12
TWO DAYS LATER, Brooklin went out to her porch to read, just as she did most evenings. The sun still hung in the sky, painting the horizon in vivid hues of red, orange, yellow and purple. The hazy evening air filled her lungs. Off in the distance, someone mowed a lawn. When she listened closely, she could hear children playing the street over.
Life filled the area, but soon it would be dark, and then the fear would creep back in on her.
After crashing on Nathan’s couch only twice, getting back in her own place felt oddly depressing.
With the security system installed, covering every window and door, she was safer now. No reason to worry about bogeymen from her past sneaking into her present.
Still, for the first time since moving here, she felt alone.
Odd, because until recently she really had been alone and she’d liked it. Alone meant no one to judge her, whisper about her, or worse, threaten her.
Despite her best efforts to remain alone, that had changed. Not only had she met a lot of new people at Screwy Louie’s, she now knew Nathan much better. Knew him and liked him. Probably too much.
Her time on his couch had been a revelation. Not once had he made a move. In fact, he’d barely looked at her, as if having her on his couch didn’t affect him at all. She could have been a guy friend for all the personal attention he gave her. Though she hadn’t wanted to get involved, it was still a little deflating to accept that he hadn’t been that aware of her as a woman.
Because she’d definitely been aware of him as a man.
Had he given up his pursuit of her?
Brooklin shook off that thought. It had taken a full day to get the things she needed for the security system, so Nathan had offered his couch a second time, and it had been a repeat of the first.
Zero teasing. Zero recognition of her as a woman.
It was almost a relief when earlier today, Jason and Colt had shown up, tools and supplies in hand to get all the security stuff installed.
Nathan had gone on about his day.
While the two guys had worked, she’d watched the process, learning about the upkeep and how to set or reset a sensor. In between instruction, they’d chatted.
Jason adored his wife and mentioned her often while telling her stories about her many neighbors and the local businesses. They were both pretty terrific, and after her time spent working in a school, she especially related to Colt. Such a conscientious, mature young man.
She knew now that Colt had very specific plans about college, but he was anxious to finish high school—early if possible. He wanted half of the year to work and save to help offset the costs.
Admirable. She told him about a special program that had been at the school where she’d previously worked. It was just what he’d been looking for. Soon he would check with his counselor to see if his school offered something similar. He certainly had the credits to finish up, if that’s what he and his father wanted.
His uncle, she’d noticed, hadn’t appeared overly keen on the idea. Not that Jason had complained, because he hadn’t. Jason Guthrie had a quiet, calm demeanor, somewhat different from his more outgoing brother, Hogan.
And Nathan was different from them both. He had more macho presence, at least in her opinion.
Damn it, she didn’t even like macho men.
Trying to force Nathan out of her head, she thought about the sensors instead. What would she do if one of them went off? Would she have the wherewithal to defend herself? That is, if she could get herself off the ceiling?
Before considering the job done, Jason had tested the sound for her, wanting her to be aware of it. The shrill, earsplitting noise had nearly stopped her heart. He’d shut it off quickly, but—wow. It was enough to wake the dead. No way would she sleep through an intruder.
Reassuring, but still she worried.
Why hadn’t Nathan at least talked with her more while she’d been at his house?
Knowing she wouldn’t read tonight, Brooklin set the book aside and thought about her life. She had a story to finish typing, and jewelry commissions that weren’t quite done. Plenty to keep her busy.
Yet she sat there wasting time while repeatedly checking the street, waiting for Nathan to get home.
Annoyed with herself, she stood to go inside.
Of course, that’s when he arrived, and since he’d already seen her, it would be rude to leave now.
And just when had she started making excuses just to see him?
As usual, Nathan looked irascible as he exited the official vehicle. His sandy-colored hair stood on end, as if he’d raked his fingers through it more than a few times. His uniform shirt, unbuttoned to the waist, had a blue stain, still wet, soaking the right side.
Brooklin braced her arms on the porch railing and called out, “What happened to you?”
He made no pretense of going to his own door. Nope, he made a beeline for her, and as he crossed the lawns, he shoved his reflective sunglasses to the top of his head. “It’s been a real bitch of a day.”
She could tell. “You’re not hurt?”
“No.” He kept coming. “It ended with a four-car fender bender when Bingo let out. No one hurt but it was a test in patience.”
Mouth twitching, Brooklin asked, “And that turned you blue?”
His gaze narrowed on her, not really with irritation, but with something far more intense. “Three seniors blamed each other, all of them loud, threatening each other with me.”
“You said four cars?”
He nodded. “The fourth was a single mom. She had a three-year-old with her and he didn’t like the confusion, especially with his mom on the phone, freaking out to her cousin, so I took the kid out of his car seat—and he dumped his juice on me.”
Picturing Nathan dealing with all that, Brooklin smiled. “Is it sticky?”
Now that he’d reached her, Nathan stood close, clasped her wrist and flattened her hand against his bare chest.
Voice rough, he said, “You tell me.”
Yup, sticky. But what she noticed most was the heat of his skin, the light covering of hair and the undeniable strength. You do not like macho men, she reminded herself. But without meaning to, her fingers contracted in a gentle exploration of his muscle.
“Brooklin.”
She looked up and got caught in his gaze.
Slowly, very slowly, Nathan leaned down until his mouth touched hers. When she didn’t pull away, he turned his head a little, making for a better fit, and kissed her in a way she hadn’t been kissed in far too long.
Well before she was ready, he lifted his head. “I’d have you real close right about now if I wasn’t a mess.”
She still didn’t know what to say. Confusion swamped her. Talk about sending mixed signals.
“Will you stay with me tonight?”
Trying to deny the disappointment she felt, she explained, “I don’t need to. Your friend Jason, and his nephew, Colt, got everything installed.”
“I know. I talked with Jason earlier.” He released her wrist and took a step back. “I wasn’t asking you to camp on my couch, though you’re always welcome to do that. I meant that I wanted you to stay with me, as in right next to me, preferably in my bed, but I can make the couch work if you’ve gotten attached to it.”
But... Brooklin scowled at him. “I was there for two nights and you barely noticed.”
“That’s a joke, right?” He laughed, his attention on her mouth. “I’ve chased you since the first day I met you. I thought I’d made my interest plain enough.”
“I thought so, too.”
“So you honestly believed you could be that close, sleeping all soft and warm on my couch, and I wouldn’t be aware of it on every level, for every damned second that you were there?”
The way he watched her mouth caused Brooklin to lick her lips in nervousness. His gaze sharpened, then came up to her eyes.
She let out a breath. “I don’t know.”
He touched her cheek. “You slept at my house because you were worried. You don’t need to be anymore, so I don’t feel like I’m taking advantage by making myself clear.”
Her heart swelled. “So the reason you didn’t talk to me, the reason you went straight to bed, was because you were being considerate?”
“Trying my best.” He tipped up her chin. “It wasn’t easy, Brooklin. But because of the circumstances, you were off-limits.”
“I thought...” Brooklin shook her head. “When you didn’t show any interest, I wasn’t sure what to think.”
“Think that I’m a saint if you want.” He smiled. “But now you’re fine, your house is secure, and if you come to me, it’s because you want to, not because you’re worried about being alone.”
Actually, she was still worried, which was ridiculous. Her problems and all the danger were long behind her.
Nathan scrubbed a hand over his face. “I’m rushing you, aren’t I? We’ve only had one date, if Screwy Louie’s even counts.”
“It counts,” she said softly. “And yes, I’d like to stay with you tonight. That is, part of the night. I really do need to be in my own place in the morning for my routine—”
Nathan kissed her. He kept a hand on the back of her neck, but still didn’t hold her close. Honestly, she didn’t care about his sticky shirt, but again, he ended the kiss before she was ready.
“You’re welcome all night, but if you decide you need to head back over here, just let me know and I’ll walk with you.”
It was a wonderful offer—and Brooklin accepted.
* * *
Nathan tried to maintain his persona of a calm, in-control guy, but the second Brooklin agreed, he got semihard. “You don’t need a pillow and blanket tonight. I have them on my bed.”
“I don’t plan to sleep there anyway.”
So how much time would she give him? An hour? Two? He wasn’t sure a week would be enough, but he only nodded.
“Let me grab my keys and lock up.”
When she started in, he followed her, then drew up short at the sight of a .38 revolver on her desk. “You have a gun.”
Startled, Brooklin looked at the weapon, flushed and then lifted her chin. “Yes, I do.”
“When did you get it?”
“Before I moved here.” Defiantly, she stated, “I have my conceal carry.”
“You don’t carry it when you’re jogging. I would have noticed.”
“No.”
His thoughts continued. “You had it at Screwy Louie’s?”
“Yes.”
Damn. What, or who, had scared her so badly? Nathan picked up the gun, found it fully loaded and saw it had a laser. Cocking a brow, he asked, “Need the laser for your aim?”
“I don’t know. I’ve done plenty of practice, but I’ve never had to use it when I was in trouble. I figured if I was a person who panicked, the laser would help ensure I hit what I aimed at.”
“Which would be...what? Or should I ask who?”
“Actually, you should just mind your own business.”
Nathan eyed her militant stance, the rigid way she held herself and the rebellion in her eyes. She considered him the law, assumed he would harass her for arming herself and prepared to defy him. “Would you mind if I took you shooting sometime? I could offer some tips.”
Her face went blank, then flushed with relief. “I’d like that a lot.”
“Good.” Still treading carefully, he asked, “You feel like you need to bring this tonight? Or could we leave it here?” He resisted the urge to tell her he’d keep her safe. She was an independent woman who’d taken measures to ensure her own safety against a threat he didn’t yet understand. She didn’t need a caveman undermining her efforts.
“I’ll leave it here.” She took it from him, handling the gun safely but with confidence. “I have a box I lock it in.”
Without being invited, Nathan followed her down the hall and into her bedroom. From her nightstand drawer she removed a sturdy metal case with a fingerprint lock. Inside it he saw a box of additional ammo, along with pepper spray. He watched her lock it away, put the box back in the drawer and cover it with a book.
“I already showered and brushed my teeth.” She headed out past him, went to the kitchen and grabbed her keys from a decorative hook on the wall. She pocketed her phone and turned to him with a smile. “Ready if you are.”
Very ready. “Let’s go, then. I’ll need five minutes to shower.” And to cool down so I can show some finesse.
She turned on the porch lights outside each door, stepped out and locked up securely.
“You added the extra locks to the doors?”
“Yes.” Her gaze didn’t meet his. “Seemed like a good idea for a woman living alone.”
“I agree.” Putting his arm around her, Nathan led her to the yard. The houses were close together and it took less than a minute to get to his front door. He only had one lock and he got it open quickly. They stepped into darkness.
Brooklin went still beside him until he turned on a lamp.
“I like your house.”
He glanced around. “Thanks. I haven’t done much with it except to make myself comfortable.”
Smiling, she, too, looked around. “The furnishings are a lot like you. Big and sturdy and strong with no fuss.”
He’d never thought of furniture that way, but he did have an oversize recliner, and the couch was twice the size of hers, taking up one entire wall. “I’m a bigger guy, so—”
“Yes, you are.” She reached for the last two remaining buttons on his shirt.
“Brooklin.” He caught her wrists. “I need a shower.”
“Yes, you do.” As she stripped the shirt off him, she looked at his chest and arms and abs. Idly, she touched him, her expression fascinated. When she looked up at him, her golden eyes were glowing. “Think you can make it a very fast shower?”
“Fastest in the history of mankind.”
“Good. I’ll wait in your bedroom.” She peeked down the hall. “This way, right?”
Would she wait for him in bed? “Same setup as yours.” He led her halfway, then detoured into the bathroom while she went on. Since he was already hard, he didn’t bother grabbing clean clothes or waiting for the water to warm. He stepped under the cold spray, scrubbed from head to toe and dried with the speed of light—all while telling himself to get a handle on his lust.
Brooklin had been reluctant enough that he didn’t want to rush her now.
As he lectured himself, he stepped into his bedroom, a damp towel wrapped around his hips. He was just in time to see her climbing up into the bed. Naked. Her back to him.
He’d never seen anything sexier or more exciting.
While he soaked up the sight of her, she settled herself in the middle of the bed, noticed him and smiled. “That was fast.”
“Not exactly what a guy wants to hear the first time with a woman.”
Laughing, she half turned toward him, resting on an elbow, one leg bent. Her thick hair hung over her shoulder, a silky hank loosely curled around her breast.
“Jesus, you’re beautiful.”
She bit her lip, then said, “Drop the towel and I’ll see if I can return the compliment.”
No problem dropping the towel; he wasn’t a modest man. But he snorted over the rest of what she said. “Men aren’t beautiful, especially not with a face like mine.” He sat on the bed beside her.
Slowly her smile faded. She came up next to him, lightly touching her fingertips to his mouth, his nose, then over the scar that cut from his temple to the side of his mouth. “I think your face is amazing.” Leaning in, she kissed him.
Not the way he wanted to be kissed, not on his mouth with lots of tongue and wet heat.
No, she kissed a feathery path down that damned scar. “You’re incredibly handsome, Nathan.”
Ill at ease with the soft talk, he bore her down to the bed and rested over her on his elbows. “If you say so.” He took her mouth the way he’d dreamed of doing it, open and hot, his tongue sliding over hers, deeper and hungrier by the second.
Her breasts against his chest felt indescribably good and he had to touch her, first gently, just learning the shape and feel of her. Her nipples thrust against his palms and he used his fingertips to roll them, to pluck until she was panting and moving against him.
He kissed her jaw, her throat, then dipped down to take her nipples, one by one, into his mouth. He thought he was doing okay, keeping a firm hold on his control, until she reached between their bodies and took his dick in her hand.
Nathan forgot what he was doing. He’d been too long without a woman, plus he’d wanted this particular woman for a while now.
She seemed to understand because she said, “Do you have a condom?”
He had a whole box. “Yeah.” Letting her continue—he didn’t have the strength to stop her—he moved to slide next to her, giving him access to her body, too.
Such a beautiful body, all lean and strong from running, but still soft and supple, too. He bent to her breast, sucking gently on one nipple while dipping his hand between her legs.
Wet. Hot.
“It’s been a while for me,” she said shakily.
He didn’t mind admitting, “Me, too.”
As he worked two fingers into her, her breath shuddered out. “So get the condom.”
Nathan half laughed, half groaned. “Yes, ma’am.”
She touched him, over his shoulders and chest and down to his thighs, while he found the box in the bedside drawer, tore the condom open with his teeth and rolled it on. Soon as he moved over her, she opened her legs and he fitted to her perfectly.
At first, he just rubbed himself against her, his eyes closed as he absorbed the feel of her under him.
Glad that she’d left on the lights, he looked at her, seeing her hair spread out around her on the pillow and her eyes, those amazing eyes, glittering with need.
They both groaned as he pressed into her, the fit at first excruciatingly tight until he got past the initial resistance. Then her body eased to accommodate him.
“A very long time,” he murmured, loving the snug grip around his erection.
“Too long,” she agreed. She shifted under him, groaned softly and said, “I’m so glad you’re my neighbor, Nathan.”
Hell, from his perspective, he was already more. But there was still so much he didn’t know about her, especially about her past.
Right now, at this moment, he really didn’t care. “Me, too.”
Lacing his fingers with hers, he stretched her arms up high over her head and, starting slow, rocked deep into her again and again.
He wanted to savor this first time, to enjoy her to the fullest, but she wrapped her legs around him, lifting her hips to hurry him along. He felt her stiffened nipples against his chest and watched her face twist with pleasure.
When she bit his shoulder, moaning softly, he gave up. Scooping an arm beneath her hips, he lifted her into his heavy thrusts and soon they were both lost.
Fifteen minutes later, with Brooklin held tight in his arms, Nathan was thinking that he’d like to start all over again.
Then Brooklin said, “It’s late.” She kissed his chest, nuzzled her nose against his chest hair and announced softly, “I need to get home now.”
* * *
When Violet rushed into the little boutique on South Street, she almost ran into Brooklin. The two women, narrowly avoiding a collision, stepped back, laughed and greeted each other.
“I’m sorry,” Brooklin said. “I was on my way out, thinking about...” She shook her head. “Obviously I wasn’t paying attention.”
Thinking about what? “My fault,” Violet insisted. “I was hoping to get to work a little earlier today—” She wanted a few minutes alone with Hogan, enough minutes, hopefully, to have an encore. “But I wanted to come by here first.”
“Busy as you stay, I imagine you’re often in a rush.”
“Very true,” Violet said. “It’s a hazard of running my own business. But I don’t mind.” She smiled. “I came in to buy more jewelry, but I didn’t expect to find you here.”
“Really?” Brooklin gestured toward the display case, now completely filled. “I had a few more necklaces to drop off.”
“That’s what I bought,” Violet said. “I think it’s called a druzy necklace. I’d never heard of that before, but it’s beautiful and unique, so I was hoping to find matching earrings.”
Brooklin gave her a knowing smile. “Dressing up for someone in particular?”
“That’s the plan. So far Hogan has only seen me in work clothes. Mostly because, as you said, I’m always working. And while my shorts and T-shirts aren’t exactly a uniform, they’re not very pretty, either. I can’t get too dressy—it wouldn’t be appropriate and I’d probably end up ruining whatever I wear. But I did have a new pair of skinny jeans and this very pretty top and the blue of the druzy stones goes perfectly with it.”
“You got the natural druzy agate? I hope so. It’d be perfect with your eyes.”
“I did! And it’s beautiful, so I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“That’s exactly how I meant it.” Other ladies sidled in around them, but they didn’t pay much attention as they naturally scooted to the side to get out of the way. “So you and Hogan are a couple? You know, I thought so, but I wasn’t sure—”
Oh crud, Violet thought, knowing good and well that Hogan didn’t want her starting any other rumors. “We’re not a couple. Not the way you mean. Did you know Hogan is a widower?”
“Nathan’s never mentioned anything about it. I only knew he was single.”
Aha. So she was with Nathan. “You didn’t ask?”
“I value my privacy so much that I don’t think it would be fair for me to pry.”
“With me, you don’t even have to pry. I’m an open book.” Hogan, not so much. “The thing is, he’s such a gorgeous guy that I’d like, just once, for him to see me fixed up just a little.”
Proving she was a very nice woman and not at all nosy, Brooklin nodded. “I completely understand.” She hooked Violet’s arm and drew her outside to the sidewalk, saying low, “The earrings in there are overpriced. Why don’t you let me show you some that I haven’t yet brought in? They’ll match the necklace perfectly, and you’ll get them for half the price.”
“Oh, but I don’t want to cheat you—”
“You wouldn’t. I love that boutique, but she marks up all my jewelry by almost fifty percent. It sells, so I’m not complaining. But we’re friends now, right?”
“I hope so,” Violet said. She’d liked Brooklin the moment she met her. The lady was smart, beautiful, talented, and best of all, she hadn’t given Hogan the time of day. No flirting from her. She was as far from Joni Jeffers as a woman could get.
“Good. I met Honor and Lexie, but I haven’t really gotten to know them yet. And I know Nathan, of course, since he’s my neighbor.”
“And he’s been chasing you.”
Brooklin laughed. “True. I wasn’t really running away all that hard, though.”
“So he finally caught you?”
“Yes, and it was pretty wonderful.”
Violet couldn’t help but grin.
“I’m not yet sure what it means, if anything. I’m just trying to take it one day at a time.”
A wise woman. “You know Jason and Colt, too, right? They’re Hogan’s brother and son.”
She nodded. “They came over and installed some security stuff for my house, so I got to know them a little better. So far everyone in the town, even Mr. Westbrook, who’s almost seventy and cuts his grass in his Speedo, has been super nice. But I don’t know... I felt like you and I clicked.”
“I thought so, too,” Violet said. “It helped that you weren’t flirting with Hogan.”
Brooklin laughed. “He overwhelmed me. I was trying to stay low-key, and at the time, I was also dodging Nathan. Hogan wouldn’t let me. He can be... Let’s call it pushy.”
“When it comes to attractive women, he’s very pushy.” Apparently Nathan could be pushy, too. Or maybe persistent was a better word. Whatever, Violet liked Nathan a lot; he deserved to be happy.
“Trust me,” Brooklin said, “every word Hogan said to me was for Nathan’s benefit, and I knew it.” She shook her head. “Your Hogan is funny, very handsome, and I’m betting he’s a handful.”
Your Hogan. Thinking very carnal thoughts, Violet sighed. “He is.” A wonderful, caring, sexy handful.
“He’s also all yours. Anyone with eyes can see it.” She nudged Violet with her shoulder. “Don’t worry. I won’t say anything to anyone. Just let me give you the earrings at cost, okay? I’ll enjoy knowing you have them.”
“Since you insist, that would be wonderful. But then you’ll have to let me reciprocate with some free meals or something.”
“Maybe when you’re taking a break? We could chat more.”
“Deal.” Without having realized it, Violet saw that Brooklin had led her toward a parking lot used for all the kitschy little shops in the strip. “Your car is here, too?”
“Yes.” Brooklin started to point. “I’m that little—”
The loud revving of an engine cut her off, and two seconds later a dark green minivan with tinted windows gunned out of the lot, coming right for them. Violet tried to scream, but nothing came out.
Brooklin grabbed her, and together they fell between parked cars, crashing up against a railing, a brick wall and the concrete floor.
Never slowing down, the van sped away.
Stunned, Violet caught her breath, took one look at Brooklin, and when she saw she was bleeding, she gasped. “Oh my God, are you okay?”
Her elbow was scraped raw, blood trickling down her forearm.
“Yes,” Brooklin said, her voice clipped, almost angry, as she carefully sat up. “You?”
“I’m—” Violet gasped. When she put pressure on her ankle, it hurt. “Oh, hell.” She looked down and saw that her foot and ankle were turning a ghastly bluish purple, already swollen.
“Sit still.” Ignoring the blood on her arm, Brooklin drew out her phone, scrolled through her recent calls, clicked to connect, and a moment later she said, “Nathan. I... This is Brooklin. Are you busy?”
* * *
Nathan couldn’t remember the last time he was so pissed. Brooklin’s elbow had stopped bleeding and Violet was now on her feet and both of them were so damned stubborn, he wanted to howl.
He’d have liked to take them to the emergency room. In fact, Brooklin encouraged Violet to do just that. But they both decided that they not only didn’t need medical care, they didn’t need help of any kind.
For the tenth time, Brooklin said, “I don’t need you to drive me home. I just... I reacted without thinking.”
“We were both pretty rattled,” Violet said, and then she checked the time on her phone. “Seriously, I need to get going now. Mondays are always a little crazy. Actually, lately, every day is crazy.”
Nathan didn’t like it, but what could he do? “You’re sure you’re okay to drive?”
“Yes.” Gingerly, Violet put her weight on her now very swollen, black-and-blue left foot. “If it was my right, I’d be in some trouble. But I promise I won’t cause a wreck.”
“I still think I should call Hogan.”
“There’s no reason. He’s probably already at the diner right now, and there’s no one else to fill in for me. Besides, I really do feel fine.” She winced as she took a hobbling step.
“Right,” Nathan growled. “Perfectly fine.” He pointed at her. “I wasn’t talking about having Hogan fill in for you, and you know it. You should call him.”
She turned even more stubborn. “Should I call Jason and Sullivan, too? What about my cook? My next-door neighbor? You’re not making any sense, Nathan.”
Did she hope to hide her relationship with Hogan? Apparently so. “It’s not my place to—”
“No,” she agreed quickly. “It’s not.”
“Fine, then I’ll just...” He looked around and saw that while he’d been debating with Violet, Brooklin had almost slipped away. “Don’t do it,” he shouted to her from across the lot.
With her back to him, she froze, her shoulders coming up in an exaggerated flinch.
“I mean it, Brooklin. Give me one more minute to get Violet in her car and—” He looked back to see Violet sliding behind the wheel. His gaze shifted back and forth between the two women, but Brooklin still stood there, and Violet now waved.
“I’m fine, Nathan, just as I told you I’d be.”
After another quick, critical glance at Brooklin, he went to Violet. “You’re going straight to the diner?”
“Yes. As it is, I might be late, though, so can we wrap this up.”
“Yes, we can.” He bent and kissed her forehead. “Take it easy, okay? Get some ice on that ankle.”
“I will.”
With nothing else to do, he headed for Brooklin. She hadn’t budged an inch, so he stepped around in front of her. She looked guilty, angry and pale. “I suppose you’re fine, too?”
“Of course.”
He nodded. “Come on, then.” He walked the rest of the way with her to her car, but instead of getting inside, she walked around to sit on the fender.
She didn’t say anything, and he didn’t yet trust himself to speak.
“I’m sorry I bothered you.”
That was definitely the wrong thing to say, he decided, when his head nearly shot off his shoulders. “Why did you call me? And so we’re clear, that’s the sheriff asking.”
She shook her head. “Gut reaction. I was...at first afraid. But the car left and didn’t come back, so—”
“Minivan. You said it was a minivan, not a car.”
“Yes.”
“Dark green, but neither of you saw the plates.”
“I told you, I wasn’t exactly looking.”
“And,” he said, still fuming, “because of dark tinted windows, you have no idea who was driving it?”
“We couldn’t see a thing.”
“But that’s not what I asked you.” Nathan had a feeling she knew damn good and well who was behind the wheel of that van.
Almost proving his assumption, she looked away, staring out at the street.
Nathan tamped down his temper. Trust, he knew, was a fragile thing that had to be earned. But damn, she didn’t make it easy.
“Can you admit,” he said, trying to sound reasonable, “that me being the sheriff had nothing to do with you calling?”
“Yes,” she whispered. “I can admit that.” Then she glanced at him. “But I’m still sorry for bothering you.”
Nathan felt downright mean. “I shouldn’t be surprised. After all, we had sex two days ago, you left immediately after and you’ve dodged me since.”
Looking cornered, Brooklin fretted with the edge of the bandage wrapped around her elbow. Mr. Marson, from the pharmacy right next to the lot, had walked it out to her, saying someone had told him she was sitting there bleeding everywhere.
Brooklin had assured him that it was fine, just a scrape and that she’d clean it and put on a fresh bandage when she got home. Nathan had thanked Mr. Marson, and then the arguing had begun.
He didn’t want to argue with her. He wanted... What? To pamper her? She wasn’t a woman who enjoyed being pampered. To protect her? How could he when she wouldn’t even tell him the threat?
Though he’d asked around, no one else had noticed any more than Brooklin or Violet had. The van had nearly run them over, then disappeared. Of course, he’d alerted his deputies and the local police, but there were a lot of green vans in Ohio.
Unable to stop himself, Nathan touched a tendril of her hair, half in and half out of a fat braid. He trailed his fingers down her shoulder to the edge of that bandage. “Brooklin...”
In a sudden rush, she pressed herself against him. He could feel her trembling and he hated it. Folding her in close, lifting her onto his lap, he whispered, “Shh. I’ve got you.”
Her hand fisted on his shoulder. “But that’s just it,” she said, agonized. “I can’t lean on you.”
“Sure you can.” He rubbed his hands up and down her back, his thoughts racing. “Is that why you ran off in such a hurry? You don’t want to lean on me?”
“No.” She nodded. “Yes.”
Trying for a little levity, maybe to make up for his overbearing anger a moment before, he asked, “So it wasn’t that I’m a lousy lay?”
She sat back, horrified. “Is that what you thought? Oh my God, no. You were amazing. You are amazing.”
The grin tugged at his mouth, and when her eyes went wide, then narrowed in suspicion, the laugh broke free.
“Jerk,” she said, trying to shove away from him.
He held on. “I was teasing you—that’s all.” Lower, he added, “I am confused about why you booked, though.”
Giving up, she dropped her forehead to his chest. “You scare me, Nathan. Not like my past scares me or that van scared me. But I like you, and I don’t want you to get the wrong impression.”
Piecing together the things she said proved challenging, but he gave it a shot. “So if you tell me who you think is bothering you, who you’re afraid of, you think I’ll get the wrong idea?” Meaning, she thought he’d... What? Think badly of her?
“Don’t sound so incredulous. It’s possible.”
Since he didn’t know her background, she could be right. “Do you have a criminal record?”
Her mouth flattened and she shook her head.
“You haven’t gotten away with murder or armed robbery?”
“No. Don’t be ridiculous.”
“You’re not married?” Damn, don’t let her be married. He could take armed robbery easier than that.
“No, I’m not married and never have been, but I was engaged once.”
Once, but not anymore. “I’m glad you’re not still engaged.” He kissed her nose. “Nothing else could be all that important.”
Briefly, she closed her eyes, then opened them to give him a direct stare. “Okay, if it’s not that important, will you give me a little more time to tell you?”
He didn’t want to. He wanted to insist she tell him right now. But insisting would just make her withdraw and he knew it. “You will tell me? Soon?”
“Yes. I just need to put my thoughts together.”
What could he do but agree? “All right.”
She touched the buttons on his shirt. “Could I come over tonight?”
So once again she was afraid, and that made him a slightly better choice than being alone? Not that it mattered, because he’d never turn her down. “Sure. What time?”
“What time will you get home?”
“If all goes well, around six.”
“Six works for me.” She looked at his mouth. “I could fix you dinner? I’m actually a decent cook.”
He’d rather take her straight to bed, but again, he had to take things slowly. “Sounds like a plan.” Ignoring the few people gawking at them, Nathan drew her in for a kiss. “You’ll take care of that arm when you get home?”
“Yes. Remember, I used to be a nurse.” This time she leaned in and kissed him. “I’ll see you at six.”