Page 69 of Kissing the Sheriff
“You. I can’t tell if you’re worried about what we think or not.”
“Of course, I’m worried. I’m your new deputy. What good is a deputy who can’t shoot?”
“He has you there, lass,” the captain said. “Whose turn is it?”
“I believe it’s yours,” Conrad said. “You want another go with this?” He offered him the rifle.
The captain went to his saddlebag and pulled out his revolver, positioned himself, took aim and fired. “Rats.” He took aim again, squeezed one eye shut, and tried again. “Ha! Got it!”
“Nice shot,” Conrad drawled. “Now see if you can hit the other two bottles.”
The captain finished his turn and got one out of two. “We’re off to a good start. I’ll set up the next round of targets.” The captain went to the pile, picked up more cans, bottles and wood, then started the trek to the rock.
“You know, I’m beginning to really like him,” Conrad said. “I may actually miss him when we’re gone.”
Cassie looked at the ground and made circles in the dirt with her shoe tip. “What else will you miss?”
His chest warmed. “Billy. He’s such a character. I can’t say the same for Agnes.”
She gave him a weak smile as she blushed. “Like I said, Billy’s a good boy. Is that all you’ll miss?”
He turned to her, the rifle still in his hands. “I’ll miss working on your house. I rather like painting walls.”
She took a step toward him. “Anything else?”
He took a few steps as well, stopped, and held up a finger. “Don’t go anywhere.” He went to McSweeny and placed the rifle back in its holster. “There.”
“What are you doing?” she asked.
He smiled as he rejoined her. “I don’t want a firearm between us. Ever.” He stood before her. “Now where were we? Oh yes, what else will I miss?” He looked into her eyes. “I’ll miss having lunch with you. You’re not such a bad cook, you know.”
Her blush deepened. “Thanks.”
“I’ll miss your cookies. And having coffee with you. I know Billy will miss your cookies. But at least he can drop in and get some.”
She didn’t answer, only swallowed hard, her eyes locked on his.
He shouldn’t. He really, really shouldn’t. But he did. “By Jove, Cassie Laine. I’ll miss you most of all.”
Her shoulders slumped. “I see.” She blinked a few times. “When are you leaving?”
He gave her a helpless shrug. “The original plan was in two weeks. Less than two weeks now. By my estimation the doctor should arrive a few days after the dance. We’ll see what happens.”
She frowned and nodded. Was she upset? He wasn’t sure.Hewas sure he wanted to kiss her, and then some. It was a good thing Captain Stanley tagged along or he might get himself fired – and thrown in jail.
“Cassie,” he said softly. “To be honest, I don’t know what’s going to happen. None of us do.”
She looked at him again and he swore her eyes were misting with tears. “Yes, and that’s the problem. The not knowing.”
“I’m sorry, was there something else you needed us to do for you?”
She shook her head. “Conrad, the best thing for you to do is leave.”
His heart stopped. “What?”
She shook her head. “I don’t mean right now. I mean going back to England.”
“Yes, of course.” He cleared his throat as his heart plummeted. That was it? She didn’t want him to stick around? Then why make him her deputy? He closed his eyes. Phileas, that’s why. He opened his eyes and looked at the badge on his chest. “Perhaps I don’t deserve this.”
