Texas Sheriff's Deadly Mission

by Karen Whiddon

  He could definitely picture her, hair down, relaxed and happy, slightly buzzed, laughing with her friends. His body stirred. He shook his head, pushing the image away.

  Inside, the restaurant smelled like fajitas and homemade tortillas. The woman at the front desk beamed when she saw Rayna. “So good to see you,” she said, eyeing Parker curiously. “Table for two?”

  “Yes, please. A booth if you have one.”

  “Of course we do.”

  They were seated in a booth by the big front window, with a view of the parking lot and her cruiser. Immediately, someone brought a bowl of tortillas chips and two smaller ones of salsa. Rayna smiled, causing his heart to skip a beat. With the sunlight making golden waves in her fiery hair, she managed to look both ethereal and sexy, like an angel freshly fallen from the sky.

  Wincing at his own lame analogy, Parker shook his head and checked out the lunch menu, looking for his favorite carnitas tacos or enchilada. Relieved they had it, he glanced over at Rayna, who hadn’t even picked up her menu.

  “I eat here a lot,” she admitted. “And I know what I want. Brisket tacos. They’re the best.”

  Right then, he changed his mind about what he’d eat. “Thanks for the recommendation. I’ll try them, too.”

  The waitress came and took their order, stopping to chat a bit with Rayna before moving away. Rayna looked up and caught him watching her.

  “What?”

  He said the first thing that came to mind. “You seem well liked in this town.”

  Though she ducked her head, he could tell his words pleased her. “I truly care about the townspeople,” she said. “Being sheriff is more than just a job to me. I think they know that and respond in kind.”

  “Maybe,” he agreed. “Sam was like that, too. This was his town, his people. I admit, I was kind of shocked when he decided to move to the coast.”

  “He knew if he stayed here, he wouldn’t be able to let go of the job,” she said. “That’s why he decided he needed to become a beach bum. I tease him with that nickname whenever I talk to him.” Her green eyes sparkled.

  Unable to help himself, he reached across the table and covered her hand with his. “You’re so beautiful,” he told her softly, wishing he could find the right words to convey the mixture of desire and admiration he felt.

  Their gazes locked and held. Her smile faded, though her mouth parted. She knew, he realized. Without him having to say a single word, she knew his thoughts.

  Now so damn hard he could scarcely move, he swallowed. He considered himself lucky that they hadn’t eaten yet, because there was no way in hell he was walking out of here like this.

  Rayna shifted in her seat, wrenching her gaze away from him. “Casual lunch,” she muttered, just loud enough for him to hear. “I have to go straight back to work after this. I hope you don’t mind, but I’ll just drop you off at your motel.”

  Though disappointed—he couldn’t help but hope she’d be able to make a pit stop inside his room—he nodded. “That’s fine. You’re busy. I get it. Maybe we can get together another time.”

  Relief and some other, more complicated emotion flitted across her mobile face. “Of course,” she said, her voice a tiny bit too bright. “Another time.”

  “Here we are.” The waitress set their plates down. “Is there anything else I can get you?”

  Both Parker and Rayna shook their heads. As soon as she left, they dug in, eating with single-minded intensity, apparently determined to ignore the sexual tension swirling around them.

  * * *

  By the time the check arrived, Rayna felt relatively normal, much more composed. She drove Parker back to his motel, chatting about inconsequential things like the town’s annual Fourth of July parade. When she pulled up and parked, she kept her hands on the wheel and the engine running, not trusting herself if she got out of the car.

  She’d end up in his bed and, while she wanted to so badly, she needed to maintain a bit more discretion.

  Still, her entire body ached as she watched him walk away.

  Back at the office, she managed to keep busy enough to put Parker out of her mind. Finally, the workday ended. She hurried away, eager to get home to her family and some sort of routine.

  When she walked into the house, she went straight for the kitchen, aware that was where she’d find her mother.

  “Hey, Mom.” Sniffing the air, she stood in the doorway, trying to ascertain what Wanda might be making for dinner. “Smells great.”

  “Thanks. Katy saw you at Tres Corazones at lunchtime today,” Wanda said, not looking up from the pot she stirred on the stove. “She said you were with some handsome biker. Is there anything you might have forgotten to tell me?”

  Though her face colored, Rayna shrugged. “Not really. His name’s Parker Norton. He’s Sam’s nephew. He’s here because his friend’s sister is the girl that disappeared.”

  Wanda gasped, turning to stare. “The one you found in the shallow grave out in that field?”

  “We don’t know that yet, Mom. We haven’t received any kind of ID.”

  “Still...” Wanda shook her head. “That poor man must be so distraught. I’m guessing you’re not dating him, then?”

  She sounded so disappointed that Rayna had to laugh. “Not really, Mom. You remember what happened in Conroe with Lauren’s father. I seriously can’t risk anything like that happening again.”

  “It won’t.” The certainty in Wanda’s voice touched Rayna’s heart. “Sweetheart, you can’t live your life afraid to take a chance with a man ever. If this new guy is as handsome as Katy said, maybe you should try.”

  “Try what?” Rayna loved teasing her mother.

  Now Wanda blushed. “You’re a grown woman. Don’t pretend like you don’t know what I mean.”

  “We’re just friends, Mom.” Rayna saw no reason to mention the one amazing lovemaking session she and Parker had shared. Friends with definite benefits.

  “Invite him for dinner,” Wanda ordered, her green eyes sparkling, almost as if she knew. “I want to meet him.”

  “Dinner?” Rayna stared. “Why?”

  “Why not? It’s been a long time since you’ve been interested in a man.”

  She didn’t lie to her mother, ever. So, she couldn’t say she wasn’t interested in Parker. “If I do that, he’ll think it’s something more than it actually is. Plus, if word gets out, I’ll never live it down. You know how this town gossips.”

  Wanda gave her a hard look. “Since when have you cared about gossip? You’re allowed to have friends who happen to be men, you know.”

  When Rayna remained silent, her mother came over and wrapped her up in a big hug. “Honey, you don’t have to be afraid. What happened with Jimmy Wayne wasn’t your fault. You didn’t know. And the likelihood of that happening again... Well, that’s impossible.”

  Hugging Wanda back, Rayna finally pulled away. “He’s only in town to find his friend’s sister. Once she’s located, he’ll be gone.”

  “Which could be mighty soon.”

  “Exactly,” Rayna agreed. “I mean, we’re all hoping those remains don’t belong to Nicole, but it’s highly likely they do.”

  “Invite him to dinner,” Wanda repeated. “Especially since his time here is limited. A brief romantic fling might be just what you need.”

  Later, after Lauren had been put to bed and Wanda had planted herself in front of the television watching some reality show, Rayna poured herself a glass of wine and walked outside. Gazing up at the cloudless, starry night sky, she pulled out her phone. Did she really want to do this? If she asked Parker to meet her family, wouldn’t that give their relationship—if that was what it even was—way more significance than it called for?

  Her text message alert chimed. Parker. She stared, wondering how he’d known exactly the right time to text her.


  Are you busy?

  Heart skipping a beat, she texted him back.

  No. I’m sitting out in the backyard sipping a glass of wine.

  Wish I could join you.

  She hesitated for a second. Me, too.

  Let’s go out to dinner tomorrow night, he sent. My treat.

  Now or never. Taking a deep breath, she typed:

  I have a better idea. How about some home cooking? My mother is a fabulous cook and she loves meeting new people. Would you like to come here to dinner tomorrow night instead?

  After she hit Send, she waited. If he said no—and really, she couldn’t blame him—at least she could tell her mom she’d tried. Still, she hadn’t realized how badly she’d hoped he’d say yes until this very moment, while he mulled over her invitation.

  I’d love to, he sent back. What time?

  Since she tried to be home from work so they could eat by six, she told him six.

  Great. See you then.

  Though she really wanted to continue the chat, she simply responded with a thumbs-up and let it go. If she’d had her way, she’d have dialed his number and talked to him in person, just so she could hear his voice. Instead, she sat back and continued sipping her wine, delaying the moment when she had to tell her mother. Wanda would not only go on a cleaning frenzy, but she’d begin frantically planning the dinner menu, too. Rayna decided she’d tell her either right before she went to bed or first thing in the morning, as she left for work.

  When Rayna finished her wine, she went inside and in search of her mom. She found Wanda asleep in front of the TV, a half-eaten bag of popcorn in her lap. Heart full, Rayna stood for a moment and studied her mother. Slender, with the same wild mane of fiery waves she’d bequeathed her daughter, Wanda didn’t look old enough to be Rayna’s mother. She was, Rayna realized, beautiful. While Wanda apparently worried about fixing her daughter up, maybe Rayna should have been trying to do the same for her mother.

  Something to think about.

  At least her decision of when to tell her mom about Parker coming for dinner had been made for her. She’d tell her in the morning, while on her way out the door.

  The next morning, she did exactly that. Dropped a quick kiss on her daughter’s cheek before doing the same to her mother. “Oh, by the way, Mom. Parker is coming to dinner tonight. He’ll be here at six.” And then she hurried away, got into her squad car and drove off, hoping her mother wouldn’t be too upset.

  When she got to work, she saw a text message from her mother. I’m thrilled! And Wanda had followed that up with a bunch of heart emojis. Rayna grinned. Well, that answered that. Now she could go to work with a clear conscience.

  For the first time in a long time, the day dragged. Rayna found herself constantly checking her watch, willing the day to end. She had so many butterflies in her stomach she could barely choke down the barbecue sandwich Mary brought her from home. And Mary’s chopped-barbecue sandwiches were legendary.

  “Are you okay?” Mary asked, eyeing her half-eaten sandwich with concern. “You usually devour these when I bring them.”

  “It’s delicious.” Rayna managed a smile. “My stomach is a bit wonky today, so I might just wrap this up and put it in the fridge for tomorrow.”

  “Okay.” Mary shook her head, the slight frown creasing her brow letting Rayna know she felt offended. For a second or two, Rayna considered telling the other woman the real reason why she had no appetite, but since Mary loved to gossip, decided silence would be better.

  Finally, the clock inched past five. She closed down her computer, striving for casual even though her heart beat way too fast. She usually didn’t leave until five-ish, but had the stomachache excuse if Mary or someone else asked.

  Busy on the phone, Mary barely looked up as Rayna walked past her. Perfect. Now all she had to do was get home and freshen up before Parker arrived.

  Chapter 6

  Getting ready for dinner, Parker told himself Rayna was just being kind. Nothing more than a friendly invite to share a meal. With her and her family. Normally, something like that would scare the hell out of him. But this was Rayna, who wanted to keep things casual like he did. A polite gesture, nothing more, and one he needed to accept in the same spirit it had been offered.

  Then why did he feel so damn nervous?

  He’d gotten up and gone down the street for breakfast, lingering over his meal and listening to the ebb and flow of the conversation around him. Then, too restless to sit still for long, he’d taken his bike and gone for a long, meandering ride. He’d headed west, his favorite direction, and spent some time in a few of the little towns between Abilene and Midland. He’d hit Sweetwater and Colorado City, stopping in Big Spring before heading north to Lamesa, then east to Snyder and Anson before pulling back in to Getaway shortly after four.

  At least he felt better than when he’d left.

  He left the motel again at exactly five forty-five and pulled up in front of Rayna’s house in seven minutes. Parking his bike at the curb, he sat for a moment eyeing the neat little frame house. Roses of every color bloomed in carefully tended flower beds in front, adding to the warm, inviting appeal.

  Walking up the sidewalk, he realized too late he should have brought flowers or a bottle of wine. Kicking himself mentally, he shook his head and pressed the doorbell.

  Rayna answered it, smiling warmly. She’d changed out of her sheriff’s uniform and wore a formfitting, long floral dress. She wore her wavy red hair loose and flowing down her back. She looked so beautiful, his chest ached.

  “Welcome,” she said, stepping aside. “Come on in and meet my mom and my daughter.”

  Suppressing the urge to pull her close and kiss her, he came inside. As she turned to shut the door, she brushed his arm, making him realize she smelled like the roses out front.

  They’d barely taken two steps when a small girl came barreling down the hallway, throwing herself at Rayna. “Mama, Mama! I want to play!”

  “Not now, Lauren,” Rayna said firmly. “We have company and we’re about to eat dinner. Say hello to Mr. Norton.”

  Lauren went still, peeking up at Parker from behind her mother’s dress. “Hello,” she finally said. “Are you Mama’s friend?”

  “I am.” He smiled at her, hoping he looked friendly rather than intimidating.

  “Is that a bird on your arm?” she asked, pointing at one of his tattoos.

  “A dragon,” he answered.

  “Well, hello there,” another feminine voice drawled. He turned around to see an older version of Rayna standing in the kitchen doorway, smiling. “You must be Rayna’s friend Parker.”

  They shook hands. She eyed him in a way that told him she knew how awkward he felt.

  “Parker, this is my mom, Wanda. Mom, this is Parker Norton, Sam’s nephew.”

  “Come on in the kitchen and take a load off,” Wanda said, turning and leading the way. “Would you like a beer? Or iced tea? I’ve even got some bourbon if that’s what you prefer.”

  “I’d love a beer.” He took a seat and managed to tear his gaze away from Rayna long enough to accept the longneck from her mother. “Thank you so much for having me. It’s been quite a while since I’ve had a home-cooked meal.”

  “Really?” One perfectly shaped brow rose as Wanda looked from him to Rayna and back again. “Well then, you’re in for a treat. I’ve made chicken-fried steak, gravy, mashed potatoes and fresh green beans with bacon. One of my specialties.”

  His mouth watered just thinking about it. “Those are all my favorites, ma’am.”

  Wanda ducked her head, clearly pleased. “Good. I’m glad to hear it.”

  “Is there anything I can do to help?” Rayna asked, grabbing her own longneck from the fridge.

  “You just sit down with your friend and relax. We’re going to eat buffet-style.” Attention already returning
to the stove, Wanda turned her back to them and got busy.

  Rayna shook her head and took a sip of her beer, a smile playing around the corner of her mouth. “We only eat buffet-style on holidays,” she murmured to Parker. “Wait until you taste Mom’s food. I’ve been telling her for years that she ought to open her own restaurant.”

  “And I’ve been telling her I spent way too many years working in the food service industry to have any desire to go back,” Wanda replied, all without turning around. “Now I cook for pleasure. My own enjoyment. I’d hate to have to do it for money.”

  “Were you a cook before?” Parker asked, genuinely curious.

  “Nope. A waitress,” Wanda and Rayna answered at the same time, which made Rayna laugh.

  “We’re always doing that,” Rayna said. “We’re a lot alike. We’re lucky we don’t get on each other’s nerves.”

  “Who says we don’t?” Wanda quipped. “Just kidding.”

  Lauren, who still clung to one of Rayna’s legs, continued to stare at Parker as if he’d sprouted horns.

  “It’s okay, honey.” Rayna smoothed back her daughter’s hair. “You don’t need to be frightened of Parker.”

  If anything, this made the little girl’s frown deepen. “I’m not scared,” she declared indignantly. “I’m brave. But you said not to talk to strangers, so I won’t.”

  “Parker isn’t a stranger,” Rayna said. “He’s my friend, and I invited him into our house to have dinner with us.”

  Silence while Lauren digested this. “Okay,” she finally said. “He has pretty pictures all over his arms. I like them.”

  “Thank you,” he told her, smiling. Surprisingly, most small children really liked his tattoos.

  “Dinner is just about ready,” Wanda announced. “Lauren, go wash your hands, please. Rayna, would you mind setting the table?”

  Parker got to his feet. “What can I do to help?”

  “Nothing.” Wanda shooed him away. “You’re a guest. Your job is just to enjoy the food.”