Page 35 of Surly Sheriff
The woman grabbed her bag and gave Rae a knowing smirk before leaving.
Beau nuzzled the base of her neck. “Hmm. You smell divine.” His hands drifted to her waist, and his thumbs tunneled under her top. Goosebumps formed where his thumbs caressed the skin above the waistband of her pants.
She chuckled and turned within the confines of his embrace. “You’re full of shit,” she whispered, sliding her arms around his neck. “I’m not wearing perfume.”
“Just Raegan. My favorite scent,” he returned, capturing her mouth with his. He pushed in his tongue, dancing a short duel with hers before ending the kiss and lifting his head.
She held his stare, her eyes lit with amusement. “Seems driving a new truck is good for your mood.” He’d caught a lift into Lincoln earlier that morning to take ownership of his own vehicle.
“Seeingyouis good for my mood.”
She gave a breathy laugh.
He gave her a lopsided grin and stepped back. “That’s for you,” he said, pointing to the counter.
Rae glanced down and, recognizing the distinct logo, shot her gaze back to his, eyes narrowing to slits. “You didn’t.”
“Guilty. And no argument. It won’t cost you a penny. On my plan.”
“But I—”
He placed a finger on her lips. “Please? For me. My peace of mind.”
“Humph. You don’t play fair.”
He grinned. “Thank you.”
She shook her head, lips curling into a reluctant smile. “I should be thankingyou.”
“Only if you mean it.”
“Thank you, Beau.” She reached up and placed a light kiss on his lips. “But beware, you’re morphing from surly to sweet.”
Kismet lumbered over from the blanket she had laid down at the end of the counter.
“Hey, boy,” Beau crooned, crouching, and proceeded to give the dog a thorough rub. He looked up at Rae. “How was he last night?”
“An absolute angel.” Of the guardian kind.
The bell chimed, announcing new patrons, and Beau straightened.“Mrs. Fisher,” he muttered, grimacing.
“Nate’s mother?”
“Yeah.”
Rae turned and faced the entrance. “Do we not like her?”
The woman was dressed like she was on her way to tea at the White House. Peach colored suit, ruffled blouse, stockings, court shoes, and handbag hooked on her elbow. She stopped, taking a slow look around the store.
“Not a huge fan of the woman, finding her a little condescending in her attitude toward me. Bella reckons it’s myimagination, and as Mrs. Fisher dotes on Bella, I try not to let it bother me.”
“But why?”
“She maintained I was a bad influence on Nate. We were thick as thieves from the day we sat beside each other in first grade.” He flashed her a grin. “We might’ve indulged in some foolish teenage stunts.”
“Say that isn’t so,” she murmured, widening her eyes.
He burst out laughing. “And I guess she’s never forgiven me for dragging Nate into the Marines with me.”
