Chapter 8

Chapter

Eight

The inside of Clint’s truck felt stifling even though Lily had the temperature on her side at sixty-two. They’d each drunk a protein shake and he’d loaded a cooler of drinks and snacks into his truck before they left his house.

Neither of them had said much this morning. His grip on the steering wheel was casual, as if he didn’t have a worry in the world. That bothered her. She would’ve preferred a death grip and anxious glances her way. She grew more anxious the closer they got to work. Would Dr. Hampshire try something? Would it be awkward to go through her day with Clint listening in?

They pulled into Kalispell at six-thirty.

“We made good time,” Clint said.

“Well, you drive like a bat out of heck,” she tried to tease to break the tension.

“Sheriff’s truck.” He smirked. “Can’t get a ticket.”

“Abusing your power. I’m so disappointed.” She was only disappointed that he didn’t love her.

He chuckled.

His soft laugh helped her relax. It wasn’t Clint’s fault he didn’t return her feelings. It was his fault he’d made moves on her, but maybe he was lonely and simply in need of someone to hug and kiss.

Blech! She loathed that thought. She wanted to be special to him.

He parked in the main hospital parking lot. It was quiet this early in the morning. Most emergencies happened from two to ten p.m. and the doctor’s office hours would start around eight a.m.

Jumping out of the truck, Clint put his hat on and strutted around the front. Lily couldn’t peel her eyes away. No matter if he didn’t want her, he was the walking billboard of cowboy manly heroism. Sheesh, the man could strut well. And she knew Clint. He wasn’t even trying to put on a show for her.

He opened her door and lifted his hand to help her out. Lily jumped out without taking it. She rammed into him.

“Whoa now.” He put his arm around her lower back and grinned down at her, his face crinkling in that irresistible way he had. “You all right?”

“Fine.” She forced herself to step back. Her body tried to rebel against her mind, but sanity won out. She bumped into the truck seat.

Clint pulled the listening device out of his pocket and messed with it, as if her stepping away hadn’t bothered him a bit. He slid the small round piece of metal into the pocket of her scrubs top. His fingers brushed her collarbone, and she trembled.

“Okay. It’s on. It will record everything you say until we turn it off. I have an app on my phone that will let me listen in.” Clint was all business, which made sense as he was only doing all of this because it was his stupid job. “You have a great day, and know I’ll be right here waiting if you have any trouble.” He stepped back.

She nodded and went to move around him.

His husky voice stopped her. “Lily.”

“Yes?” She pivoted, steeling herself not to react to his magnetism. He was acting unaffected; she could attempt to do the same.

“Do nurses wear wedding rings or bands?” He shifted from foot to foot and Lily realized … he looked nervous. She didn’t know that she’d ever seen Clint nervous.

“Some do. Not a diamond that sticks up but a flat band. A lot of them wear rubber bands.”

“I wanted you to … look engaged so nobody messes with you.”

She blinked at him. What was he saying?

He pulled a ring out of the pocket he’d had the listening device in. It was a flat white gold band with inlaid diamonds. The square diamonds caught the early morning sunshine, sparkling like nobody’s business. The ring took her breath away, especially held in Clint’s strong, capable, manly fingers.

“Clint?” she managed, swaying on her feet.

“If you would, Lily … I’d like you to wear this wedding band.” He gave her his irresistible smile. “Let all those punks who are flirting with you know you’re taken.”

“Where did you get this?” She was having a hard time catching a breath as she looked from the beautiful ring to Clint’s handsome face and back again. She felt like a bobble head.

His smile dropped. “I bought it for Sheryl so she could wear it instead of the big diamond when she was teaching school or working out. Needless to say, I never gave it to her.”

“I’m sorry.” She should be appalled that he was trying to give her a ring he’d bought for his ex-fiancée, but she wanted to wear it, wanted to pretend she belonged to Clint, even if it could never be true.

“Not your fault.” He looked away.

Other nurses were pulling in for the seven o’clock shift. A couple cast glances their way. She needed to go face this day. Knowing he’d be here waiting for her and listening in helped strengthen her.

“I’d better go.”

He nodded and held the ring up. It sparkled and shone and begged her to put it on. “Will you please wear this?” he asked in a husky tone that sent shivers through her. “I want you …”

Lily’s heart thumped out of control. He wanted her?

He swallowed and started again. “I want you to be safe and everyone to believe you’re taken.”

It wasn’t quite as romantic as him wanting her, but she wanted to be ‘taken’. By him. Not by Walker or Miles or anyone else. How could she tell him that when last night he’d all but acquiesced her to Walker?

“Okay,” she managed, holding up her left hand.

Clint gently slid the ring onto her third finger. It fit. She loved the way it looked. Clint didn’t release her hand. He lifted her fingers to his lips and pressed a heated kiss to the skin right below the ring.

Lily trembled at the tender kiss. So atypical of the tough, untouchable sheriff. She loved him. Every side of him. Every part of him.

And he hadn’t even fought for her last night.

“It looks amazing,” he said.

She swallowed. It did.

He still didn’t release her hand. His blue eyes studied her and made her feel like this was a meaningful moment for him as well.

“Can I bring you lunch in?” he asked.

She blinked at the subject change. “Sure. I’ll text you when I know when my lunch break is. Depends on how busy labor and delivery is today.”

“All right.”

He still didn’t release her hand, and against all that was smart for her heart, she didn’t want him to.

“Stay safe. If you feel in danger at all, I want you to say a code word and I’ll be there.”

She swallowed. How could he appear like the most protective and enticing man on earth, and not want to be her man?

“Okay. What’s the code word?”

“Hot sheriff,” he said, smirking at her and squeezing her hand gently.

“Oh boy. Are you serious? So if I’m in danger I’m going to naturally say ‘hot sheriff’?”

“Good point.” He chuckled. “Actually, I think you could work it in.” His look became smoldering. “You can threaten any punk with, ‘Did you know I’m engaged to the hot sheriff? He will disseminate you if you touch me, flirt with me, or even look at me in a way that makes me uncomfortable.’”

She wanted to melt into him. “You’ve thought about this code word situation.”

His grin should’ve been illegal. “I’ve thought about you, Lily.”

Lily was at a loss. When had he thought about her? If that was true, how could he simply tell his brother he’d step away from her so Walker could date her? She was confused; she needed space to think.

“I have to go.” She tugged her hand free.

He nodded and pivoted with her as she walked away. She was halfway through the parking lot when she looked back. He leaned back against the truck, his ankles crossed, and he was watching her. He looked like the stationary billboard of manly cowboy heroism. But Clint was so much more than that for her.

Lily tried to focus. It took more than a few minutes to calm down and not think about Clint or everything she said being recorded or when Dr. Hampshire might try to corner her.

It was a busy morning, which helped immensely. Three scheduled inductions and four moms in the process of delivery who had come in during the night. A few of the nurses noticed her ring when she was washing up, putting gloves on, or taking them off. They asked her about it, but there wasn’t much time to answer questions about her fiancé.

She worked with Jacob as he administered epidurals to three different moms. He didn’t say anything about her ring, flirting with her like usual. She was friendly but tried to discourage him with her responses.

By one o’clock, three of the natural deliveries were complete, with beautiful angelic babies and happy exhausted moms. The other moms were not progressing fast, so the shift coordinator told her to go get lunch.

She got her phone from her locker and texted Clint. I have thirty minutes for lunch. Sorry I couldn’t let you know sooner.

No problem. Rhett brought me a variety of Jimmy John sandwiches. Meet you in the cafeteria?

Perfect. Thank you.

She hurried to the steps and then pumped down them. Excitement flowed through her and she let herself admire her ring. Clint had sat outside the hospital waiting for her all morning and was planning to wait until late evening. That had to mean something. Or was it just for his job? She couldn’t wrap her mind around him turning her over to Walker as if what they had between them meant nothing.

She rushed into the cafeteria and glanced around. It was quiet, with only a few people at scattered tables. She wandered farther into the room, glancing around several dividers but not seeing him. Turning to face the door, she eased toward a quiet table near the windows.

Clint walked in through the far door carrying several bags of food and a drink carrier with four drinks. She lifted a hand and waved. He saw her and tilted his chin up, giving her a warm smile. His cowboy hat was still on as his hands were full.

She started toward him. A soft hand on her arm and the spell of spicy cologne turned her stomach.

“Lily.” Dr. Hampshire grinned at her.

Where had he come from?

She stepped away and saw Clint up his pace, his blue eyes growing stormy.

“I’ve missed you,” Dr. Hampshire said, oblivious to her reluctance or the brawny cowboy closing in on them.

“I told you I’m engaged.”

“Stop with the games, Lily.”

Clint stormed into their space, set all the food and drinks on a nearby table, wrapped his arm around Lily’s waist, and drew her against his chest. She was instantly protected and lit up. He was here. She was safe in the cocoon of his brawny arms. Dr. Hampshire wouldn’t dare mess with her now.

His blue eyes feasted on her face and then he bent his head and claimed her mouth with his own. She was instantly swept away, and her insides exploded like fireworks. Clint’s persuasive mouth produced a tingly warmth she felt clear through her body. Lily melted against him, savoring each moment of this dreamlike kiss. She was on fire and could never get enough of this man or his alluring lips.

As quickly as the kiss started, it stopped. Clint pulled back and winked at her, then turned to face Dr. Hampshire. He kept his left hand around her waist, securing her against him. She leaned into him, unsteady from the beautiful intensity of that kiss and the abrupt ending.

“Forgive me for interrupting,” Clint said, all swagger and confidence, not one bit repentant. “I can’t resist my Lily.” He stuck out his right hand. “And you are?”

Dr. Hampshire’s jaw was slack. He looked terrified. He put his limp hand in Clint’s. “Dr. Brad Hampshire.”

“Sheriff Clint Coleville. Lily’s fiancé.” Clint didn’t release his hand. He clamped his hand around the doctor’s and applied pressure. Then he lowered his voice. “And if I hear about you flirting with or threatening my girl again … I’ll break your nose first, then your hand, then your arm. Understood?”

Thrills raced through Lily. Clint would never let anyone hurt her, and his kiss promised he loved her.

Dr. Hampshire tried to pull back but failed. He cringed and tried again. Clint didn’t release him, his gaze unwavering on the doctor.

“There’s … no need for violence, Sheriff. It was innocent flirting.”

Clint raised a brow at that. “I’ll decide.”

Dr. Hampshire’s eyes widened and sweat broke out on his brow. “Please. We are both professionals. I’m sure we can reach an agreement.”

Clint gave a low chuckle that had no humor in it. Lily felt warm, protected, and strengthened. Dr. Hampshire could try to manipulate, but Clint would not allow it.

“The agreement,” Clint said in measured tones, “is you stay far away from Lily. I have no problem with violence, or vigilante justice. Understood?” He tightened his grip on Dr. Hampshire’s hand.

“I’ll never bother her again,” he squeaked out.

“See that you don’t.” Clint released his hand and turned to Lily as if he’d already forgotten Dr. Hampshire was there. “How has your day been, sweetheart?”

“Busy,” she managed, trembling as she cuddled into him. “Better now.”

Dr. Hampshire gave them an ugly look before rushing away. Lily relaxed against Clint. He was her hero a hundred times over. She couldn’t believe the way he’d just handled Dr. Hampshire. Would the man stand by his words not to bother her? She didn’t know if she believed it, but for the moment it felt like a win.

Clint grinned, his cheeks crinkling and his blue eyes making her heart race. “Mine too.” He bent down and grazed her lips with his. Even that simple touch set her mouth on fire. “Much better.”

He stayed close for a beat and then straightened and escorted her to a chair. “He’s gone. I think that show we just put on and my threats will convince him to stay away. Hope you’re hungry. Rhett brought us the entire store, I think.” He took his hat off and sat down next to her, resting his hat on his knee.

Lily was confused and trying to keep up. Clint had gone from the most romantic cowboy sheriff on earth to focused on the business of putting Dr. Hampshire in his place and lunch.

Show? Had that mind-altering kiss and his loving words all been for show?

Clint laid out a multitude of sandwiches, chips, and cookies, let her choose what she wanted, and then they ate. It was surreal. She’d assumed their kiss had bonded them together. He was acting unaffected, eating lunch as if nothing had happened between them, talking about her day and the different people she’d interacted with.

He finally lowered his voice and said, “I don’t like the way the anesthesiologist flirts with you. Do I need to chat with him like I did Dr. Hampshire?”

She laughed unsteadily and took a drink of her lemonade. “You can’t threaten every man who speaks to me.”

“Try me,” he said in a husky voice. The meaningful look in his blue eyes thrilled and confused her. Was he doing all this for show or was he falling for her? Heck if she knew. Was he going to threaten his brother Walker or step aside so Walker could date her?

“I don’t think Dr. Hampshire will be a problem any longer,” he said with a satisfied smile.

“He almost peed his pants.”

Clint chuckled at that, then ate a chip and shook his head. “I honestly don’t think he’s our guy. He was terrified of me, trying to be the big dog and control the situation, but he wasn’t hiding something or scared of being caught.”

“You think I’ve been making up all the subtle threats over the years?” Panic pressed against her chest. Clint had just threatened Dr. Hampshire and cut him down to size. What if he did something to her grandmother? “What if he hurts Grandma?”

“Lily.” Clint put his hand over hers and her fears settled. “I don’t think you’d make anything up. I’m just keeping my eyes and options open for our perp. I won’t let Dr. Hampshire hurt your grandmother. When is her next appointment?”

“In two weeks.”

“This should be resolved by then, but I’ll accompany whoever takes Grandma to the appointment. Just to make certain.”

“Thank you.” She never thought she’d feel sympathetic for Dr. Hampshire, but that appointment would be sheer misery for the man.

Clint nodded and pulled his hand away. They finished eating and cleaned up. He carried the extra food in one overstuffed bag and his hat in one hand. He took her hand with the other. “Can I walk you back to work?”

“Sure.” Lily didn’t know how to tell him no. If only she knew whether that kiss had affected him like it had her. He certainly wasn’t acting like it. She would never have been able to pull away from that kiss and she certainly wouldn’t be able to discuss anything else after a kiss like that.

They walked through the hall, up the stairs, and were buzzed into labor and delivery. He escorted her to her nursing station. Several of her friends were there. She introduced Clint and they all looked smitten as he shook their hands and said, “A pleasure,” in his deep voice every time.

After the introductions, he handed over the bulging sack of sandwiches, chips, and cookies, and they were all even more impressed. Then he turned to Lily and the look in his blue eyes made her legs feel wobbly. He tilted his head to the side, and she nodded, anticipation making her tremble. She’d walk him to the door and he would give her a kiss goodbye. Her stomach hopped and she prayed she’d read that look right.

They walked to the door. He turned her toward him with one hand and then ran that hand slowly up her back until he cupped the back of her neck. He exerted just the right amount of pressure as his head bowed and she arched up.

The kiss made time stand still. Nothing mattered but Clint. They were meant to be together; his delightful lips and the passion his kiss conveyed for her proved he felt the same. His kiss sealed her his and made her crave more of his kisses, his touch, his forever.

He pulled back and whispered against her lips, “Wow.”

She smiled tremulously. Wow was right.

“We’ve got an audience,” he murmured. “Word will spread, and no man will dare flirt with you now.” He released her and smiled. “See you in a few hours, sweetheart.”

“B-bye,” she managed.

He lifted his free hand to the group of six nurses lingering near the desk now. “Take care,” he said.

“Bye,” they all chorused.

Clint gave her one more meaningful smile and then pushed through the door. One of the nurses must have hit the button to release it as it opened for him.

Then he was gone.

Lily studied the door. That second kiss had been even more powerful than the first. She touched her lips and sighed.

The only problem was Clint once again had acted as if he’d done it for the show or to prove a point. The connection and joy of their kiss didn’t seem to have affected him at all.

“Girl,” Nessa said from behind her. “Get over here and give us the deets. That was the hottest cowboy I have ever seen in my life. You moved on quick from your fine Navy SEAL.”

Lily pasted on a smile and turned to face her co-workers and friends. Clint was the hottest cowboy on earth, but she wanted him to be her cowboy. And she was more confused about his heart’s intent than ever.