Free The Accidental Sheriff by Cathy McDavid Page A

Carolina pointed ahead. “Go right.”
    If not for her, he would have missed the turnoff. The lack of lights, denser foliage and narrowing of the road indicated this part of the ranch was less traveled.
    “We’re here.”
    Neil slowed the Jeep and parked.
    The one-story structure, set slightly back from the road, had the appearance of a home rather than a guest cabin. Flowers lined the stone walkway leading to a porch complete with a swing on one end and a pair of wicker rockers on the other. A white picket fence straight out of Little House on the Prairie surrounded the property, and a rooster weather vane sat atop the peaked roof. Along the side of the yard was what appeared to be a vegetable garden.
    At first, the quaint country charm of the place seemed in contrast to Carolina’s sophistication. But on closer inspection, Neil decided she fit right in. He could easily picture her planting tomatoes in the garden or curled up on the porch swing, a book in one hand and a glass of lemonade in the other.
    It was also the kind of place where he could picture himself,sitting next to her on the swing, her bare feet in his lap, the two of them lolling away a lazy Saturday afternoon.
    An unexpected noise penetrated Neil’s thoughts. “Is that a dog barking?”
    “My sister’s French bulldog. Actually, it’s her husband’s. The dog came with him as part of the deal. I’m babysitting while they’re on their honeymoon.”
    “Should you let her out?”
    “Give her a second. I had a doggie door installed, and she’s still getting used to it.”
    Carolina had no sooner spoken than a compact black bullet traveling close to the ground came tearing out from behind the house. The dog stopped at the gate and proceeded to raise the alarm, letting everyone within hearing distance know an intruder had invaded the premises.
    Carolina rolled down her window. “Quiet, Belle, it’s me.”
    The dog immediately went from barking to scratching at the gate before plunking her behind down to wait.
    “Is she okay there?”
    “The gate’s latched, she can’t get out. Besides, she enjoys being outside. Give her a minute, and she’ll find a hole to dig or a cricket to chase.”
    On cue, Belle trotted off, her nose glued to the ground.
    “Zoey wants a dog.” Neil had no idea why he said that.
    “They’re a lot of responsibility. I haven’t had one since I left home for college, and I’d forgotten how much work’s involved.”
    “But you like the dog.” He could tell from her voice.
    “Yeah, I do. If I weren’t so busy, I’d get one of my own.”
    “I try that same argument about being too busy on Zoey, but she doesn’t understand.”
    “Kids are tough to fool.”
    “She also wants a horse.”
    “I did, too, at her age.”
    “But you had a place to keep one.”
    “True.”
    “She’s going to start riding lessons next week. Here, in fact. Her school’s offering an afternoon program.”
    “I know. This is something new for the ranch. We’ve had such good luck partnering with the Horizon Adult Day Care Center, the family decided to try a similar program with the elementary school.”
    “She’s excited. I’m not sure how but she twisted my arm and convinced me to buy her a pair of pink cowboy boots.” He leaned back in his seat. Being with Carolina was effortless. He’d felt that way about her since their double date.
    Being with her, however, was also tempting, and Neil knew he should leave before his impulses won out and he did something stupid.
    Except he didn’t leave.
    “Would you like to come in for a minute?” Carolina tilted her head at an engaging angle.
    “Thanks, but I can’t. I need to get home. Zoey’s babysitter has to leave by ten.” The excuse was a weak one, given it wasn’t quite eight-thirty.
    “Please. It’s important.”
    “I don’t—”
    “This isn’t easy for me.”
    It wasn’t for him, either. The desire to touch her was powerful—link fingers, nuzzle cheeks, inhale the scent