Fallen

Only problem was . . . Haddie seemed to Scarlett to be growing more secretive by the day. Something was weighing on her, she knew it, and yet try as she might, question her as she did, Haddie wouldn’t be straight with her.

You’re a loving mom who cares deeply for her daughter. Anyone with two eyes in their head could see that.

His words had consoled her, ministered to her. Damn him. Speaking of secretive. Damn Camden West and his evasive answers and vague statements.

Not much to tell. Things with me are complicated.

Right. Like her life was the picture of simplicity.

Scarlett glanced in the mirror, wondering if it was possible that he had a problem with the fact that she had a daughter. That could be a lot for a single man to take on . . . Disappointment rose inside her. Their kiss had been . . . magical. It really had been. He’d felt it too, she could tell by the awestruck look on his handsome face, and yet he’d pulled away. Why? Damn it, I don’t have time for this, she thought, a burst of frustration causing her to grip the steering wheel even more tightly.

God, why had she told him about Haddie’s father? Sure, she’d been mildly tipsy, but that didn’t excuse it. She’d sworn an oath—on paper and in her own mind—that she’d never reveal Royce’s identity, ever.

Scarlett refused to fall for another man who regretted touching her. Another man who made her feel half-crazy in the head. Like now. And perhaps there was no half about it.

So, nope, she was going to wipe him straight from her mind.

She turned into the neighborhood where Millie lived, driving slowly through the residential streets, large, red-flowered acacias shading the sidewalks and the small square homes. The sun was shining, birds were twittering happily, and it was going to be a lovely day.

Scarlett took a deep, cleansing breath. Everything is going to be okay.

Movement on the porch of a house just ahead caught her eye and she looked over as her car moved slowly toward it, her heart jolting as a lump filled her throat.

Camden West was exiting the small blue house with the black shutters, buttoning the collar of his uniform shirt with one hand and carrying some sort of black bag with the other. The woman behind him, leaning in the doorway, wore a short strapless nightie, her smile sleepy as she waved goodbye to him. Scarlett recognized her as the same pretty brunette she’d seen him with at the hardware store, the one who had been arguing in Mason’s office. He turned and called something to her, turning back around just as Scarlett’s car passed directly in front of the house, the smile he’d shot the woman fading as his gaze met Scarlett’s. He stopped short, his head turning as his eyes stayed on hers, following the movement of her car.

Scarlett jerked her head forward, her hands gripping the steering wheel fiercely. Her breath released in a sudden gust of pent-up air.

Well, no wonder.

No wonder he ran so hot and cold. Mystery solved.

He was involved with someone else.

He was an asshole.

At this rate, as far as she was concerned, all men were assholes. That woman had had no reason to scowl at her when she first saw her at Grady’s, but now?

God, she was mad.

So why did she also have to feel so shitty? Why did she feel so hurt?

They’d shared nothing but a kiss. Just one meaningless kiss that he’d obviously quickly regretted. And now it was clear why.

Things with him were complicated?

No, buddy, they’re simple.

And I’m a misjudging fool.

She pulled to the curb in front of Millie’s house. The curtain rustled and Scarlett watched as Millie pulled it aside, shooting them a big grin and waving from her window. Scarlett released a slow breath, trying to regain a measure of peace. Her insides felt like she’d been shaken and all her organs were rearranged.

Why do you have such awful taste in men? she asked herself. Just why? Maybe she should be asking a different question though. Why do men already in relationships find me so attractive? Gullible? She groaned internally. God, it was far too early to handle this. She would put to rest any feelings she’d had toward the deputy, which was a good thing. Her daughter deserved all her attention.

Scarlett got Haddie out of the car and then they walked hand in hand to Millie’s door, Millie pulling it open before they’d even climbed the three steps. “Good morning,” she said with a smile.

“Hi, Millie,” Scarlett greeted, handing over the bag she’d packed for Haddie. “There’s an extra set of clothes in there and her lunch.”

“Awesome.” She took the bag and looked at Haddie. “I have a really cool Fourth of July craft to work on with you today. I got started on it in the living room. Do you want to go check it out while I talk to your mommy for a minute?”