CHAPTER FOUR
HAD HE REALLY left the force for a slower pace? Didn’t feel like it. The first three days of the second week with Lisa had been nothing short of insane. Vacationers flocked to the lake, and more than half of them had no clue about boating safety and lake regulations.
A bunch of college kids had shown up with a pontoon that they planned to drastically overload. The cop in him came out and he’d refused to let them launch—which had caused a scene with thirteen pissed-off college idiots who were already lit at ten in the morning.
Gray hadn’t seen Lisa disappear, but a few minutes later her uncle Morgan, the freaking mayor, was there with the sheriff, and Gray had taken satisfaction in being able to back off and let others handle it.
Lisa did introductions immediately afterward. Gray liked the sheriff. Tucker Turley gave off a mild-mannered, won’t-get-riled vibe that he quietly backed up with pure steel. It was actually entertaining to watch.
He also learned that her uncle, who had once been sheriff before being elected mayor, now headed up the COCP program, or Community Organized Crime Prevention. Made up of local agencies, which included Shohn as a ranger and Garrett as a firefighter, as well as area residents, the COCP coordinated to fight minor crime, delinquency, vandalism and such.
Nice that her uncle cared enough to stay so involved, and because of that he wielded a lot of respect and confidence.
Turley, much younger, had the badge but didn’t seem to mind Morgan’s input—which proved Turley was confident and smart. Better to work with Morgan than fight against him.
Being the authority figure, Gray knew, was hard to shake. It got in your blood, settled into your bones and stuck.
Just yesterday, early evening, some yahoo had decided to teach a ten-year-old kid how to swim by throwing him in without a jacket. He’d heard Lisa yell, a bigger splash, and seconds later she’d waded out with her arm protectively around the shaken kid, who was still coughing up lake water. Already headed toward them, Gray watched her gently seat the boy on a bench, then whirl in a fury on the man. She’d poked his chest, crowded into his space and snapped loud enough for everyone on the lake to hear, “Are you an idiot?”
With a lot of audacity, the guy had yelled back, “Mind your own damn business, lady!”
Gray hadn’t remembered moving, but in a heartbeat he was between them, so pissed that breathing wasn’t easy. Through his teeth, he’d growled, “Back it down. Now.”
The guy had, but before Gray could say anything more a woman appeared. She was even more pissed than Gray. From what he could figure, the man was a disappointing blind date and the lady was already done with him. After chewing the guy up one side and down the other, she’d put a life preserver on her son, gotten him in the boat—which was apparently hers, not his—and she took off…leaving the man still on shore.
Smug, Lisa had watched him head for his car. When he’d realized he didn’t have the keys, he launched into another fit. He’d even kicked the car.
Scowling, Lisa had headed for him, but Gray cut her off. “No.” She tried to go around him, so he’d stopped her again. “I’ll deal with it.”
Gray had watched the hesitation in her eyes, then saw the trust. “Okay.”
The confrontation hadn’t gone well. The guy had blustered and shouted and caused a scene. Gray kept his cool.
Finally, with some vague threats, the man stomped off. Where he’d gone, Gray didn’t know, but as long as he left, it didn’t matter to him.
Lisa had smiled at him, patted his chest, and just that easily she’d gone back to helping other folks. When the woman and her son returned near dark, she’d taken the time to thank both Lisa and Gray. Blind dates, she declared, were off her agenda forever. She’d hugged her son, a cute little boy, and said she’d be back again. Gray and Lisa both waved her off, and they hadn’t had a chance to talk about it since.
Luckily, the mishaps after that were simple ones, easily corrected. But he made a note to stock up on life preservers and to post a large sign sharing navigation rules and a required equipment chart.
Now here it was, the butt crack of dawn on the fourth day, and Gray, wearing running shorts and sneakers with a loose T-shirt and a backward ball cap, headed up the walk to Lisa’s house. That she had a house didn’t surprise him; she was a very resourceful, intelligent and capable woman.
But from what he understood, she hadn’t stayed in Buckhorn much. Maybe the house meant that, deep down, she’d always intended to settle back home at some point.
He hoped so.
He’d gotten her address from Amber, who still stopped by the marina at least every other day but, thankfully, no longer dragged other dudes along. His plan was simple—spend more alone time with Lisa without pressuring her. From what Amber had said, Lisa got enough pressure from everyone else. Her massive family wanted her to put down roots, and they weren’t shy in attempting to sway her.
For once the skies were cloudy and the air smelled of rain. He knew fishing boats would flock to the lake, but there’d be fewer skiers, and for today, at least, he liked that trade-off.
If he caught Lisa before her jog, he could join her. It wasn’t an intimate dinner, and it was a far cry from sex, but at least they wouldn’t have half the lake’s population crowded around them.
Assuming what her brother and cousin had said was true, she jogged each morning. To do that, she’d have to already be up and about. And if she wasn’t yet up and he woke her…maybe that’d be okay, too. Gray pictured her all drowsy and sleep rumpled and had to fight off a boner.
When he had his hand raised to knock on her front door, it suddenly opened and Lisa rushed out, almost plowing into him.
He caught her upper arms, then winced from her short, startled scream. “Hey, it’s just me.”
Wide-eyed, she blinked him into focus, then shoved him back and put a hand to her heart. “Gray! What in the world are you doing here? You scared me half to death.”
He took in her fitted running clothes and felt the slow burn of desire. “I was hoping to jog with you.”
The hand went from her heart to her high, sloppy ponytail. “But… I don’t like anyone to see me like this. It’s why I jog so early.”
“It’s just me.”
Expression droll, she said, “You’re at the top of the list of people who should never see me wrecked.”
“You’re not wrecked.” Far from it. “The shorts are hot.”
Her laugh teased over him as she looked down at her pink gym shorts. “Hot, huh?”
“Mostly because of the ass inside them. And the legs.” He slid a hand to her waist. “And I could totally envy that sports bra.”
“Envy?”
“It’s holding your rack all snug.”
Grinning, she stepped past him and pulled her door shut. “You realize that now you really do have to jog.”
“You think I can’t?” Did she consider him a slacker?
“With your bod?” She snorted. “I’m sure you aren’t afraid of exercise.”
“Actually, I like it.” Before his leg injury he used to jog regularly. Anticipating the run, he looked around the dark neighborhood. “Where do you jog, anyway?”
“I start here, go up through the school yard, circle around to the main street, then back. It only takes forty minutes or so.”
“Thought you didn’t want to be seen.”
With a chuckle, she elbowed him. “This is Buckhorn, Gray, not the city. Other than the grocery, which now stays open overnight, the businesses don’t open until ten, later on Saturday, and not at all on Sunday. The farmers will be up and about, but we won’t see them. Uncle Morgan might be at the courthouse, and Uncle Gabe sometimes starts early if he has a lot to get done. Dad’s vet clinic is farther out and Uncle Sawyer still works from home.”
“Question—unless I misunderstood, your uncles are brothers, so why do they all have different last names?”
“Caught that, did you? Well, it’s easy enough. Uncle Sawyer and Uncle Morgan are the oldest, and they’re both Hudsons. Their dad died when they were really young and my grandma remarried and had my dad. But apparently things didn’t work out and they divorced. He took off and Dad’s never really known him. Then my grandma remarried again and had Uncle Gabe, and she and Grandpa Brett are still together.”
“I haven’t met her.”
“They live in Florida but make it up here several times a year. Stick around and I’m sure you’ll have the pleasure.” Smiling fondly, Lisa headed for the sidewalk. “Grandma is something. A small, sweet dynamo.”
“Sounds like someone else I know.”
Brows angled, she asked, “Who?”
He laughed. “You.”
“But I told you, we’re not blood related.”
“There are a lot of things more important than blood.”
She thought about that a second, then nodded.
Gray followed her out to the sidewalk, filled his lungs with the clean, storm-thick air and stretched. “I like it here.”
Gaze on his body, she said, “Me, too.”
But did she like it for the long haul? He hoped so. “Your house is nice.” Big enough for a family, but still cozy. Well-trimmed shrubs, flowering annuals and perennials brightened the midsized white ranch with a slate-gray roof and matching shutters. She had a big yard with a few mature trees and a really nice porch holding two rockers.
“Thanks. I bought it as an investment, you know? But since I’ve been back, I’ve done some decorating and now it feels more like mine.”
“When?” She’d been working with him from sunup to sundown. Whenever he tried to give her a break, she refused.
“When what?”
“When would you have had time to decorate?” Sometimes he suspected she used the marina as a hideout from her imposing and often demonstrative family.
Rather than answer, she started off at an easy lope. Gray held back, enjoying the view. Her ponytail bounced—as did her bottom. Her legs were strong but sleek. Her waist small. Her shoulders straight.
Not once did she look back for him, so he caught up and then metered his pace to match hers. He enjoyed the rhythmic slapping of sneakers on pavement, the way they fell into an easy cadence together. Lisa had a nice, even stride, long for her height.
“In the evenings,” she said, not even a little breathless, “I do online shopping. It takes me a while to unwind when I get home, so whenever something new has arrived, curtains or wall art or whatever, I unpack it and put it up.”
“I wouldn’t mind helping you with that.”
She just smiled. “Thanks.”
Hell, he’d like to help her with anything, just to spend more time with her. “If you need time off, just tell me.”
“I will.” They went another block in silence before she spoke again. “I’m very undecided about so many things. It helps to stay busy.”
A perfect opening. “I could help with that, too, without you being on the clock.”
“Yeah?” She flashed him a grin. “What did you have in mind?”
Only half under his breath, he said, “If I told you everything on my mind, you’d probably slap me.”
Eyes straight ahead, she said, “Doubtful, since it’s on my mind as well.”
“It?”
“Us.” She peeked at him, then jogged across the street at a crosswalk in front of the middle school.
Gray caught up to her again. “Think we need to do anything about it?”
“Yes.”
He stopped for a heartbeat, but Lisa didn’t. Again he quickened his pace to rejoin her. He liked her profile, the very slight smile showing, how her long lashes left shadows on her cheeks. How her breasts jiggled a little despite being squished by the sports bra. “Okay, when?”
She kept going, pushing herself harder, but eventually said, “I like it that you want me. That you know a part of me no one else knows.”
No one? Meaning no other guy? “I’m trying to be patient, honey, you know that. Just know that it’s not easy, okay?”
“Other women have made offers.”
He shrugged. “Other men have made offers.”
She shot him a look. “To you?”
Laughing, he shook his head. “To you.”
“Oh.” She waved that off as if it didn’t matter.
“Not interested?” he asked. “Not even a little?”
“Not even a little.”
That was something, anyway. “Same here.” He let that sink in, then added, “I want you. Only you.” And for her, he was willing to wait. “Just so you know.”
“You don’t make it easy.”
All’s fair in love and war. “I’m pushing too much?”
She shook her head. “No, you’re just too damned irresistible.” Lengthening her stride, she tried to leave him, but he just grinned and kept pace and shortly, a little winded, she slowed again.
They entered the town, lit by stately lampposts lining the street. Weak rays of sunrise couldn’t quite penetrate the heavy gray clouds. A light sprinkle started, sending steam to rise from the heated pavement. Lisa didn’t mention it, so Gray didn’t, either.
They passed an old-fashioned post office, a grocery, an ice cream shop. Lights shone inside the diner, but it wasn’t yet open, and sure enough, her uncle Morgan had just pulled into the courthouse. Spotting them, he paused as he got out of his utility vehicle, then started toward them.
“He sees us,” Gray told Lisa.
She kept her nose down and kept going.
“He’s walking out to greet us.”
“Pretend you don’t see him,” she muttered.
Yeah, right. A man of Morgan Hudson’s size and presence would be impossible not to see. “Sorry, can’t. It’d make me look both chickenshit and rude.”
“Damn it.” Slowing her pace, Lisa looked up and smiled brightly, as if only then seeing the big bruiser.
“Faker,” Gray whispered.
“Hush.” And then, louder, she said, “Uncle Morgan, hi.”
Morgan gave his niece a double take and laughed. “The words are right, honey, but the inflection is off. I gather you were hoping to miss me?”
“No, of course not. I always enjoy seeing you.”
“’Cept when you have a swain keeping pace?” Morgan slanted his attention to Gray.
Lisa said quickly, “I work for him.”
“I know that. Also know Amber tried to fix you up a few times, but you weren’t having it.”
Lisa groaned.
Gray smiled and offered his hand. “Nice to see you again, Mayor.”
Taking his hand, her uncle indulged in an easy greeting without any of the usual fist-crunching, pissing-contest nonsense. “Morgan’ll do. ’Specially since Amber tells me you’re joining us this Sunday.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I looked you up.” Finally, Morgan freed his hand. “You were a damn good cop. Shame what happened. I see your leg is okay now?”
Aware of Lisa watching him, Gray stiffened. “I’m fine.”
“Yeah, that’s how I’d tell it, too.” Morgan didn’t leave. In fact, he scrutinized Gray. “I was especially sorry to read about your partner.”
“Thank you.”
Lisa half stepped in front of her uncle. “What happened to your leg?”
Gray pulled off his cap, ran a hand through his hair, then replaced it—this time facing forward. “It’s nothing.”
She rounded on Morgan. “Spill it.”
“Not my story to tell, honey.” Morgan caught her shoulders, held her still for a loud kiss on the forehead, then stepped back. “I’ll let you two finish your jog. But Gray?”
Gray lifted a brow.
“Everyone’s looking forward to Sunday. Don’t chicken out.”
Lisa groaned.
Gray stiffened even more. “Wouldn’t miss it.”
Laughing, Morgan said, “Yeah, I think you’ll do.”
Gray watched the mayor stride away because that was easier than meeting Lisa’s curious gaze. “Ready to finish this jog?”
“Gray?” She touched his arm.
“You need a break?”
Sighing, she trailed her hand up his arm to his biceps, where she lingered a moment, then to his shoulder. Right there on the sidewalk in front of the courthouse with her uncle not that far away, she stroked over his chest. “This is one of those times where we could get better acquainted.”
“Shit.” He scrubbed a hand over his face. He didn’t like talking about himself, not when talking about Lisa would be far more interesting. But she stood there with those mesmerizing dark eyes and he caved. “You didn’t notice the scar on my thigh the night we got together?”
“You were naked,” she said as if that explained it. “I was taking in the whole package.”
He lifted a brow.
Face flushed, she said, “Not that package. I mean…” More color filled her cheeks. “I liked that, too.”
Grinning, Gray folded his arms and gave her his undivided attention.
She huffed out a breath. “I liked all of it. Of you, I mean. Maybe…too much?”
Too much? Not possible.
Throwing up her hands, she said, “You’re gorgeous. You know that. And your body…”
When she shivered, he felt it in his dick. “Any time you want a second showing, let me know.”
“I think I do.”
His heart tried to punch out of his chest. “Yeah?”
“Will you show me your leg?”
“Sure.” Given the wound was high, damn near to his groin, he’d have to get naked, which suited him just fine. “My leg. Both legs. Top to bottom, yours to view. Or touch. Whatever you have in mind…”
Laughing, she swatted him but quickly sobered. “Come on.”
He fell into a jog beside her.
“Will you at least tell me how it happened?”
He didn’t want to. Hell, he hated talking about it. But given he wanted to know everything about her, it only seemed fair. “Yeah.”
“When?”
“When I’m showing you my leg.”
She laughed again. “Okay, then. How about tonight?”
He stopped. So did she.
Searching her face, he said, “Tonight works.”
Her voice lowered, went as husky as his. “Okay.”
Damn, she kept him wired. And confused. “Are we talking about talking, or—”
“Well, this looks serious.”
They both jumped, turned as one, and found another of her relatives grinning at them through an open truck window.
Gray bit back his groan.
Lisa slapped on another false smile. “Uncle Gabe.”
Gabe laughed. “Know what, Lisa? You sound just like I used to when Mom busted me.” He eyed them both. “Planning some hanky-panky?”
“Uncle Gabe!”
“Hey, I’m told Gray is staying in Buckhorn, so if he’s the lure that keeps you here, it’s okay by me. Long as he’s a nice guy.” Expression changing, Gabe zeroed in on him. “You a nice guy, Gray?”
He didn’t miss the warning in the question. “When being nice is appropriate, sure.”
Gabe held his gaze for a few beats, then laughed. “I like him, honey. Carry on.” Stepping on the gas, Gabe drove away.
“Can’t walk a block without tripping over a damned relative.”
Gray grinned at her. “They’re protective.”
“And gossipy, too. Gabe and Morgan will tell Dad and Sawyer and they’ll all tell their wives and everyone in the entire family will think we have a thing.”
Gray raised his hand. “Guilty.” He had a thing all right. More than a thing. He just needed to get Lisa on board. But until she made up her mind about whether or not to stay in Buckhorn, he didn’t want to put her on the spot.
Because he was staying.
Before she could ask all those questions he saw in her gaze, Gray said, “Now, about us getting together again.” He brushed the backs of his fingers over her cheek. “I can have Petie close up tonight so we can both get off at seven. What do you think?”
“I think everyone in Buckhorn is going to know.”
Probably. From what he could tell, word traveled fast. Challenging her, he asked, “How old are you?”
“Thirty.”
“I’m thirty-two. That makes us both old enough to do whatever we damn well please.”
Her breath shuddered out. “Oh, Gray.” Eyes dark and heated and seductive, she whispered, “We pleased an awful lot.”
Yeah, and it ate him up thinking about it. “Damn, baby. Don’t look at me like that.”
“Like what?”
“Like you’re remembering everything and wanting a repeat. I can’t get hard, not here on the street in running shorts.” He cupped her face, tipped it up to his. “Now tell me we have a date regardless of who will know.”
The lustful haze lifted with her smile. “It doesn’t bother me if it doesn’t bother you.”
“Doesn’t bother me even a little.” All that mattered was having her again.
For the longest time she stared up at him, and finally she laughed. “You’re a brave man, Gray Neely. Sexy, nice and brave. I hope you know what you’re getting into.”