Michelle was tall and graceful and right now, Guy was grateful for her height. He didn’t have to worry about craning his neck down to kiss her, because that’s exactly what he wanted to do—kiss her.
“What?” she asked, curiosity adding a husky quality to her voice.
“There’s something I want you to know.”
She chuckled nervously. “What’s that?”
“This.” He cupped the sides of her face and leaned forward, settling his lips against hers. The warmth that came over him was his undoing. His body took over, lips remembering the feel of hers. His hands cradled the back of her head as his mouth settled firmly over hers, drawing her in.
She sighed and moved closer, her arms winding around his neck.
It took all his self-control to keep his hands still. They wanted to roam, but he knew where that lead. Guy pulled back and rubbed his thumbs across her cheeks. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Me too.” Her hazel eyes glimmered and she leaned forward to kiss him again, softly this time.
Afterward, Guy took ahold of her hand once more and continued walking around the lake. For once, he didn’t want to rush. He just wanted to savor his time with her and enjoy her company.
MICHELLE UNLOCKED THE front door, and then turned back around. Guy watched her, his eyes shining with...what she didn’t know. His facial features were relaxed and the dark circles under his eyes were gone. He no longer looked like he was waiting for the Grim Reaper to show up.
Joy filled her heart. “Thank you for the wonderful night, Guy.”
“My pleasure, Chelle Belle.”
Goose bumps broke out on the back of her neck, causing a shiver to tingle down her spine. It had nothing to do with the temperature and everything to do with the man who had melted her insides like warm wax.
She leaned forward, resting her hand on his collar. “Text me so I know you made it home safely.”
He flashed a grin and goose bumps raced up her arms.
“I will.” He gently kissed her lips. “Go inside before you get us into trouble, girl.”
“Yes, sir.” She kissed him quickly and then crossed the threshold, hoping it would keep her rooted to the floor instead of going after him. She didn’t want him to leave, but her mind was telling her not to rush.
It was hard not to remember what had been. This time it needed to be done right.
Then tell him the truth.
She waved and closed the door, hoping the one to her mind would stay shut as well. Michelle didn’t want anything ruining her good mood.
“You’re home earlier than I thought you’d be.”
She whirled around. “Hey JoJo, I thought you were over at Evan’s.”
“I was,” Jo said. “But I need my beauty sleep before church. Besides, Guy’s girls were asleep, and Evan assured me he could handle it.”
“I’m sure he can. Those girls are precious.”
“Mmm, hmm. You have something you wanna share?”
The sparkle in Jo’s eyes made heat rush to Michelle’s face. “I don’t kiss and tell, Jo Ellen.”
“Ha, but you just did.”
“Whatever, chica. I’m going to bed.”
She walked down the hall toward her room.
“Did you tell him?” Jo called out.
Her feet froze. Michelle deliberately took her time turning around to meet her friend’s stare. “It’s unnecessary, Jo. It’s in the past.”
Jo moved forward, her face taking on a somber expression. “Not necessarily. Trust me, that’s something you need to tell him before it’s too late.”
“Why? What good will it do? It won’t change the past and it won’t bring the baby back.” She folder her arms, trying to keep the tremors at bay but her lip trembled anyway.
“I know, Michelle, but if you don’t tell him, you’re going to make a habit of not telling him important things, thinking you can handle it. It starts the relationship on the wrong footing.”
She wanted to argue, but deep down she knew Jo was right. And right now, she hated her for it.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Guy whistled as he walked through the Sheriff’s department. The cubicle bullpen style was set up to encourage everyone to communicate. In fact, the men and women of the Freedom Lake Sheriff Department had become more like a family. Granted, he was still considered an outsider since he had been gone so long, but they were slowly warming up to him. He paused as he came to his office.
Holly looked up with a smile on her face. “Good morning, Sheriff.”
“Morning, Holly.”
She sat back. “You’re awfully chipper this day. Good weekend?”
“Definitely.” He couldn’t help the look that stole across his face. Even though there had been tense moments at dinner with Michelle, the ending had definitely left on a high note. He couldn’t wait to see where their relationship went.
“Well, hopefully this news won’t rain on your parade. The mayor called. Apparently, some juveniles have spray painted the back of the grocery. I sent Conner out to handle it. The Mayor wants them caught immediately.”
He frowned. What was the big deal? Freedom Lake had their fair share of delinquents, but they had been safe from the gangs that seemed to hole up in the bigger cities. “Why is he so bent out of shape?”
She giggled. “Apparently they made a caricature of him.”
He stared at her. “Get Conner on the phone for me.”
She saluted smartly.
He opened his office door and picked up his desk phone. “Conner, did you canvas the place?”
“Sure did, Sheriff.”
“Did you take pictures?”
Conner snickered. “You bet.”
I have got to see this.
He hung up his office phone and his cell immediately rang. He glanced at the display and let out a long sigh. “Bonjou, Manman.”
“Bonjou, Guy Luc, how are my babies?”
“They’re good. They had a great weekend.”
“Reyèlman?”
“Really, Manman. They enjoyed Sunday school and I took them to the park.”
“You went to church? Oh, thank You
