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He frowned. “Why not?”
She lowered her eyes to the top button of his jacket. Snow was falling beyond the porch. “I’m clumsy and old-fashioned. Not pretty, like a lot of women. I don’t move with the times.”
“But you’re lovely,” he said softly, scowling. “Didn’t you know? It’s what’s inside you that matters. You’re tender and loving and you never quit on the people you care about. Those are virtues.”
“Being tender and loving with perps is not an option,” she said, trying to lighten the conversation.
“I’ve made you feel small for years,” he said sadly. “I didn’t even know why. Picking on you became a defense mechanism.”
She looked up, surprised. “Defense against what?” she asked blankly.
He cupped her soft face in his big, cool hands. “Against this, honey,” he whispered as he bent to her mouth.
The endearment stunned her. The kiss was . . . amazing. It was soft and gentle, respectful. It was the way you’d kiss someone you cared deeply for. All her adult life, Meadow had been rushed or grabbed or overpowered by dates. Here was a man she’d known forever, a man she’d loved with all her heart. And he didn’t rush or grab. He kissed her as if he . . . loved her!
He drew back after a minute, perplexed. “When we have more time, and it’s not so late,” he mused, “I really need to do something about that ego. Not to mention your skill set.”
“What skill set?” she asked.
“Exactly.”
Her eyebrows arched. “Who’s on first, what’s on second . . .”
“I don’t give a damn, he’s our shortstop!” he finished for her, chuckling. His hands fell away. “Call me when you want to go see Snow tomorrow. I’ll go with you.”
“Is Jarvis okay?” she asked suddenly. “He had blood on one paw.”
“Yes, Gil thinks he scratched the perp. He got blood samples.” He glowered. “He’s got a case on you.”
“Wh . . . what?” she stammered.
“Blind little woman,” he mused, searching her shocked eyes. “Can’t see what’s right in front of her.”
“Gil’s my colleague,” she said. “He isn’t a potential suitor.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“Yes, I’m sure,” she said.
He pursed his lips. “Okay, then. I was wondering how much trouble I’d get in if I had to call him out,” he remarked. “Dueling with deputies is bad business.”
Her lips fell apart. “Duels?”
He touched her mouth with his. “You’ll work it out. One more thing,” he added, and he was solemn. “I never slept with Dana. In case the subject ever comes up. And I broke it off with her earlier today, in person.”
She was stunned. She didn’t understand what was going on.
“You might tell Jeff, if you think about it,” he added darkly. “And tell him he owes me.”
“For what?”
“He’ll know.”
“I don’t understand.” Her voice faltered.
He drew her up close. “You’ll work it out,” he chuckled as he bent his head. He kissed her hungrily. “Don’t stay up too late,” he whispered into her lips. “And keep the doors locked. A man who’ll hit a dog will hit a woman,” he added icily.
“Dal . . .”
