Molly's Man (Haven, Texas 4)

“Yep, I’m wanted in five states. Went on a bank-robbing spree. Got a taste for the high life.”

“That so?”

“Uh-huh, champagne and caviar, that’s me.”

“Won’t find much of the high life in Haven.”

“Oh, well, maybe I’ll have to settle for Big Hunks and Dr. Pepper.”

“Pardon?”

“Big Hunks? As in the nougat bar that’s tough enough to pull your fillings out?”

“Oh, right.”

“Why, Sheriff, whatever did you think I meant?” she teased.

“When I get to the hospital, I’ll get you settled then check in on Russ, all right?” he asked, changing the topic. “No one’s reported him missing, but he lives alone so it’s difficult to say how long he was down there.”

“There, that wasn’t so hard.” She gave him a crooked smile, and he felt his stomach tighten.

Was he attracted to her? With her messy, red hair, the streak of mud down her pale cheek, and her bedraggled appearance she shouldn’t be stirring him this way. And she was a bit of a brat. But, for whatever reason, that place inside him he thought he’d shut down stirred to life.

“To answer your question, eventually I want to find some beautiful, tropical island to settle down on. But, for now, I’m planning on staying in Haven for a bit.”

“Really? Why Haven?”

“Sounds like a nice little town. Plus, I have friends who live there.”

His curiosity was really piqued now. “Who are your friends?”

She gave him a sideways glance. “Do you ask all visitors this many questions?”

“I take an interest in my town and the people who live there. It’s my job to make sure they’re safe.”

“And you think I’m a threat to their safety?” There was laughter in her voice. “I can assure you, Sheriff, I’m not going to cause you any trouble at all.”

He looked up at the sky.

“What are you looking at?” she asked, staring up at the dark clouds.

“Oh, nothing. Just thought I saw a pig fly over.”

She was silent for a moment. Then she surprised him by reaching over and patting his knee.

“There you go, Sheriff. I knew you had it in you. I like a man with a little snark.”

“You do?”

“Yeah, but I also think that pork rinds should be their own food group, so my tastes are a bit questionable.”

She grinned at him. It was a wicked, sexy smile, and his body reacted immediately. Oh, yeah, she was trouble all right. And she was coming to his town.

3

I’m not going to cause you any trouble at all.

Uh-huh. Well, that promise lasted about a whole two hours. After arriving at the hospital last night, he’d only just gotten her settled in the waiting room in the emergency department when he was pulled away by a fight that had erupted outside between a woman and her ex-boyfriend. By the time he’d returned, Molly had disappeared.