“That’s not up to me. I’m not the lead on the case. But once the forensics team is sure they’ve recovered any evidence there might be in the store, you’ll be free to reopen.”
“You’re not in charge? You were sure acting like it this morning,” she said.
He forced a grin, trying to shake the needling disquiet that had crept over him. “Are you calling me overbearing?”
“If the shoe fits…” she said under her breath.
“My brother is a detective with the Red Grove PD, and he’s leading a task force looking into the drug traffic in the area. He’s taking lead on the case.”
“So I was right about the guys that came in the gift shop? That was a drug deal?” Her expression reflected a combination of disgust and satisfaction, presumably for believing she’d been right about Harper and his cohort.
“Too soon to say for sure. Suffice to say, the task force will follow all leads.” He reached down to rub Pilot’s ears when his dog sat on his foot and leaned against his leg. “I’m surprised you’re not thrilled to have the shop closed for a day or two. If you’re working as many hours as you say, the closure is like aminivacation. You don’t have to spend money to relax. Sleep in tomorrow. Do something fun.”
She aimed a withering look at him. “Something fun? At the Catch-a-Wink Motor Inn?” She shook her head. “Sheriff, I’m here now because even the closed shop with the sales floor cordoned off is more fun than my motel room.”
“Cal. Remember? I’m Cal when I’m off duty.” When she didn’t respond, he followed an internal nudge. “If you’re avoiding your motel room out of boredom, what about joining me at Pie Works for a pizza?”
She blinked at him. “What?”
He chuckled at the note of horror in her tone, as if he’d asked her to join him at a satanic ritual instead of dinner. “Is that a problem? Have you already eaten?”
“No, but…” She appeared truly flummoxed, her mouth open, her brow puckered in bewilderment. “Why?”
Her question startled a laugh from him. “Why? Because I’m hungry, and I thought you might be, too.”
And because I find you fascinating.And because you’re fun to verbally spar with. And because it would give me an excuse to ask more questions about your confusing and slightly suspicious background information.
Hitching his mouth in a lopsided grin, he added, “Pilot’s going. If eating dinner with me is uncomfortable for you, you can consider this a date with Pilot instead.”
Now the color washed from her face as her eyebrows shot up. “A date? You’re asking me on a date?”
He exhaled and swiped a hand over his face before shaking his head. “I didn’t mean to imply—” He spread his hands. “It was just an offer of dinner. I know today was upsetting, and you said your motel was nothing to write home about, so…” He lifted one eyebrow, inviting a response.
She studied him for several seconds, the dent in her cheek telling him she was biting the fleshy part inside in mouth.
Finally, he said, “Never mind,” at the exact moment she said, “Okay.”
“Okay?” he asked, on top of her “What?”
He gave his head a small shake, then aimed a finger at the back door of the shop. “I’ll wait here while you get your purse and lock up. All right?”
She tipped her head at a haughty angle. “My purse, huh? You invited me to join you. I think that meansyou’rebuying dinner.”
The corner of her mouth twitchedjust a little, but enough to tell him she was enjoying the verbal jousting as well. A full smile spread across his face as he gave a nod of assent. “It’s a deal.”
Chapter 6
Why had she agreed to have dinner with Cal Colton? Forget that pizza was her favorite food, and she hadn’t indulged in a good restaurant meal in months, since she was trying to pinch pennies. And forget that he looked as good as homemade sin on a Saturday night, as her college roommate used to say. He was a cop. Not just any cop. The countysheriff.
No part of this arrangement made sense, given her experiences, both with law enforcement and too-handsome men. The former were unreliable and left vulnerable people helpless and prey to the wolves of society and the latter were just…well, window dressing. Self-centered, self-serving and shallow. She’d not makethatmistake again.
Yet here she was, devouring a deep-dish pepperoni and mushroom pie with a man who looked like he’d walked off the set of a Hollywood Western…and having a good time. The man really did have the most engaging smile and melodic laugh…
Stop!her brain shouted.
Must. Not. Let. Guard. Down.And especially don’t be sidetracked or fooled by anything as superficial as a handsome face and easy grin.Sheesh, Jules!
“How old is Pilot?” she asked as Cal took a bite of pizza. The dog in question was lying quietly at his master’s feet while they dined at the pet-friendly local pizza joint.
