“Tell that to Mr. Roberts.”
“I don’t have to. He told me. He knew you were in trouble, and wouldn’t accept help from anybody. He came to me because he knew I was the only one who could make you accept help. He cares about you.”
I shook my head. “I don’t?”
“You dropped out of college to help your mom. You spent one day at the Orchard, and the residents all love you.”
“They don’t count. Next time I see them they won’t know who I am.”
“Then you’ll charm them all over again.” He wrapped his arms around me.
“I can’t do it. I can’t spend the rest of my life fighting against my reputation in this town.”
“Then don’t. Forget what people think. Except me. Listen to me now, when I tell you how special you are.” He dropped his head and rested it on my forehead. “I’ll spend the rest of my life convincing you.”
“You deserve someone better.”
“I waited for you. For years, I waited to be with you. There is no one else for me.”
God, he broke my heart. But this was for the best. He was a good sheriff. I couldn’t let him throw away his life on me.
“I’m sorry, Cole.” I stepped away and picked up my bag, holding it between us like a shield. “This was fun but it couldn’t last. When you get married to someone like Lucy Litt, tell her you just were slumming it with me.”
“Regina.” His voice almost stopped me in my tracks. Almost.
I got halfway down the hall. Cole reached around me and grabbed the bag, pulling it easily out of my hands. He threw it aside before reaching for me.
“Cole, what the hell?—”
His shoulder hit my middle, and he tossed me up like I weighed nothing. Pivoting, he carried me back to the bedroom, kicking the door shut. He flopped me down on the bed and grabbed my hand.
“What the fuck are you doing—no!”
I struggled as I heard the clink of metal cuffs. Goddam Cole handcuffed me to the bed. He sat back and grinned at me, and all I could do was glare.
“You can’t keep me here forever.”
“Yes, I can.” The gleam in his eyes told me not only would he do it, he’d love every second of it.
Despite myself, I got wet.
“Dammit, Cole!” I struggled to no avail.
“Careful. Don’t hurt yourself.”
“The minute I break free I am throwing these cuffs in the garbage.”
Cole straddled me, and unbuttoned my jeans. “I work as a cop. I have access to a thousand more.”
“Goddammit!” I thrashed, but his weight held me down. “I’m gonna burn your house down.”
“You might want to keep a civil tongue in your head if you ever want me to let you go.”
I quieted. He was right. “Cole, please let me go.”
Scooting down on the bed, he peeled off my jeans. Catching my ankle, he kissed it, tickling it with his stubble. “No.”
“Goddammit!” I kicked out again, and he held down my legs, lay down, put his mouth against the gusset of my panties and?—
