She shrugged her eyes, going back to the beer in her hand. She tucked a loose strand of blonde hair behind her ear. “Daniella is a good nurse. I’m sure she took good care of you.”

  “I was looking forward to seeing you though. I thought we were friends, Sam,” he stated, moving closer to her until they were almost touching. She smelled fresh and sweet. Her cheeks had a hint of pink in them and he wished he knew what she was thinking. She turned her head slightly toward him. “We are friends, Jackson.”

  It made his heart rate climb and all his doubts floated away. She was too appealing to ignore. Her shiny pink lips were lush and full. He had to restrain himself from leaning down and just kissing her, showing her how he knew they could be together if she would just take a chance. He wondered if she would slap him if he kissed her.

  “I figured you wouldn’t notice a different nurse with your girlfriend fawning all over you.” She sounded jealous even though she acted like she didn’t care.

  Jackson hid his smile. So his little nurse was jealous? “Patsy is a pain in the ass. I dated her a few times, but we never entered a relationship. I set her straight about that, too. I never told her where I lived.”

  “Is she here?” Samantha looked around the crowded bar, but he shook his head no. Patsy would complain if he tried to take her to a neighborhood bar. She preferred upper-class jazz clubs where people went to be seen. He liked the casual feel to this place. All he wanted to do was unwind after a long day at the office.

  “I’m here with some friends from work,” he told her, gesturing to Hank and Blake playing pool. He knew his friends would interrogate him as soon as he went back there. Blake was the only one who knew Jackson was mooning over Samantha. He had wanted to know why Jackson was daydreaming. Jackson thought if he talked about it he might figure out why his nurse intrigued him. Talking about her only made him want to know more of her.

  Her stiff shoulders softened. She took a sip of her beer. “Me too. It’s been a hectic week.”

  He didn’t dance, but if they played something slow he would definitely make the sacrifice just to feel his arms holding her close. She looked so sexy standing there trying to act casual. Fate must be on my side, he smiled to himself when the DJ announced they were going to slow things down.

  He set her beer down on the counter and walked her to the floor without asking. She would probably say no. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. She was soft in all the right places and the sweet, slow melody added to the atmosphere.

  “You could have asked.” She didn’t sound too angry. She just arched her eyebrow at him.

  “You would have made up an excuse.” She didn’t answer, so he knew he was right. He swayed to the beat. He slipped his arms around her waist. “I’m really sorry Patsy was so rude to you. I hope you believe me about her. I don’t lie, Sam.”

  “Why is she so possessive if you just dated casually?” she asked suspiciously. “A woman doesn’t act like that over a man she casually dates.”

  He really didn’t want to talk about Patsy, but he knew he needed to clear the air. “I made it clear from day one I didn’t do serious and she agreed. We met maybe three times for drinks.” He left the sex part out, not wanting to make her angry. “I have no plans on seeing her ever again. She crossed the line and she knows it.”

  She nodded and stayed silent. He enjoyed the feel of her so close to him. He could smell the shampoo in her hair. “I know this might seem sudden, but I really want to get to know you, Sam. Would you have dinner with me during the week? Do you like Chinese food? I know a really quaint place that is out of the way and private.”

  He heard her small intake of breath. He had taken her by surprise. Her pink lips opened to answer him. She looked conflicted. “I am attracted to you, Jackson. I don’t want to deny that.”

  “But…” he started.

  She sighed and played with the collar of his shirt. Shivers ran along his skin where she was touching him. “I don’t date. I had a very bad experience in the past and after that I decided I just didn’t like the games involved. I prefer to stay out of it.”

  “I understand. I don’t do heavy emotions either. I like going out and having fun. I think we can have some fun, don’t you?” He didn’t want to pressure her. He was hoping by making light of it she would take the chance and say yes.

  She didn’t look very happy with his answer. He knew then he said the wrong thing. “Thanks for asking, but I have to say no. There are plenty of patsies in the world who don’t mind playing the game. I am not one of them, Jackson. I don’t know how to separate my emotions and just keep things casual and you don’t like taking things seriously.”

  He watched her sweep her eyelashes over her eyes. She was being honest with him and he should be happy she was up-front. He wasn’t sure what to do. His feelings for her were genuine, but how deep did they go? What if he did lose interest the way he always did? He had no desire to hurt her. The music stopped and he walked her back to the bar where her friends sat.

  Danielle grinned and waved her hand at him. “Hey there, handsome. Remember me? I was your nurse the other day.”

  He nodded politely at Daniella and Nancy. He looked back at Samantha. He leaned down to kiss her cheek. She looked a little sad and that had not been his intention. He felt regret for ruining her evening. He wanted a chance to get closer to her. “Thanks for the dance, sweetness.”

  He headed back to his friends, feeling disappointed. The energy of his night out lost all its zest. He was going to plead tiredness and go home. He had a feeling forgetting Samantha was not going to be so easy. He definitely didn’t want to see her dancing with other men.

  Chapter 4

  Samantha ran into a café on the main road to grab a chicken salad sandwich for her lunch break. The place was crowded, so she knew eating inside was not a good idea. The sun was shining bright, but the wind was still crisp and cool. She ordered a turkey and cheese sandwich and decided to take it to go.

  She heard her name being called and looked behind her. Jackson was waving her over to his booth by the window. Her pulse immediately sped up and her belly did a few flip-flops. Why did she have to keep running into him like this? He was so tempting. She wanted to throw all her fears out the window and just give in to him. Her body was more than ready to overrule her brain and flirt with him to see where it may lead. She felt obligated to at least say hello. He was sitting alone and she did like him as a friend, too. When he smiled at her she wanted to swoon. How was she going to act casual and cool?

  “Jackson.” She greeted him politely, clearing her throat. She did her best to hide her mixed emotions. “How’s it going? On lunch break?”

  He nodded. “Yes. I needed out of the office. Normally Blake and I just stay in the office, but I guess I’m still feeling the aftereffects of cabin fever. Have a seat.”

  She couldn’t think of a reason that didn’t sound rude. If she was honest with herself she would admit she was feeling excited at having run into him. She sat across from him in the booth.

  “I guess everyone had the same idea to eat out today. I usually pack a lunch, but I woke up late and rushed to make it to work on time.”

  “I am headed to the clinic after lunch,” he told her. He had a sub sandwich sitting in front of him. “My leg has been feeling achy. I’m supposed to see my uncle to discuss it.”

  “Maybe you need physical therapy,” she suggested. It was common after a serious injury such as his. “I used to work in an ER and many people who had bullet injuries went through physical therapy.”

  “I hope not.” He frowned as if not liking the idea. “I just got back to work. Maybe he can recommend home exercise. I don’t want to take any more time off.”

  When they called her name she went to get her order and came back to the table.

  She felt tongue-tied and nervous. He asked her casual questions about what her hobbies were and she was glad he was taking the lead. She was glad he wasn’t openly flirting. That would be hard for her to resist. Maybe she could settle for friendship with him. She ignored the warning in her head that said that was a bad idea.

  “I like hiking. Nancy, a girl I work with, took me a few times during the summer. I fell in love with the views and fresh, crisp air,” she explained with a smile. “She tried to get me to go skiing but falling down a hill of snow didn’t seem so appealing. I suppose sooner or later I’ll have to gather my courage and try it.”

  He chuckled and agreed. “My partner Blake and I have gone hiking and trail riding on our bikes a few times. We camped out overnight with some other buddies from work. I’m anxious for the weather to improve. I like staying active.”

  “Male bonding, huh?” She picked up her sandwich and took a bite. The sun made his brown hair look lighter. His skin was tan as if he did spend a lot of time outdoors. When she lived in New York she had worked so many hours that she slept on her days off. Now she was enjoying her new life.

  He chuckled. “I guess you can call it that. What man doesn’t like to make a fire and sleep under the stars? Have you ever camped?”

  She shook her head. “My grandmother never liked for me to take part in what she called dangerous activities. She was afraid of the wild animals. I always wanted to try it. My grandmother thought her gardening was plenty of outdoor time.”

  “Did she raise you?” He was easy to talk to. He sounded like he really was interested. A small voice in her heart reminded her to be cautious. She nodded. “My mother never took to motherhood. She left me when I was seven and my grandmother took care of me. I was happy with her. She passed away two years ago from heart failure. I miss her so much.”

  “I’m sorry, Sam,” he commented.

  Jackson kept the conversation casual until they both finished their lunch. She found herself smiling and laughing. He had a great sense of humor.

  “Did you walk?” he asked, getting out of the booth and standing up.

  She nodded and stood next to him. The café was getting empty now that the lunch rush was over. The clinic was only three blocks. “Yeah. I needed the fresh air and the exercise.”

  “I’ll walk with you. My truck is in the parking lot, but the walk will feel good. Maybe sitting behind a desk is not helping.” He opened the café door for her to exit and kept his hand at the small of her back. They walked down the sidewalk. It was midafternoon and the streets were busy. Cars drove and some people walked by allowing her to step closer to him. His gold badge around his neck shone with the sun.

  “Have they restricted you to desk duty?” she asked above the noise of the traffic. She was enjoying his company and it was easy to forget about all her reservations.

  “Yeah. I’m hoping that won’t last too long.” He sighed. His black jacket with big yellow letters stating who he was attracted attention from a few women walking by who gave him wide, flirty smiles. Samantha felt jealous but pretended not to notice. He seemed not to notice. He continued looking at her and talking. “I’m hoping to be cleared for field duty in the next week. I like action, not paperwork.”

  “It must be tough. I hope your uncle gives you good news,” she agreed.

  “If we’re friends maybe we can do some hiking this summer,” he suggested, looking friendly and not like he was flirting. She felt a pang of disappointment, but friendship was what she wanted. “I can ask Blake to tag along and you can invite Nancy.”

  “Sounds nice,” she agreed, trying to hide how thrilled she felt about spending time with him. “Daniella doesn’t like hiking. She works out in a gym and says that is enough for her.”

  They walked the next two blocks slowly as if he enjoyed her company or maybe it was just wishful thinking on her part. She didn’t like the idea of playing all the games that came with dating, but she couldn’t deny he made her feel aware of herself as a woman. His smile was genuine, but then she would think of Nathan and feel a small amount of fear. It was better to stay friends she reminded herself.

  They were close to the clinic and she was actually sad their time was at an end. She really enjoyed herself. The crosswalk light turned green and she stepped off the curb. The sound of a loud revved-up engine startled her. She saw a black car speeding toward her, but she was frozen in shock. Her brain screamed for her to move, but her legs didn’t seem to work. Jackson grabbed her arm and pulled her back up on the sidewalk. It all happened so fast that it left her light-headed and in shock.

  “What the hell. That guy almost hit you,” Jackson spit out with fury, looking at the black sports car driving away. His eyebrows scrunched with fury.

  Samantha put a hand over her racing heart, trying to calm down. Her knees felt slightly weak. “I didn’t see him until it was too late. The light was green for us to cross. I didn’t even look.”

  “He passed the red light,” a man in his twenties told them. He was standing at the bus stop on the same corner and shook his head with anger. “And they were driving way too fast.”

  “Did you see a plate number?” Jackson asked, keeping his arm around Samantha. She was glad to lean on him. That had scared her and she felt her legs tremble. She wanted to wrap her arms around his waist, but she had spent all this time telling him and herself she didn’t need a man in her life. The light turned red again.

  “He was going too fast. It was a blur. Reckless son of a gun,” the man told Jackson with a shake of his head.

  Jackson thanked him and held on to her arm as they waited for the light to turn green. Once it did Jackson held on to her arm while they crossed the street.

  They walked into the clinic and she took off her sweater and hung it up still feeling shaky. She turned to him. He still looked concerned for her. He was watching her and she wondered if he was waiting for her to burst into tears. She was tempted. It was a busy time of day but that had never happened to her before.

  “Thanks, Jackson. That was scary. I felt frozen to the spot. He would have hit me if you hadn’t been there.” She tried to smile at him.

  He smiled back gently and caressed her cheek. “That’s me. Rescuer of beautiful damsels. You doing okay? You look kind of pale. I’m sure Uncle Eddie can make time to check you over.”

  Samantha shook her head no. It had been a scare, but next time she would pay more attention despite the light being green. She put her hands on his shoulder to balance herself and placed a quick kiss on his cheek. “A little shaky, but it’ll pass. I’ll let Doc know you’re here. Thanks for sharing your table with me, Jackson.”

  “Best lunch I’ve had. Blake usually steals my chips and never lets me get a word in edgewise.”

  She laughed and turned to go let her boss know he was here for his appointment.

  Daniella came out of a patient room and spotted Jackson. She gave him a flirty grin and waved at him. Samantha watched him closely to see if he would flirt back. Even though she felt jealous it would have cemented her policy of not giving in to what she was feeling for the handsome FBI agent. Jackson was kind and polite, but she didn’t see any heat in his gaze when he greeted Daniella. He went to sit down in the waiting room. He grabbed a magazine and focused his eyes on the pages. Samantha was pleased he wasn’t flirting back with Daniella. Daniella was pretty and very outgoing. She didn’t have a shy bone in her body. Samantha headed down the back hallway but her mind was filled with conflicting thoughts of Jackson. Had she made a mistake in telling him she didn’t date? The question bothered her all day long.

  * * * *

  Jackson and Blake sat in Chief Henley’s office. He was the chief of police in Grand Junction. He had called them over to meet with him. Jackson was glad to be out of the office and doing something active. His uncle had given him some home exercises and muscle relaxers. It had worked. After a week he felt back to normal and he was relieved to be out and about on the streets. The temperatures were rising and he felt reenergized.

  He just wished he had an excuse to stop by his uncle’s and accidentally run into Samantha. Just when he thought he was forgetting about her something would remind him of her and he would be caught thinking of her all over again. Was it the lure of the one that got away, or did he really have feelings for her? He knew he wanted her badly. He had enjoyed talking to her. She was sweet and once she relaxed around him he found himself smiling a lot.

  “What can we do for you?” Blake asked after sitting down. Jackson opted to stand against the window sill. He pushed his personal thoughts out of his mind and focused them on the task at hand.

  “I have a case of embezzling at the First National Bank. One of their own decided he needed more money than his salary offered. One of my detectives did a basic interview of the employees but got nowhere.” The chief was leaning back against his chair. He gray hair was thin and short. He pointed to a manila file that Blake picked up. “Seems Mr. Nathan Cooper has been a bad boy. He acted like the perfect employee while taking money slowly with false accounts that didn’t exist. His girlfriend, also employed at the bank, just happened to quit around the same time. Now her family has filed a missing person’s report on her.”

  “Hmm. I don’t believe in coincidence much.” Jackson rubbed his chin while Blake quietly read the file.

  The chief looked thoughtful. “He fooled the bank manager, Walter Jenkins that is, for sure. He had a reputation for being a hard worker. He was passed up for a promotion a few months back. Maybe that made him snap. Hasn’t been to work since and that is when Mr. Jenkins viewed his files and discovered the discrepancies.”

  “I assume his house has been cleared out too?” Blake asked, looking up from the file.

  “Yes. He told the landlord he was moving to Nevada,” the chief answered. “He has a sister in Las Vegas, Nevada. She says they don’t speak except a few times a year, so he lied about that. An ex-girlfriend who found out about his current girlfriend dumped him and hasn’t heard from him. No other close friends.”

 

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