14
BECAUSE COLT HAD the day off, Hogan relied on Kristy and Jerry to let him know when Brooklin showed up. Kristy proved to be the most accommodating, informing him of her arrival, that they’d ordered turkey-and-veggie pitas and that they’d gone to Violet’s office to eat.
Because it was important—at least it felt that way to him—Hogan got ahead on ribs then left a panicked Kristy keeping watch over them while he went to talk to the ladies. To make up for the loss of Kristy on the dining room floor, he pulled one of the dishwashers to wait tables. It was quite a shuffling of staff, but at their slowest time of the day, so he felt it was safe to take advantage.
Instead of barging in as he usually did, Hogan tapped politely on the door and waited. A second later Brooklin opened the door.
He peered around her and saw Violet in the chair, the leg of her jeans rolled up and an ice pack on her ankle. He nodded in satisfaction and stepped in without an invite.
“Ladies.”
Sitting forward, Violet demanded, “Why aren’t you on the grill? What’s wrong?”
“You’re both injured, that’s what’s wrong.”
“But the grill—”
“I’ve got it covered.” He turned to Brooklin, saw she avoided his gaze and took in the bandage on her arm. “How badly are you hurt?”
“It’s fine,” she said, her attention on the wall to the right. “A deep scratch, but nothing a little antiseptic ointment and a few suture bandages didn’t fix.”
Deciding to get to the point, Hogan crossed his arms and watched her. “I heard someone deliberately tried to run you down.”
She swallowed loudly.
Violet tossed aside her ice bag and swung her leg off the chair. “Hogan...”
“No, don’t get up.” In two big steps he reached her, urging her back to a comfortable position.
“I was getting up to throw you out.” Her look stern, she said, “Brooklin and I are talking.”
“So I came in too soon?”
She growled, “And you’ll go out even faster!”
“No,” he said, meaning it. “I won’t.”
Violet looked ready to blast him.
Brooklin interjected before she could. “It’s okay, Violet. He may as well hear it, too.” She faced him with the same enthusiasm she’d give a firing squad. “I was just telling Violet that, yes, I think it was deliberate, but I can’t know for sure. I thought...” Her voice faded off.
Hogan’s first concern was Violet, but what man could be immune to a woman distressed? Gentling his voice, he said, “You thought you were safe here?”
“Yes.” Folding her arms around herself, she cupped the thick bandage on her elbow, almost as if it gave her courage. “There is someone who may have found me here. I don’t know how. It doesn’t make any sense...”
No, so far, it didn’t. “Who would want to hurt you?”
Hugging herself tighter, she turned away. “I’m sorry, but I think I should talk to Nathan about that first.”
With more questions than answers, Hogan asked, “Because he’s the sheriff?”
“In part.” Her gaze lifted to meet Violet’s and then resolutely moved to Hogan’s. “I never wanted anyone else hurt. If I’d thought there was any way—”
“We know that,” Violet said.
Hogan agreed with a nod. “As I told Violet, she was likely collateral damage.”
Brooklin winced, took a deep breath and straightened. “As long as I stay away, I don’t think anyone would bother her.”
Violet almost shot out of her chair. “Forget it! I have no idea what’s going on, but I’m not about to let some thug choose my friends for me. Next time I’ll be ready. Next time I’ll—”
Incredulous, Hogan turned on her. “What the hell are you talking about? You both need to be more careful, not go around offering challenges.”
“I’ll be careful,” Violet said, her eyes mean as she figuratively dug in. “But I won’t let you dictate to me, and I like you, Hogan. What makes you think I’d let some vicious dick push me around?”
“God help me,” Hogan muttered. How would he convince her not to be reckless? He couldn’t risk her like that, definitely couldn’t lose her—
Surprising him, Brooklin was the voice of reason. “I understand, Violet, I really do. Of course you’re right. But tonight I’ll talk to Nathan. Until then, if I see you, it should only be in a big setting like this. Not alone. In fact, you shouldn’t be alone at all.” She looked at Hogan. “In the evenings—”
“I’ll be sure to close down the place with her.”
Flopping back in her seat, Violet grumbled. “I’ve been running this business alone for a very long time without a babysitter.”
Brooklin’s devastation showed through her brave front, despite her slight smile. “That was before me, though.”
Neither Hogan nor Violet had anything to say to that. It’d help if he knew what they were dealing with.
Soon. If Nathan didn’t get in touch tonight, he’d track him down again tomorrow.
On her way to the door, Brooklin said, “Please be careful, okay? Both of you.”
“Are you leaving alone?” Hogan asked, and he saw Violet beam at him as if he’d just done something wonderful. Hell, it was only a question.
“I was able to park closer this time.”
“I’ll walk you out anyway.” He pointed at Violet, taking in her beautiful tumbled hair, the body-hugging tank she wore, the makeup and the jewelry. “Stay put, okay? I have a lot of compliments to give you soon as I get back.”
Her smile widened even more. “You noticed.”
She had to be kidding. “I’m not blind, honey. I just prioritized.” He closed the door on her delighted laugh.
A laugh.
After receiving confirmation that someone had likely tried to—
“I like Violet a lot.”
Hogan glanced at Brooklin. “Yeah, me, too.”
She didn’t look at anyone as they walked through the restaurant. “I really will stay away from her.”
“Why? If you can make it here without harm, then it’s the perfect place to visit, right? Lots of people around. Safety in numbers and all that.” He opened the front door, searched the area, saw nothing but the usual sluggish traffic, sunshine and neighbors, then stepped out ahead of her. “I appreciate that you kept her off that leg for a while today.”
“I needed to apologize.”
“Knowing Violet as I do, I doubt that. She wouldn’t blame you.”
“No, she didn’t.” Brooklin pointed to her car. “This is me. I found a spot at the curb this time.”
“Lucky.”
“I circled the block three times.”
Hogan laughed. “Okay, then let’s call it smart.” He waited while she unlocked the door with a key fob, then opened it for her. When she was in, he said, “Mind if I ask where you’re headed?”
“Straight home. I have some work of my own to get done. And yes, I’ll be watching the area, same as you just did.”
“Still doesn’t feel right. I’m surprised Nathan isn’t dogging you.”
“He tried.” She put the key in the ignition. “You interrupted a bit of a disagreement this morning.”
“With Nathan insisting and you refusing?”
Brooklin fell quiet, then gave a soft laugh. “Odd how you have me spilling my guts. Nathan could tell you that I rarely do. But for some reason, here I am, sitting here and telling you things.”
Not enough things. Hogan smiled. “Since I’m not Nathan, maybe sharing doesn’t bother you as much.”
“I didn’t want to get involved.” She frowned. “Or maybe it’s that I didn’t want to involve anyone else. Know what I mean?”
“I do.”
She dropped her head back against the seat. “But now I’ve involved Nathan and Violet both.”
“I’ll watch out for Violet.”
“I’m glad.”
“And you,” he said, “should trust Nathan.” Then more softly, he added, “You don’t want to be looking over your shoulder your entire life.”
“No,” she agreed. “I don’t.” She turned her face up to his. “Go and give Violet that flattery now. She’s waiting for you.”
Hogan returned her smile. “It’s nice, you know?”
“To have someone waiting?”
He nodded.
“My thought exactly.”
He watched her drive away, then headed back inside. He went to Kristy first, to see how she was managing.
The second she spotted him, she almost collapsed and tried to hand him the tongs. “What took you so long?”
You’d think he’d asked her to create magic, the way she acted. “It was only a few minutes.” When she started to leave, he caught her arm. “Hold up. I’m not quite done yet.”
“Hogan!”
Keeping his fingers wrapped around her wrist, he peered at the ribs, then proclaimed her an expert. “Terrific job. You’ve kept basting them, right? They look perfect.”
Now instead of straining away, she eased closer and smiled. “Really? They’re okay?”
Using a fork, he pried off one small bite and tasted it. “Mmm. Better than okay.”
While Hogan removed the ribs and put on more to cook, she beamed. “Keep up the great work, and I promise only ten minutes more.”
Cockier by the second, Kristy agreed. “Sure. This is easier than waiting tables. Lots of nice people stop by to talk.”
“Maybe you can be my official fill-in when I need time away.”
Alarm set her eyes wide. “Wait a minute. Helping now and then is fine, but I don’t know about doing this for an entire shift.”
She squeaked when he gave her a quick, laughing hug. “Ten minutes more. Fifteen tops. I’ll be back before things get busy. Just watch for fire and slather on more sauce every so often.”
As he left her, Hogan saw Kristy concentrating hard on the ribs, her tongs at the ready.
He was still smiling when he rapped on Violet’s door and stepped in. She’d left the chair and was busy returning the ice packs to the cooler.
“Let me.” He took it from her, knelt more easily than she could and finished in seconds, the cooler once again secure.
“I could have managed,” she said, her tone nettled.
Hogan didn’t debate it with her, not when he had other, more important things on his mind—such as getting his mouth on hers.
Like a starving man, he caught her close.
“What a—”
The second her lips parted, his mouth covered hers, his tongue sliding in as he shifted for a better fit. When she melted against him, he lowered one hand to her ass so he could pull her in tight.
“Mmm,” she whispered.
Kissing a path to her throat, he breathed in her fragrant skin and felt his muscles knot in reaction.
A hint of perfume curled around his senses, and he smiled.
Breathless, Violet said, “If I’d known a little makeup and loose hair would cause this, I’d have gotten to it sooner.”
“You look amazing, honey, but you always do.” While palming her perfect ass, he nipped her earlobe and whispered, “But I’d be all over you regardless.”
“Really?”
He drew in her skin, careful not to mark her, then soothed the sensitive spot with his tongue. “I’ve missed you. That’s all.”
She drew back to stare up at him, her gaze wide with delight. “That’s all?”
Framed with mascara, her eyes looked even bluer than usual. Skin flushed, mouth wet from his kiss, she was the hottest, most appealing woman he’d ever known, special in ways he only just started to realize.
To help him concentrate, he shifted his hands off her luscious behind. “It doesn’t matter what you wear or whether your hair is up or down.” He stroked his fingers through the long, silky waves. “Though I admit, you do have gorgeous hair.” He thought of it drifting over his body as she kissed him and nearly groaned.
A slow smile curled Violet’s mouth—a naked mouth, without lipstick, and he was grateful for that.
“So,” she teased, “the fact that I’m wearing my sexiest underthings wouldn’t affect you at all?”
Now he did groan, drawing her closer as the heat built beneath his skin. “How sexy?”
Her small, hot tongue touched against his throat. “Barely there,” she whispered.
Hogan crushed her against him. “Okay, that’s tempting.” He gave her payback, saying, “But not more so than having you naked.” Finally, with no real choice, he stepped back. “And that’s enough of that or Kristy will be stuck on the grill for longer than ten minutes.”
Sensuality dropped away and alarm stole her soft expression. “You left Kristy on the grills? Hogan, you know she can’t cook!”
“She’s not cooking,” he said as he caught her, keeping her in front of him. “She’s minding the grills. That’s all. I got her set up before I came in to talk to you.”
“But she—”
Hogan kissed her again. She resisted for about two seconds before giving in with enthusiasm.
The second he lifted his mouth, though, she demanded, “Who’s waiting tables?”
“I pulled one of the washers.” And before she could explode, he again sealed his mouth over hers. He stuck with it a little longer this time, teasing her lips with his tongue, his teeth. God, he loved her taste, the heat of her.
He eased back slowly with kisses to the corner of her mouth, her chin and her nose.
Eyes still closed, Violet breathed, “I’m going to kill you, damn you. You can’t just take over.”
Unable to help himself, Hogan grinned. “Before you rush off to rearrange things I haven’t messed up, will you promise me something?”
“Depends.” On a sigh, she got her eyes open. “If it’s to let you meddle so much, the answer is no.”
Still grinning, Hogan said, “You’re a tyrant, and no, I don’t need to interfere with your business.”
“Needing to isn’t the point. You enjoy it.” She rested against him, winced when she did so and readjusted so that she had less pressure on her foot.
“Two promises, actually. First, will you try to take it extra easy today? We can manage without you being on your feet too much.”
“I promise to use my own good sense to know when I should rest. How’s that?”
Not good enough, since pride dictated her actions more so than good sense. But pressing her further wouldn’t change that, not today. Besides, he liked her proud and stubborn and capable.
“I guess it’ll have to do. So, let’s move on to the second thing. Will you let me stay the night?” He curled his fingers over her jaw, let his thumb brush over her bottom lip. “Not just for sex. We both need to sleep at some point. But I’m worried, whether you are or not. Until we learn more about Brooklin’s problem, I don’t like the idea of you being alone.”
“What about Colt?”
That she’d think of his son first endeared her to him even more. He couldn’t hold back his expression of satisfaction, or the tenderness swelling in his heart. Crazy that Violet did that to him, turned him on until he thought he’d catch fire, all while making his brain foggy and his thoughts gentle. It was an amazing contradiction, sometimes unsettling, sometimes perfect.
“Colt can stay with Jason and Honor.”
Taking only a few seconds to consider it, Violet nodded. “I don’t mind. Truthfully, I’m a little spooked, too. Having company will be nice. But aren’t you worried about the whole town knowing?”
“Jason and Honor won’t gossip. No one needs to know but us.” Then he thought of how he’d caught Brooklin coming from Nathan’s house and he knew anything was possible.
It didn’t matter. Violet was the priority right now.
Violet—and keeping her safe.
He didn’t want to dwell on that, so he lifted the small oval necklace she wore. “This is beautiful. Brooklin made it?”
“Yes. You really like it?”
“It’s pretty, and it matches your eyes.”
She smiled. “That’s what Brooklin said, too.”
“I also like this shirt. Maybe too much.” The lacy tank hugged her body like a second skin and showed more cleavage than usual.
“If it wasn’t for my stupid foot, I’d have on sexier jeans, too.” She walked her fingers up his chest. “I wanted to get your attention.”
“You always have it.” He briefly cupped her breast, groaned low and made himself step away before he said too much.
Or did too much.
Violet didn’t object; she just watched him as if waiting to see if he’d touch her again.
“You’re dangerous.”
Her lips curled.
Pointing at her, he said, “Stop that before you find yourself bent over the desk.”
Her lips parted. “Seriously?”
Groaning, Hogan turned away and headed for the door in a move of self-preservation. “I’ll check in with you later.” Over his shoulder, he said, “Or if you find the time and want to visit me at the grills, feel free.”
Pleased with that invite, she nodded. “Will do.” She shooed him away. “Now go before Kristy burns something and we have to take a loss.”
Hogan laughed on his way out. Always, Violet kept the success of her diner and turning a profit at the forefront of her mind.
He admired that. He more than admired her.
How the hell had that happened?
* * *
When Brooklin heard the music start, she went to the window to look out. Nathan had his garage door up and she got her first glimpse inside.
It was unlike any garage she’d ever seen.
The band had set up half in, half out, with two guitars, an elaborate set of drums, a keyboard and a tall microphone. Large speakers were stationed near the doors. Behind them, finished walls, a bar, a comfy couch, a table and chairs filled the space.
She wasn’t sure, but she thought Nathan might have created a man cave for himself that served the dual purpose of being the perfect space for the band to practice.
Drunken Monkeys, she remembered. What a name.
None of the guys looked remotely like monkeys or drunks, but none of them were as handsome as Nathan.
While playing one of the guitars, he sang “Born on the Bayou” and, mesmerized, her heart swelling, she realized he was really good.
And he looked incredibly sexy.
Slipping her shoes on her feet, she hurried out the back door and across the lawns to join them.
When he saw her, Nathan smiled, but he didn’t miss a single note. The other guys grinned hugely and poured their hearts into the music.
As the song ended, she broke into applause. “That was fantastic!”
One of the members, a guy with longish hair and a porn-style mustache, elbowed Nathan and said, “She expected us to suck.”
“Seems like,” he agreed, teasing her. Nathan turned to another one of the members. “Stan, you want to grab her a chair?”
The infamous Stan, she thought. He winked at her, fetched her a lawn chair and presented it with fanfare.
“Thank you.” He was a handsome guy, but again, not as handsome as Nathan.
“No problem.” He folded his arms. “So you and Nathan, huh?”
Handsome and bold, she decided. Aware of Nathan nearby and the other two guys listening in, she leaned closer and said as a confidence, “It’s possible, given we’re neighbors, he’s gorgeous and apparently talented, as well.”
Stan snorted a laugh. “So you’re after convenience and care about looks. At least you’re discriminating enough to care about talent.”
She held up two fingers close together. “I have a smidge of integrity.”
Laughing again, Stan said, “I think you turned it all around. You’re the gorgeous one, but Nathan isn’t too much of a dolt, so I’m betting he’s been hot on your heels.”
“True,” she agreed, playing along. “He completely wore me down.”
“Glad to hear it.” Stan turned to Nathan, fashioned a ridiculously mournful face and said, “I guess this takes me out of the running?”
“You were never in the running,” Nathan said. “Not my type.”
Brooklin laughed with them.
The other two guys came to introduce themselves, Kurt and Mike, also teasing her, razzing Nathan, and finally they got back to work.
For hours Brooklin curled up in the chair and listened. During one break, Mike-with-the-porn-mustache, but also beautiful green eyes, brought her a cola. In between songs, Kurt moved a stool out of the garage to the front of her seat so she could get more comfortable. Mike was a little more reserved than the others, maybe a few years younger, too, and very sweet.
They were charming guys, very entertaining and loaded with talent.
Lost in the enjoyment of their music, Brooklin forgot about the accident, her aching arm, the possible danger lurking in the unknown. The setting sun bled over the sky in vibrant colors as the air cooled a little. Crickets began to sing. Lights inside the garage sent long shadows over the lawn.
Not until almost ten o’clock did they wrap it up, and when Nathan realized it was so late, he winced.
“We’re bound to get a few complaints,” he said. “We’re supposed to be done by nine.”
“I don’t understand why. I could have listened all night long.”
“Bless your heart,” Stan said. “She’s a keeper, Nathan.”
While Brooklin stammered over that, Nathan smiled at her as if in agreement.
Keeper? She wasn’t a keeper—was she?
In an obviously practiced routine, the men returned the instruments to the garage. Brooklin wandered in to look around, amazed at the highly organized and functional space. The refrigerator and bar looked new, but the sofa and two chairs were well-worn and comfortable. The painted floor gave the space a functional finish.
“This is really nice,” she said. She especially liked how a large gazebo sat so close. On a hot afternoon, it’d provide shade and a little privacy.
One by one, the men bade her farewell. Stan even pulled her in for a surprise hug. Near her ear, he whispered, “Nathan’s a keeper, too, just so you know.”
Teasing him, she asked, “Did I really steal him away?”
“I tried,” Stan admitted. “You never know until you ask, right? But even though, until now, he didn’t do much dating, he’s straight as an arrow. I forgave him because what we needed most was a singer for the band. Since Nathan joined in, it’s been a perfect fit. We’re lucky to have him.”
She felt pretty lucky to have him, too.
When they were finally alone, the sun completely gone and a bright moon in the sky, Nathan locked up the garage. The sudden lack of light added a quiet ambience to the area.
The night air felt fresh and clean with a soft breeze that rustled the trees.
She loved Clearbrook, everything about it. More and more she loved the attention from her hunky neighbor, too. Was it possible for her to start over in all ways?
Or would the imminent threat do her in?
Nathan took her arm and led her toward her house.
Uncertain of his intent, Brooklin asked, “Are you sending me home?”
“Yeah.” Far too serious, he stared down at her, then gently touched her cheek. “To get your toothbrush and whatever else you need to stay the night.”
Oh, good. Because suddenly, more than anything, she wanted to stay with him.
* * *
They had talking to do, serious talking, but that could come after.
Nathan wanted this time to be slower, more deliberate. He wanted to undress her, unveiling her little by little. He wanted to kiss every inch of her.
He’d thought about little else lately.
Once in his house, he locked the door, smiled at her, then scooped her over his shoulder.
Surprised, she reared up, laughing. “What are you doing?”
“Taking you to bed.” With one big hand opened wide on her backside, the other cupped around a sleek thigh, he went down the hall and into his room, flipped on the overhead light, then lowered her to her feet near the unmade bed. Before she could say anything, he was kissing her.
He kept on kissing her as he stroked her breasts, her firm ass, her belly and between her thighs. When he finally stripped her shirt off over her head, she was frantic—and he loved it.
The shirt, then her bra, landed on the floor at their feet. Neither of them cared. He managed to strip off his own shirt in between soft, sucking love bites to her throat, her shoulder, down to her breasts.
Her nipples were taut and she arched up to his mouth. With his forearm beneath her ass, Nathan lifted her then leisurely drew on her, idly switching from one nipple to the other, his tongue rasping, his teeth gently tugging, until she groaned and whispered, “Nathan... I need you now.”
Getting a little desperate himself, he lowered her to her back on the bed and stripped off her shorts and panties.
Eyes heavy and lips parted, she trailed her own fingertips down her body from her breasts to her belly.
Nathan growled, shucked off his jeans and came down beside her. Watching her, their gazes locked, he wedged his hand between her thighs. She was wet and hot, and as he fingered her, making them both hotter, he kissed her again.
He couldn’t get enough of her mouth, of the sweet taste of her, but she was soon so close to a climax, her hips twisting against him and her breaths choppy, that he knew he’d lose it if he didn’t get inside her.
After rolling on a condom, he came down over her. She wrapped her legs around him, urging him to her. “Nathan...”
Her hair was spread out on the pillow, tangled around her face. Her breasts heaved. “You’re beautiful,” he said, needing to slow down but unable to stop touching her. He coasted a hand down to her slender waist, then her belly, savoring her warm, silky skin.
She was his. One way or another, he’d make it true.
Her heated golden gaze never wavered. Voice shaking, she whispered, “Now, Nathan. Please.”
“I want to kiss you everywhere.”
“No,” she whispered fast. “I can’t take it. Not now.” She squeezed her eyes shut as if regaining control, and when she opened them again, he saw so much in her gaze, it moved him. “I’ll enjoy that, later, I promise. And I want to kiss you, too.”
Damn, he hurt. He knew it wouldn’t take much convincing on her part, not when the pulsing beat of need kept pounding through him.
She touched his jaw. “Right now, I just want to be a part of you.”
Since he wanted that, too, he nodded. “Later, though. I’ll hold you to that promise.” They’d have plenty of opportunities, he told himself.
Hopefully a lifetime.
Nathan opened her with his fingertips, then positioned himself against her, watching as his cock pressed into her body, seeing how her sex opened around him...
Lost, he lowered himself to his elbows and began stroking deep.
Groaning, Brooklin clutched at him, her head back, her body already shivering. Far too soon, she cried out as she came.
He watched her, enthralled, until she quieted. Then he let himself go.
Yeah, he loved her. No doubt about it. Whatever her secrets, no matter her past, he couldn’t deny the overwhelming emotion he felt for her.
He was wondering if he should tell her or if a declaration would scare her away, when suddenly a shrill sound, slightly distant, penetrated the quiet.
They both froze, alert. At first he assumed it was a siren and wondered why it didn’t sound familiar.
Two seconds later, he realized the truth and the meaning of that sound fully registered.
“Oh God,” Brooklin whispered, her eyes flaring with sudden fear. “Someone is breaking into my house!”
Nathan rolled to his feet, jerked on his boxers, opened the nightstand drawer and retrieved his gun, then rushed from the room.
Brooklin, hastily wrapped in the blanket, chased after him. “What are you doing?”
Knowing it to be a rhetorical question, he didn’t slow. At the front door, he said, “Stay here. Lock up behind me.” He silently closed the door behind him, heard the lock click into place, then took the porch steps in one leap. Pissed, beyond furious, he quietly circled her house, going around to the back first. The noise continued and one by one porch lights came on up and down the street.
There was no one around.
Whoever had set it off was long gone. Still, he searched, going two doors up, then backtracking.
Not until sixty-year-old Mrs. Blankenship said, “Sheriff, you’re in your underwear!” did he remember that he wasn’t dressed.
Her gaze, her husband’s gaze and half the damn neighborhood’s went over him as if they’d never seen a man in shorts before. His boxers were dark, thank God, and fitted like swimming trunks. Still, it was awkward as hell.
Resisting the urge to cover himself with his hands—because one of his hands held his weapon—he addressed them all. “That’s an alarm you’re hearing. I’ll get it shut off in a minute. Someone has been stalking the neighborhood, attempting to break in. This was probably another attempt.” He didn’t specify that it was only Brooklin’s house bothered so far. “You all need to be careful, okay? And let me know if you see anything shady.”
That, he knew, would garner him a dozen calls at least, because many of the denizens found everything to be shady.
“Go on home now. It’s under control.”
Reluctantly, people departed.
He stood there, chewing on his anger, until he realized Brooklin was walking past. She’d dressed, her face was white beneath the moonlight, and her posture was resigned.
Saying nothing, he fell into step beside her.
Using her key, she went into the house and straight to the alarm. When she shut it off, the silence fell around them like a suffocating blanket.
She kept her back to him and whispered, “I was accused of inappropriate conduct with a student.”
Nathan stared at her. Hell, he hadn’t seen that coming. Still he waited, and when she said nothing else, he prompted her with “And?”
“I didn’t do it.”
“I know that.”
She jerked around to face him, her expression so hopeful it nearly crushed him.
“You would never hurt a kid. Not in any way.” Down to the marrow of his bones, he believed that. “Who accused you, and why?”
Drawing in a shuddering breath, she groped for a kitchen chair and dropped into it. Tears welled in her eyes and choked her voice. “I’ve been so afraid.”
“Of me judging you? Jumping to conclusions and believing the worst?” Damn, he felt a little choked, too. “That’s just foolish.” He pulled out his chair, drawing it close enough that their knees touched.
With a shaky smile, she slapped away the tears, swallowed hard and looked him in the eye.