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He was a good man. She’d forgotten they existed.
A soft smile touched the corners of her lips. “I know.”
And to her surprise, she did. Even though her head questioned her gut, she still believed him. Believed he’d hurt himself before he would ever hurt her.
Quinn shot her a playful grin that immediately lifted the heaviness between them. “Good, because even though we don’t know each other that well yet, I have this crazy need to protect you. I’m the sheriff, you know, so it’s my job.” Her smile faded, and he tilted his head in question. “Not a fan of law enforcement?”
“Bad experience, that’s all.” Her gaze dropped to her hands.
He tipped her chin up with his finger. “Tell me what happened. Please. I want to help you, and I can’t unless you tell me what’s going on.”
“I know, and I will. I promise. But not right now. I need some food. I’m actually starving.” Her face heated as her stomach let out a loud growl.
He chuckled. “No kidding.”
After helping her off the bed, he placed his hand on the uninjured small of her back and led her to the kitchen. The contact quickened her pulse.
Seated at his kitchen island, she watched him put together sandwiches. He kept the mood light by entertaining her with stories of his Little League days. He really was a sweet man. And when he smiled... wow.
Whoa—slow it down.
It waswaytoo soon to be swooning over anyone’s smile.
But she could look, couldn’t she? There was no harm in that.
CHAPTEREIGHT
Hours later, they were still in Quinn’s kitchen. They’d talked about their favorite movies over sandwiches—action for him, thrillers for her, and superhero movies for both of them. Then, they’d fallen into a comfortable conversation over safe topics, including TV shows, dogs vs. cats, sports, ice cream flavors, and his childhood antics. Now they were at his breakfast table with one of Roxie’s blueberry pies between them.
Just as Alex began pondering whether they needed ice cream, Roxie launched through the kitchen door like a rocket.
“I thought I heard voices in here,” she said, opening a cabinet. “The least you animals can do is give my pies the respect they deserve.” She thunked two plates onto the table and gave them her best mom look.
“Yes, ma’am,” Quinn mumbled around a mouthful of pie, grabbing a plate.
Alex wisely swallowed her laugh and followed suit.
Once they’d properly cut and served themselves slices, Roxie joined them at the table with a triumphant smile. “So, what’s all the laughing about?”
“Quinn.” Alex chuckled. Her abdomen was starting to cramp from laughing so much. “We were talking about what a wimp he is.”
“Of course,” Roxie said. She made a circular motion with her hand. “And?”
“And how you broke his nose.” She shot him a wide grin.
“Twice, actually,” Roxie clarified.
Quinn groaned, and Alex erupted with laughter.
“Seriously, Alex, you should have seen him the second time I smashed his nose. The idiot broke into Ray’s Diner when he was about thirteen or fourteen—hey!” Roxie whipped her head around to glare at Quinn.
“What?” His expression was innocent. The guy was so full of crap.
“No kicking under the table, jerk!” Roxie turned back to Alex. “As I was saying—ouch!” She turned and hissed at Quinn. “I swear to god, Quinn O’Conner, if you kick me one more time, I’m gonna shove that fork so far up your ass you’re gonna—”
“Roxie,” he interrupted with a guileless grin, “I heard you’re catering the mayor’s big party.”
Roxie’s face lit up like a light bulb, and Alex bit back a laugh. These two had each other’s numbers, that was for sure.
