Sleep, when it finally came, provided little respite, and he woke with dog breath in his face, a dreamed-induced erection, and a headache.
But, at least he wasn’t crazy.
The matter-of-fact way Sam discussed hearing her grandmother speak, convinced him of it. However, the questions remained: Who the hell kept talking to him? And why?
Sam finished relaying yesterdays encounter to Miss Eva. “I told Doc I’d look in on Big Mama today since she refused to go to the hospital.”
“She’s a hoot for sure,” said Miss Eva, “but has a heart of gold. It’s such a shame she has no family around.”
Jack nosed the door open and entered, Coop right behind him.
It took a great deal of effort not to react, though she couldn’t stop the flood of heat to her cheeks as questions and images from her dreams last night swirled around in her head. How did I get to bed? Did I dream that kiss?
“Sam was just telling me what happened with Big Mama yesterday,” said Miss Eva.
His reply could best be described as a grunt as he reached for his cup.
Jack went to the back door, barked once, and looked at Coop, who opened the door for the dog to go outside.
“Sam is going over there today to check on her,” said Eva, “Can you draw her a map? You know I’m terrible with directions.”
“Sure.” He leaned against the counter and faced her. “It’s not too far from town. I’ll drive you.”
“Aren’t you working today?”
He nodded. “It won’t take long.”
“I’ll be fine driving myself. You have more important things to tend to.”
“I’d feel better if I took you.”
She stiffened. “I can take care of myself.”
“She lives down a dirt road. After the rain last night, it’s gonna be a mess.” A trace of envy in his voice, he added, “Take my Bronco. Your car is too nice to drive down a muddy road.”
“How will you get to work?”
“You can drop me off at the office.”
Suddenly nervous, she argued. “I can’t leave you without wheels.”
“I’ll take a squad car if I need to go anywhere.” His brow furrowed, and he looked at her. “Can you drive a standard shift?”
Affronted, she glared at him. “Of course.”
His smile sent the butterflies in her stomach on a rampage.
Jack reappeared at the back door and Coop let him in before he sat down across from Sam, the dog at his feet.
Irritated, her voice rose slightly. “He has never, ever taken to anyone the way he has to you.” She moved her coffee cup aside as Eva positioned a plate of sausage, eggs and biscuits in front of her. “He even slept with you.”
Amusement flickered in the eyes meeting hers. “Jealous?”
Cheeks so hot, she thought surely they would blister, she snapped, “In your dreams.”
The rich timbre of his laugh filled the room. “How did you know?”
“Coop,” admonished Eva, “stop teasing and eat your breakfast.”
He sipped his coffee, gaze fixed on Sam. “She’s so cute when she blushes.”
Unable to come up with a suitable retort, she stabbed her eggs.
“Doc asked Sam to take over his practice,” said Eva. “Isn’t that wonderful?”
Sam didn’t bother to hide her surprise. “How on earth did you know? I haven’t said anything to anyone.”
“Small town,” said Coop, as if two short words explained everything.
“Edith Watkins mentioned it last night at the Guild meeting,” said Eva. “She heard it from Janet at the bank.”
Silent, Sam looked to Coop for more information.
“Doc’s nurse is best friends with Alice who works for me,” he offered. “She also happens to be the Mayor’s daughter, and the biggest gossip in Baker County.” The butter he slathered on a warm biscuit melted and dribbled down his hand as he added a dollop of grape jelly. “If you want something to spread like wildfire…telephone, telegraph or tell Alice.”
Sam watched with fascination as he licked the gooey mess from his fingers, then pushed half the bread in his mouth.
