Just for the Summer Page 4

  Dani poured two mugs of coffee and motioned to the kitchen table.

  “Sam was scheduled for his blood test this morning,” Matt said, sinking into the same kitchen chair he’d sat in last night.

  “Oh, I didn’t realize it was today. How’d it go?”

  He tapped his fingers on the table. “It was a breeze.”

  She placed a mug in front of him, then went back to the counter for cream and sugar before returning to the table. “Can’t wait to tell him how proud I am.”

  “Better hold off on that. As the technician was prepping him, he admitted to eating after midnight. He got up around five and had a snack. Said he was ‘starving to death.’”

  Dani brought her hand to her mouth. “Uh-oh.”

  “Yeah. The test was rescheduled for next week.” Matt rubbed his chest. His eyes drifted closed and he pulled in a slow, even breath. “He wanted to know if I’d still love him even if something was wrong with him. If I’d been stabbed in the heart, it couldn’t have hurt worse.” He opened his eyes and focused on Dani. “I’ve never been the type to hold back my feelings. He knows no matter what, I’ll always love him.”

  Her eyes filled with concern. “Oh, Matt.” Her chair scuffed across the floor a second before she placed her smooth hand on his arm. “I’m sure he knows how much you care. He might be feeling insecure and just needed reassurance.”

  He forced a smile that he hoped she thought was genuine. “He was probably feeling guilty that his snacking caused the test to be canceled. Kids know how to get out of trouble. Just spout off some sort of emotional stuff and they’re forgiven.” Matt took a hit of his coffee. “The tech wouldn’t answer my questions. What’s so important about fasting before they draw blood?”

  “It’s routine. Food can interfere with different values.”

  He nodded and let out a slow breath, thankful that she gave him perspective. He cast a glance out the window. Sam was headed toward the cottage, the dog trotting at his side. “If we can’t find out who the dog belongs to, do you want me to take him to the pound?” he asked.

  “No. I’m sure his owners will turn up. He’s gorgeous. I can’t imagine someone dumping him off.”

  Matt thought of his ex-wife and scoffed. “Why not? Mothers ditch their babies all the time. Sam’s biological mother cared more about herself than her son and wouldn’t even agree to an open adoption. So unloading a dog? Some people wouldn’t think twice about it.”

  Dani looked at the ground. She didn’t respond.

  …

  While Dani was in town having her taillight fixed, she posted a few flyers about the lost dog on light poles along the main boulevard. When Matt and Sam’s quest to find the owner had failed, she’d agreed to keep the sweet boy with her, and truth be known, she hoped nobody would come forward and claim him. Even stopping at the store for dog food, bowls, and a leash alleviated the sense of loneliness that had been her companion.

  Late in the afternoon, she pulled up next to her cottage. Sam sat on her stoop, the dog at his side.

  “I’ve been keeping him company while you were gone. I think he likes me.” Sam beamed.

  Dani winked at him. “No doubt. What’s not to like?” She unlocked the door. Before she could step inside, the dog dashed past her, followed by Sam. Dani hung by the door, uncertain. Should she let him stay? She desperately wanted to, wanted to talk to him and be near him, but this wasn’t smart. It was ill advised and could only lead to heartache. “Are you allowed in the cottage? Doesn’t your dad need to know where you are?”

  “He won’t mind, since he knows you.”

  Big laugh there. If Matt had any idea who she was, he wouldn’t let Sam anywhere near her.

  “Besides, my dad’s up there.” Sam pointed to the ceiling and retreated farther inside.

  Dani stepped out into the grass, backing up until the bungalow’s roof came into view. A shirtless Matt was perched on the slightly sloped roof. His muscles flexed and bulged as he pulled off a dark gray shingle and tossed it over the side of the cottage. It landed with a slap in an industrial-sized metal garbage bin on the ground. Good thing she wasn’t the one on the roof. Seeing the sheriff bare from the waist up would have sent her over the side with the shingles.

  As if he sensed a hormone-crazed woman staring at him, Matt looked down and gifted her with a smile. He gathered up some tools, walked to the far end of the roof, and disappeared over the side to what Dani hoped was a ladder. A minute later, he came around the corner, his T-shirt slung over his shoulder, and stopped a few feet away from her. Trying to focus on something other than his chest, she clasped her purse tight. The leather handles creaked in response.

  The man was gorgeous fully clothed. Fully naked would no doubt put her in a coma. As it was, his current half-dressed state, with his hard muscles and the perfect amount of chest hair, might give her a stroke.

  He moved his hand to his zipper. “Why don’t I just strip right here? It’ll probably answer all the questions bouncing around in your head.”

  Dani shoved her sunglasses up the bridge of her nose, peering at him through the polarized lenses, hoping he’d think her red face was sunburn. “I was just wondering…”

  “Boxer briefs.”

  She glanced at the black waistband that peeked over the waist of his jeans, cursed herself for looking, and cleared her throat. “I was wondering what time you were heading to the cookout.”

  His smile told her he knew she was full of crap. He took a step closer, lowered his voice to just above a whisper. “But I’m sure you figured that out already.”

  A fleeting image of Matt wearing nothing but tight-fitting black underwear warmed her from her toes to the tip of her head, and she felt like she might keel over. If she didn’t keep in mind who he was—who she was—and why she was in Lake Bliss, she was going to get hurt. Worse, Sam could get hurt. “I have no interest in discussing your underwear, Sheriff.”

  He narrowed his eyes at her and half smiled. “You’d better stick to baking because you can’t lie worth a darn.” He snagged his T-shirt off his shoulder to wipe his face. “I’m going to grab a shower at Jack’s. We’ll be at the barbecue early to get the grills going. Sam,” he called inside, “let’s go!”

  Sam charged out of Dani’s cottage, the dog at his heels. He smiled at Dani expectantly, and her breath caught.

  “I’ll meet you by the picnic tables in a few minutes, buddy,” Matt said.

  Sam kept a firm hand on the dog’s back. “Can the dog come too, Dani?”

  He could ask her for the moon and she’d agree. “Sure.”

  He took off for the beach, the dog barking, Sam laughing. Matt watched them make their way toward Rachel and her boys, and there was no denying the expression of a father’s love written on his face. What would it be like to be loved by him?

  “I’d like to get him a dog,” Matt said. “Unfortunately, now’s not a great time.”

  “If nobody claims ownership, I guess I’ll keep him. Sam’s more than welcome to help me care for him this summer.”

  “I appreciate it. See you at the cookout.” He turned to walk away but paused and shifted his attention back to her. “I’ve been wondering…”

  Dani didn’t stop to consider what she was about to say. Something wicked inside her took over, and she removed her glasses, stared him in the eye, and gave him a cocky smile. “Front clasp bra and a thong.”

  Looked like he was having trouble keeping his grin in check. “I was wondering if you have a steady guy in your life.”

  She took a step closer, lowered her voice a pitch. “But I’m sure you figured that out already.”

  Now she was awarded a full-blown, dimpled smile. “Don’t bother giving me details, Ms. Sullivan. I prefer to confirm for myself.”

  “Sheriff, you’d better stick to law enforcement because you don’t stand a chance of seeing my Victoria’s Secret.” She planted her sunglasses back on her head. “I’m not married, engaged, or have a significant male in
my life—just the way I like it.” She turned and headed back to her cottage, aware of Matt’s easy smile and intense eyes following her the whole way.

  Chapter Four

  A short time later, Dani wandered down to the activities near the beach. She carried a tray of muffins in one hand and a bowl of broccoli salad in the other, a cold can of diet soda wedged in the crook of her arm. Picnic tables dressed in red and blue plastic tablecloths sat end to end to form one long seating area. A table set off to one side held the food. She headed to the buffet, where Rachel took her tray and made room for it on the table.

  “We’ve got coolers full of pop and beer. You didn’t need to bring your own.”

  “Not a problem.” She wanted the control. If she brought the drink, she didn’t have to worry who’d handled it before her. She placed the broccoli dish next to a big bowl of potato salad, removed the plastic wrap, and added a serving spoon.

  “The boys can’t wait for more muffins. The way they scarf them down, you’d think they were cupcakes.”

  “Then I’ll keep it a secret that they’re made with skim milk and fake sugar.”

  Rachel grinned. “Good idea. Too healthy and they’re not interested.”

  Some sort of bright yellow football with a tail whistled passed Dani’s head. A group of teenagers laughed while one of them yelled out an apology. It seemed like half the town and all the tourists had shown up to the lake to enjoy the beautiful weather.

  Matt stood with another guy at the grills, where the distinct aroma of hamburgers and hot dogs emanated. Both men wore ridiculous smiles as a flock of women clustered around them.

  “Looks like they’re handing out more than burgers and dogs,” she said to Rachel with a nod toward the guys. “I’m sure the BS meter is in the red zone.”

  Rachel laughed. “No doubt. That guy he’s standing with is Jack, by the way.”

  Matt peered at her through the smoke. He winked before he returned his attention to his fan club.

  Rachel nudged Dani’s arm. “So what do you think about our sheriff?”

  “I think he’s full of…himself. But he has a sense of humor. Seems to be a good father.”

  “You can add honorable, sensitive, and well respected in the community to the equation. Quite a catch.”

  Dani chuckled. “The only thing I want to catch this summer is maybe a few fish if I have time before I leave.”

  One of the women in the gaggle around the grills laughed at something Jack said. Dani didn’t fault the woman her attention. Jack’s dark features and five o’clock shadow gave him a slightly dangerous look, but he wore khaki cargo shorts that rode low on his narrow hips and gave him the look of a good ol’ boy who sometimes liked to get into a little trouble. What was in the Lake Bliss water that created these impossibly handsome men? Had he not been standing next to Matt, he’d certainly be the sexiest man in Michigan.

  If she stared much longer, she’d probably get caught. She shifted her attention to Rachel. “What’s Jack’s story?”

  Rachel shrugged. “Nurse slash carpenter. He loves remodeling. He bought these bungalows a few months ago. On his days off, he’s either busy with renovations here or he works on his house on the other side of the lake. When he’s finished, his home will be spectacular.”

  Jack pointed at one of the ladies and said something that prompted a coy look in response. Next to him, Matt shook his head and looked up, right at Dani. She turned to Rachel. “From the way he’s charming those women, I imagine he’s single.”

  “About as single as a guy can get. Claims he’s in a no-dating phase. Jack thinks women only view him—and I quote—as a baby-making machine.”

  …

  “So, what’s the deal with you and Dani Sullivan?” Jack asked as the last female guest trailed away. “You’re hitting on her, and she’s barely been here a week. I thought you weren’t interested in the casual thing anymore.”

  Matt raised the lid on his grill. “When have I ever done casual? You’re the one who has commitment issues.”

  “False. I just want to be loved for more than my sperm. When and if that happens, I’ll commit.” He opened a package of hamburger buns. “And you still haven’t answered my question—what’s between you two?”

  “Nothing. I already told you about her visit to my office, and the way she reassured Sam about his blood test.”

  “Why didn’t you come to me if you had questions?”

  “She’s a cuter nurse than you.”

  Jack cast another glance in Dani’s direction. “So, explain the wink.”

  “Just having a little fun. She’s got a smart mouth, and she’s fun to pester.” The fact that he’d like to do a whole lot more tried to worm its way into his head. What was the antidrug slogan at all the schools?

  Just say no.

  “Dude, I’ve known you since kindergarten. How many times over the years have you shared your idea of the perfect woman? Stacked, short, and brunette—in that order. Seems my new guest matches the description to a T.” He plopped some burgers onto buns, placed them on a platter. “Although I’ve never figured out the ‘short’ part.”

  Matt peered through the rising smoke and caught a glimpse of Dani. She wore the denim skirt again. “That would be where the macho crap comes into play.” When she crossed her legs, the skirt hiked up a notch, and his body reminded him he was a man. A lonely man. “I have this fantasy about being able to pick up a woman and carry her to the bedroom.”

  Jack reached out with his tongs to turn a hot dog. “Definitely caveman material.” He winced. “Are we getting in touch with our feminine side? ’Cause I’m not sure we’ve ever had this kind of conversation.”

  Matt ignored Jack’s sarcasm. “Not that I plan to do this with Ms. Sullivan, but you know what I’ve always wanted to try?” Matt lowered his voice and revealed his ambition in explicit detail.

  Jack’s head jerked up. He stared off into the distance while the tongs snapped closed and pinched the end of the hot dog. It catapulted off the grill, executed a flying somersault, and landed in the grass. The stray dog didn’t need an invitation—he grabbed the wiener and took off. After some creative cussing under his breath, Jack paused for a beat. Then he grinned. “I’ve always admired your imagination. So you gonna go with a full-court press?”

  Matt took a step back from the grill as the breeze blew smoke in his face. “I don’t know much about her.” Except that her sexy, sassy mouth turned him on, she enjoyed kids, and he admired what she did for a living. “She’s only in town for a few months.”

  “You could always settle for an incredibly hot summer.”

  “I already told you—I’m not interested in anything short term. It’s not fair to Sam.” Matt took a swig of his beer.

  “You trying to convince me or yourself on that one?”

  …

  Dani helped herself to a paper plate, then approached the grill where Matt flipped burgers.

  “What’s your pleasure, Ms. Sullivan?”

  That was a dangerous question. “Hamburger, please. With cheese.” He slapped a piece of American cheese on a patty then plopped it on a bun. “Better give me a dog, too.” She held out her plate.

  Matt shoved his hat back and gave her a once-over. “Where you gonna put all that food?”

  “Watch it, Sheriff, or I’ll drop it over your head.”

  He flashed her a full-fledged smile as if he were amused by her. As she veered toward the picnic tables, Matt called out, “Save me a place.”

  She’d no sooner settled onto the bench of the picnic table when he wedged himself between her and the end of the seat, so close their hips snuggled together.

  Five minutes later, Sam bounded over to the table. “Got room for me?”

  He stood next to Dani, covered in dirt and sporting a ball cap turned backward. He was so adorable. She ached to tug him close, assure him that she’d always have room for him. But she smiled instead and patted the seat next to her even though there was hardly a
ny room. “Hop on board.” She scooted toward Matt until she was nearly in his lap, hoping he’d move down, but he didn’t. So she decided to ignore him. Easy enough to forget the way Matt’s denim-clad leg fiddled against her bare knee, right? No problem—if she lived in the next county.

  Sam plunked down on the bench. Just like that, the sweetness of the moment hit her, and she sucked in an unsteady breath. She sat at a picnic table a few yards from the picturesque lake, surrounded by nice people who could easily become friends. On one side, an amazingly hot man played a game of—either intentionally or not—Let’s Make Ms. Sullivan Spontaneously Combust.

  And on her other side, her son. The beautiful boy she’d yearned to see every day for the last eight years. No matter how many times she imagined this scenario, the dream wasn’t anywhere close to the reality. Her heart twisted and turned until all the emotions tangled together—joy, guilt, pain. And maybe worst of all, hope. Had fate brought her this far? Or was she tempting it by not sticking to her original plan?

  Sam tapped her arm. “Can I, Dani?”

  “Sorry, honey, what did you ask?”

  “Can I give the dog a name?”

  His face held so much enthusiasm. How could she deny him? “Okay. But you know I’ve got to give him back if the owners call.”

  He nodded. “I think we should name him Larry.”

  Dani raised an eyebrow. “Unique name for a dog.”

  The expression he gave her was clearly pure exasperation at her ignorance. “After Larry the Lobster.”

  She waited for him to explain, and he rolled his eyes and grinned.

  “From SpongeBob.”

  “Ahh. I’ve heard of him.” What the heck, she didn’t care what they called the dog. “Larry it is.”

  “Larry,” Sam called. “Come here, boy.” Sam scowled when the dog failed to respond. “Dad, I gotta go teach him his new name.” Sam jumped from his seat.

  “Hang on a second, bud. Finish your dinner first.”