Page 24 of Riverbend Gap (Riverbend 1)

“Oh yes. The grapevine. I’ve heard a little here and there.” Cooper seemed to have his very own vine.

“Okay... What have you heard about me?”

“What makes you think it was about you?”

“Oh, I don’t know, the look on your face?”

“I’ve heard you’re very good at what you do. People depend on you. People know they can count on you.”

“And...?”

“And... I heard you’re the town’s most eligible bachelor.”

“A gross exaggeration.”

“You apparently break a lot of hearts and somehow manage to come out unscathed—and still well liked by the women whose hearts you’ve broken.”

His lips tilted at the corner. “Is there an insult in there somewhere?”

“Not at all. But what skills you must have.”

His gaze sharpened on her as he hiked a brow.

Her cheeks went warm and she chuckled. “Not those kinds of skills. Jeez. I just meant it takes a special kind of talent to remain friends with the women whose hearts you break.” Though she imagined those lips of his could do some real damage.

Her face was probably lit up like a Christmas tree. “Anyway, your reputation is intact. That should help your campaign. Your family name works in your favor too—everyone seems to love the Robinsons.”

“Our roots are deep here. Jeff’s family goes back a long way—his father was responsible for bringing the Appalachian Trail through town. It really revived the town’s economy.”

“So you’re basically a shoo-in for sheriff?”

“Not at all. Riverbend is just one town. I need to convince the rest of the county to vote for me.”

“How do you do that? Attend pancake breakfasts, Little League games, all of that?”

“You got it. It’s been a busy summer, and I’m sure it’ll get busier as Election Day gets closer. Can we change the subject? All this talk of glad-handing is stressing me out.”

“Sure. What do you want to talk about?”

“How’s your job at the clinic going? Having a dictator boss can’t be easy.”

Katie laughed. “You must be kidding. Avery’s a great boss and a wonderful doctor. She really cares.”

“I was teasing. But she’s driven, our sister.”

“You have to be to get through med school and open your own clinic. You’re really lucky to have a big family.” There was a forlorn note in her voice she’d tried and failed to avoid. When she glanced at Cooper, she found him studying her face and couldn’t look away.

“You’re welcome around anytime. Everyone likes you a lot.”

Something pleasant bloomed inside her. The Robinsons seemed like the kind of close-knit family she’d always wanted. To be included as one of them would be a dream come true. But they barely knew her. And she and Gavin were a long way from that kind of commitment.

From inside the camper the shower kicked off.

Gavin would be out soon. Katie found herself both anticipating and dreading Cooper’s departure. He was just easy to talk to. Like Avery. If things progressed with Gavin it would be good to have solid relationships with his siblings.

“I gotta take this,” Cooper said.

She hadn’t even heard his phone ring. “Sure.”