faded blue eyes twinkled with mischief.

  Sasha was speechless, but her first assessment of Floy Wiggenhauser as more than blue hair and purple polyester had clearly been correct.

  “Ooh, here comes your date, dear.” The older woman jumped up and pulled Sasha with her.

  Was Floy pushing out her chest? Sasha bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing as Remy strutted over to them.

  He raised his eyebrows at Sasha. “Looks like we’re going out on a date.”

  “I tried to give up my date to Mrs. Wiggenhauser, but she declined,” Sasha told him. “I honestly didn’t mean to win.”

  He leaned down and whispered in her ear. “Too late now, cher. I’m all yours.”

  …

  After looking in on a peacefully sleeping Evie, Remy tugged off his tie and tossed it on the dresser in his bedroom. He thanked his lucky stars for the way the auction went down. He’d been able to convince Greg to bang the gavel and end the charade before Deirdre could counter. Yeah, nothing would have convinced Sasha to place another bid. Now he needed to plan a date that would convince her that he was perfect for her.