Page 70 of Kissing the Sheriff
“Very few people do,” she said. “But please wear it.” She looked into his eyes again. “I need you.”
His heart pounded in his chest as something deep inside him snapped. “Are you in trouble?”
“No. What makes you think that?” She took a step back.
He took a step forward. “I can only assume that …”
She turned away. “Conrad, don’t assume anything. Assuming is what gets you into trouble.”
He laughed. “I have more than enough experience in that. But seriously, is everything all right?”
Her eyes flicked to the captain as he headed their way. “Positive. Now let’s get back to target practice.”
Conrad sighed, his heart still hammering, and went to fetch the rifle again. With all these guns around, it was best he didn’t kiss her.
CHAPTERSIXTEEN
The next day Cassie kept smiling. She’d outshot Conrad and Captain Stanley more than a few times. They’d had fun and stayed until they ran out of bullets, but never did ride into the canyon. Just as well – her good mood would have been spoiled. She didn’t want that. She wanted the happy feeling she got from being with Conrad to carry her through the night. It did. She even got some sleep.
She made breakfast, sat at the kitchen table and ate. Conrad, Phileas, and Billy would be coming soon, and she wanted to see what they would do today. In truth she should leave, not be around Conrad more than she had to, but she couldn’t help it. She wanted to be near him, to hear his voice, see his expressions, especially the one that made the dimple on his left cheek stand out.
Was she falling in love? She didn’t know. All she did know was that her days were better with Conrad in them and she was going to have to decide if she should continue down this path or leave it.
Hewas leaving. That was the bottom line. But … he did say he’d miss her.
She finished eating, the thought lingering in her mind, when the knock came, followed by the front door opening. Cassie smiled. She didn’t mind Conrad just walking in. She took a deep breath and turned around. “Good morning,” she said as he entered the kitchen.
Billy followed, his lunch in hand, then Phileas. Billy set his sack on the kitchen table. “Did you bake cookies this morning?”
“No, I made some muffins and fried an egg.” Cassie watched Billy scan the kitchen for any sign of said muffins. She smiled at Conrad and winked.
He smiled back. “Mmm, what kind?”
“Blueberry. Dora brought me some berries last night. Mr. Smythe grows them.”
“Did you hear that, Billy?” Conrad said. “Blueberry muffins.”
“Where are they?” the boy said, his brow furrowed. “I don’t see them anywhere.”
“Try looking in the larder.” Cassie turned to the men. “Would you like one?”
“I’m fine,” Phileas said. “Dora made a huge breakfast.”
“I’m all right too.” Conrad smiled at her. “So, how does it feel to be shooting champion of Apple Blossom?”
“I don’t know. How does it feel to lose to me?” She went to the larder to check on Billy. She’d put the bowl of muffins on a high shelf. Sure enough, when she entered, he was jumping, trying to reach the bowl. “Here, let me get that for you.”
“Thanks.” He took a muffin from the bowl. “We’re wallpapering the dining room today. I’m going to need all the food I can get.”
She shook her head at him. “Billy, wallpaper is not evil.”
“Yes, it is.” He took a huge bite of his muffin and left the larder.
She brought the bowl into the kitchen and set it on the worktable. “I should be going.”
“Not yet,” Conrad said. “Alma got some wallpaper in. I want you to look at it with me.”
“All right.” She headed for the back door. “Let’s do it now.”
