Page 51 of The Unbuttoned Ranger
“I was told you two dated in high school.”
“Oh, so he mentioned me?” Her eyes widened slightly.
“Actually, Ursula did.”
Her nose wrinkled.“Oh,” she droned.“Maybe we can grab coffee some time?”
That was the last thing CaDee wanted. Thankfully, Sharp approached, skimming his gaze curiously between the two women.
“He must have sensed that we were discussing him,” Emily said with a wink.
“Hopefully it was all good.” He settled his gaze on CaDee.
“Of course,” Emily laid her hand on his forearm possessively.“Sounds like the band is starting a slow one. How about that dance, Sharp?”
“Actually, I came to ask CaDee. How about that dance you promised me?” Sharp said to CaDee.
Her cheeks flushed, suspecting he came either to rescue her from Emily or to keep her quiet.
“Boy, I can’t tell if she likes you or hates you,” CaDee said once she was in Sharp’s arms and they were starting to move to the slow beats of the country song.
“I’d say a bit of both.” He laid his hands on her hips.“Are you okay with this?”
“The dance? I think you saved me from the shark.” She laughed.
“She can be a bit…aggressive at times.”
“So now you tell me.” She lifted her chin, looking up at him.
“Should I also warn you that Gage swims in the same waters as Emily?”
“You don’t have to warn me. After Dante I’m pretty good at reading people.”
He looked down into her gaze.“What do you“read” in me?”
“Are you sure about this?”
“Yeah, I am.”
“Well, I see a man who has been chiseled by his work. Rough and tough. Protective.”
“That was easy. You didn’t roast me.”
“I’m not done yet. Although hardened, I also see a man who fears love and commitment. He wants to love and be loved, but it feels risky to him. Makes him feel vulnerable. That’s why he stays married to his career. He understands the risks that come with chasing criminals, but relationships are an entirely different body of water.”
He blinked.“Did you talk to Ursula?”
“She may have a said a few things, but I do have my own opinion. I also find that I’m very curious about the layers of Sharp Creed. I think I’ve peeled back layers but there’s so much more.”
“Is that right? Well, Ursula told me Carsen is spending the night at her house tonight, so if you’re interested, I can show you a bit more about myself.”
The warning bells didn’t go off like they normally would.
“What are you suggesting?”
“Let me go grab that delicious looking pie and let’s get out of here. I know a place where we can eat it that and enjoy it because it’s the most expensive pie I’ve ever bought.”
“I’ll meet you out front.” She took a step back and left him on the dance floor.
