Daddy Undercover (Crescent Cove 9)

Mrs. Gunderson rubbed her chin. “I suppose. But we all know about the lookout. We’re in the bonus round now.”

I never thought I’d be able to grin in such a situat

ion, but I did as I rose. “Nope. No deed done. We were just talking.”

“Hmpfh.” She toddled away before pivoting to look me up and down. “You look beautiful. I hope he finally seals the deal. But I’m going to get those results thrown out and up my spend.”

Luna shook her head. “This town is intense. Are there pools for getting knocked up too?”

“No, that’s a sucker’s bet for most. Since practically everyone of childbearing age gets knocked up in the Cove.”

Except me.

“Uh oh. Is that why you didn’t get the deed done? Worried about early parenthood?”

If only. “Well, if this thing works out with Jared, that’ll happen anyway. He better tell everyone else he hasn’t yet about you know who. Or maybe the whole town already knows because of what happened at the lookout point.”

“I don’t think so. I haven’t heard anyone mention the kid. Pretty sure the possibility of seeing the sheriff butt naked took precedence.”

“Heck, I haven’t even seen him naked yet. Get in line, people. How did they find out? I can’t believe Christian would spill.”

“Old Man Roy was walking Petey. He claimed he hid by a tree when Christian pulled up. He heard them talking and saw you in the passenger seat. Didn’t you get this story at the diner?”

“No. I pulled a double yesterday so I could take off tonight for the tree lighting and tomorrow for my sister’s baby shower. I didn’t have a chance to chat much all day. We were slammed with Black Friday shoppers taking a load off between rounds. We ran out of potatoes for a little while. That has never happened.”

“I’m shocked no one put you on the spot for the deets. Leave it to Mrs. Gunderson to bring up the pool.”

“Did you bet?”

Luna was looking awfully shifty. “No?”

I had to laugh. “You had insider information.”

“Exactly why I bet. I just hoped the winner would be pulled before the thing happened. And I’m going to lose soon. Especially if he takes a look at you in that dress. You’re a vision.”

“Aww. Sweet talker.” I waited for someone coming in to try on a sweater to finish up before I spoke again. “I’m going to go by Jared’s later. Bet one hundred on slept together, and I’ll clue you in when it happens.” I swallowed hard and altered my statement. “If it happens, and we’ll split the pot.”

“I’ll need proof. They already invalidated Macy’s win.”

“Do you want me to get broken up again before we’re even back together?” I asked in an undertone. “He’s the damn sheriff. I can’t mass mail a picture of his naked ass.”

“You’re the one who wanted to split the pot.”

“If we’re being bet on, why shouldn’t we benefit? It’s not like we can get them to stop betting if we say ‘please don’t.’”

“Uh, hello, you will be benefiting to the tune of two Os before you even remember to let him join the party.”

I giggled helplessly. “Mrs. Gunderson saw you with me. Your word will be good enough. Now go. I don’t even know if it’s going to happen tonight or ever.”

“Yeah, considering you’re meeting Caleb in,” she glanced at her phone, “under an hour.”

“To watch the tree lighting,” I reminded her. “Casual friends. We’ll be with the whole Beck clan. It’ll totally be PG.”

“Before you get X-rated with the sheriff?”

I took a deep breath. “We’ll see. Now go ring me out, wench.” I gave her a light shove out of the dressing room.

A few minutes later, I was on my way to meet everyone near the gazebo. It was handy being friends with people like Kinleigh who’d just let me wear my new clothes home so I didn’t have to go back to change. I had the sexy underwear thing handled courtesy of earlier shopping with Frankie and Gabby. Erica had planned to come too, but she was feeling swollen and achy so she’d passed.