A Sheriff's Star, page 9
She closed the door and turned, expecting to see that Hannah had gotten out of bed. Her pulse jumped at the sight of Anson leaning against her kitchen counter with one boot crossed over the other. “You were so quiet I thought you’d left.”
“I wanted to make sure she’s okay.”
“Probably strep. It’s going to be a rough couple of days, and I’ll have to work from home.” She reached for the bag of coffee beans, then realized the aroma of morning bliss already perfumed the air. “Hallelujah, sweet nectar. I could kiss you.” I can’t believe I just said that! She poured coffee and prayed her cheeks weren’t turning three shades of crimson.
He did a poor job of hiding a grin behind the rim of his mug. “I figured you’d need it as much as I do. After getting home last night, I couldn’t get to sleep.”
“I definitely need a cup. Maybe two.” After a large dash of cream, she savored her first sip. Had Anson been unable to sleep because he was thinking of her? She immediately scolded herself for the thought and pulled out baked goods. “Have a banana nut muffin with your coffee. Does the pharmacy have a drive-through? I need to pick up her antibiotic.”
“No drive-through. I’ll go get her medicine. You shouldn’t take Hannah out in the cold.”
She debated no more than a second before accepting his offer. “That would be great.”
Anson bit into the homemade muffin and moaned. “Delicious,” he said around a mouthful.
“Is Nan okay? We spent time with her this weekend and might’ve exposed her.”
“She’s fine so far. She was up and around when I left to come over here.”
“Good. We can’t have your grandmother getting sick.” A slow smile brightened his eyes and made her stomach flutter.
“Other than her stroke, Nan hasn’t been sick in years. I’ll be back with Hannah’s prescription as quick as I can.”
“Is the pharmacy even open this early?”
“No, but the pharmacist lives right behind his shop. Plus, he owes me.”
“Did you let him out of a speeding ticket?”
“Something like that.” He wiggled his brows and took a step closer to Tess.
Her pulse jumped and she stiffened, thinking he was going to hug her—and wanting it more than not.
Instead, he picked up his mug for one last sip.
Her knuckles turned white as she tightened her grip on the edge of the counter. It was better that he hadn’t touched her. He didn’t need more sick germs spread across his body. And she definitely didn’t need more fuel added to the fire of temptation.
* * *
After a successful trip to the pharmacy, Anson returned to Tess and Hannah with antibiotics, juice, Jell-O and a stuffed puppy. The soothing sound of Tess’s voice drew him through the house to her bedroom. With her sick child cradled in her lap, she sang a song he’d never heard before.
“Hey there, little one. How are you feeling?”
Hannah blinked big sad eyes and didn’t give him her usual smile. “Owie.”
“That’s what she calls being sick,” Tess explained, and stroked her child’s damp forehead.
Seeing her so miserable tore at his heart. “I’m sorry you’re feeling bad.” He pulled the toy out of the shopping bag and put it into Hannah’s arms. “This puppy wants to keep you company while you get well.”
“Tank you,” she said, then whimpered and squeezed her new stuffy.
“Let’s get this medicine into you, sweetie. Anson, do you know how to measure out the dosage that’s listed on the front of the bottle? There should be a dropper or oral syringe with it.”
“I do. I’ve helped my sister with my nephew, Landon.” He put the shopping bag on the dresser, prepared the dose and handed it to Tess to administer.
“Open up, sweetie.”
Hannah shook her head. “No!” Her flailing arm almost knocked the syringe out of her mother’s hand.
Tess bit her lip, closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. “Hannah Lynn, you have to take this. It will help you feel better.”
When Hannah cut a glance at Anson, he knelt to her level. “Do what your momma says, please. She’s trying to make you better.”
She looked back and forth between her mom and Anson, then opened her mouth and swallowed the thick white liquid.
“That’s my good girl. Have a sip of water, then I’ll rock you to sleep.”
He admired the woman who’d invaded his mind as she comforted her child with such tenderness. With no makeup and sexy bed head hair, she looked prettier than he’d ever seen her.
Wish I’d been the one to mess up her hair and... Damn.
He couldn’t continue staring at her, so he grabbed the shopping bag and went into the kitchen to put away the items he’d bought. Before leaving for the pharmacy, he’d almost pulled Tess into his arms to comfort her, but she’d stiffened and something like panic had flashed in her eyes. Except for that one kiss in her moment of turmoil, she continued to keep him at arm’s length. Could be when she was clearheaded she felt the same as him about short-term relationships. Maybe her attraction to him wasn’t what he imagined it to be.
Certainly didn’t help that I was a dumbass and embarrassed her when I told her to stop kissing me.
He’d been driving himself crazy with all the other things he should have said or done. Tess Harper was an irresistible woman who made him waver on his rule about not dating if it was only temporary, and he didn’t know how much longer he could fight his desire.
Standing at the kitchen sink, he stared across the yard at Nan’s house and recalled his grandfather’s stories of how long he’d chased her before she’d agreed to date him. The man hadn’t given up and had been rewarded with a long, happy marriage.
Should I take the chance and try to thaw her icy shields?
Most likely, he’d be sorry, but in that moment, he decided he’d regret it even more if he didn’t at least give it a shot.
Her leaving couldn’t be as bad as what he’d already experienced.
Needing distance to think more clearly, he turned to go but couldn’t leave until he made sure there wasn’t something else they needed. He moved into the living room and once again studied the shelf of photos and memorabilia. Men in uniform, an old family photo of Tess as a child with her parents and brother at the beach and many pictures of Hannah filled the space. But none of Hannah with her absent father, or any other family member. Tess had lost everyone. They were alone.
The two framed flags caught his eye and something clicked. She’d lost her father and brother to violence in the line of duty.
Is my job the reason she pushes me away?
Tess came into the room and sagged into the recliner. “She’s asleep again. I don’t know what I would’ve done without your help this morning.”
“I can see that was difficult for you to say.” His tone was light and teasing.
She shot him a pointed glare that turned into a small smile. “You think you know me, Chief Curry?”
“You have to be observant in my line of work.”
“Your line of work comes with a lot of dangers.” She shivered and wrapped her arms around herself.
And my guess was correct. She worries about my job. “True, but not so much in a small town as in a big city.”
She sat forward and adjusted her nightclothes. “What time do you have to be at work this morning?”
“I don’t have to go in until noon.”
“I hate to ask, but do you think you can stay long enough for me to get a quick shower? I don’t want her to wake up and need me when I can’t hear her.”
“Sure. I can stay.” He bit his tongue to keep himself from offering to wash her back.
* * *
Tess rushed through washing her hair but took a moment to let the hot spray beat against her upper back, right where tension gathered into a relentless knot. Right in that spot she couldn’t reach to knead the soreness. It sure would be nice to have a strong pair of male hands working the kinks from her muscles. She chalked that fantasy up to a wishful daydream and turned off the water. She came out with wet hair, dressed in a pair of yoga pants and a tank top.
Anson’s voice drifted from her bedroom. “Your momma is taking a shower, but she’ll be out soon. Will you have another drink of water, please?”
Hannah sipped from the straw, then pushed it away. “No.”
“How are you feeling, sweet girl?”
“No happy, Momma.” She moaned, hugged her new stuffed animal and curled up on her side.
Tess smoothed the hair back from Hannah’s forehead. “Try to go back to sleep while I walk Chief Curry out.”
Anson rose from his seat on the bed. “Feel better, little one.” He stretched as he walked slowly down the hallway.
His movements reminded her of a large cat on the prowl, but she was the one who wanted to pounce. “Shoot. I wasn’t thinking when I asked you to stay. Now you have even more exposure to what’s probably a contagious illness. Wash your hands and change your clothes before you handle anything Nan might touch.”
“Yes, ma’am. Will do.” He stopped with one hand on the front doorknob. “Call me if you need anything else.”
Tess stood completely still, staring at the closed door for several moments before shaking herself out of a dreamy stupor.
Anson’s good guy qualities and sexual magnetism were chipping away at her barriers—one tightly held piece at a time.
* * *
Anson did just as Tess requested and entered through the mudroom, threw his clothes in the washing machine and headed straight for the shower. When he was dressed in his uniform, he went to the kitchen for another cup of coffee. His mind was so focused on thoughts of Tess and Hannah that he startled when Nan cleared her throat.
“How’s that sweet baby?” she asked from her seat at the kitchen table.
“She’s definitely sick. Poor little one.”
“I’ll make a big pot of chicken soup and you can take it over this evening.”
He sipped his black coffee and leaned against the center island. “Don’t tire yourself out standing at the stove cooking all day. I know how long that soup takes to make.”
She chuckled. “Aren’t you the one who’s been after me to get up and get back to the business of living?”
“Yes, but not all at once. Take it slow. Make sure Jenny helps you and use that walker that has the built-in seat on it just in case you need to sit in a hurry.”
“If it will make you feel better.” She stood and waved a hand to his right. “Take that sandwich and get yourself to work. Go make sure our little town is still safe to live in.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He grabbed his lunch and kissed her cheek. “See you after work, and I’ll take the soup next door.” It was a good excuse to see Tess again.
Damn, I’m like some infatuated teenager.
Chapter Eight
By the time evening rolled around, Hannah’s fever had broken and she slept peacefully in Tess’s bed. Exhausted and starting to feel sick as well, Tess headed for the kitchen to make a much-needed cup of hot tea. She added an extra dose of immune boosting tincture to hopefully prevent herself from full-blown illness. While the herbal brew steeped on the counter, she rummaged in the pantry for a can of soup to keep up her strength.
Someone knocked on her front door and she headed that way, but her head swam and she grabbed for the back of the recliner, knocking a plastic cup off the end table. Water splashed as the cup clattered across the floor.
“Tess, it’s Anson.”
“Give me a minute,” she called out. “The floor is wet.”
“Can I use my key?”
Light-headedness kept her rooted in place. “Yes. Come in.” The lock clicked and the door swung open, but she remained clutching the back of the chair.
“I brought Hannah some of Nan’s famous chicken soup.” He closed the door with his foot, then paused and looked her up and down. “You’re sick.”
She held up a palm. “Stop. Don’t get any closer. You shouldn’t risk it again. I’m worried about you taking our germs back to your house. I’m just tired.”
Anson ignored her, stepped around the puddle on his way to the kitchen and put a large, silver pot on the stovetop. “You need a bowl of this soup.”
“I told you, I’m fine.” She stepped in the water and threw her arms out to catch her balance. Her vision dimmed and she swayed, reaching for support again.
In a flash, Anson was beside her, clutching her against his chest. “You’re not fine.”
A quiver started in her belly and spread out along her limbs. She needed to step away and stop clinging to him. Stop inhaling his intoxicating scent. Independence warred with loneliness, and she gave in to the desire for a moment of comfort. “I know how to take care of myself.”
“I have no doubt of that, but it’s okay to ask for help now and then.”
She sucked in a breath when he lifted her into his arms, then laid her on the couch and sat at her feet. “Now look what you’ve gone and done. You’ve touched me and gotten completely germy.”
He chuckled. “Germy?”
“You’ll get sick.” She attempted to sit up but eased back onto the cushions. “The second you get home, go straight to the shower and—”
“Tess.” He squeezed her foot. “Are you admitting it?”
“What?”
“That you’re sick.”
Her throbbing head and scratchy throat could no longer be denied. “Yes, damn it all to hell and back. But I can’t be sick right now.” She covered her face to hide the threat of tears. His strong hands kneaded the muscles in her calves and made her want to crawl onto his lap and soak up a bit more comfort in his arms. “I have to take care of Hannah and work on the museum. I have to fight past this.”
“You can also accept help. Lucky for you, my sister came to town this afternoon. She’ll be there with Nan while I take care of you and Hannah.”
“Like...stay here?” Her voice rose with each word.
“What? You’re not going to let me sleep on my own couch?”
“Anson Curry, you can’t be serious.”
“Oh, but I am.”
“I’ve taken care of Hannah and myself while both of us are sick. I can do it again.”
“Well, this time you don’t have to.” He held up a hand. “I know. You don’t need help. But you said it yourself—you can’t send me home all germy to get Nan sick.”
She tried to find a reasonable argument, but only sighed and pressed her fingers to her throbbing forehead. “I guess you can stay. But only to protect Nan.”
He clenched his jaw, but the hint of a smile pulled at one corner of his lips. “Will you eat a bowl of chicken soup?”
“That actually sounds wonderful. It’s homemade?”
“It is. Nan is famous for making this soup. Even Dr. Clark swears by it.” He pulled her up to stand and cradled her against his body. “Be still for a minute, in case you’re dizzy again.”
Her cheek rested on the slope of his pec, and she didn’t have the strength or desire to question his motives, especially when his fingers worked magic on the tension in her back.
“I’m not being a very good nurse. I should probably let you stay on the couch and bring the soup to you.”
Even feeling horrible, she smiled against his shirt and couldn’t resist a bit of playful banter. “You just wanted to cop a feel, didn’t you?” His deep chuckle vibrated against her cheek.
“Busted. Lie down and get comfy.”
She had a perfect view of him preparing their meal, then putting it on TV trays he pulled out from under the couch. This was the first time a man had ever fussed over her like this, and it brought a sting to the back of her eyes as she once again fought the tears she was determined not to shed.
The room was quiet, except for the scraping of spoons against china, and the silence rattled her nerves. “Who’s Brenda Curry?”
He jerked, and the spoon fell from his hand and clattered on the floor. “My ex-wife.” His words were almost a growl.
“Oh. Sorry I brought it up.”
“How’d you know her name?”
The prescription she’d discovered had been hidden, but her brain was too tired to think of an excuse. “I found something with her name on it.”
“What was it?” His gaze scanned the room like the answer would jump out of hiding.
Damn. I should’ve known a cop wouldn’t let it go at that. “An old prescription.”
“I rifled this whole house to rid it of any trace of her.” He retrieved his spoon from the floor and crossed to the kitchen. “Where did you find it?”
“If we were playing the Hot or Cold game, you’d be burning up.”
His head cocked to the side as one brow lifted. “What game?”
“That one where you’re looking for something and someone tells you if you’re close by saying hot or cold. The prescription was taped on the underside of that drawer you’re touching.”
He jerked his hand away like it really would scald him. “Seriously? Where is it now?”
“In that red dish in the corner.”
His jaw tightened as he studied the piece of paper. “Do you know what this is for?”
“Yes.” The anxiety on his face had her concerned, and she feared telling him, but he’d find out eventually. “Birth control pills.”
He tossed it on the counter and scrubbed his hands over his face. “I don’t know why I’m surprised. I shouldn’t be.”
“I’m a good listener if you want to tell me about it. Grab a clean spoon and come sit down before your soup gets cold.”
“Got any beer?”
“No. Sorry. I have wine and half a bottle of dark rum.”
