Page 10 of Unexpectedly Falling
Sheriff Jensen Kade is the sexiest man I’ve ever seen.
Because of course he is.
He hesitates, his steps slowing as I detach Remi’s car seat from the base and then hold out my hand.
“Jensen Kade,” I say addressing him with a casual glance, “it’s nice to meet you.” He takes my hand; his cerulean eyes are curious but his shake is firm as little sparks of electricity zip up my arm. It’s unexpected and I have to work overtime to keep my expression unaffected.
“Likewise, Miss Hart. How was the drive down?”
“Scenic.”
His lips twitch as he reaches for the car seat, his eyes brightening as he takes in the still sleeping baby.
“She looks bigger,” he murmurs, his gaze scanning her face and hands clutching the muslin blanket in her lap.
“She’s doing so great,” I say, hoping to help ease the twinge of hurt in his voice. “She’s strong and healthy and you’ll get to see every milestone our girl hits.”
Jensen nods and clears his throat, not disputing my use ofour girl,as he asks, “Would you like to come inside? I can show you her room and?—”
“Another time maybe,” I say, desperately trying to give myself some much-needed distance, the smell of his spicy cologne already tempting me to stand a little closer. “I have to find a hotel to check into tonight.”
“A hotel?” he asks, his brow furrowing the slightest bit.
“Yeah, I’m staying in town to consult with Blackstone University’s athletic director about building their soccer program.”
“Your idea?”
“Not exactly.” His lips curve up a little on one side and ohwow,that looks good on him. Clearing my throat, I add, “So I should get going.”
He opens his mouth and closes it before saying, “Can we talk for a minute? We haven’t had the chance.”
“That was intentional,” I say, widening my stance and crossing my arms. It’s not a power move but one to reiterate the point.
“Why?”
“I’ve been in the public eye my entire life. You didn’t need an audience.”
“I—thank you.”
“Don’t mention it.”
He nods and motions toward the house again. “I picked up dessert.”
“For a professional athlete?”
He shrugs as he turns toward the house. “It’s your off-season.” His lips twitch as he looks at me over his shoulder before holding the door open for me and standing to the side. His muscles flex as he holds the car seat.
I will not stare.
But damn, the way this man fills out a shirt should be criminal. I snicker at my own joke and relent, walking past him and into the open kitchen and living room space. It’s surprising—far less bachelor pad and more rustic with a modern flair.
Polished wood floors, granite countertops, and oversized gray couches make the place feel inviting and homey. I have the strangest urge to start opening the cabinets to see all the things the private investigator wasn’t privy to.
Startled by that train of thought, I say, “I have Remi’s things in the car. I kept the Pack ’n Play and some of the other things because she’ll still be able to use them for a while but…”
He slides me a plate and the now opened box of pastries. “We have plenty of time to work all that out.”
“I’ll have more flexibility while I’m here, but I’ll be heading back to Nashville as soon as I can.”
