The Deputy's New Family by Jenna Mindel

him. And Beth was happy for them all. Really, she was, but when would true love happen for her?
    As if her eyes had a will of their own, she glanced at Nick.
    He gave her that crooked grin that wasn’t much of a smile at all.
    She smiled back. He looked bored out of his mind. From Sandy’s chatter or the table talk about cherry farming, Beth wasn’t sure. Still, meeting new people was good for him, considering his newness to town.
    Eva’s smile grew wider as she glanced at Nick and then back at her. “So, Beth, have you thought about who you’re bringing to the wedding?”
    * * *
    As they left the pizza shop, rain poured from the sky with no sign of letting up. Under the red-and-white awning, Nick turned to Beth. “We’ll give you a ride home.”
    She looked as if she might argue but nodded. Her house was only a few blocks away, but she’d be soaked through if she walked home.
    He watched Beth wave goodbye to her friends as the two couples climbed into a huge blue pickup. They were nice people. Sandy and her son raced to their car, too. Beth was right about her; he could do a lot worse, but Sandy Clark held no interest for him.
    Corey didn’t seem impressed, either. He’d barely spoken to the woman.
    “Ready to run?” He clicked the remote to unlock his small SUV. He’d traded in his car before the move, after hearing about the winters up north. He looked forward to putting the four-wheel drive to use. Maybe he and Corey could learn to ski.
    “Ready.” Beth reached for Corey’s hand.
    His son took it as naturally as if he’d been holding hands with Beth forever. But then, she was his teacher. Little kids must be used to that sort of thing.
    They made a dash for the car.
    Beth pulled open the back door for Corey and waited while he climbed into his booster seat.
    She slipped into the passenger side with a squeal. “Rain just dribbled down my back.”
    They were soaked dashing for the car. And cold.
    Beth shivered and then clenched her teeth to keep them from chattering.
    “Corey, hand me that blanket,” Nick said.
    “I’m okay.” Beth rubbed her arms.
    “You’ll be home before the heat kicks in.” Nick wrapped the blanket around her shoulders. That small movement brought them into close proximity.
    Close enough to kiss.
    His gaze lingered on her full lips.
    “Thanks.” She sounded breathless.
    He leaned back fast. “You’re welcome.”
    The air inside his car hummed with more than the drone from the defroster on high. The scent of rain mixed with the softness of Beth’s perfume had Nick’s brain reeling.
    Friendship. He’d said that was all he was looking for, but it sure wasn’t all he wanted.
    Nick glanced at Corey through the rearview mirror. The kid’s eyes were wide but not wise. His boy couldn’t possibly understand the currents of attraction swirling around them.
    For Corey’s sake, Nick wouldn’t get involved with Beth. There was too much to lose if they suddenly broke up. Women could be vindictive when they wanted to be, and he wouldn’t risk exposing Corey to any of that. Especially when he needed to concentrate on reading. The poor kid had had enough drama to last a lifetime.
    Friendship. That was all he’d offer Beth until he knew his son had passed second grade. That was all he could handle until he knew for sure what kind of woman Beth proved to be.

Chapter Six
    S unday morning, Beth entered her small community church with her mom. Spotting Eva Marsh, Beth waved. And her friend made a beeline straight for her.
    “Morning.”
    “So what’s the deal with that redheaded guy who can’t keep his eyes off you?” Eva kept her voice secret-sharing low.
    Beth shook her head. “I thought you’d decided to attend your brother’s church.”
    “We are, but we still like to visit. I grew up coming here.”
    Beth scanned the packed pews for her friend’s outrageously handsome fiancé. He chatted comfortably with a crusty old farmer named Jim Sanborn. Although Adam was now a