Son of a Preacher Man - By Arianna Hart Page 0,10
good an answer as any.
“Bet that wasn’t easy. At best, he’d been accused of falling for the charms of the gypsy whore. At worst, he was a fornicator. I heard you had it rough before you left.”
He shrugged it off. He’d been in more fights defending Nadya’s honor from Pansy’s lurid accusations than from his father’s refusal to back down to Orleane Campbell’s blackmail. “Some people think the worst of others to make themselves feel better. I just showed them the errors of their ways.”
“Still, that last month must’ve sucked.”
“It wasn’t how I’d planned on spending my days before Basic, that’s for sure.”
Nadya shot him a sly glance, her slanted eyes full of secrets. “So what are you doing way out here?”
Waiting for you. He’d known she wouldn’t be able to resist stopping by the cabin at least once. “I stopped to grab some lunch before I go back on duty.”
“Beg your pardon?”
“I rented the cabin when I moved back here.”
“Why?”
“The only other places for rent are in town. That’s a little too confining for me. This place is off the beaten track, and I can hear someone coming a good five minutes before they make it up the drive. I don’t like everyone knowing my business. And when I’m off duty, I don’t particularly want visitors.”
“Then this is the perfect place. Who do you rent it from? I never did know who our landlord was.” Her face went blank, as if the information wasn’t of any importance. The very lack of an expression clued him in that this was more than an idle question.
“A rental agency in Canton.”
“Oh. Guess you don’t know who your landlord is either then.”
“Nope. I just know when I have a problem, I call the agency and they send someone out to fix whatever it is that needs fixing. I pay my rent on time and no one bothers me. That’s the way I like it.”
“Good.” She seemed to collect herself. “I’m glad you’re living in the old place. I have a lot of good memories in that cabin.”
“And one really crappy one.” He was so glad she never saw the cabin with the windows smashed and graffiti across the porch.
“It’s been twelve years. I’ve put it behind me. The only thing I regret is that I lost touch with Mary Ellen Farley. She and her family were very good to Mama and me. Mary Ellen was my only friend growing up, and I didn’t even get to tell her goodbye.”
“That’s easy enough to fix. She’s probably at the store right now.”
“Really?” Her face brightened. “I was so distracted when I left the lawyer’s office, I didn’t even look. I was hoping the store hadn’t gone out of business.”
“Nope, it’s still there. They expanded it so it has a bakery and deli as well as selling everything from penny candy to motor oil.” Now why would she need to see a lawyer in Dale?
“I’ll have to stop in on my way back to Canton then.”
“You’re staying in the area? For how long?” And can I see you again while you’re here?
“I don’t know. It’s complicated.”
“Always is when you bring lawyers into the mix.”
“Hey, I’m a lawyer.”
“No foolin’? So that’s why the fancy clothes and car. I figured you’d make something of yourself. You always were smart.” He could see her wrapping a jury around her finger with one flicker of those beguiling eyes.
“I’m glad someone thought so. You were in the minority, that’s for sure.” Her face darkened for a moment, but then she gave him a practiced smile. “Well, it’s been great seeing you again, but I shouldn’t take up any more of your valuable time, Officer. I still can’t believe it. J.T. McBride, the boy who had a dedicated seat in detention, is now charged with upholding the law.”
“People change. It was good running into you. Maybe I’ll see you around.”
“Maybe.”
He let her get the last word in this time. Because he knew damn well he’d see her again.
Chapter Three
The squad car followed her all the way back into town. When she pulled into a parking spot in front of the store, J.T. flashed his lights so she waved. Her pulse was still a little erratic after seeing him at her cabin.
Holy crap, had that been a shock. He still looked good—even better than he had at eighteen. Now he seemed…honed. The muscles in his arms bulged, and he must have grown some because he definitely loomed over her, even in her heels.
Those