Chapter Twelve
At first he’d thought it a trick of his imagination. The splashing caught his eye and he slowed as a bare leg shot into sight. Hell of a nice one, too. He knew the exact curve of that calf because it was the same one he’d been covertly checking out all week.
What the hell was Pepper Knight doing swimming under the Kissing Bridge?
He pulled his Bronco to the shoulder and cut the engine, cranking the window. And why was she cussing up a storm, saying words he hadn’t heard anyone ever use, expressions he’d never even thought of?
A pink Cadillac pulled alongside.
Rhett cracked a knuckle. Miss Ida May, town windbag extraordinaire, had an uncanny instinct for turning up at the worst time.
“Whatcha doing, Cupid?” She propped her elbow on the window ledge and fingered a string of pearls.
He gave a low whistle, ignoring his bristle of irritation at the nickname. “Why, look at you all gussied up.”
Her gaze narrowed even as she gave an appreciative chuckle, patting the salt-and-pepper curls cut close to her head. “You could charm the balls off a bull, boy. But do tell, what’s the news?”
“News?” He kept his features stoic. “No news here, ma’am. I’m checking out the river conditions.”
Her lips pursed. “Why?”
“Fishing.”
“You don’t fish.”
“Thinking about starting.”
There was another splash beneath the bridge. He pretended to cough.
Her eyes narrowed. “Something fishy’s going on, though.”
Time to take charge of the conversation, drive it in a different direction. “The only thing fishy around here is you, you old catfish.”
She batted her eyes. “Another woman might take offense to that kind of talk.”
“Another woman wouldn’t realize I meant it as the highest praise.”
“Rhett Valentine, ooooh, go on.” She swatted him away. “You’re so cute it should be illegal.”
“Make a citizen’s arrest.” He winked. “I don’t mind handcuffs.”
“You’re nasty and I like it,” she said with a throaty chuckle, starting the engine back up. “Now I won’t keep you. Got to get on over to Quilt Guild. They’re all waiting on my sweet potato pie.”
“Quit before you make me want to take up sewing.” He ground his molars. He was laying it on too thick. But she blew him a kiss and drove off.
He waited until she cleared the other side of the covered bridge before creeping to the edge and calling out.
“Pepper?”
Silence.
“Pepper, come on. I know you’re there.”
More silence.
“Are you okay?” Concern built.
“Don’t come any closer!” Her voice was high. Unnatural. “I mean it. Stop right there.”
