Page 19 of Declan
“Yeah.”
They finished their meals and Declan paid the check, then took Denise’s hand and led her from the restaurant to his truck. He opened the door for her, helped her in, then strode around the front and climbed into the seat. After starting the truck, he drove to Denise’s townhome.
He pulled into her driveway, got out, opened her door and helped her out. She removed her keys from her purse as they stood on the porch, then she turned to look at him.
“Are you coming in?” She touched his chest.
“Not tonight.”
“Okay. You know we never pressure each other, but Declan, if you like Elise, ask her out. If she says no because she’s dating Johnston, then step back. Wait. She’ll see the real him soon enough.”
“I hate the idea of her being hurt, in any way.”
“I know.” Denise leaned forward and kissed his lips lightly, then cupped his cheek in her hand. “You are such a good man. Let me know how it goes. I’ll talk to you soon.” She unlocked her door, pushed it open, and stepped inside. “Goodnight, Declan.”
He nodded. “Goodnight, Denise.”
Then he stood on the porch until she closed the door, and he heard the lock turn. With a deep sigh, he climbed into his truck and drove home.
****
On a crisp Saturday, Elise was getting ready to go out and do some exploring. She taught a dancercise class at ten every Saturday morning, then she was free for the rest of the day. She’d been in Clifton for almost two months now and she had yet to visit the shops. She had noticed that a lot of tourists were gone but a few still remained and was told by Brandy that since the Bur Oak Ranch closed for the season, the only tourists leftwere from the Clifton Bed and Breakfast, which would close next week.
Elise was so happy to have cooler weather. The smell of fall was everywhere, and it was her favorite time of the year. She loved how the town put up baskets of yellow, gold and orange artificial flowers from the lampposts along Main Street. Halloween decorations were everywhere.
It had been a while since her date with Stephen and though he had called several times to ask her out again, she always declined until he finally got the message and stopped calling.
It was very tense between them when he would drop Jenny off, but since schools were in, she rarely saw him. Jenny was only there one day a week after school, from four pm to five pm. Some days, Stephen would just stand outside the door and wait. The only classes on Saturdays were the dancercise classes, and that was for eighteen and over. She hoped Stephen didn’t punish the little girl by keeping her from her dance lessons because of Elise not wanting to see him again.
Elise strolled down the sidewalk. She paused at each storefront, window displays of silk scarves, handmade ceramics, but skipped Timeless Treasures. Antiquities beckoned, but she was on a mission for fresh finds this time, but she would be back. She loved antiques.
Across the street, the bakery’s scent of warm sugar and butter drew her inside. The glass case glittered with pastries; she snagged a ticket, then leaned back against a small table, inhaling the sweet, yeasty air.
When the door jingled open again, Elise glanced over her shoulder, and her pulse went into overdrive. Declan entered, utterly relaxed in jeans and a red T-shirt that hugged his pecs, arms, and flat stomach. No badge gleamed; no khaki shirt confined him, but he wore a black felt cowboy hat that shadowed his eyes.
He spotted her, the corners of his mouth lifting. He still looked ridiculously good, with his dark hair touching the collar of his shirt and gray eyes bright.
“Hello, Deputy,” she managed, voice breathless.
“Ma’am,” he replied with a teasing tilt of his head, fingers brushing the brim of his cowboy hat.
“You’re not on duty today?”
He shook his head. “I only work one weekend a month, unless needed. You exploring?”
She nodded toward the canvas of stores lining the street. “I haven’t had a chance to look around since I moved here.”
He glanced at the shopping bags dangling from her arms. “Looks like you’ve made some discoveries.”
She laughed, cheeks warming. “Maybe too many. I should just go home, but there are a few more shops I want to explore.”
“What do you usually do on your day off?” he asked, leaning casually against the wall.
“Relax. You?”
“After I clean the barns, I go horseback riding, or fish at one of my ponds.”
“I love horseback riding,” she said, smiling.
