Chapter Three

Creed entered the office, removing his hat and coat before hanging them on the hat rack. The room was dimly lit, casting shadows on the rows of file cabinets that lined the walls. He made his way to his desk, then settled into his chair. He turned on the computer, looked through old files and began to review them, making notes and checking tire tracks.

As he worked, images of Abbie floated through his mind. Her vibrant smile, her beautiful hair, the way she stood confidently in front of him. He couldn't help but grin at the memory of their first encounter. But then a frown crossed his face as he thought about how he had spoken to her.

"What's wrong with you?" he muttered.

He couldn't understand why he had acted so rude toward her. Maybe it was because he knew deep down that he was attracted to her, but didn't think she would ever feel the same. Now, knowing that she did, he couldn't wait for their date on Saturday.

Picking up his phone from the desk, he sent her a text informing her that they had reservations at six-thirty and he would pick her up at six. He grinned when she responded, saying she was looking forward to it and sent her address.

Saturday evening arrived and Creed pulled into the parking lot of Abbie's neighborhood. The neatly maintained townhouses lined the street, each with its own driveway and small front yard. As he drove slowly, searching for her unit number, he couldn't help but admire how nice the complex looked.

A smile spread across his face when he finally spotted her end unit. Parking behind her SUV, he grabbed the yellow rose from the seat next to him and stepped out of his truck. Walking toward her front door, it opened just as he reached it.

There stood Abbie, wearing a vibrant red blouse and a sleek black skirt that accentuated her curves. Her high heels clicked against the pavement as she stepped toward him, a confident aura surrounding her. The top few buttons of her blouse were undone, teasingly revealing a hint of cleavage that left Creed's mouth feeling dry.

"You look stunning," he told her as he handed her the rose.

She accepted it with a smile and took a moment to enjoy its fragrance.

"I love roses. Let's head inside so I can put this in water before we leave."

Creed removed his hat and wiped his feet on the mat before entering her home. He took a look around, admiring the cream and burgundy décor. Stairs led up to the second floor, and to his left was a cozy living room with a fireplace on the far wall and a flat-screen TV mounted above it.

He heard a low growl and noticed a large orange cat staring at him with intense eyes.

"That's Oakley. She doesn't like anyone."

"A cat that doesn't like anyone. What a shocker."

"She's a good cat."

"Does she growl at everyone?"

"Mostly men. I believe she was mistreated by one before I adopted her two years ago."

Creed muttered under his breath, "Great."

"Don't worry, she won't hurt you."

"Sure, because cats are known for their compassion and gentleness," he said sarcastically.

Abbie laughed, causing Creed to chuckle as well.

"Ready to go?"

"Yes, let me put this rose in water." She shook her head. "Oops, I already said that, didn't I?"

"Yeah." He couldn't resist smirking when he saw her cheeks turn pink. "Why are you blushing?"

"I don't know."

"Oh, I think you do. But let's focus on dinner first instead of staying here all night."

"It wouldn't take much to convince me otherwise," she admitted.

"Let's get to know each other first before jumping into anything," Creed suggested.

"Sounds good to me, cowboy." She tilted her head. "Even though you're a livestock agent, you give off major cowboy vibes."

Creed chuckled. "I do own a small farm where I grow grain for Beckett Feed, and I have a few horses."

Abbie laughed. "I knew it."

"Do you have a thing for cowboys?"

"I think most women do."

"Well, we can discuss that later. Let's get going. We don't want to be late for our reservation."

"Alright." She grabbed her coat from the hall tree, but Creed took it and held it out for her. "And that's another reason why women love cowboys."

"What's that?"

"Manners." She grabbed her purse.

Creed grinned and offered his hand to her, which she took. They walked out onto the front stoop together, and he waited while she locked the door. Then he led her to his truck, holding her hand until she was seated inside. He smiled before closing the door and walking around to the driver's side.

He opened the truck door and hopped in, starting the engine then backing out of the driveway. As they drove to the restaurant, he asked her about her day.

"Pretty good," she replied. "I try to get a lot done on my days off."

"When are those?" he inquired.

"I have weekends off. I work twelve-hour shifts Monday through Friday."

"That's a long week. You must be exhausted."

"It can be tiring, but I enjoy it," she said with a smile.

"It's great to have a job you love. I feel the same way about mine."

"Even after what you went through? Did you have any difficulties returning to work?"

"Not really, since I didn't remember anything. So, I had no reason to worry. If that makes sense. It was tough hearing about Mac, but we all know the risks of the job."

"It is dangerous, isn't it?"

"Any law enforcement job is," he confirmed.

"What made you become a livestock agent?"

Creed smirked. "I'm fifth generation of McBride's in that field."

"Seriously?"

"Yes, ma'am. It started with my great-great-grandfather. My dad just recently retired from the department."

"That's amazing." She shook her head. "I'm glad they got the roads cleared."

"Me too, but knowing the area, it will snow again soon."

They rode in silence until he pulled into the crowded parking lot of the restaurant.

"This place is always packed," she remarked as she searched for a parking spot.

"I see one," Creed said, waiting for a truck to back out before pulling in. "It might be a little bit of a walk, but it's better than nothing."

After pulling into the spot, he shut the truck off, stepped out and walked around to her side, and opened the door, then put his hand out to her.

"I should have worn flats. My feet will be screaming by the time we get inside." She chuckled.

"Want me to carry you?" he joked, raising an eyebrow at her.

Abbie looked at him with amusement as she stepped onto the running board. "Do you think I wouldn't let you?"

Creed laughed. "Piggyback ride?"

She motioned for him to turn around. Was she serious? He was curious to see how far she'd go. Turning his back to her, he waited, then laughed when she wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. He hooked his arms under her legs.

"Let's go, cowboy. I'm starving," she teased.

Creed shook his head but obliged, carrying her through the busy parking lot. He couldn't help but smile at her giggles and the reactions from people they passed by. Some laughed along with them while others gave them strange looks.

At the steps of the restaurant, he turned so she could step down and then faced her to see her adjusting her skirt.

"I bet some people got an eyeful since I had to hike up my skirt," she said, laughing.

"My loss," he replied playfully, taking her hand. "Let's go, I'm hungry too."

They entered the restaurant, walked to the podium, and waited for the hostess to help them. She smiled when she saw them and asked if they had reservations.

"Yes, for McBride," Creed told her.

"Alright. Please follow me." She picked up two menus then led them to a booth. She set the menus on the table. "Your server will be right with you. What would you like to drink?"

"Abbie?"

"I'll have a white Chardonnay, please."

"Beer for me. Whatever's on tap."

"I'll be right back with those."

"Thank you," Abbie said as she removed her coat, then slid onto the bench.

Creed took his hat and coat off, placed them on the bench, then slid onto the seat. He raked his fingers through his hair and glanced around.

"Do you know what you're getting?" Abbie asked as she looked over the menu.

"The ribeye. I'm starving for a good steak."

Abbie glanced up from the menu and flashed him a warm smile, causing his heart to flutter in his chest. It had been a long time since he had been interested in another woman, but something about Abbie intrigued him.

"I think I'll have the blackened trout," she declared before setting her menu down.

Their drinks arrived shortly after the hostess took their orders, and Creed found himself studying Abbie as they waited for their food. She was undoubtedly beautiful, and he wanted to know more about her.

"So, why aren't you married?" he couldn't help but ask.

"I used to be. We got divorced," she replied nonchalantly.

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"It's alright. It's been two years."

"Can I ask what happened, or is it too painful?"

"Jeremy asked for a divorce because he wanted to marry the woman, he cheated on me with. It was a devastating blow, but ultimately, I knew it was for the best. Their relationship wasn't just a fling; it had been going on for a while." She let out a sigh. "The only satisfaction I get is knowing that it won't last. Jeremy is in for a rude awakening. I know the woman, and she will never be faithful; it's just not who she is. But Jeremy can't see it yet. He will eventually," Abbie said with a hint of bitterness in her tone.

"I'm sorry he did that to you."

"It definitely took its toll on me. I loved him, but if he could cheat on me, then he never really loved me. I heard all the excuses, it didn't mean anything, but then suddenly he wanted a divorce. I gave it to him and hoped karma would one day bite him in the ass."

Creed chuckled. "I have no doubt it will."

****

After placing their orders, Abbie glanced around the restaurant, smiling at people. She loved this place. Jeremy never took her to dinner, she thought sadly. She smiled at the server when she set their food on the table.

As she looked around the room, she gasped, making Creed look at her.

"Is something wrong?"

"Not at all. I see Lorna and Eli."

"Where?"

"Over by the window, at a table."

"I see them."

Abbie saw Lorna look her way and a smile lit up her face as she said something to Eli. He looked their way, then they both got up and walked across the room toward them. Creed slid from the booth and grinned.

Once Eli and Lorna reached them, Abbie hugged her friend, and watched as Creed shook Eli's hand. Lorna looked at her with raised eyebrows but she only grinned.

"Creed, this is Lorna Carter. Lorna, Creed McBride," Eli introduced them.

"It's nice to meet you, Ms. Carter," Creed said as he shook her hand.

"It's nice to meet you too, but please, call me Lorna." She smiled as she shook his hand.

"Would you like to join us?" Creed asked.

"Actually, we're just finishing up then we're heading home."

"Where's Lily?"

"With Dad. Being spoiled."

"We'd better go, sweetheart." Eli touched Lorna's hair.

"Okay." Lorna hugged Abbie and whispered in her ear, "You'd better call me."

"I will."

"Creed? I'll see you on Monday. Have a great weekend."

"You too."

After they walked back to their table, Abbie and Creed resumed their seats. Abbie waved when Lorna and Eli walked out.

"Is Lily Lorna's daughter?" Creed asked as he cut into his steak.

"Yes. She was nine months pregnant when Mac died."

"Yeah, I do remember that."

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I was just thinking about my daughter. She'd be five now."

"Can you tell me what happened?"

"She was stillborn, and when Wren's uterine muscles didn't contract enough to clamp the placental blood vessels after the birth, she hemorrhaged and they couldn't save her."

"I'm so sorry."

"It's fine now, but it wasn't for a long time."

"I can't imagine. I know what Lorna went through when Mac died, so I've seen how devastating it can be to lose someone like that."

"It can change your whole world."

As they sat enjoying their meals, Abbie couldn't stop sneaking peeks at him. He truly was a very handsome man. She grinned when she thought about Lorna's reaction to seeing her with Creed.

"What's that smile for?"

Abbie let out a quiet laugh. "I was just thinking about Lorna. She seemed surprised to see me here with you."

"Why is that?"

"I haven't dated in two years. In fact, if I had waited for you to ask me out, I'd probably still be waiting."

Creed laughed. "I wanted to, but after our first meeting, I wasn't sure if you were interested."

"I see."

"I don't really date, Abbie. But I do want to get to know you."

"Then you'll have to start dating," she quipped.

"We will, if that's what you want."

"What do you want?"

"To see you." He shrugged. "And go on a date or two."

"Then we will."

"Okay, so we'll give it a try and see how it goes."

"Sure. Hey, do you want to go to Dewey's after dinner?"

"I haven't been there in forever, but we can go if that's what you want. Just a heads up though, I won't be carrying you through the parking lot."

Abbie burst into laughter. "Spoilsport. Well then, you better find a close parking spot."

Creed chuckled. "I'll do my best."

"Jeremy would never have done that," she shook her head. "He would've told me to take off my heels if they bothered me so much."

"Seems like a nice guy," Creed muttered with sarcasm.

"Well, honestly, it wouldn't have even gotten to that point. He never took me out to dinner."

"Never?"

"Not for a long time. Well, he'd been having the affair for two years, so I'd have to say it was well before that when we went out."

Creed grabbed his napkin and wiped his mouth before placing it on the table and looking at her.

"I'm with you about that one. Karma better come back and bite him in the ass."

"Oh, it will. I can almost guarantee it. She's never been faithful."

After dinner, Creed paid for their meals, helped her up from her chair, and held her hand as they left the restaurant.

After she got into his truck, she slipped off her shoes and started rubbing her feet. She saw Creed shake his head.

"What? I did warn you that these heels would hurt my feet." She smiled.

"Then why wear them?"

She crossed her arms and gave him a pointed look.

"Do you like them?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because they're sexy—"

"Bingo!"

Creed laughed. "I get it."

"I thought you might."

"I may be a man, but I'm not stupid," he grinned.

"I think that's called a contradiction."

"Damn, woman, say what you think," he said with a chuckle.

Abbie laughed. "Sorry. Couldn't resist."

"I'll remember that the next time you need a piggyback ride."

As he drove them to Dewey's, she couldn't help but hope they'd go out again. Sure, they talked about it, but the night wasn't over yet. He could change his mind or she could change hers.

Creed pulled into the parking lot of Dewey's and found a spot close to the doors. He parked and looked over at her.

"I'm a little disappointed that I was able to park so close."

Abbie laughed. "Me too."

He chuckled. "Come on, sweetheart, let's go have a good time."

"I'm ready."

They entered the bar and came to a stop inside the door. They looked at each other then back at the crowd. Creed took her hand.

"Let's get through this and try to find a couple seats." He led her through the crowd.

Luckily, when they reached the bar, they found two empty stools and quickly took them. Creed waved at a bartender to get her attention, then with a smile, she headed for him.

"Creed, it's so good to see you."

"You too, Laura. It's been a while."

"It sure has." Laura looked at Abbie. "And Abbie! Oh, it's so good to see you, too."

"Same to you, Laura. How's everything going?"

"Great. What can I get you both?"

After placing their orders, Abbie glanced around the crowded bar.

"It never fails to pack them in, does it?"

"I haven't been here in a long time, but it's always like this."

Abbie smiled and waved at Scarlett Conway, the owner of the bar.

"Abbie, Creed, it's so good to see you both," Scarlett said.

"You too. Is Noah around?"

"He will be. Hey, wave one of us down if you need anything. Enjoy your evening." Scarlett smiled then moved along the bar, taking orders.

They sat at the bar for an hour, only getting up to dance to a few slow songs. Abbie loved being held in his strong arms. She really hoped they could get to know each other and spend more time together.

Abbie covered her mouth with her hand and yawned.

"I'm so sorry. I'm tired. It was a long week."

"Then let's get you home, darlin'."

Creed waved Laura over, settled the tab, took Abbie's hand and led her through the crowd to the doors. He pushed one open and they stopped in their tracks.

"Damn," Creed said when they walked outside to see it snowing.

"Great. You just had to say it would snow again, didn't you?" she said, making Creed grin.

"Yeah, come on. I need to get you home."

They climbed into the truck, and Creed drove to her townhouse. He pulled into the driveway.

"You don't have to walk me to the door. You need to get going, Creed."

"I'm walking you to the door."

"It's right there," she pointed out.

He looked at her. "I am walking you to the door."

"Yes, sir." She saluted.

He opened the door, stepped out, and she heard him mutter under his breath.

"What was that?"

"Nothing. Not a thing." He closed the door and she burst out laughing.

When he walked in front of the truck, the headlights made it easy for her to see him grinning. She really liked him. She was hoping this would turn into something between them.

****

Creed opened her door and extended his hand to help her out. He guided her toward the door, waiting patiently as she unlocked the door. Their eyes met and held for a moment before she spoke.

"I had a really good time," she said with a smile.

"I did too. Let's do it again."

"Great. I can cook dinner for you next Saturday night, if you're not busy."

"I'm free and that sounds great. What time?"

"Six o'clock."

"Alright, I'll be here." As he stepped closer, his gaze locked onto hers, and he reached to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "Can I kiss you goodnight?"

"Please," she replied with a nod.

He cupped her cheek in his hand, drawing closer until their lips met. In that moment, it felt as though lightning struck him. Pulling back slightly, he gazed into her eyes before a smile spread across her face.

"Do that again," she whispered.

With a grin, Creed leaned in once more, wrapping his arms around her waist as he passionately devoured her lips. Her soft moans ignited a fire within him, and he slowly pulled back.

"I definitely want more of that," he murmured against her lips before moving in for another deep kiss.

Creed raised his lips, put his forehead against hers, and sighed.

"I should get going. As much as I'd love to stay here and keep doing this, I should go before it gets too bad."

"Alright. Please be careful, and text me when you get home."

"Yes, ma'am. I'll talk to you soon." He quickly kissed her lips, touched the brim of his hat, and walked to his truck.

After climbing in, he reversed it, backed out of the driveway, and waved before pulling away. He grinned when she waved then went inside.

As he pulled onto the main road, he swore at the snow beginning to lay on the surface and knew he needed to get his ass home before it got worse. He hoped it didn't cause problems for next weekend. He was looking forward to seeing Abbie again.