“What on earth is the big deal about me driving your stupid Bronco?”
“Would you let just anyone drive Ethel?”
Good point. “No.”
He shrugged as though she answered her own question. “Guess what else I heard today?”
“I’m afraid to ask.”
The look he gave her, slow and appraising, coupled with a deep, totally male laugh, added to her discomfort.
“You’re ready to sign the papers and take over Doc’s practice in two weeks.”
She stamped a foot. “Dang it! I wanted to be the one to tell you.”
“Sweetheart, if you want to beat the rumor mill, you have to act fast.”
“I’m not sure I like all this, this openness about my business.”
He turned and they started walking again. “Well, folks may talk out of turn, and discuss your business like it was their own, but I guarantee you one thing.” He stopped and faced her, gaze intent. “If you ever needed anything, anything at all, you’d have it in a heartbeat.”
They stared at each other in silence as the truth behind his statement settled in. “You love it here.”
“I do. Wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
She thought about the people who had welcomed her so warmly, the honesty in their friendship, the simplicity of life here, and nodded. “Me, too.”
He watched from the corner of the courthouse lawn, not surprised to see the woman and the sheriff together because it confirmed what he already thought—she was special. How else to explain it?
He had watched in amused silence for years as others tried, without success, to be in Sam’s place. Like Ruby. Poor thing. Didn’t realize she was way too weak. But, Sam, now there was a formidable woman. Even the dog exuded authority and strength. He would be a bonus.
The silent observer followed their progress around the square, noted the smiles of contentment each wore as they chatted, looked in windows, and spoke to folks passing by, tamping down the spurt of jealousy it triggered. Soon, my pretty. Soon. I have plans for you.
A couple stopped to chat, and as usual, the conversation quickly turned to the dead woman. When they speculated on who could do such a thing here in their little town, he really wanted to tell them, but not today. The time would come, of course, but not today.
For now, he was content to watch the sheriff wander around in a fog trying to find him.
I am the master. No one is my equal.
He inhaled deeply as the certainty of his superiority hummed through his veins.
He joined in when his companions made fun of the sheriff and the dog at the crime scene, and voiced hollow words of sorrow when they talked about the dead woman.
Mostly, though, he watched the woman with the dog as he mentally planned the next step.
Dinner was a jovial affair with Jason, Coop and Miss Eva sharing stories about life in a small town. Obviously, they were very close, and, not for the first time, she wondered why.
When the meal ended, she rose and reached for her plate.
Jason tapped her on the arm. “I got it, Sam. Miss Eva cooked and you’re a guest. You and Dad take your coffee to the porch.” He grinned and winked at Coop. “There’s a full moon tonight.”
Sam shook her head. “Your son is about as subtle as you are.”
Coop grinned. “More coffee, Doc?”
She shook her head. “I think I’m coffeed out for a change.”
“Me, too,” said Coop as he guided her to the porch.
A few minutes later, they were seated in the oversized swing suspended from the ceiling. Suddenly, nervous, Sam wished for more space between them.
“I’m not going to bite, Doc,” said Coop, his arm resting on the back as his foot set the swing in motion. “Nibble a little, maybe, but not bite.”
Thoughts of him nibbling anywhere jacked up her heart rate. In an effort to get on safer ground, she nodded toward the full moon just over the tree tops. “Beautiful night.”
“Uh-huh.”
Okaaaay. Let’s try something else. “This is a great swing.”
“Thanks. I made it.”
“You made this?” She ran a hand over the smooth slatted design, then took in the big chain hooked to the ceiling. “I’m impressed.”
