Free The Accidental Sheriff by Cathy McDavid Page B

of her windblown hair. He didn’t care what so long as there was intimate contact.
    “We really should talk.”
    “One of my deputies will contact you.”
    “Not about the illegal mining.”
    “Okay.”
    No, not okay. Neil wasn’t sure he wanted to pick up wherethey’d left off at the mine site when he’d rejected her dinner invitation. Sitting with her in the dark, close enough that he could feel the seat shift every time she moved, he might not have the willpower to say no if she asked him out again. His imagination drifted to the porch swing, the two of them sitting with her long, bare legs draped across his lap.
    Wait, wasn’t that feet? When did she go from wearing jeans to shorts?
    He fumbled for the keys.
    “I went out on a limb, suggesting we meet for dinner,” she began softly. “I think that entitles me to know the real reason you turned me down.”
    “I told you. It’s my job.”
    “Is there a conflict of interest because I’m the victim and you’re heading up the investigation?”
    “There could be.”
    “The investigation won’t last forever.”
    “No.” With any luck, the culprits had left a piece or two of incriminating evidence behind in their haste to leave when Little José surprised them.
    “And besides,” Carolina continued smoothly, “we’re both adults and more than capable of separating our work from our personal lives.”
    “Maybe you are.” Even that small admission was more than Neil had intended.
    “I’m flattered,” she said, a smile in her voice.
    He scrubbed his face, the bristles of his five-o’clock shadow scratching his palms. This was going from bad to worse, and the only way he could see to prevent disaster was to level with her. But that would require he let down his guard.
    Neil hadn’t done that with anyone since Lynne. Not even with Zoey, and she was the center of his universe.
    “I guess that’s my cue to go,” Carolina said with a hint ofdisappointment. Unbuckling her seat belt, she reached for the door handle.
    His hand covered the small space separating them and gently took hold of her arm. He had no idea what he’d done until he felt the cool fabric of her coat sleeve beneath his fingers.
    “What?” She turned. Her gaze darted to his hand before connecting with his.
    Insane for sure, but his grip on her tightened.
    “What?” she repeated more softly.
    Neil had always been a man of action, not words. That the right thing to say should fail him now was no great surprise.
    “Stay.” He swallowed, took a breath. “Please.” He had to explain. Make her understand.
    She remained rigid. “Give me one good reason. You’ve already hurt me once. I can’t handle a second time.”
    He nodded and let go of her arm.
    But before she’d moved so much as an inch, he raised his hand to her cheek and cradled it tenderly.
    “How about this for a reason?” he said, and drew her toward him.
     
    C AROLINA RESISTED Neil’s advances, and he let her. After all, she was right. He’d hurt her.
    Besides, he was still buckled in and unable to maneuver more than a few inches. If they were going to finish what he’d started, it was entirely up to her.
    “You’re infuriating,” she told him.
    No argument there.
    “And you don’t play fair.”
    “Guilty as charged.” To prove her point, he traced the outline of her ear with his index finger.
    She gave the tiniest, softest of moans.
    It was probably just as well the seat belt restrained him. No telling what he’d do otherwise.
    “Sometimes you can be a real jerk.”
    Ouch! That was harsh. His finger stilled. He’d obviously underestimated her anger and should let her go. But not before he apologized.
    “Carolina—”
    She leaned across the seat divider, cradled his face in her hands and brought his mouth to within inches of hers. “But mostly, you’re incredibly sexy, and I’d never forgive myself if I didn’t take advantage of the moment.”
    For several long seconds, nothing happened. Neil