A Sheriff's Star, page 5
Smiling, Hannah bounced. “Swing?”
“Yes, but when we go to Momma’s work, you have to play nicely with your dolls.”
As Tess pushed her daughter on the swing, she rubbed her throbbing knee and wished for an ice pack. Too bad not much could be done for the embarrassment. It took considerable effort, but she managed not to even glance toward the police station. Anson’s attitude suddenly made more sense. He already had a whole posse of adoring women. He didn’t need her moony-eyed attention.
* * *
Thankful to be home after a trying day, Anson unlocked his front door. A stolen car and a drug-related arrest were out of character for his quiet town. Not to mention his distracted state of mind ever since Tess and Hannah stopped by with a batch of his favorite cookies, just like a wife and child might’ve done. He’d hated to admit his disappointment when they’d rushed away, but the mystery of their sudden departure would have to wait. All he wanted was to take off his boots, crack open a cold beer and focus on something other than the tempting woman next door.
Nan’s laugh brought him to a stop in the entry with one hand reaching for his boot heel. It was a sound he’d been trying to coax out of his grandmother for months. Her chuckle was followed by a childish giggle, and goose bumps popped up on his skin.
Hannah’s here. Which means, Tess is here to continue messing with my senses.
Avoiding all the squeaky spots in the old oak floor, he walked through the house, not wanting to interrupt whatever had brought joy to Nan. He peeked into the sunroom just as Tess tossed her hair over her shoulder. Her full mouth pulled into a beautiful smile that tugged something in his chest, and he swallowed against the catch in his throat.
She bent her head to write in the notebook on her lap. His grandmother’s voice pulled his attention to the sofa, where Hannah sat tucked against her side with a photo album on their laps. The sweet scene made his chest tighten in a different way. A paternal way.
“Anson, come in, dear. I’m just telling Tess about some of the items for the museum. I’m so happy she wants to include stories along with the displays.”
“That’s great.” He did his best to keep his gaze from drifting back to Tess. “Hello again, Hannah.”
“He my chief,” she told Nan, and patted the star pinned on her purple shirt.
His grandmother’s smile was infectious. He moved farther into the room and put a hand on her walker. “Did you get some exercise in today?”
“I did. I need to get my strength back so Hannah and I can go out to the greenhouse and plant some flowers.”
Wow. Who knew all it would take is a child to get her living again.
Tess closed her notebook and stood. “We’ll get out of your way.”
“You two are staying for supper,” Nan announced. “A neighbor brought over a big casserole and salad, and we’d love the company.”
Tess’s eyes flicked briefly to Nan, then Hannah, and ended on him.
He was well acquainted with the wariness in her narrowed gaze. But if having them around would keep Nan smiling, he’d deal with the desire Tess fired off like mini explosions inside him. “Stay and eat with us.”
“We stay,” Hannah affirmed with a round of clapping.
“Good.” Nan obviously believed the matter was settled. “Tess, would you please help Anson put the casserole in the oven to warm and get out the salad? Hannah and I will be just fine right here.”
Now he knew what Nan was up to. Matchmaking. But he couldn’t bear to disagree when her will to get better had returned. He wasn’t ready to let her slip away. A day didn’t exist that he’d be ready for that outcome.
“I can handle it by myself,” Tess said. “I’m sure Anson would like to relax after work.”
The sharp look from his grandmother told him what move he’d better make next.
Great. Being alone with a woman I want, who doesn’t want me, won’t be hard at all. Evil laughter rang in his head. “Kitchen is this way.”
The walls of the hallway seemed to be closing in. Even though he couldn’t see her, he could feel her behind him. And wanted nothing more than to turn and pull her into his arms, see how she’d fit against him and how her lips tasted. Tess ran into his back, and he realized he’d abruptly stopped. “Sorry,” he said, without turning around.
Her hands stayed on his back a moment longer before sliding away. “It’s okay. I was moving...too fast.”
Her husky whisper shot directly to his groin. He paused a moment longer and then continued toward the kitchen. “If you’ll preheat the oven, I’ll get stuff out of the fridge.”
At this rate, I might need to climb into the freezer!
* * *
Tess pressed a hand to her fluttering stomach and forced herself not to reach out and touch him again. When they entered the kitchen, she couldn’t hold in a gasp. “This room is beautiful. Original white Shaker cabinets, Carrara marble, apron front sink, and...” His half grin made her stop the verbal list. “I get a little excited about well-preserved history.”
“Nice to know what excites you.” His eyes widened, then he quickly ducked his head behind the refrigerator door.
Her sweater suddenly felt too heavy against her heated skin. He’d tried to hide his reaction but hadn’t been quick enough to cover up his awareness of his suggestive comment. If he only knew, it’s him that’s reawakened something inside me. She turned her attention to the white Viking range and set it to preheat.
“What college degree does someone earn for the work you do?” he asked.
Glad for the change of subject, she happily answered. “I have a degree in history, minors in archeology and art, and a master’s in archival science. I was about to go for my doctorate when I got pregnant with Hannah.”
“Wow. That’s a lot of school.”
“I like learning.” And I’d like to learn what turns you on. Panic struck her square in the gut. Had she said that aloud?
He didn’t react, so she released a thank-goodness breath. How could she live next door to this man and his direct line to her libido?
He put a foil-covered glass dish on the stovetop. “This is some chicken dish. It’s one of Nan’s favorites.”
“Do you think she’ll give me a tour of this house sometime?”
“I can show you around while the food heats.”
“Please stop me if I’m being too nosy.”
“Being a cop, I’m pretty nosy myself. You might want to check out the butler’s pantry through that door.”
While they waited for the oven to reach the desired temperature, Tess explored every inch of the kitchen. Several columns of measurements were written on the inside of the butler’s pantry wall. She traced a finger along the height marks under Anson’s name. “Hard to believe you were ever this little. Did you grow up in this house?”
“I did.” With the toe of his boot, he tapped the bottom of the door frame on the opposite side. “And my little sister, Carol.”
The oven dinged its readiness. Once the casserole was heating, they peeked in on Hannah and Nan, who were still reading and appeared content.
“What part of the house do you want to see first?” Anson asked.
“Any areas of the house you’re willing to show me. I wouldn’t mind even getting a look in the attic.” His deep chuckle sent a shiver rippling through her.
“Follow me.” He led her up a back staircase to the attic, then hung back silently watching as she meticulously took in every detail.
She stood in the center of the peaked roof structure, overflowing with furniture in need of refinishing, boxes and trunks, and cloth-draped mysteries. The large space was a historian’s playground, filled with treasures and stories awaiting discovery.
Once they were back on the second floor, they explored an upstairs parlor turned media room, two bathrooms and four bedrooms. Along the way, their tension morphed into a sort of edgy friendship. On their way back toward the stairs, Tess trailed her fingers across each glass doorknob, her distorted reflection wavering as she moved. How many people had walked this floor and turned these knobs? She could almost hear their voices echoing along the corridor.
“Didn’t you say this house has always been in your family?”
“Yep. Curry family home since the day it was built.” He opened the last door. “This one is my bedroom.”
They stepped into a room he’d skipped on their first pass through the second floor. The air between them heated further.
Was he hesitant to bring me in here, or saving it for last on purpose? No! Don’t go there.
“I think most of my furniture is old,” he said.
“You’re right.” The curved lines of art deco pieces were polished to a high gleam and smelled faintly of lemon polish. A wooden tray on the dresser held spare change, several knives and military dog tags. “You were a soldier?”
“Marine. MP.” He stepped closer and emptied the contents of his pockets into an empty section of the tray.
The intimacy of the simple act, and his unique, snowy-pine-forest scent had her head swimming. She backed into the bedside table and a lamp tipped.
In a split second, he caught it in one hand, and palmed the small of her back in the other.
Her breath snagged on inhale, and before she could think better of it, she clutched his belt. The pressure increased on her back as Anson’s head dipped slightly.
The timer on her phone chimed, startling both of them.
She stepped back to a safe distance and pulled out the intrusive piece of technology. “Dinner. It’s ready. We should...go down.”
Oh good grief. I sound like a blithering idiot.
* * *
The four of them sat around an ornate, Colonial Revival dining room table big enough for twelve people. They talked of everyday things, and Hannah proudly used her best manners. This was how Tess had envisioned raising her child—sharing meals, conversation about the day and her daughter’s laughter.
Nan dabbed her mouth with a cloth napkin. “I called Jenny while you two were upstairs. She agreed it’s a great idea for Hannah to spend the day with us tomorrow so Tess can get some work done at the museum. If it’s okay with you, of course?”
Tess was shocked by the offer. “She can be a lot to handle. I don’t want you to overdo it and tire yourself out.”
“I love having a little one around. Makes me feel younger. After watching her dance about the yard as you moved in, I remembered what it was to feel that free. I walked five laps around the house today. Jenny practically had to run to keep up with me.”
Anson studied his grandmother, then turned to Tess. “Having Hannah here seems to be what Nan needs to get moving again. I can vouch for Jenny being good with kids.”
“Hannah Lynn, would you like to stay here tomorrow while I work at my new job?”
“Yes. I stay.” Another bite of food disappeared into her mouth.
“Wonderful.” Nan pushed her empty plate forward. “She can help Jenny and me put out the rest of the Halloween decorations.”
“I appreciate the help. I’ll only be a few blocks away if you should need me.”
Nan chuckled. “I’m very familiar with how close we are to the square.”
“Oh, of course you are.” Tess’s cheeks warmed, and she made the mistake of looking at Anson. His big grin only made her skin flame hotter. She grabbed her and Hannah’s empty plates. “I’ll clean up before we head home.”
“Anson will help you while I read one more story to Hannah,” Nan declared.
Tess helped Anson clean the kitchen while Nan read to Hannah from an old copy of Children’s Classic Fairy Tales. By the time they’d finished cleaning —and dancing around their attraction by sticking to work-related conversation—Hannah was sound asleep on the couch.
Tess sat beside her and stroked her head. “I need to get her home and into bed.”
“Jenny is here by seven o’clock every morning, and my old bones wake up with the sun. Bring Hannah over as early as you need to.” Nan’s fingers drummed on the arm of the sofa. “Anson, carry this little angel and make sure they get home safely.”
“I don’t need any help.” Tess jumped to her feet.
“Better let me help. If you don’t, I’ll be in trouble and might not get dessert tomorrow,” he teased.
For Nan’s sake, Tess surrendered control. “Can’t have that. Thank you again for supper. See you in the morning, Mrs. Curry.”
“You will call me Nan, just like everyone else.”
“All right then. Sleep well, Nan.”
“Good night, dear.”
He gently scooped Hannah into his arms and cuddled her against his chest. “Let’s get you home, little one.” His voice was pitched low and soothing.
Tess’s heart did two things in a split second. It broke for the father her daughter didn’t have and melted at the tenderness Anson showed a child he hardly knew.
They stepped out onto the front porch, and she hurried ahead of him, thinking it best not to linger on the sight of her daughter in his arms. The brisk night air chilled her skin, making her shiver as she unlocked their front door and held it open for Anson to step through, with her whole world in his arms.
“Straight to bed or do you need to wake her to take a bath?” he whispered.
“To bed. The bath can wait.” Tess led him into the yellow bedroom and pulled back the covers before he laid Hannah on the mattress. She couldn’t take her eyes off his hand and how big it looked gently stroking the crown of her daughter’s head.
“Sweet dreams, little one,” he said, and stepped out of the room.
She took off Hannah’s shoes and jeans, then tucked her in for the night. With a bolstering breath, she braced herself for being alone with her fantasy man.
He stood in the center of the living room, looking around like he’d never seen his own house. She followed Anson’s gaze to the built-in shelves she’d filled with precious and painful memories. Things she wasn’t ready to share with him. Before he could ask any questions, she opened the front door.
“Even though we were coerced, thank you for carrying her home. And for the house tour.” Their “moment” in his bedroom flashed before her. Damn, why’d I bring that up?
“Anytime.” Anson’s blue-eyed gaze danced with amusement before he ducked his head and stepped outside. “Sleep well, Tess.”
Fat chance of that.
She closed the door to prevent herself from watching him walk away. Tonight, Anson hadn’t treated her indifferently like before, and in fact, seemed to be fighting his own temptations. Part of the time shutters would fall over his eyes as he distanced himself, then she’d blink and he’d wear his devil’s grin, drawing her in with flirtation. Maybe he wasn’t as immune to their attraction as she’d thought.
“I can’t figure you out, Chief Anson Curry. But why am I even bothering?”
Chapter Five
Hannah ran ahead of Tess and up the steps of Anson and Nan’s house. “Momma, what that sound?”
As Tess got closer, the whining of baby animals came from a cardboard box by the front door. “Sounds like puppies.”
“Puppy!” Hannah shrieked and knelt beside the box.
She joined her and stroked the head of one of three fluffy pups. “Where did you little fellows come from?”
The front door opened and Anson stepped out. “What do you have there?”
She shivered as she always did when first seeing him. “They were here when we walked up.”
With a large hand, he reached in and scooped up a puppy. “Looks like they might be part German shepherd.”
His nearness made her want to lean in and pull away all at the same time. “Does this kind of thing happen often?”
“People leaving animals on my doorstep?” He held the tiny pup in front of his face and it licked his nose. “More than it should. Somehow, I’ve become the person who’ll find homes for all the strays or unwanted animals. I even had someone bring me a baby squirrel.”
“What did you do with it?”
“Took it to the wildlife rescue on the edge of town. These babies barely have their eyes open.”
“Does that mean they’ll need to be bottle-fed?”
“Yes, but I know someone whose dog just had a litter. Maybe she’ll adopt and nurse these babies.” He put the dog into Hannah’s arms.
“My puppy.” Hannah cuddled the whining and wiggling baby.
Regret seeped into Tess’s heart. “Sweetie, we can’t have a puppy right now. We’ll be moving soon. Probably into an apartment that might not let us have a pet. Once we get a house of our own we can get one.”
“He wuvs me.”
Tess blinked against tears and stroked the little dog in her daughter’s arms. “I know, sweetie. Animals always love you.”
The puppy settled on his back in the little girl’s lap and stretched out his legs.
Anson knelt beside them and tickled the happy animal’s tummy. “What do you think about sharing him? You can come over and visit him anytime you want.”
Hannah cocked her head as if considering the proposal.
Tess cleared her throat and crooked her finger. Trusting a man to do what he said was something she had a hard time with.
He grinned sheepishly and followed her a few steps away. “Guess that was the wrong thing to say?”
“You can’t make that promise to her if you don’t really intend to keep the dog. Besides, we won’t be here much longer and—” She lost her breath when he tucked hair behind her ear.
“Tess, I wouldn’t promise something to a child, or anyone, and not mean it. My old dog died six months ago, and I’ve been planning to get another.”
