Page 82 of Kissing the Sheriff

“Have you now?” He took a step closer. “I must admit, I’ve grown used to you too. In fact, I’m not sure what to do about it.”

She stared at him. “What do you mean?”

His eyes roamed her face. “After spending time together, you begin to get to know a person, don’t you think?”

“Of course.”

“I’ve enjoyed my time with you. Very much.”

She nodded as her heart began to race. Was he going to tell her he had feelings for her? “I’ve enjoyed my time with you too.”

He smiled. “I don’t know what Sterling is going to do any more than you know what Letty is. Either you lose her, or we lose him.”

“Doesn’t seem fair, does it? That there has to be a loser?”

“No, it doesn’t.”

She looked at the ground. “Either way, you and your brothers are leaving. None of us will ever see you again.”

“I wouldn’t say that …”

“How, then? To come here must have taken everything you have.” She turned away again. “I could never afford a trip like that. It’s nice to think about but too out of reach.”

“Not necessarily,” he whispered.

It sent a chill up her spine. “You obviously don’t know what a sheriff’s pay is.”

“More than mine, I’d wager.”

She caught the teasing in his voice and turned around. “Unfortunately for you, yes.”

He smiled and drew closer. “I’ll miss you, Cassie Laine.”

Cassie’s heart plummeted. And there it was. He was leaving no matter what. She swallowed hard and nodded. “I’ll … miss you too.”

Conrad didn’t answer. Instead, he lifted her face to his, and ever so tenderly, kissed her.

* * *

Conrad willedhimself to break the kiss but didn’t want to. It was glorious! He’d kissed plenty of women before. Stolen kisses in the garden of a ball or party that, if discovered by the right family member, would end in either a duel or a proposal. He hated the old-fashioned notion but things were still archaic in England. Was it like that here in America?

“Ahem.”

Now hehadto break the kiss. He pulled back, saw Cassie’s closed eyes, and his chest swelled. She was so beautiful, not even Phileas could come up with a description that would do her justice.

“Conrad.”

He sighed. Sterling, on the other hand, could come up with all kinds of things to ruin his moment.

Cassie finally opened her eyes. “Oh, goodness!” Her hand flew to her mouth as she backed up a step.

Conrad smiled reassuringly, then turned to face his brother.

Sterling gave him the same look their father did when he was about to launch into a lecture. “Conrad, a word?”

He glanced at Cassie, who still looked to be in shock, then nodded.

Sterling put an arm around him and steered him toward the barn. He didn’t say anything until they were inside, the door closed firmly behind them. “What do you think you’re doing?!”