Page 46 of Dairy and Deadly

He didn’t stop to second-guess what was happening between them. He simply wrapped his arms around her and accepted what she was offering.

Caro burrowed closer, hanging on to him like a lifeline.

Only when he felt the dampness of tears hit his collarbone did he draw back. Or tried to.

She continued to cling to his neck, burying her face against his shoulder.

He cupped a hand gently around the back of her neck and held her there while she wept in silence. “Just for the record…” He spoke quietly against the top of her head. “None of this is convincing me you’re trying to get back at Johnny for anything.”

She gave a sobbing chuckle. “Just for the record…” She mimicked his voice, making him smile. “You made me forget everyone else for a minute there.”

His heart soared. “That was the whole idea.”

She tipped her tear-streaked face up to gaze at him. “This wasn’t supposed to happen.”

“I am aware.” He used his thumb to brush the wetness from her cheeks. “What are you gonna do about it?” He was enjoying every second of what was proving to be the craziest ride of his life yet.

“That’s not an answer I can give you today.” She gave a self-deprecatory laugh. “I came to Heart Lake for a fresh start, Clint.” The bleak expression that wafted over her features told him she was only giving him a partial truth. There was more to her story. Hopefully, she would eventually trust him with it.

“Well, you gotta admit what we just did was new.” He winked at her. “Maybe even a little fresh.”

“You’re hilarious.” She waved a hand ruefully at her face. “I don’t normally have meltdowns.”

“Maybe you were overdue.” He traced a finger over the scars on her temple.

She flinched, but she didn’t pull away this time. “I’m not weak, Clint.”

“Never said you were.” He lightly dragged his finger down her cheek, more convinced than ever that someone had hurt her. Badly.

“What you just witnessed,” her voice grew firmer, “was nothing more than a fluke.”

“Bummer! I was kind of hoping our kiss would be the first of many,” he teased.

“I’m being serious!” She scowled at him, but none of her usual venom was there.

“So am I.” He hitched her closer. “Though you’re not my type any more than I’m yours, I wouldn’t mind seeing where this leads.”

“Not your type, eh?” She looked so offended that he almost started laughing.

“Not even close.” He tenderly caressed her cheek again.

She shook her head to dislodge his hand. “Let me guess,” she seethed. “To fit into the lineup of women you normally date, I need to trade my designer dress for a pair of cutoff jean shorts? Oh, and stick a piece of straw between my teeth.”

“Although I wouldn’t object to seeing you in something like that,” he lightly tapped her nose, “the truth is, I don’t date much.”

“I don’t believe it,” she snapped.

“Then ask around, darling.” He dipped his head to touch his forehead to hers. “It’s a small town where most secrets aren’t kept for long.”

This time, she didn’t dodge his touch. “We have literally nothing in common,” she sighed.

“Except when we’re kissing.” He swooped his mouth to hers for another nip to prove his point and ended up lingering there.

“Otherwise, we’re barely civil to each other,” she murmured between kisses.

He grinned against her lips. “Keeps things interesting.”

She drew back soberly. “Speaking of small-town secrets, I’d really appreciate you keeping this between us for now.”

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