AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’ve seen firsthand the damage that drugs do in my community. I wanted to be a part of the solution.”
“That’s a great reason.” He liked the fact that their reasons for joining law enforcement were similar. They both wanted to serve and protect.
He also liked it that she didn’t have the macho attitude that some law enforcement personnel came across with. She was more reserved, more herself. A consummate professional.
“I noticed your trophy buckle. Did you grow up rodeoing?” she asked.
“I sure did. I was raised on a cattle ranch in North Texas. My two brothers and my dad run it now. My brothers went off to college and came back to the ranch. They’re both married, and my older brother has two kids now.”
He smiled. “My mom is always asking me when I’m going to get serious about someone. She says that she worries about me. My answer is always the same: ‘When I have time, mom.’”
Vic grinned mischievously. “I always wanted to date a cowboy.”
He laughed. “How come you didn’t?” Now they were getting into interesting territory.
“Never found one I liked well enough, I guess.”
“Well, we might have to do something about that.” His eyes met hers, his gaze challenging.
She laughed and shook her head. “I shouldn’t be teasing you. We work together.”
He arched a brow. “Different agencies.”
She grew serious. “We are, at that.” She took another sip of her wine and looked off to the horizon, a thin strip of gray in the lowering darkness.
“Vic, try not to let what happened today get to you. I’m sure the DEA offers counseling. Or, if you don’t want to take it there, there are community resources in El Paso. I could send you a few names. It’s a good idea to talk to someone. I eventually did, and it helped,” Cal said.
She sighed. “Definitely not with the agency. Let me think about it, okay?”
He nodded. “But don’t think too long, all right?”
He let it rest. He’d said his piece. They finished the last of their wine in a comfortable silence.
Michael came out to ask if they wanted another glass.
Vic raised her brows. “I’m done. How about you?”
“I’m fine. Thanks, Michael.”
Despite Cal’s protestations, Vic got the tab. “Hey, I invited you, remember?”
“All right. I’ll get it next time.”
She gave him a lopsided smile and nodded.
He walked her to her SUV, suddenly reluctant for their time together to end.
At her car, she turned to him. “Cal, about today. I don’t know how to thank you for what you’ve done for me.”
He wished it weren’t so dark outside. He couldn’t read what was in her eyes. But her face was sweet and earnest. He brushed his fingertips across her cheekbone in a gentle caress. “We have to stick together in this game. You would have done the same for me.”
She clasped his hand in both of hers. “Still, it meant the world to me. Thank you.”
He squeezed her hand. “I’m here for you, Vic. All you have to do is ask, and I’ll come running.” He smiled. “Maybe metaphorically if I’m off somewhere, but I will.”
“Thanks, Cal. I’ll remember that.” She turned and unlocked her car.
He watched as she backed up and pulled away.
