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“I saw at the library there was a Saturday morning market, and it felt important to get into the community since we’re new.”
“Well, Sage River’s farmers’ market is one of the best in the county,” I said proudly before pointing to the cinnamon buns. “Good choice. Elsie’s baking is the best.”
“We couldn’t resist, could we Si? I’m a sucker for sweet temptations.” Her eyes met mine and lingered for a moment with a promise that surprised me.Was she? No … She couldn’t be. Don’t be so full of yourself.
“Mind if I join you, then? I was just here to grab a few things.”
“Sure, you gave me great advice yesterday. I’m sure you won’t steer me wrong with some of the vendors.”
“Well, I happen to know someone who makes wooden trains … Do you like trains, bud?” I grinned at Silas. His eyes widened, and he nodded. “Woo woo!”
I glanced at Rose questioningly.
“That’s how he says train.” She lifted her shoulder in a shrug.
“Well, let’s go see the woo woos, then!” I began leading them through the crowd toward the stand. “Speaking of my advice, does that mean you got a job at the resort?”
“I did, and you were right. Hayes had a place for me. He’s even okay with Silas staying with me as long as he’s never left alone.”
“Well, I’m glad it worked out. If I had known you had this little guy, my suggestion might have been different.” We stopped beside the stall, and Silas hurriedly found a toy train to play with.
Rose watched Silas with a small frown on her face, so I dug my hand into my pocket and pulled out money. “Here, let me get it for him.” Rose opened her mouth to protest, and I smiled. “I insist.”
As I turned back to Rose, leading her to the next stall, Silas began dragging the train on the pavement ahead of us. Out of the corner of my eye, I watched Rose as she walked.
The wind lifted her hair slightly, blowing it into her face, and she quickly caught the curls, shoving them back behind her ear. She was easily the most beautiful woman I had ever seen, and when I looked at her, all I wanted to do was sweep her into my arms and kiss her.
“I know you’re new and probably looking to settle in, but I was wondering if maybe I could take you out for dinner sometime?”
Rose stopped walking and turned to look at me in surprise, silently staring before she blushed. “That’s very kind of you, Beau, but I don’t think I should. I have a lot on my plate right now—” her eyes jumped to Silas, “—and I’m just getting out of a relationship, so…”
Right, of course, her son had a father. I wanted to slap myself for not realizing that, but if they were serious enough to have a child together, it had to have been serious enough that she wasn’t going to jump into bed with the first guy who asked.
“Sorry, that was out of line. I don’t know what came over me,” I apologized, saying the words I knew I should. But I knew exactly what had come over me. Every part of me wanted her, not just physically but emotionally too. I wanted to know her story. I wanted to know her mind. I just wanted to knowher…
“It’s fine. Thank you, though, I’m flattered. I just don’t think we should.” Her hand touched my arm, and an electric shock zinged me, making me look from her hand to her. She was staring back with a look that said maybe I wasn’t the only one saying empty words.
4
Rose
My mind screamedto say yes. Something about Beau was so earnest and sweet. I had nothing to fear from him. And yet… He was the town’s sheriff. I’d seen his name on the poster on my way into the market, and any romantic thoughts I may have entertained toward him were immediately squashed.
I couldn’t risk getting involved with the man who may one day see my name come across his desk for a crime I almost certainly didn’t commit but had no way of defending myself against. Not yet, at least.
With time, I hoped I would have the evidence I needed to bring a case against my ex to get full custody for Silas, but until then, we hid. Even if it meant technically kidnapping my son.
“Well, no harm done. Figured I might as well ask.” He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes in the same way his other smiles had. I wanted to explain myself, but how could I?
He turned away from me, and I caught sight of the poster from outside the market in his pocket. Leaning over, I plucked it out and unrolled it with a frown as I read over it completely this time. “What’s this about?”
He turned back to me, and his kind face scowled immediately as his neck turned red. “Trash, just need to find a bin.” He took the paper from me and crumpled it.
“Does your opponent stand a chance, then?”
“My opponent is my former best friend who is an obnoxious …” His gaze fell on Silas, and he stopped himself. “Apparently, he didn’t have the balls to tell me himself he was running against me. Instead, he let me walk to the market like an ass and see it for myself.”
I winced and shook my head. “That sucks. Why would he do that?”
