Page 23 of Surly Sheriff
It felt predestined. Fated.
Kismet, as Beau had said.
No! It couldn’t happen.
Leave. Now.
She surged to her feet and crossed the room, stuttering to a halt in front of her empty duffel. Her clothes were in the washer.
Shit. Shit. Shit.
You can replace them,Raegan said.Just go.
You made a promise to Bella,Rae-Rae countered.And if you left now, you’d never find out what Beau’s kisses felt like.
Her belly flip-flopped; her pulse quickened.
She really, really wanted to experience Beau’s kisses.
6
One and only
Resting her hands on the top of the broom, Rae looked around the now empty store with no small amount of pride. Opening day had been a roaring success, and knowing she had a large part to play in it felt damn good. She had packed those shelves; moved the cute children’s furniture into place; draped the wrapping paper over the racks; set out the window display; labored behind the counter.
But through it all, she had been antsy.
For so long, her life had been scripted to the nth degree.
There had been no deviation from the plan. No room for error.
And most definitely no spontaneity.
Yet the last three days … one impulsive move after the other.
Clearbrook and its residents captivated her.
Residents? At least be honest with yourself, Rae.
She muttered a nasty expletive and continued sweeping, putting extra force in her movements.
It wasBeauwho captivated her.
To the extent she was losing her mind because shewas considering staying beyond two weeks.
Madness. Sheer madness.
But for the first time in her life, she was experiencing the pure goodness life had to offer. And she loved it. The folk today had drawn her in, making her one of their own. With her positioned behind the cash register, they all had a chance to chat with her, thanking her for the way she had stopped and rescued Beau and Kismet, and then staying on to help Bella.
And Beau?
He didn’t conceal the heated look in his eyes whenever their eyes met throughout the day. And that small smile playing on his lips, the slight chin-lift he gave her … panty-melting.
Her reality dictated that she leave.
And soon.
Spending three nights in Clearbrook … well, it was two too many.
