Falling Like Snowflakes, page 15
“I’ll check with an old friend. He has connections down there.”
He remembered the glint of fear in Kate’s eyes. “Keep Kate out of it, if you would. I’m worried about her.”
The sheriff quirked a brow.
“Her husband was murdered at their house, and her son saw the whole thing. So you know what I’m thinking.”
“That Lucca Fattore is her husband’s murderer.”
“It’s a thought.”
He ran his hand over his bald head. “If that’s the case, she’s in way over her head. Her son’s an eyewitness. Why isn’t she under marshal protection?”
“No idea. I’m not sure of anything except that all this needs to be kept on the down low.”
“You got my word. In the meantime, you might want to lock your doors at night.”
He’d replaced the locks yesterday on his day off. “Already a step ahead of you. And maybe you could swing by now and then and check on things while I’m working.”
The sheriff’s lips turned up. “That can be arranged.”
Beau had a feeling Aunt Trudy was going to be seeing more than her share of Sheriff Colton.
After the sheriff left, Beau took over for his cashier, and she went home to rest. The night flew by, and his stomach was rumbling by the time he entered the house hours later.
He warmed up by the fire. Kate always had one going when he came home. He loved the smell of burning wood and the soothing crackle of a fire. He just rarely took the time to lay one. The savory smell of pot roast made his mouth water. Kate’s cooking had improved considerably.
Riley entered a few minutes later, dusting snow from his shoulders. Paige was on his heels. Beau had invited her for supper, knowing she wanted to spend time with Riley before he left. Zac had come too. Their time together was winding down. Only three days left.
He greeted Paige at the door with a peck on the lips as Riley made a beeline for the kitchen.
“How was your day?” he asked.
“Not bad. You?”
“Busy. I’m starving.”
“Something smells good.”
They entered the dining room where Kate was setting a basket of rolls on the table. Aunt Trudy hobbled toward the kitchen, but Riley stopped her. “I’ll help. You sit down.”
She scowled. “I’ve been sitting all day.”
Riley kissed her cheek. “Good. That’s what you’re supposed to be doing.”
Zac pulled out their aunt’s chair, making a grand gesture, and she shuffled toward it, mumbling under her breath.
Beau helped Paige into her chair, then went into the kitchen with Zac to grab some drinks. Riley and Kate were working in tandem to get the roast and potatoes onto the serving platter.
She gasped as juices splashed out on Riley’s shirt. “Sorry!”
He only chuckled. “It’s an old shirt.”
“Mistletoe.” Zac nodded toward the ceiling above the stove, then turned to the fridge.
Kate and Riley looked up, then Riley’s lips kicked up a crooked grin as their eyes mingled. “What’s a guy to do?”
Beau braced himself as Riley leaned down and planted his lips on Kate’s cheek. The kiss seemed to linger forever.
Every hair on the back of Beau’s neck rose. His breath grew shallow.
Kate smiled up at Riley as he drew away.
Riley winked at her as he grabbed the platter. “I just love Christmas.”
Zac dropped a few bottled waters in Beau’s hands, snagging his attention from Kate’s maddening smile.
“Aunt Trudy strikes again,” Zac said as he exited the kitchen.
Beau followed, his emotions at war inside, choking him. Aunt Trudy’s little game had been a lot more fun when he’d been the lucky winner.
In the dining room he settled by Paige, shaken by the moment in the kitchen, the emotions still roiling in his gut. Aunt Trudy said grace and conversation commenced, but he couldn’t get his mind off that kiss. He wanted to deny it was jealousy he’d felt, but he wasn’t stupid or stubborn.
He focused on his food, but his every nerve was attuned to Kate, sitting across from him, enjoying her food. Was his brother falling for her?
He’ll be gone soon.
Even as the thought soothed him, he chided himself. Was he seriously relieved his brother was joining the marines so he was no threat to Beau’s nonexistent relationship with Kate?
You’re dating Paige, you idiot.
He suppressed a groan. How had this happened? When did he become such a jerk? His eyes darted off Paige, feeling the familiar pinch of guilt.
He had to tell her what was going on with him. It wasn’t right that he was having feelings for Kate, even if she was leaving soon. Even though it couldn’t possibly go anywhere.
It wasn’t fair to Paige. And if he was honest with himself, something was obviously lacking in their relationship if he was developing feelings for another woman. Something had been lacking all along; he just hadn’t realized it until Kate had come along with her mysterious eyes and guarded smile.
The timing was terrible, with Riley leaving. Paige was already upset about him joining up, and Beau couldn’t stand the thought of adding to her pain. She didn’t have family like they did. The Callahans were her family.
Besides, he didn’t want Riley distracted while he struggled through boot camp. It would be hard enough without the added trauma of knowing Paige was suffering back home.
“Beau . . .” Paige nudged him.
He looked at Paige, realizing she’d already called his name. He felt the eyes of everyone at the table, and his face heated as he realized he’d been staring at Kate.
Paige’s lips tightened. “I said, what do you think?”
“Uh . . .” For the life of him he couldn’t call up the last conversation. “About what?”
Zac cleared his throat. “Paige wanted to spend some time with Riley before he left. He suggested we go snowmobiling tomorrow afternoon.”
They’d had a fresh blanket of snow today, and the farm closed early on Wednesdays. Besides, they hadn’t been out yet this winter, and this would be their last chance in who knew how long?
Paige picked at her food. “I think I can get off early, but I have to be back at the shelter by six for a meeting.”
Beau nodded. “Sounds like a plan.” He’d agree to a night in the county jail if it would erase the sadness lurking in Paige’s eyes.
“You should go too, Kate,” Aunt Trudy said. “You need to get out more.”
Kate offered a smile. “That’s okay. I’ll keep you company.”
Beau wanted to offer to take her place, but with the weight of Paige’s watchful stare, he was staying out of this one.
“Nonsense. Jack can keep me company. He can teach me that new game he’s been playing on the computer. I’ll bet Kate’s never even been on a snowmobile.”
“Where do you ride?” she asked.
“On the trails,” Riley said. “It’s a lot of fun. You should come.”
There were three sleds and five of them. Math wasn’t Beau’s best subject, but it didn’t take a genius to figure this one out. Paige would ride with Beau. Zac liked to ride alone. That left Kate clinging to Riley. No wonder he wanted her to go.
“Well . . .,” Kate said. “Sure, I guess so. If you’re sure you don’t mind, Miss Trudy.”
His aunt waved the sentiment away, and with that, Beau’s fate was sealed.
Chapter 22
Riley strapped on a helmet, then turned to Eden. She ducked her head as he put one on her and held still as he adjusted the chin strap.
She was glad she’d borrowed a pair of boots from Paige. The snow was several inches deep, and the wind chilled her to the bone.
Riley was staring over her head to where Beau and Paige were readying for their trip. His brows were pinched together, that vulnerability making an appearance in his green eyes.
“Maybe we can switch partners later,” Eden offered.
He scowled. “That’s the last thing I need.”
Unrequited love was the pits. She glanced over her shoulder where Paige was settling on the snowmobile behind Beau. She wrapped her arms around him, pressing tight to his back as the sled started with a rumble.
Bad enough what Eden was feeling. “Maybe the distance will help.”
He gave a rueful smile as he finished her strap. “Here’s hoping.” He hopped on the sled and fished the keys from the glove box.
A minute later they were flying through an open field on the backside of the neighbor’s property. Beau and Paige were behind them, Zac pulling up the rear. The high-pitched whine of the engines filled the stillness of the afternoon, the skis cutting through the soft blanket of snow. The cold air sailed past, making Eden glad for her face mask.
Riley took a sharp turn onto a wide trail that cut through the woods. Eden tightened her grip. The ride was exhilarating. The evergreens rushed by in her peripheral vision, and the wind whooshed past, carrying the faint smell of gasoline.
After several minutes, Riley called over his shoulder. “Ready for the fun stuff?”
“Uh . . . I guess?” She gave a nervous chuckle.
“Hang on!”
It wasn’t until they went airborne that she realized how easy he’d been taking it on her. A squeal escaped midair, and she clutched his waist.
Riley whooped.
They landed with a jolt.
“You okay?” he called over the buzz of the engine.
Her heart was pounding, but a smile had broken out on her face. “Yeah!”
He accelerated, and they continued along the trail, going airborne a few more times. Eden had never been an adrenaline junkie, but there was something freeing about sailing through the winter afternoon, the wind in their faces, the world behind them. Time flew by as quickly as the landscape.
She had no idea how much time had passed when Riley slowed, pulling over, as the others came to a stop alongside them. The low rumble of engines filled the forest.
Paige hopped off the back of Beau’s sled, unsnapping her helmet. “Thank goodness. I gotta use the little ladies’ room.” She rushed into the woods, her boots kicking up fresh snow.
Eden was glad she didn’t have to go, since the “little ladies’ room” seemed to consist of a snowy floor and evergreen walls.
“What the heck was that?” Beau asked Riley as soon as Paige was out of earshot.
“What?” Riley asked.
“You were driving recklessly. She’s a first-timer. She could’ve fallen off and broken her neck.”
Riley’s torso lengthened. “I am not reckless. She was fine.”
“You want to risk your own life, great. But do it on your own time.”
“Guys . . .,” Zac said.
“Slow it down,” Beau said firmly.
Riley gave a humorless laugh, shaking his head.
Eden’s stomach twisted at Beau’s knotty jaw and Riley’s defensive posture. “It’s okay,” she assured Beau. “I’m fine. Really.”
Riley’s eyes flashed. “You’re as transparent as glass, bro.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“What do you think it means?”
Zac got between the two sleds. “Come on, guys. Knock it off.”
A shuffle alerted them to Paige’s approach. Beau shot Riley a warning look, and Riley glared right back.
Eden felt helpless to mediate as Paige reached the trail.
“Whew! I feel much better. My turn, buddy,” she said to Beau.
He slid back on the machine, letting her take the driver’s seat.
When they were all suited up again, Riley accelerated. He darted ahead of the group, his speed a dead giveaway that he wasn’t going to heed Beau’s warning.
Eden got little pleasure from the thrill of the ride as they zoomed along the snowy path, knowing Beau was behind them, likely seething. She told herself Beau would have spoken up no matter who was on Riley’s sled. That he didn’t have special feelings for her. He was protective of everyone. It was his nature.
But it might be more. Maybe she hadn’t imagined the lingering glances. The casual brushes. As the idea incubated, something inside her went warm and soft.
He’s with Paige, Eden. You’re leaving in a matter of weeks. You can’t stay here, and he’s not going with you. You don’t need another man. You need your freedom. Haven’t you learned yet that love only shackles?
With her dad she’d learned that even shackles employed with love still chafed. Then along came Antonio. She’d thought his love would set her free. But it had only bound her more tightly. And while his death should have granted her the ultimate freedom, it only placed her in a different kind of prison.
I will be free. We will be free. As soon as we reach Loon Lake.
Karen had taken her daughter to the magical cabin in northern Maine every summer. They always invited her along, but her father never let her go. Eden was green with envy every August when they returned with beautiful pictures and enchanting stories.
But would they really be free there? How could she be free when she was always looking over her shoulder? Waiting for Fattore’s men to catch up with them? Waiting for them to take her son from her?
The thought jolted her.
She shook it away, her pulse skittering. No. She wouldn’t have to live that way. They’d be safe. Fattore would be found guilty soon, even without Micah’s testimony. The prosecution had DNA evidence. She and Micah would finally be free.
The cold wind cut into the slice of skin bared between her coat sleeve and glove. For a moment she let the biting pain distract her from the path of her thoughts. Then, seeing there were no turns ahead, she reached over with her other hand to tug the coat sleeve into place.
The sled hit a bump, and they went airborne. She tilted sideways. Her knees tightened around Riley, and she reached for him. But she was slipping, falling . . .
Flying through the air. Her arms flailed helplessly, connecting with something. She hit the ground with a thud. The air evacuated her lungs.
She groaned. Had she thought the snow soft?
She blinked up at the darkening sky, mentally assessing her body parts. It took a moment for the pain in her backside to register. She moved her legs, her arms. Nothing broken. Just got the wind knocked out of her.
Riley hit the ground beside her. “Kate. You okay?”
She was sitting up as Beau and Paige reached them, Beau’s worried eyes trained on her. “You all right?”
“I’m fine. Really.”
Beau squatted, taking her wrist. “You’re bleeding.”
The exposed skin had caught a branch or something. Only now did she feel the sting. “It’s just a scrape.”
“Everything okay?” Zac called as he pulled his sled closer.
“Yeah, I’m fine.”
Riley helped her up, and she brushed off the snow. The movement hurt, but she wasn’t about to mention it.
Beau sent Riley a withering glance. “You happy now?”
“It was my fault,” Eden said. “I let go to fix my sleeve just as we went airborne. Bad timing.”
“Let’s stop at the Roadhouse and get her cleaned up,” Zac said.
Riley tore his gaze away from Beau’s challenging stare. “It’s getting dark anyway.”
“Perfect,” Paige said. “I can walk to the shelter from there.”
At the Roadhouse Beau parted ways with Paige. The rest of them followed Zac to his office, their ski pants swishing.
It was a slow weeknight at the restaurant with only a few customers scattered throughout the dining room. Someone in the back room broke the pool balls with a loud crack, and a hearty round of boos followed.
In his office, Zac pulled a first-aid kit from the depths of a drawer.
Riley and Beau both reached for it.
Beau gave Riley a dark look, snapping up the kit. “I think you’ve done enough for one day.”
“You can use my restroom,” Zac said. “I need to go check on things in the kitchen. Riley, why don’t you go save us a pool table?”
Riley aimed a scowl at Beau before leaving the room.
“It’s really just a scratch.” Kate headed toward the bathroom attached to Zac’s office, pulling up her sleeve. “I can handle it.”
She already had her wrist under the water when Beau caught up to her. He set the kit on the counter beside her. The space was tight, and the citrus smell he’d come to associate with her filled his lungs.
When she was finished washing the scrape, she patted it dry with a paper towel.
“Let me see.” Beau took her hand, his mouth tightening at the raw flesh. He could throttle Riley. What was his problem anyway?
“That’s got to smart.” He ripped open the alcohol pad. “This is going to sting.”
He ran the pad over the scrape as gently as he could, and she didn’t react to the pain. He held her hand, his thumb pressed into her palm as he cleaned the wound.
“It wasn’t his fault, you know.”
“Don’t make excuses for him.”
“I was having fun.”
“Until you hit the ground?”
Her lips twitched. “Something like that.”
She had nice lips, plush and pink. Beau dragged his eyes away. “He knows better.” He blew on the wet skin.
Gooseflesh popped up on her arm, and a muscle in her forearm twitched.
His eyes flashed to hers, lingering there, perceiving a subtle shift in her honey-brown eyes. Had her breaths just grown shallow?
