Pamela Hearon - Out of the Depths

In answer to her question, he nodded to her feet where the Frisbee lay again and a pair of hopeful eyes beamed from a chocolate snout. “Because Chesney doesn’t know when to stop. She’ll chase and fetch as long as you’ll throw.”

Chance’s closeness brought the tangy smell of Irish Spring soap to her nose. The scent chased her memory across nine years to a morning when his parents left early, and she’d gone to his house before school. They’d showered together, making love standing up, enveloped in warm water and Irish Spring-scented steam.

She grabbed the Frisbee and tossed the memory away with it. “One more and that’ll have to hold us.”

“I was afraid you’d stand me up.” The corners of Chance’s mouth lifted as he took another sip of his coffee.

He wouldn’t be grinning if he knew how many times that thought had crossed her mind since last night.

“Wouldn’t think of it,” she lied. She covered her guilt by a quick look around. “You have a beautiful place. How long have you lived here?”

“Just over a year. I’ve still got a lot to do.” He motioned toward the three-car, detached garage where a row of window shutters leaned against the side in various stages of being painted forest-green. “But it’s coming. Would you like to see the inside?”

The eagerness in his voice made Kyndal swallow the refusal on her tongue and nod an okay instead. She’d have a home of her own someday to show off, so it was easy to understand his pride.

He led the way up the side steps into a spacious country kitchen with glossy hardwood floors, white marble countertops and black cabinetry.

“This is gorgeous.” Kyndal nodded her approval at the stainless appliances and hardware brushed to look like pewter. “You’re quite a decorator.”

“Thanks, but I can’t take much credit. When I first began looking at the place, I started buying designing magazines and clipping pictures. Luckily, I found a contractor with some vision.”

The smell of fresh coffee against a backdrop of cinnamon made Kyndal’s stomach growl fiercely.

His eyebrows drew in with concern. “Are you hungry?”

She didn’t think her stomach would agree to food yet although the smell was tempting. She shook her head.

“How about some coffee?”

“Mmm. It smells wonderful, but I’d better not unless you’ve had a bathroom installed in that cave.” She laughed, letting go of some nervousness but reminding herself not to tilt her head sideways because that might be construed as flirting.

The tour went quickly since most of the walls had been knocked down, forming an enormous great room with strategically placed columns where support was needed. The room was warm with leather furniture the color of molasses and a fireplace crackling at one end. Chance silenced it with a remote. “Gas,” he explained to her surprised expression. “It felt good early this morning before I went outside, but we sure don’t need it now.”

Upstairs was still under construction with plastic sheeting hung across doorways. Two of the bedrooms were being combined into a large master suite. One was full of boxes from his move, and the last held only a bed, dresser and bedside table.

Kyndal took a peek and then hurriedly turned away as her heartbeat rose to a pounding in her ears. Chance’s old mahogany bedroom suite. She was so not going to let herself think about times spent in that bed.

A couple of inconspicuous deep breaths brought her heartbeat under control as she moved to the railing. She gripped it and focused on the fireplace below. “Everything is really lovely.” Her voice came out high and strained like an old beagle’s howl.

“Sorry about the dust.” Chance mercifully closed the door to her nostalgia. “It’s more house than I need right now.” He leaned his elbows on the banister, his arm and leg brushing hers. “But I hope to fill it up with a family someday.”

She glanced at him and found his espresso gaze locked on her. “Oh?” She scooted over a couple of inches and coughed, hoping the knot in her chest would shake loose. “Is Chesney pregnant?”

Chance rubbed his hand down his face. “Lord, I hope not. She’s just a baby herself.” He gave a low, meaningful chuckle. “Besides, someday means years from now—when my practice is built and I’m well on my way to being a judge.”

“So you plan on getting involved in politics.” Obviously since judges are elected officials.

He shrugged. “Nonpartisan…but yeah.”

She wouldn’t allow herself to analyze why his words squeezed at her heart. She just wanted to go to the cave, get her shots, then hightail it back to Dover, Tennessee, and dreams of a new job—with a few fantasies of Ranger Rick thrown in for good measure.

She turned her back to Chance. “Do you have a stepladder?” She threw the question over her shoulder as they made their way down the stairs. “We may need it to reach the opening to the vug.”

“Yeah, I have one, but we don’t want to lug that with us for a half mile.” Chance waved away the idea. “If the opening’s no higher than you said, I can boost you up and then make the jump myself.”

His hands were going to have to touch her body in various places. Her mouth went dry at the thought. She’d have to steel herself not to react. It had been a while since anybody had touched her anyplace interesting.

Chance grabbed the backpack by the kitchen door as they headed out.

The temperature had risen even higher, and the sky had darkened appreciably since they went inside. Humidity hung heavy in the air with a cloying stickiness.

“It’s so warm, they’re calling for a chance of hail. Better put your car in the garage.” Not giving her time to argue, Chance went to the keyless entry by the garage door and punched in a code.

Kyndal pulled her Jeep in, allowing only a brief comparison of her car to the black SUV and the sleek, silver Porsche Boxster occupying the other two spots. She was careful not to crowd the corner obviously set up for Chesney with a doggie door, blankets, and food and water dispensers.

She pulled her backpack out of the backseat and slung it over her shoulder. “Will Chesney follow us?”

Chance shook his head as he punched the button to let the garage door down. “She wears an electric collar that gives her the run of about two acres. She’ll know when to turn back.” He motioned toward a well-worn path through the trees behind the garage. “Follow the yellow brick road.”

The Munchkin voice coming from such a body was too incongruous, and Kyndal laughed in spite of herself.

“Well, it’s about time.” Chance’s arm went around her shoulder in a quick hug as they walked. “I’ve been waiting to hear a real laugh from you for almost twenty-four hours.”

The hug felt nice. Not flirtatious. Almost like the one this morning from Bart.

Maybe she was being too sensitive. Maybe it was time to let go of her hurt and embarrassment. Loosen up. Count her blessings. She had a night out with her best friends, a photo-worthy cave and an old friend to share it with, a promising hope of a new job—not bad for someone who’d been facing jail time the day before.

All right, it didn’t have to be just business. She threw her arm around Chance’s waist and hugged back. “Sorry I’ve been so uptight. The whole experience yesterday messed with my mind, you know? Too many shocks to the system for one day.”

Thunder rumbled through the trees, sending Chesney scurrying back toward the garage. “Well, don’t let your guard down just yet. There are some surprises still in store.” His arm tightened briefly around her, then he let go and quickened his pace.

As if to punctuate his words, a raindrop plopped onto the end of her nose.