Just for the Summer Read online

  “Hello,” she said. “Wondered when you’d finally get this far.”

  He couldn’t read the expression on her face. Interested or irritated?

  Matt reprimanded himself for openly gawking at this woman and silently admitted to being a lecherous pig. What the heck was his problem? Had it been so long since he’d been with a woman that when he was finally exposed to one he turned into an idiot?

  Get a grip, man. He’d never seen her in town, so that meant summer tourist. He reminded himself that he didn’t want to get involved in a temporary relationship, although this seductive woman could surely make him second-guess his goals.

  Matt stood, straightened his shoulders. Both hands remained fisted, the papers a crumpled mess clutched tightly in his grasp. He tossed them on his desk then stuck out his right hand. “Sheriff Matt Reagan.”

  The woman, who’d likely just come from a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition photo shoot, placed her hand in his. Smooth, warm flesh sent a heated signal to his misbehaving body parts.

  “Dani Sullivan.” She slipped her hand out of his grasp. “I’d like to say, ‘nice to meet you,’ but I’ll reserve judgment.”

  Guess his inspection hadn’t gone unnoticed. At the moment, he was glad he wasn’t the type to blush.

  Whoa. Wait a second. Back up. The Danny? While Matt felt confident this woman had awesome muffins, he hadn’t expected his son to take a shine to an adult woman.

  “I thought you were a boy,” Matt said, aware that he sounded as dumbfounded as he felt.

  “The last time I checked, I was a woman.” She flashed him a cocky expression she probably reserved for all the brain-dead men she met.

  “Please, have a seat.” Since Matt had just broken a personal record and made a fool of himself in front of someone who could give as good as she got, he retreated behind his desk.

  She eased into a black fake-leather chair. After she leaned back, she crossed her legs. Her totally bare legs. When his groin failed to twitch in response to her movement, he took a slow, deep breath. He applauded his self-control, then realized he had a death grip on the armrests.

  “What can I do for you, Ms. Sullivan?”

  Dani leaned forward in her seat. “I have a problem only you can fix, Sheriff Reagan.”

  Chapter Two

  Gone was the teasing sparkle in Dani’s eyes. She tossed a piece of paper on his desk. “I don’t deserve this.”

  He eyed the parking ticket. “It’s a rare person who thinks they do, Ms. Sullivan.”

  “I wasn’t illegally parked. My car stalled in front of the bus stop. As I was trying to get it restarted, some guy came along and ticketed me. He wouldn’t even let me explain.”

  Matt rubbed the back of his neck. “Young guy? Crew cut? Looks about twelve?”

  She nodded.

  Matt expelled a sigh. “Deputy Weaver. He’s new and a bit ticket happy.” Matt stashed the citation in his shirt pocket. “I’ll take care of it.”

  “Thanks. I was told you would.”

  “I heard you met my son today.”

  She nodded. “He was at the cottages with Rachel and her boys.”

  “He called me after you got the sand out of his eye. Thank you, by the way. You were all he talked about. I thought you were a playmate.” An image of a Playboy Playmate popped into Matt’s warped brain, and he rushed to clarify. “I mean a boy his age.”

  She was quiet for a minute. “I guess I can see how you’d make that assumption. Actually, I’m a nurse, vacationing here for the summer.”

  With difficulty, Matt tamped down the pleasing notion of seeing this woman around town for the next few months. He wanted more than a fling. He wanted a wife, a partner. Someone who would love him for the rest of his life. A loving mother for Sam. He’d promised himself and his son there’d be no compromising next time around. “You made a good first impression with Sam.”

  She smiled as if she’d just received the highest compliment. “I had fun. Sam’s a sweet boy. He advised me up front there’d be no shots.”

  Matt chuckled, picturing Sam making the connection between nurses and shots. In the back of his mind, he tucked away the fact that she liked children. That was always a stumbling block with the women he dated. They were plenty interested in him, though not usually in his son. But he and Sam were a package deal. The next woman in Matt’s life would want Sam as much as she wanted Matt.

  Not that he was interested in dating this woman…much.

  “He shouldn’t have any problem with his eye. If you notice him rubbing it, you might want to take him to the doctor.”

  “I’ll do that.”

  Between Matt’s erratic hours with his new job as sheriff and his mother’s influence wreaking havoc with their daily routine, their house had turned chaotic. Sam was probably due for his annual checkup anyway.

  The phone on Matt’s desk rang. No doubt Tiffany was on her extended lunch hour. “I apologize, but I’m the only one in the office right now. I have to take this.”

  She stood. “See you around, Sheriff.”

  With a seductive sway of her hips, she left his office. He rubbed his chest and took his first full breath since she’d walked in.

  …

  Dani slammed the car door and marched toward her cottage. The smell of fresh-cut grass hung heavy in the humid air, and her shirt clung to her back.

  Okay, so the meeting hadn’t been picture perfect. She’d gone there wanting to get a sense of what kind of father her son had, but she’d left with more questions than answers. Her first impression was a hot-headed player with a side of easily flustered. A very sexy player.

  Sure, she’d taken care of her parking ticket, but their visit had turned into a flirt fest. At least it had felt like flirting. She didn’t know squat about teasing guys. Usually words popped out of her mouth uncensored, but with the sheriff, it had turned into something more than silly banter. She should have ignored him, but the sheriff’s attention threw her off-kilter, and her plan had taken a nosedive.

  Matt had scrambled Dani’s emotions from the minute she’d walked into his office. The obscenely good-looking sheriff sparked something inside her that had been dormant for years. Maybe forever.

  She’d no sooner reached the back door when she caught sight of Rachel waving a handful of marigold-colored papers. With her stick-straight blond hair in a ponytail and her face devoid of makeup, she reminded Dani of a young girl coming home from school, not a mother of three.

  She gestured for Rachel to come inside, then took the lead through the screened-in porch. Once in the kitchen, Dani kicked off her sandals, tossing her purse on the counter. She took a deep breath in an attempt to restore her equilibrium.

  Rachel placed a flyer on the table. “Bad afternoon?”

  With a forced smile, Dani shrugged. “I’ve had better.” Like when she went to the dentist a few months back for a root canal.

  “Here’s something to put you in a good mood. Info on the cookout.”

  Dani sat at the kitchen table, motioning for Rachel to do the same.

  “You still free tomorrow?” Rachel pushed the flyer across the table.

  “Yep.” She skimmed the handout. Everyone needed to bring a dish. “Not sure what I’ll make yet, but I’ll be there.”

  “Great,” Rachel said. “Should be a good time. Sam put in his request for more of your muffins.”

  She offered a polite smile despite the leap her heart took in her chest. “Sure, maybe I’ll make a salad, too.”

  “Perfect. Oh, you’ll get to meet Sam’s dad. They’re here all the time. We invite them to anything we’ve got going on at the cottages.”

  “Great.” It’d be the perfect opportunity for Dani to watch Sam and Matt interact. “Though I went to see him earlier about my parking ticket.”

  “You’ll be seeing him a lot more. He’s been helping Jack since he bought the bungalows two months ago.”

  Just what she needed, more time with the sheriff. Though maybe it wa
s a good thing. She could scope him out. Find out if he always crawled around on all fours.

  “He’s a great guy.”

  “I’ll bet.” Except maybe when he was eyeballing a woman like she was a trophy-winning smallmouth bass. But no, she wasn’t even the slightest bit flattered by his attention.

  Oh, who was she kidding? She was nothing but a big, fat liar.

  “And he’s single,” Rachel added.

  “Don’t care about his marital status.” Dani toyed with the edges of the flyer. Although she did wonder about the adoptive mother. She’d have to work that into the conversation sometime without sounding too nosy.

  Rachel chuckled. “Did you get a good look at the guy? He’s perfection.”

  No kidding. Dani had been surprised by Sam’s adoptive father, unprepared for the sexy sheriff with his deep-set blue eyes. Their color rivaled pictures she’d seen of the Caribbean. A shadow of stubble enhanced his handsome face with its hint of twin dimples. His sandy-colored hair was cut short—shorter than Dani usually preferred on men—yet somehow on him the style worked.

  The closest thing to imperfection was a less than straight nose with its end hooking a tad to the left, which somehow only made him more attractive. No doubt the body hidden by his clothes was perfection, too. The total package that comprised Matt Reagan made a woman think naughty thoughts. Thoughts of steamy summer nights, passionate kisses, and tangled sheets.

  Dani headed for the fridge. “I’m not looking for a man.” Even to her own ears, she didn’t sound too convincing. “All I want is a quiet summer, which is contradictory to anything related to the male species.”

  “True.” Rachel smiled. “They do like to stir things up a bit.”

  Isn’t that the truth. She returned to the table with two glasses and a pitcher of pink lemonade.

  “He just might be your type.” Rachel shook her head to decline Dani’s offer of a drink.

  “It’s been so long since I’ve had anyone in my life, I don’t even know if I have a type other than a man who breathes and walks upright.” After her broken engagement, she wondered when—if—she’d ever be ready for another relationship.

  Not that the sheriff would be a candidate. She couldn’t be part of Sam’s life, not if she wanted him to have a normal, happy childhood free of drama.

  Dani took a sip of her drink. “If this guy’s so great, why aren’t you dating him?”

  Starting with her thumb, Rachel counted her reasons. “First, I’ve already got three males in my household. One more, and I’ll have to be committed.” Up went another finger. “Two, Matt and I are good friends. Have been since grade school. Just because I think he’s hot doesn’t mean I want anything more from him than his friendship.” One more finger joined the others. Her voice softened. “And three, I’ve had my one true love. I’m destined to spend the rest of my time alone.” With her confession, her face pinked. “I can’t believe I just dumped all that on you. We barely know each other, yet here I am spilling my guts.”

  Dani waved it off. “Dump all you want.”

  A low rumble of thunder interrupted them. Dani peeked through the kitchen window at the dark sky and the churning mass of clouds over the lake.

  “I should go.” Rachel stood, then hesitated. “Almost forgot. My brother plans to start renovations on your cottage Saturday morning. He wants to know if eight o’clock is too early to begin.”

  Dani grimaced. “I’m a night owl. I usually go to sleep around three.”

  Rachel laughed. “So eight in the morning probably seems like the middle of the night. Maybe since it stays light for so long they could start after lunchtime and work until dark.”

  “It’s okay.” Dani relaxed against the door. “Jack told me about the storm damage when I made the reservation. Part of our agreement was that he could work on the repairs at his convenience. It’s about time I get my internal clock readjusted.”

  “I’ll let him know.” Rachel made for the door. “I need to run. We haven’t eaten dinner yet. See you tomorrow.” After a quick wave, Rachel dashed across the grass as the first few raindrops splattered down.

  After dinner at the Lakeview Diner and a quick stop at Millie’s Market, Dani stood in Lake Bliss Videos. She was trying, without much success, to ignore the smell of fresh-popped popcorn coming from the front of the store and focus on the back cover of the DVD in her hand. The movie didn’t seem too ridiculous if you ignored the bit about the heroine shaving off all her hair to try to get the hero’s attention. Dani picked up another one about a female executive chef who falls in love with a fast food manager.

  “Looking for romance, Ms. Sullivan?”

  She knew that voice. Matt Reagan. She took a few deep breaths to stay calm, but all she accomplished was to catch the scent of soap that clung to his skin. Her body came to life like a daffodil after a cold winter. Definitely not a good sign.

  When she turned to face him, he backed up a few steps. He still wore his uniform. His sexy, sexy uniform. She stared at his tan shirt and wondered again what kind of muscles it hid. She was in the process of checking out his utility belt when he cleared his throat.

  Busted.

  She redirected her attention upward. He lifted his eyebrows, and the amusement showed on his face. She held up the movies she clutched. “I’ll pass these on to you when I’m done. You could use a few pointers on how to treat a woman.”

  “I’ve never had any complaints.” The rat actually chuckled.

  “Probably because the women were so shocked at your macho crap it left them speechless.”

  Without keeping her head bent back at a ridiculous angle, she could only stare at his broad chest. She wondered if she’d ever see him shirtless. What a ridiculous thought.

  “Do you have a minute to talk?” he asked.

  “About what?”

  “I’d like to…” He bent at the knees to get eye level with her. “How tall are you?”

  “Tall enough to kick your butt if I wanted to.” She didn’t earn her second-degree black belt for nothing.

  His bark of laughter caused heads to swivel in their direction. The next time she was around this man, she was going to duct tape her mouth shut.

  He took a few steps closer, infringing on her personal space. He stood so close that the heat from his body seeped into hers. What was up with him? She tipped her head back to look him in the eye.

  Wrong move.

  A devilish gleam lit those brilliant blue eyes a second before he dipped his head. Mesmerized, she studied his sexy mouth. If she only had an extension ladder, she’d have a chance for a taste. His mouth hinted at a smile as if he could read her mind, and he reached behind her. She held her breath in anticipation of his touch and licked her lips. Despite her valiant effort, she couldn’t ignore her heart belting away in her chest.

  He was going to kiss her. The sheriff—her son’s father!—was going to lock lips with her, right here in Lake Bliss Videos.

  Before she could close her eyes, he retracted his arm and took a half step back. He pressed a movie into her hands. “I’ve seen this one. Wasn’t too bad.”

  When he took another step and crossed his arms over his chest, she realized her mistake and stared at the rom-com in her hand.

  She went to push past him but paused when he reached toward her, almost tentatively. But then Sam rounded the corner and turned down the aisle. She stepped away as Sam stopped next to his father and looked up at her.

  “Hi,” Sam said. “You renting a movie, too?”

  She winked. “Yep. Seems like a good night to stay indoors.”

  Thunder cracked. The windows rattled as if in agreement.

  “Can I ask you a nurse question?”

  “Sure. What’s up?”

  Sam studied the movie case in his hand. “Does it hurt when you get blood taken out?” Dani sucked in her breath. Was Sam ill? Her gaze darted toward Matt.

  “Just routine,” he said, answering her unspoken question.

  Exhali
ng all the air that had backed up in her lungs, she knelt in front of Sam. “Yes, I’m afraid it stings a bit, honey.” His head hung lower. “It feels like a shot, but it’s not so bad. It only lasts a few minutes.”

  “It’s probably an important thing to do, huh?”

  “Very important. Blood is never drawn unless the doctor thinks it’s necessary.” The sigh Sam expelled rocked his little body. “I can tell you a secret that will help a lot, though,” she said, and his eyes held a spark of hope. “It helps if you don’t look at the needle while they’re drawing the blood. Turn your head away. Try to think about something that makes you happy.”

  He thought for a second. “I like swimming at the beach.”

  “Perfect. Think about the water, the warm sand, and how much fun you have with your friends. Before you know it, you’ll be ready to leave.”

  The tension on his face eased. “I won a rabbit’s foot at the fair last year. I carry it all the time for good luck.”

  Dani reached inside the neckline of her shirt, pulling out an amulet on a chain. “I’ve got one too, honey. My grandfather gave this to me.”

  Sam grinned. “It looks like the anchor on my dad’s boat.”

  She dangled the necklace between her fingers. “It’s called the Anchor of Hope. Before my grandfather left for the navy, he gave one to his fiancée and wore one himself. He told me it brought him good luck because he returned home safely to her. Then he passed it on to me.” Her grandfather had given her the good luck charm at the time of Sam’s adoption, hoping she’d someday be reunited with her son.

  She ruffled his hair, the baby-fine strands slipping through her fingers. Her arms ached to wrap around her little boy and pull him close. “You’re a brave young man.”

  “Thanks, Ms. Sullivan.”

  “You’re welcome. Remember, you can call me Dani.”

  Sam’s smile grew to show off his missing front teeth. “You can call me Sam.”