“Hello?”
“Don’t sound so scared, baby. I’m not calling to arrest you, unless you want to come and sit with me. Then I can make up something dreadful.”
Alana had missed his playful manner. Once she would have laughed and said something suggestive to him. Now she felt tongue-tied and nervous.
“This is my second day of work. Getting arrested would not be cool.”
Noah chuckled and agreed with her. “Listen. I have a craving for some chicken tacos but don’t feel like making the twenty-mile drive into the next town. Will you order them for me under an assumed name? I can pick them up outside in fifteen minutes. I will give you a huge tip.”
She looked at her sister, who was already making faces. She obviously had overheard. “Of course, Noah, no problem.”
“Just don’t tell Ray. He will cover my food in hot sauce.”
“Okay.” She laughed. She hung up and looked at Alicia’s accusing look.
“What? He is being so nice to me, Alicia. How can I be mean?” Noah was making a real effort to repair things between them. Alana had to give him credit for that.
“I can do it for you,” Alicia promised.
A couple came in the door, and as soon as Alicia turned to help them, Alana made a dash for the kitchen. Ray and her dad were busy cooking and looking at tickets. They had been swamped all day.
She grabbed a takeout carton. She filled it with beans and rice and tortilla chips. She looked at Ray. “I need two chicken tacos.”
Ray made them and placed them on the carton without asking questions.
Alana nervously sat outside on the bench waiting for Noah. He pulled up to the curb in his police cruiser and parked. He got out, and she admired how well he filled out his uniform. He had dark sunglasses on, and she felt her pulse speed up. Desire ran through her veins like fire. Too bad he didn’t have a faithful bone in his body. If she was a good-time girl, things would be so much easier.
“Hey, baby. I didn’t mean for you to sit out in the hot sun.” He smiled.
“I’m on break. I need the color,” she replied. “Everyone remarks on how pale I look.”
He sat next to her on the bench. It was a close fit. “Want me to arrest the jerks?”
She laughed and handed him the takeout carton. “For what crime, Sheriff?”
“For insulting you.” He opened the carton and took a big, loud whiff.
“Heaven.” He sighed. “Ray and your dad sure can cook.”
He bit into a taco and looked at her. He put his thumb up, letting her know he liked it.
She smiled back at him, feeling peaceful. The huge tree gave them some shade. Alana scooted closer as he ate and leaned on him. Before she knew it, her eyes were closed, and her head fell against his shoulder.
She felt his arm go around her shoulder, and she sighed. She wasn’t sure how much time passed before he shook her awake.
“Hey, Sleeping Beauty. I like the idea that you’re taking a nap, but I don’t want the sun burning your skin,” he whispered, kissing her head.
She yawned and sat up feeling a little confused. Her eyes widened. “Oh my God, I fell asleep on you. That is so embarrassing.”
“Why? I am honored you trust me enough to relax,” he assured her, moving her braid out of the way. “Alicia came out here, gave me a dirty look. She saw you were asleep and headed back inside. I expect Ray to come out and kick my ass any minute.”
“How long was I out?”
He looked at his watch. “Twenty minutes. Best lunch I have had in ages. I got tacos and the most beautiful girl in the world in my arms.”
Alana touched her hot cheeks. People walked up and down the sidewalks going to different activities. She could hear music coming from the town square, where a band was playing.
“Great. I probably snored and drooled all over you. It will be all over town by evening. Shoot me now, Noah.”