Free Double Shot by Cindy Blackburn Page B

dog collar. “You’re having way too much fun with this.”
    “I’m having too much fun? After that cozy little scene I witnessed between you and Tiffany, you’re accusing me of having too much fun?” Wilson tried to speak, but I was on a roll. “If you’re hiring chaperones, you might think about getting one for Tiffany Sass. Tiffany Sass!” I threw my hands up. “Sheesh!”
    “What about Tiffany?” I kid you not—the man actually said those words.
    “Do not toy with me, Wilson Rye. What’s going on between you and that girl?”
    “Come on, Jessie. You know there’s nothing going on.”
    We locked eyes. And I must admit that those baby blues, intense even in un-intense moments, were a little unnerving.“I saw you groping her,” I said. “Lord only knows what would have happened if I hadn’t arrived when I did.”
    I looked at Snowflake, who was now sitting on the counter between us and following the argument. “You two were very close to getting yourselves arrested by one of your own officers.” Wilson started chuckling. “For lewd and licentious behavior,” I continued.
    “Lewd and licentious? You’re overreacting, Jessie.”
    I reminded my beau that I never overreact. “But I was tempted to take notes. You know, for my next book?” I squinted suspiciously. “And what kind of name is Tiffany Sass, anyway? She sounds like one of Adelé Nightingale’s heroines, for Lord’s sake.”
    “She has the looks for it.”
    I glared like I have never glared before.
    “Jessie!” he said. “There is nothing going on between me and Sergeant Sass.” He leaned across the counter, but I backed away from an attempted kiss.
    “First of all.” He stood back up. “The girl is young enough to be my daughter, as you keep reminding me. It would be completely unethical, even if I weren’t her supervisor. What do you take me for?”
    “Dammit,” I mumbled.
    “You have nothing to worry about.” Again, he tried sounding sincere. “I’m in—” he hesitated.
    I folded my arms and continued glaring. “You’re in what, Wilson?”
    He looked at Snowflake for support, but for once the cat seemed to be on my side. The two of us waited for an answer.
    “I’m involved with you.” His voice had gotten all husky. “Very involved,” he added.
    I decided to pet Snowflake.
    “What the hell are you wearing?” he asked eventually.
    I knew where his eyes were aimed, but I stifled a grin and jiggled my earrings. “They’re Candy’s. Do you like them?”
    He frowned and continued staring at my chest.
    “Remember we decided my diamonds would stand out too much at the Wade On Inn?” I asked.
    “I’ll tell you what’s standing out, darlin.’ And it ain’t those earrings.”
    “You’ve seen this sweater before.”
    “That sweater,” he reached across the counter and brushed my newfound curves with the back of his hand, “has never looked like this before.”
    I reminded my beau that women at the Wade On Inn tend to dress a little flashy. “So Candy suggested I wear my first-ever push up bra.” I leaned forward. “Do you like it?”
    He took a deep breath. “Lord, give me strength.”
    Eventually he looked up. “How much did you win tonight?”
    “Not nearly enough to endure all the country music.” I hopped down from the barstool. “I need a shower,” I said and headed toward the bathroom.
    “How much did you win, Jessie?” Wilson followed me. “I need to know for my report.”
    I turned around at the tub and pulled off my sweater. “You better not be reporting this, Captain Rye.”

Chapter 10
    Sarina Blyss couldn’t sleep for thinking of her handsome stranger. She lay in bed, gazing at the ceiling, and envisioning the kind gentleman who had given her a ride into town earlier that week. Oh, how she wished their journey had never ended!
    But alas, they had arrived in St. Celeste. And what with making Mrs. Dickerson’s acquaintance, and being bustled into her dress shop, Sarina hadn’t the