He must have seen something in her eyes that had him reaching for her and hauling her in for a hug.
“You have to give him time, Katie. He’s had this thing about his father programmed into him since he was a child; it’s going to take a while to change that.”
She didn’t deny her feelings. “I don’t think he’s got change in him, Newman, and I sure as hell am not waiting around for him to push me away again. I’ve had that twice now, and that’s enough for anyone. I made the decision tonight to move on, and I want to, but talking about him is not helping, so can we stop now… please?”
She looked at his eyes through the small gold-rimmed glasses. Saw the sympathy, but he said nothing further, just nodded.
“All right, but I still think you need to give him a chance.”
Cubby lookedover Annabelle’s head and saw Newman holding Katie.
“Ouch! Hell, Cubby, you nearly crushed my fingers.”
“Sorry, Annabelle.” He released them and tried to remember to move his feet.
When he’d first seen Katie, his blood pressure had spiked. What the hell was she thinking flaunting herself like that? She was in a tight mini dress that showed off her lovely body and those endless legs. Her hair was slick at the front and high at the back, her eyes ringed in dark smoky colors and her lips bright red. She wore long leather boots that made his eyes cross at the thought of her wearing them in bed. Not that she’d ever let him near her again.
He'd tried to talk to her when she’d sat down beside him. He’d wanted to explain, and tell her… hell, what had he wanted to tell her? That he was wrong, and he did care about her and he wanted to do something about it?
Did he?
It didn’t matter if he did, because she’d made it clear she wanted nothing to do with him, and why he’d expected different after the way he’d treated her, he wasn’t sure. Maybe he’d thought seeing as she loved him, she’d at least hear him out?
He’d nearly climbed on the table to grab Brady around the throat when his deputy had run his eyes over her body. He’d then had to watch her dance first with Brady, then others, and lastly with Newman. Cubby had fought the urge to stalk onto the dance floor and grab her. And now his best friend had her in his arms! What the fuck was that about?
“What’s up your ass?”
“Pardon?” He looked at Annabelle. Stunning in a snakeskin jumpsuit, she wore fake eyelashes and a long blonde wig.
“You’ve been a bear all day, and now you’re sending death rays at Newman and Katie. If you like the woman, go after her and stop sulking.”
“I’m not sulking, and she looks like she’s got plenty of men to occupy her time.”
“You better hope her brother doesn’t hear you speaking about her like that!” Annabelle snapped. “And if I could get away with it, I’d punch you for inferring that Katie is loose.”
“I didn’t say that!”
Annabelle stopped dancing and glared up at him.
“It’s what you meant and it’s beneath you, Sheriff. Jealousy is turning you into an idiot. Whatever this shit is between you and Katie, there is no need to blame it on her, when we all know you’ve got hang-ups stopping you from taking it deeper.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about, and I’m not jealous.” But he was, and it was burning a hole in his chest. “You need to back it up, Annabelle, because not everyone needs to be loved up!”
“You think this is simply because I have Ethan, and want everyone else to be just as happy?” Her shriek nearly pierced his eardrums.
“You”—Annabelle stepped closer—”are not now and never could be your father.”
How the hell did everyone seem to know that was his fear, when he was pretty sure he’d never mentioned it to anyone? Fucking small towns!
“Leave it alone, Annabelle.”
“I’m leaving now, Sheriff, before I plant my fist in your face.”
Cubby made his feet move when he realized he was standing in the middle of dance floor without a partner, his childhood friend having stormed off in a rage. He made for the door, deciding it was time to go. He didn’t need this now, not with all the shit going on inside his head. He nearly made it too, but saw Katie again, this time laughing up at Rick. In a few strides he was at her side.
“Sheriff,” Rick said. “You’re looking slick.”
“Thanks. Can I steal Katie away from you for a minute?”
