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“Oh no, let us pay. You drove all this way. It’s the least we can do,” Cullen protested.
Gaines pushed his blazer aside, displaying the badge on his belt. “That’s an order.” He gestured to Louie. Louie was slightly taken aback, but then understood it wasn’t meant to intimidate. It was the marshal joking with Luna and Cullen.
“Official business.”
Louie bowed in accord. “Coming right up, Officer.”
Luna, Cullen, and Gaines got a kick out of the exchange. “Thanks, Christopher. It has been a pleasure.” Cullen added, “Next time, it’s on Luna.”
Luna rolled her eyes and shook her head. “My brother, the big spender.”
Guffaws came from both men. “Seriously, next time you are in town, we’ll take you to a nice place.”
“This was great,” Gaines replied. “But I just might take you up on that offer next time I’m around.”
Luna got wobbly again.Next time.
After Gaines paid the check, they stood and headed toward the door. Cullen turned to both of them. “Want me to drop you off, sis?”
She thought she was going to punch him. But before she could respond, Gaines chimed in. “I’ll take her back. It’s on my way.”
“Cool. Thanks,” Cullen responded, as if he didn’t know it wasn’t exactly on the way, but he was happy his sister was in such a playful mood.
Cullen and Gaines shook hands. “Good luck with your place,” Gaines said sincerely. “Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Cullen replied with, “Enjoy the tour!” and walked toward his car as Gaines and Luna strolled to the Jeep.
Again, he opened the passenger door for her.I could get used to this.It was an act of kindness and courtesy. Being weak or feeble had nothing to do with it. There should be no shame in exhibiting good manners.
In spite of the hectic and exciting event, Luna was still bouncing with adrenaline. It was as if she and Gaines had known each other before.Maybe, she thought.In another life?She smirked.
Gaines looked over at her. “Care to share?”
“Huh?” Luna was off in her own little world; her thoughts were spinning, recounting the frenetic day and the wonderful surprise of Marshal Gaines showing up. “Just thinking about today. It was exhilarating.”
“You must be beat,” Gaines offered.
“No, not really. That was why I smirked. It’s as if I’ve drunk a gallon of coffee.”
“Adrenaline,” Gaines commented.
“That’sexactlywhat I was thinking.” Luna was astounded at the way they were in sync. But that wasn’t anything new. She had felt that way from the day they had met.
He smiled but kept his eyes on the road. “Turn here, correct?”
“Yep.” Luna was sorry the evening was coming to a close as he pulled into the driveway and put the Jeep in park. She acquiesced to her new approach of being cool and calm. But also being herself. “Hey, thanks for coming. And the sunflowers.” She leaned over and gave him a peck on the cheek. He froze for a moment, then jumped out of the driver’s side and walked over to hers. He opened the door and held out his hand. She took it gladly. Once she was on solid ground, Gaines kissed the back of her hand. She swooned.
Gaines broke the mood. “See you tomorrow?”
Luna was floating on air. “Absolutely.”
“Good.” He let go of her hand. “What time should I show up?”
“Ten? I’ll have coffee and scones waiting.” She gave him a warm smile.
“Sounds good. Sounds delicious.” He waited in his Jeep until Luna was safely inside her house.
Wiley was expressing his joy at seeing his mommy. Luna flashed the porch light once, indicating all was well.
