The man was gorgeous fully clothed. Fully naked would no doubt put her in a coma.
As it was, his current half-dressed state, with his hard muscles and the perfect amount
of chest hair, might give her a stroke.
He moved his hand to his zipper. “Why don’t I just strip right here? It’ll probably
answer all the questions bouncing around in your head.”
Dani shoved her sunglasses up the bridge of her nose, peering at him through the polarized
lenses, hoping he’d think her red face was sunburn. “I was just wondering…”
“Boxer briefs.”
She glanced at the black waistband that peeked over the waist of his jeans, cursed
herself for looking, and cleared her throat. “I was wondering what time you were heading
to the cookout.”
His smile told her he knew she was full of crap. He took a step closer, lowered his
voice to just above a whisper. “But I’m sure you figured that out already.”
A fleeting image of Matt wearing nothing but tight-fitting black underwear warmed
her from her toes to the tip of her head, and she felt like she might keel over. If
she didn’t keep in mind who he was—who
she
was—and why she was in Lake Bliss, she was going to get hurt. Worse, Sam could get
hurt. “I have no interest in discussing your underwear, Sheriff.”
He narrowed his eyes at her and half smiled. “You’d better stick to baking because
you can’t lie worth a darn.” He snagged his T-shirt off his shoulder to wipe his face.
“I’m going to grab a shower at Jack’s. We’ll be at the barbecue early to get the grills
going. Sam,” he called inside, “let’s go!”
Sam charged out of Dani’s cottage, the dog at his heels. He smiled at Dani expectantly,
and her breath caught.
“I’ll meet you by the picnic tables in a few minutes, buddy,” Matt said.
Sam kept a firm hand on the dog’s back. “Can the dog come too, Dani?”
He could ask her for the moon and she’d agree. “Sure.”
He took off for the beach, the dog barking, Sam laughing. Matt watched them make their
way toward Rachel and her boys, and there was no denying the expression of a father’s
love written on his face. What would it be like to be loved by him?
“I’d like to get him a dog,” Matt said. “Unfortunately, now’s not a great time.”
“If nobody claims ownership, I guess I’ll keep him. Sam’s more than welcome to help
me care for him this summer.”
“I appreciate it. See you at the cookout.” He turned to walk away but paused and shifted
his attention back to her. “I’ve been wondering…”
Dani didn’t stop to consider what she was about to say. Something wicked inside her
took over, and she removed her glasses, stared him in the eye, and gave him a cocky
smile. “Front clasp bra and a thong.”
Looked like he was having trouble keeping his grin in check. “I was wondering if you
have a steady guy in your life.”
She took a step closer, lowered her voice a pitch. “But I’m sure you figured that
out already.”
Now she was awarded a full-blown, dimpled smile. “Don’t bother giving me details,
Ms. Sullivan. I prefer to confirm for myself.”
“Sheriff, you’d better stick to law enforcement because you don’t stand a chance of
seeing my Victoria’s Secret.”
She planted her sunglasses back on her head. “I’m not married, engaged, or have a
significant male in my life—just the way I like it.” She turned and headed back to
her cottage, aware of Matt’s easy smile and intense eyes following her the whole way.
Chapter Four
A short time later, Dani wandered down to the activities near the beach. She carried
a tray of muffins in one hand and a bowl of broccoli salad in the other, a cold can
of diet soda wedged in the crook of her arm. Picnic tables dressed in red and blue
plastic tablecloths sat end to end to form one long seating area. A table set off
to one side held the food. She headed to the buffet, where Rachel took her tray and
made room for it on the table.
“We’ve got coolers full of pop and beer. You didn’t need to bring your own.”
“Not a problem.” She wanted the control. If she brought the drink, she didn’t have
to worry who’d handled it before her. She placed the broccoli dish next to a big bowl
of potato salad, removed the plastic wrap, and added a serving spoon.
“The boys can’t wait for more muffins. The way they scarf them down, you’d think they
were cupcakes.”
“Then I’ll keep it a secret that they’re made with skim milk and fake sugar.”
Rachel grinned. “Good idea. Too healthy and they’re not interested.”
Some sort of bright yellow football with a tail whistled passed Dani’s head. A group
of teenagers laughed while one of them yelled out an apology. It seemed like half
the town and all the tourists had shown up to the lake to enjoy the beautiful weather.
Matt stood with another guy at the grills, where the distinct aroma of hamburgers
and hot dogs emanated. Both men wore ridiculous smiles as a flock of women clustered
around them.
“Looks like they’re handing out more than burgers and dogs,” she said to Rachel with
a nod toward the guys. “I’m sure the BS meter is in the red zone.”
Rachel laughed. “No doubt. That guy he’s standing with is Jack, by the way.”
Matt peered at her through the smoke. He winked before he returned his attention to
his fan club.
Rachel nudged Dani’s arm. “So what do you think about our sheriff?”
“I think he’s full of…himself. But he has a sense of humor. Seems to be a good father.”
“You can add honorable, sensitive, and well respected in the community to the equation.
Quite a catch.”
Dani chuckled. “The only thing I want to catch this summer is maybe a few fish if
I have time before I leave.”
One of the women in the gaggle around the grills laughed at something Jack said. Dani
didn’t fault the woman her attention. Jack’s dark features and five o’clock shadow
gave him a slightly dangerous look, but he wore khaki cargo shorts that rode low on
his narrow hips and gave him the look of a good ol’ boy who sometimes liked to get
into a little trouble. What was in the Lake Bliss water that created these impossibly
handsome men? Had he not been standing next to Matt, he’d certainly be the sexiest
man in Michigan.
If she stared much longer, she’d probably get caught. She shifted her attention to
Rachel. “What’s Jack’s story?”
Rachel shrugged. “Nurse slash carpenter. He loves remodeling. He bought these bungalows
a few months ago. On his days off, he’s either busy with renovations here or he works
on his house on the other side of the lake. When he’s finished, his home will be spectacular.”
Jack pointed at one of the ladies and said something that prompted a coy look in response.
Next to him, Matt shook his head and looked up, right at Dani. She turned to Rachel.
“From the way he’s charming those women, I imagine he’s single.”
“About as single as a guy can get. Claims he’s in a no-dating phase. Jack thinks women
only view him—and I quote—as a baby-making machine.”
…
“So, what’s the deal with you and Dani Sullivan?” Jack asked as the last female guest
trailed away. “You’re hitting on her, and she’s barely been here a week. I thought
you weren’t interested in the casual thing anymore.”
Matt raised the lid on his grill. “When have I ever done casual? You’re the one who
has commitment issues.”
“False. I just want to be loved for more than my sperm. When and if that happens,
I’ll commit.” He opened a package of hamburger buns. “And you still haven’t answered
my question—what’s between you two?”
“Nothing. I already told you about her visit to my office, and the way she reassured
Sam about his blood test.”
“Why didn’t you come to me if you had questions?”
“She’s a cuter nurse than you.”
Jack cast another glance in Dani’s direction. “So, explain the wink.”
“Just having a little fun. She’s got a smart mouth, and she’s fun to pester.” The
fact that he’d like to do a whole lot more tried to worm its way into his head. What
was the antidrug slogan at all the schools?
Just say no.
“Dude, I’ve known you since kindergarten. How many times over the years have you shared
your idea of the perfect woman? Stacked, short, and brunette—in that order. Seems
my new guest matches the description to a T.” He plopped some burgers onto buns, placed
them on a platter. “Although I’ve never figured out the ‘short’ part.”
Matt peered through the rising smoke and caught a glimpse of Dani. She wore the denim
skirt again. “That would be where the macho crap comes into play.” When she crossed
her legs, the skirt hiked up a notch, and his body reminded him he was a man. A lonely
man. “I have this fantasy about being able to pick up a woman and carry her to the
bedroom.”
Jack reached out with his tongs to turn a hot dog. “Definitely caveman material.”
He winced. “Are we getting in touch with our feminine side? ’Cause I’m not sure we’ve
ever had this kind of conversation.”
Matt ignored Jack’s sarcasm. “Not that I plan to do this with Ms. Sullivan, but you
know what I’ve always wanted to try?” Matt lowered his voice and revealed his ambition
in explicit detail.
Jack’s head jerked up. He stared off into the distance while the tongs snapped closed
and pinched the end of the hot dog. It catapulted off the grill, executed a flying
somersault, and landed in the grass. The stray dog didn’t need an invitation—he grabbed
the wiener and took off. After some creative cussing under his breath, Jack paused
for a beat. Then he grinned. “I’ve always admired your imagination. So you gonna go
with a full-court press?”
Matt took a step back from the grill as the breeze blew smoke in his face. “I don’t
know much about her.” Except that her sexy, sassy mouth turned him on, she enjoyed
kids, and he admired what she did for a living. “She’s only in town for a few months.”
“You could always settle for an incredibly hot summer.”
“I already told you—I’m not interested in anything short term. It’s not fair to Sam.”
Matt took a swig of his beer.
“You trying to convince me or yourself on that one?”
…
Dani helped herself to a paper plate, then approached the grill where Matt flipped
burgers.
“What’s your pleasure, Ms. Sullivan?”
That was a dangerous question. “Hamburger, please. With cheese.” He slapped a piece
of American cheese on a patty then plopped it on a bun. “Better give me a dog, too.”
She held out her plate.
Matt shoved his hat back and gave her a once-over. “Where you gonna put all that food?”
“Watch it, Sheriff, or I’ll drop it over your head.”
He flashed her a full-fledged smile as if he were amused by her. As she veered toward
the picnic tables, Matt called out, “Save me a place.”
She’d no sooner settled onto the bench of the picnic table when he wedged himself
between her and the end of the seat, so close their hips snuggled together.
Five minutes later, Sam bounded over to the table. “Got room for me?”
He stood next to Dani, covered in dirt and sporting a ball cap turned backward. He
was so adorable. She ached to tug him close, assure him that she’d always have room
for him. But she smiled instead and patted the seat next to her even though there
was hardly any room. “Hop on board.” She scooted toward Matt until she was nearly
in his lap, hoping he’d move down, but he didn’t. So she decided to ignore him. Easy
enough to forget the way Matt’s denim-clad leg fiddled against her bare knee, right?
No problem—if she lived in the next county.
Sam plunked down on the bench. Just like that, the sweetness of the moment hit her,
and she sucked in an unsteady breath. She sat at a picnic table a few yards from the
picturesque lake, surrounded by nice people who could easily become friends. On one
side, an amazingly hot man played a game of—either intentionally or not—Let’s Make
Ms. Sullivan Spontaneously Combust.
And on her other side, her son. The beautiful boy she’d yearned to see every day for
the last eight years. No matter how many times she imagined this scenario, the dream
wasn’t anywhere close to the reality. Her heart twisted and turned until all the emotions
tangled together—joy, guilt, pain. And maybe worst of all, hope. Had fate brought
her this far? Or was she tempting it by not sticking to her original plan?
Sam tapped her arm. “Can I, Dani?”
“Sorry, honey, what did you ask?”
“Can I give the dog a name?”
His face held so much enthusiasm. How could she deny him? “Okay. But you know I’ve
got to give him back if the owners call.”
He nodded. “I think we should name him Larry.”
Dani raised an eyebrow. “Unique name for a dog.”
The expression he gave her was clearly pure exasperation at her ignorance. “After
Larry the Lobster.”
She waited for him to explain, and he rolled his eyes and grinned.
“From SpongeBob.”
“Ahh. I’ve heard of him.” What the heck, she didn’t care what they called the dog.
“Larry it is.”
“Larry,” Sam called. “Come here, boy.” Sam scowled when the dog failed to respond.
“Dad, I gotta go teach him his new name.” Sam jumped from his seat.
“Hang on a second, bud. Finish your dinner first.”
He shoved the rest of his hot dog into his mouth. The crowd at the table laughed as
he raced off with the dog. Dani’s eyes burned, and though she knew to blame Sam’s
adorable nature, she decided the sun was too bright and pulled out her sunglasses.
Jack joined the group, depositing two heaping plates on the table next to Rachel and
giving her a friendly elbow to scoot over. She gave him some serious side-eye. “Did
you save some food for anybody else?”
He ignored her barb, and turned his attention to Dani. “How’s the cottage? You okay
there?”
“Yes, thanks. It’s wonderful. I appreciate you renting me the place.” Which hadn’t
been an easy feat. Jack had initially told her they were full for the summer. When
she’d persisted, he’d admitted severe storm damage had reduced a cottage to only one
useable bedroom. Good thing she only needed one bedroom.
“The work’s just beginning. Hopefully, you’ll still be able to get your book done.”
“Book?” Rachel and Matt asked simultaneously. If Dani wasn’t mistaken, they both sounded
a bit startled to find they’d been left out of the loop. Mentioning her book to Jack
had helped coax him into renting her the place.
“I’m writing a cookbook. My fourth.” Dani took a swig of her soda. “I only have a
few months to finish the recipes.”
“What’s the topic?” Matt asked.
“Healthy eating. The book I’m working on now is low-calorie meals in minutes.”
Matt gave her greasy—and empty—plate a prolonged look and grinned.
“How’d you get into writing cookbooks?” Rachel asked. “Do you have a blog or something?”
“Yeah, actually. I’ve always loved to cook, so when I went to nursing school, I minored
in nutrition. When my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, food didn’t always settle
well with her. Together, we created meals that she could enjoy, and I blogged the
results. After so many recipes, I found a publisher.”
Rachel gestured with the muffin she’d just removed from its wrapper. “You including
these?”
“Yep.”
“I hate to cook,” Rachel said. With a glimmer in her eye, she added, “Guess I’ll have
to accidentally stop over at dinnertime.”
Warmth radiated throughout Dani’s body at the thought of company. “You’re welcome
anytime. It’d be nice to have a dinner companion.”
Matt leaned over to whisper in her ear. “Maybe sometime you could cook for me.”
Dani flashed him what she hoped was a cocky smile. “Not sure I could keep up with
your appetite, Sheriff.”
“What’s the title?” Rachel crumbled her napkin, tossed it on her plate.
“Still need to find the perfect name. I’m open for suggestions.”
“How about
Hot Stuff
,” Matt offered. “Could be the name of the book or the cook.”
She angled her head to give him an eye roll, but inside, she was thrilled. He thought
she was hot.
Rachel threw an empty beer can at his head, while Jack untangled his legs from the
picnic table. “Hope you like the single life, pal, because with lines that bad you
can forget about finding a wife.”
Wife
. The thought should excite Dani. After all, a new wife meant a new mom for Sam. But
the curl in her chest wasn’t happiness. She pushed her plate away.
Jack pitched his plate. He turned toward Dani. “After the cookout, I’m having a bunch
of people out to my place for a party. These two morons,” he said, hitching his thumb
toward Rachel and Matt, “are going to be there. I’ve got music and beer. If you’re
not busy, why don’t you stop by?”
Her stomach dropped, and she wrangled her way from the picnic table. When she stood,
her legs were weak like she’d just done a hundred squats. Perspiration beaded on her
neck at the unwanted memory of a party. Of people knocking into each other…strangers…loud
music. She placed a hand on her stomach to squelch the nausea. Plastering on a smile
and backing away, she said, “Thanks, but I can’t tonight.” And then she walked as
fast as her shaky legs could carry her to the cottage.
A few evenings later, Dani hit the print key on her laptop, then slouched back against
the chair. Larry—she smiled every time she remembered Sam’s choice of dog name—rested
his head on her lap. The sunlight had dwindled, leaving a soft, dusky glow about the
kitchen. She took a chug of her bottled water while her printer spurted out the recipes
she’d concocted.