The Sheriff's Sweetheart Read online

  Chase suddenly stood and headed out of his office without a word, his hand raised to stop Rory from speaking.

  “Dinner tonight?” Rory asked to his retreating back.

  He was obviously mad as hell and stormed off without another word. Rory knew better than to push him while he was in that frame of mind.

  Chapter Two

  Isabella sat in her room, quietly contemplating.

  She’d been here nearly a week now, but no one had mentioned her injuries again. Strange. She had an appointment today to have her plaster removed. It would be a blessed relief.

  There was a tap on the door. “It’s me, Missy.” She only just heard the quiet voice through the door. “Can I come in?”

  For a minute Isabella thought about not answering. Pretending she wasn’t there, but Missy would know she was. She opened the door.

  Missy smiled at her. “So... today is the big day. Plaster off. I’ll bet that will be a big relief.” She sat next to Isabella on the unmade bed.

  Isabella knew it should be made by now. Even with a plaster on her arm, it was very doable. She was in a bad place psychologically, and needed to shake herself out of it. But knew it wasn’t as simple as it seemed.

  Depression was not that easy to get rid of.

  “You look so sad,” Missy told her. “I wish I could just hug your sadness away.” She reached over and hugged her cousin tightly.

  Isabella felt tears roll down her cheeks, despite her determination to stay strong. Perhaps that was part of her problem? She hadn’t shared her situation with anyone. Didn’t want anyone else tied up in her struggles. And she certainly didn’t want them placed in danger.

  No, she would deal with it in her own way.

  * * *

  Chase sat at his sheriff’s desk, mulling over the situation in his mind.

  This was a difficult case, made harder by the fact he was personally involved.

  A little light bulb went off in his head. He needed someone else to take over this investigation. He would get one of his deputies to look into the case on his behalf.

  In the meantime, he had decided to keep his distance from Isabella. That meant not visiting Rory and his lovely wife, Missy.

  He just wasn’t sure he could keep his mouth shut when it came to interacting with Isabella right now. She hadn’t exactly lied to him, but hadn’t told the truth either.

  It absolutely appalled him that she could do that – right to his face. But on some level, he understood why she had.

  He reached over to the intercom and spoke to his secretary. “Call Deputy Chris Dolan in here please Sarah,” he said rather abruptly.

  Chase knew he was testy, but couldn’t help it. What he’d learned had put him in a foul mood.

  He fiddled about with objects on his desk, and had tried to do paperwork, but nothing worked. He was annoyed and frustrated all at the same time.

  He needed to get to the bottom of this, and quickly.

  Was Isabella in imminent danger? He closed his eyes. He did his best thinking that way. There were four Callahan brothers, and they were all capable of protecting her. They would protect her, no matter what.

  He knew they would without even asking.

  They were Callahan’s – cowboys from way back, and cowboys always protected their lady folk. That’s exactly what they would do in this instance.

  A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. “Enter!” He didn’t mean to shout, but that’s how it came out.

  “You wanted to see me, Sheriff?” Outside of work, Chris called him Chase, but he insisted on formalities when they were on duty.

  Chase waved him in. “Sit.” He sighed deeply, and Deputy Dolan studied him. He was out of character and he knew it.

  “I have a personal problem,” he explained. “Well, it’s not really a personal problem, it’s....” He was rambling, he knew he was.

  Chris removed his cowboy hat and scratched his head. “Are you alright, Sheriff?” He looked concerned for his superior. The last time Chase remembered behaving this way was after his wife Jenny was killed in a car accident some years back. Chris was around when that had happened, so knew the sheriff and his moods well.

  He sighed deeply and stared at Chris for several minutes. “No,” he said. “No, I’m not. A dear friend is in trouble, and I need you to get to the bottom of it.”

  Chris looked relieved. “Of course,” he said. “Tell me what you need.”

  * * *

  Missy drove Isabella to the doctor’s office to have her plaster removed.

  It was half an hour’s drive to the nearest doctor, but it gave them a chance to talk. Unfortunately, Isabella wasn’t really in a talkative mood, so Missy prompted her.

  “I’ll bet my last dollar you’ll be glad to have that plaster off,” Missy said, taking her eyes from the road for only seconds.

  Isabella wriggled her fingers on her plastered hand. “Sure will,” she said then sighed. “After six weeks, you get over it. I can’t wait to have a long, hot bath.”

  Missy reached over and touched Isabella on the knee. “Then you shall have one. Tonight.” Her cousin deserved a bit of pampering. A thought suddenly popped into her head. “Here’s a thought – why don’t we invite Grace over, and have a girl’s night in?”

  Grace was Jordon’s new wife. Jordon being another Callahan brother. Being a veterinarian, he could have removed Isabella’s plaster, but felt it better a ‘human’ doctor did the honors. After all, he’d said, Isabella may need further treatment that he couldn’t provide.

  For the first time in days, Isabella smiled. “I’d like that,” she said. “It will be nice to spend some time with Grace as well.” The three women had all worked at the same rodeo for many years, so were all old friends, as well as Missy and Isabella being cousins.

  “It’s a date then!” Missy was ecstatic. It was the first time for ages she’d managed to get any sort of enthusiasm from Isabella.

  Isabella screwed up her face. “I’m probably not going to be able to do face masks like I usually do on these nights,” she said, distressed that she couldn’t do something she loved.

  Missy waved her hand in the air as though brushing the thought away. “Don’t stress on it. We’ll have a movie night. But we’ll probably do more talking that watching.”

  She turned to Isabella and smiled, and Isabella felt more relaxed than she’d been in months.

  “Popcorn?”

  “Of course,” Missy said. “What’s a movie night without popcorn?”

  “You’ve Got Mail?” Isabella said hopefully. “It’s my favorite. Has been forever.”

  Suddenly Isabella felt deflated. “What about Rory?” she asked. We’ll be kicking him out of his own space.”

  Missy reached over and touched her on the knee. “Rory will not mind. I promise. I’ll send him over to Chase’s place, and they can have a boy’s night in. Jordon will probably join them since Grace will be with us.”

  Isabella was relieved. “And Kody too?” Kody was another brother but was more unsociable than the others, if that was possible.

  Missy shrugged her shoulders. “Who knows. He’s like a silent partner. Rarely ever heard from, despite repeated attempts.” Missy locked eyes with Isabella as they pulled into the doctor’s car park. “He’s not unlike Chase really. They both distance themselves from everyone else. I think it’s a natural reaction to loneliness,” Missy told her.

  Isabella bowed her head and looked into her lap. She was lonely too. And she dearly wanted to spend more time with Chase, but she wasn’t so sure Chase was interested in spending time with her.

  * * *

  “You cannot begin to image the relief of having that cast off.”

  After the two women got into the car for the return trip home, Isabella slumped into the seat. “The doctor said I have to do physical therapy,” Isabella said. “Is that a problem? Because if it is...”

  “Of course not,” Missy interrupted. “It gives me a chance to leave the hou
se more, and maybe,” she stared across at Isabella. “Just maybe we can have some shopping days. Buy clothes, get coffee, just spend time together.”

  She reached over and hugged her cousin tight. “God knows you need a break.”

  Isabella held onto Missy like she was never going to let go. “Thank you,” she whispered, then leaned back into her seat.

  Missy stared at her face. She looked so ragged, her face was drawn, and she rarely smiled. She was a shadow of the real Isabella, and it made Missy incredibly sad.

  Rory said his brother Chase was “looking into things” but that’s all he said. Truth be told, Rory didn’t know. Chase kept his cards close to his chest most of the time, and she was sure this time would be no different.

  Chase would treat Isabella’s situation like a regular case. Even if it was out of his jurisdiction.

  Missy knew he would be doing all he could, and felt relieved because of it. She leaned back in the seat and turned on the ignition.

  “I don’t know about you, but I’m not ready to go home. Let’s go have coffee.” She slowly drove out of the car park, and headed back to River Valley, where they would go to Aunt Lizzie’s Kitchen – the local café.

  Isabella sat back and closed her eyes, not opening them again until they arrived at Aunt Lizzy’s. Missy didn’t know if she was tired, or whether Isabella was assuring she wasn’t asked any questions.

  * * *

  “This is my cousin, Isabella.” Aunt Lizzie reached out and shook Isabella’s hand, and smiled.

  “Nice to meet you, Isabella,” she said, then turned to Missy. “Which brother are we hooking this lovely lady up with?” She chucked, and seemed surprised at Missy’s answer.

  “Isabella and Chase hooked up on our wedding day,” Missy said.

  Aunt Lizzie squealed. “Oh my, that is amazing news!” She sat down at the table and took Isabella’s hand. “I’m so happy for you both. That man deserves happiness, after all he’s been through.” She smiled, her overwhelming joy evident.

  Tears began to well in her eyes, and Missy reached out and put her hand on Aunt Lizzie’s shoulder. “It might be a little early to get so carried away,” she said. “Chase has been a little distant lately. We haven’t seen him for several days.”

  The older woman jumped up out of her chair. “That just won’t do,” she said. She sat down again and put her head in her hands. “I’ve got it,” she said enthusiastically. “Do you ladies have any plans for this afternoon after you leave here?”

  Isabella looked to Missy who shook her head.

  “Leave it with me.” With that, Aunt Lizzie stood once more and walked away, a gleam in her eye.

  * * *

  The two cousins walked toward the exit of Aunt Lizzie’s Kitchen, and Missy pulled out her wallet to pay the bill.

  After she handed over the cash for their drinks, Lizzie told them to wait a minute.

  She returned with a tray holding a large coffee, and a slice of homemade carrot cake. “This is for Chase,” she said, a huge grin on her face.

  “But we won’t see him,” Missy protested.

  Lizzie chuckled. “No, you won’t,” she said, laughing. “But Isabella will. You can send her in the right direction, and she will do the rest.” She turned to Isabella. “Tell Chase it’s a gift from Aunt Lizzie.”

  The older woman turned and walked away, not allowing further protest.

  Missy smiled at the other woman’s devious intent, then headed out the door. She took Isabella to the Sheriff’s Office a couple of blocks down the street, then sent her inside – alone.

  Isabella gingerly walked through the main door of the Sheriff’s Office.

  She felt a little bewildered. After all she was being sent here alone, on a fool’s mission. Chase had seemed distant when they’d met up last. He was no longer interested in her, she was certain.

  As she walked further into the building she came across a receptionist standing at the counter.

  “Can I help you?”

  “I want to see the sheriff,” she said quietly, not sure her request would be granted. After all, who was she to him?

  The receptionist looked her up and down, and took in the coffee and cake. “I’m guessing this is not police business,” the woman said with a smile, curiosity more than anything else written all over her face.

  Isabella shook her head. “I’m a friend,” she said softly, not sure she could really call herself a friend. “Isabella,” she added, as she went to sit down.

  She watched as the receptionist made a call, almost whispering into the phone. She grinned at Isabella. “He’ll be out soon.” She then returned to what she was doing before.

  Isabella didn’t have to wait long until Chase arrived in the reception area, almost running toward her. He grabbed her by the shoulders and stared into her eyes. “Are you okay?” The look on his face almost scared her.

  She gazed into his mesmerizing brown eyes and pushed the coffee and cake toward him. “A, a gift from Aunt Lizzie.” She held the tray out in front of her.

  He grinned. “That conniving.....” He didn’t finish the sentence, but took the tray and walked Isabella toward his office, his relief clearly evident.

  He looked back over his shoulder at his grinning receptionist. “I’m not taking calls, thanks Sally.”

  Once inside, he closed the door. Putting the tray of proffered goods on his desk, he silently wrapped Isabella in his arms.

  He held her tight, and Isabella savoured the feel of him. Loved having him so close. She just stood for several moments, not sure what to do, but finally wrapped her arms around him.

  She moved in closer and rested her head against his shoulder. “I’ve missed you, Chase,” she said, so quietly he could easily have missed it.

  “I’ve missed you too, Isabella,” he said, tightening his grip on her.

  She looked up at him.

  He leaned forward and kissed her forehead, his lips lingering.

  “Isabella...” His words were breathless, and her heart beat rapidly. She felt weak, knowing this man she felt drawn to reciprocated her feelings.

  “Chase,” she said, equally breathless. Without warning, his lips covered hers, and she was lost. She could stay like this with Chase forever, but knew it was not going to happen. She would have to move on before it was too late. She couldn’t run the risk of him being caught up in this situation.

  Wouldn’t allow that to happen.

  Chapter Three

  Chase stood with his arms encasing Isabella. He could stand like this for eternity. Stand with her forever.

  He hadn’t thought about another woman since Jenny had died so suddenly. So tragically. Hadn’t dated, hadn’t wanted to.

  But since he’d met Isabella, all that changed.

  He felt a twinge of guilt.

  He still loved Jenny, was still in love with her. Was sure he always would be.

  They’d been married a relatively short time when she’d been killed in a tragic accident.

  He’d blamed himself for a very long time, but knew in his heart it wasn’t his fault. He couldn’t predict the actions of a drunk driver, any more than he could predict someone being run over a by a bus, or hit by a train.

  It was just one of those things. Tragic. Heartbreaking. But not a damned thing he could do about it.

  Jenny wouldn’t begrudge him happiness, he was certain of it. And Isabella certainly made him happy. There was a pull there. A certain buzz between them.

  When he held her, he felt like he’d come home. Like things would be okay again.

  Yet he knew things were not okay. Something was going on in Isabella’s life that did not sit well with him.

  He pulled her a little closer, and he could feel how thin she’d become. Instead of feeling the curve of her breasts, he felt her ribs.

  Instead of feeling the comfort of her curves, he just felt bones. She was a shadow of the woman he’d met at his brother’s wedding. Not only physically, but mentally as well.r />
  She was no longer the vivacious woman he’d met and become very fond of. This woman was withdrawn. This woman was like a wall-flower, and had lost her personality, almost as though it had been beaten out of her.

  He froze. Is that what happened? Had someone used her as a punching bag?

  “Your plaster is gone,” he said, his hand cupping her cheek.

  She looked up at him with those big blue eyes. He stroked her blonde hair and he revelled in her closeness “Today,” she said. “The plaster came off this morning.”

  She smiled a tiny tentative smile, then looked down to the floor. He put his fingers under her chin and teased her face toward him once more.

  “Isabella,” he said breathlessly, then covered her lips with his.

  She tasted of coffee and cake. She tasted sweet. She tasted of pure Isabella.

  His hands went up her back as their lips met. He rubbed his hands up and down, and in circles. He felt her relax against him, and he smiled.

  He was not going to be the reason for this woman’s angst, he was going to be the solution for it.

  As he kissed her again, he felt the tingle of her lips against his. He felt fairies dancing up and down his spine. And he felt his heart finally melting after all his heartbreak, and after all this time.

  * * *

  Chase lost all sense of time.

  He was lost in the moment. Lost in Isabella’s arms. Lost in what could have been. What should have been.

  He wanted to wine and dine her. Wanted to take her places, and wanted to let himself fall in love with beautiful Isabella.

  Instead he had his deputy on a hunting trip. Metaphorically, not physically, but still a hunting trip.

  His arms held tight to the woman standing in his arms. And he savoured every moment.

  A light tap at the door brought him back to the present.

  He felt Isabella shaking before she stepped back out of his arms. He looked down into her eyes. “It’s okay,” he said reassuringly. “It will just be one of my staff.”

  “Enter.” He said the words as he indicated for her to sit.