of the town.”
“Mmm, and that would be why you tackled me like a linebacker sacking the quarterback?”
He chuckled. “I didn’t say my information was always accurate. I apologize for jumping you, but when a stranger crouches in a shooting stance, it’s a natural reaction.”
“I guess I’m lucky you didn’t shoot first and ask questions later?”
“No, you’re lucky I was the one who came to check rather than the Truman sisters. They would have shot first and questioned later.”
Penny laughed. Though both women had been married—several times each—they were still known as the Truman sisters. Georgia was a retired telephone operator who knew the dirt on everyone in town, and Wanetta ran a dress shop in town that specialized in hats. As a child, Penny had wished the sisters could have adopted her. “Do they still live across the street?”
“Still. And believe me, your grandmother held you up to them like you were the President’s guard. You’ve become their hero, and it can get a little scary.”
Penny turned, feeling her heart soften. “Grandma talked about me?”
“She was proud.”
“Why didn’t she ever tell me? Why did she shut me down every time I called and wanted to visit?” She asked the question aloud, even knowing Joe wouldn’t have the answer.
“I didn’t know you’d been interested in coming home.”
Snapping out of her inward thoughts, she looked at him. Censure colored his tone even though his features gave nothing away.
“You thought I’d just turned my back on her or something?”
He shrugged. “Seemed that way.”
“As a lawman, you should know better than to assume. You ought to check your facts, Colter.” Annoyed, she tapped her foot, staring at the coffeepot, wishing it would hurry up and drip. She was beginning to regret inviting Joe to stay.
“I don’t imagine you’re an easy woman to check facts on,” he said reasonably. “And I didn’t think I had the right.”
She could have kicked herself. Her testiness made it seem like she cared what he thought of her, made it seem like she would have expected him to know her, to wonder about her, to keep up with her.
Those were her own fantasies. Not his.
The coffeepot wheezed and finally started pumping.
“So how long will you stay?”
She shrugged. “Long enough to get the house cleaned out and up for sale.”
“A few weeks, then?”
“Yes, maybe a bit longer.” Unless she ended up making a fool out of herself over Joe Colter.
“Need any help unloading your car?”
She shook her head, looked at him. “I can get it later.”
“It’s obvious you can.” He pointedly glanced at the well-defined muscles in her arms. “Would you like the help?”
She swallowed hard at the look of appreciation shining out of his sexy eyes. “Ah, chivalry. Goes along with the protecting and serving, hmm?”
“You’re nervous.”
She nearly dropped the cup she’d been reaching for. Glancing over her shoulder, she did her best to appear bewildered by his observation. “Excuse me?”
“I’m making you nervous.”
“You’re being ridiculous.”
“Am I?” he asked softly.
So softly, her hands trembled. She wouldn’t melt, she told herself. She wouldn’t fall into the depths of those intoxicating hazel eyes. “Yes. I’ve just driven over six hours. I’m punchy. Not nervous.” Rather than waiting patiently for the coffee to brew, she took advantage of the pause feature and set her cup right under the drip mechanism.
“Whatever you say. You know you’ll get a damn strong cup of coffee that way.”
“I like it strong.”
“What else do you like?” His voice was deep and provocative.
She laughed. “I’m not a pathetically naive girl anymore, and I’m not biting, Colter, so you can just rein in the flirting.”
She didn’t know he’d moved until he put his hand on her shoulder. She jerked and coffee hissed, spit and danced as it hit the hot plate.
“I think there’s something we need to get out of the way.” He reached around her to put the carafe back on the hot plate and took the mug out of her hand, then turned her to face him. “I owe you an apology.”
She frowned. “For what?” He was so close she could feel the heat radiating from him. The urge to press against him had her heart pounding.
“For what I did to you. I know I’m late by sixteen years, but I wanted you to know how sorry I am for hurting you.”
Penny was mortified that he’d actually brought up the subject and was thankful for the shadowy light in the kitchen—hoped it hid the immediate tinge of color that rushed to her cheeks. Color that might have been anger or embarrassment, she wasn’t totally certain which. Probably a little of both.
Gathering her dignity, she ducked beneath his arm and moved away from him. “Really, Joe. Get over yourself. Do you actually believe I’ve given you a thought after all these years? I can’t believe your ego.”
He went very still. Similar to a panther watching his prey, waiting for the precise moment to pounce. Danger radiated a second before he took his next step, crowding her against the cabinets.
And Penny found herself frozen in place.
“Haven’t you?” he asked softly. “Thought of me?”
Since her tongue was stuck to the roof of her mouth, she shook her head.
“Liar.” He put a finger under her chin, tipped it up. “Everything about you radiates a challenge, y’know that? And I never could resist a challenge.”
She knew he was going to kiss her and she knew she should stop him. But she didn’t do a damn thing to evade him.
His head lowered. A breath away from touching, he said, “I’ve thought about you. A lot. And I’d wager hard-earned money you’ve thought about me, too.” His gaze dropped to her lips, moved back to her eyes. “Maybe this’ll refresh your memory.”
Chapter Two
I’d wager hard-earned money.
The words stung like bees around her heart, but her traitorous,
