A Minute on the Lips (15 page)

“Hey, Lori, I’m headed over to city hall for a Fall Festival meeting. Should be back around lunchtime.”

Lori blew a bubble. That was about all Andi could hope for.

When she stepped onto the sidewalk, a cool breeze ruffled the bangs that refused to stay corralled in the official ponytail. Andi combed through them with her fingers as she crossed the street.

“Morning, beautiful sheriff.” Mark handed her a cup of coffee. “I was waiting for you but you walked right on by.”

Andi looked down at the cup in her hand and a stupid grin crossed her face. Apparently her frowning reflex had been replaced by a goofy smiling one. She wasn’t sure that was an improvement. She also couldn’t imagine not noticing him. Andi realized she’d been unconsciously looking for him ever since they said good-night on Saturday.

“Good morning. Headed to the planning meeting?” Andi wished she had something cute and clever to call him, but she couldn’t get the words out of her mouth. Frustrated by the limits of her vocabulary, she took a long, satisfying drink of perfectly prepared coffee. Of course, it didn’t get any simpler than plain black coffee, but she was glad he knew her that well. Probably. She might have been terrified. But it was a beautiful day so she was going to go with glad.

Mark sipped his coffee. “Got to get all the details down so I can put them in this week’s paper. I don’t expect they’ll be much different than last year’s, but I can’t imagine the fury that would rain down on me if I got them wrong.”

Andi laughed. “Not even the full might of the sheriff’s department could protect you from that.”

“Aww, but you’d try? That’s sweet. And a sign of real progress in our relationship.”

Andi ducked her head, and he bumped her shoulder with his. He smiled. Andi tried to. He held out his hand, and she twisted her fingers together with his. And they went into city hall. Holding hands. She could pretty much stop trying to convince herself the whole thing was for show. At least on her part anyway.

Tammy was gesturing furiously at Andi when she walked in, and Mark and Andi both went to sit next to her. “Girl, don’t you answer your phone anymore? I’ve been trying to get in touch with you.”

Andi shrugged. “I was out at Ray Evans’s this morning, and I just got back. What’s the problem?”

“I think we’ve got everything arranged for the debate. We need to start preparing as soon as possible.” Her eyes were anxious as she watched Andi for a reaction.

Andi didn’t get the panic. She looked at Mark, and he shrugged so she said, “Okay.”

And Tammy’s eyes nearly bugged out of her head. “I just got all the details set and realized how little time we’ve got to get you ready.”

She was whispering, but it was still loud enough to give Andi a sharp pain in her head. “It’ll have to be enough.”

Andi honestly didn’t see the problem. She wasn’t trying to be difficult. Sometimes Andi did try, especially when it came to Tammy’s planning, but not this time. She needed to recover Jackie’s trophies and papers, but the thought of dealing with this investigation for even a day longer than she absolutely had to filled her with despair.

Andi tried to smile reassuringly. “We’ll be fine. I’m comfortable speaking on the issues, and we’ve got everything lined up. We’ll be ready.”

During the meeting, Mark and Andi made notes about the times and places of the weekend’s events. And Andi was glad to escape the dreary wood-paneled conference room when it was all over. Good or bad, things changed very little in Tall Pines. The parade would start at noon. A deputy would lead the parade and the sheriff would end it. The chili cook-off would be judged at two and the winner announced before the music started at six. East Street would be blocked off for vendors from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon. And the parade route followed the same blocks of Main Street as it did every year. It was good nothing much had changed. Andi had a hard time concentrating on the conversation. She wanted to watch Mark write. And when she figured out that was the problem, Andi wanted to find a flat surface to beat her head against. She had it bad. Who knew what lunacy would overtake her if they actually went out again?

When they made it to the lawn outside city hall, Andi took a deep breath of air that had a slight fall feeling. Mark flapped his notebook and said, “The news never sleeps. I guess it’s back to work.” He smiled down at Andi and gave her a quick kiss on the lips. He met her surprised glance with a wink. In a low tone only she could hear, he said, “Sneak attack works every time. I’ll see you tonight, right?”

Andi swallowed and nodded. When he stepped back and waved at Tammy, Andi gulped for air and shot quick looks over both shoulders. There were plenty of people milling around but no one, with the obvious exception of Tammy, was paying them any attention. She was making obnoxious kissy faces. When Andi thought about how many times she’d restrained a snort when Tammy and Peter got too gross for public consumption, she killed Tammy with her eyes.

When she’d had enough, Tammy laughed. “Fine. I know you’ll be swamped this week with the festival, but I’m going to leave you a list of questions I think may come up. Next week we can talk about how to answer them all in a positive manner.”

Andi held up her hands in surrender. “Okay. I’ll be prepared.”

Before she knew what was happening, Andi was wrapped in a Tammy hug, all squeezing arms and strawberry shampoo. Before she let go, Tammy said, “I’m happy for you! You guys are darn cute together.”

“Don’t get too excited. We’re just working together and, you know, pretending.” Weren’t they? At least, he was. Wasn’t he? Whether they were or not, that’s what she wanted Tammy to believe. She smiled awkwardly, patted Tammy’s back and stepped away. Awkward was apparently going to be her new normal.

Andi cleared her throat. “Uh, I better get back to work, Tammy. Drop the questions by.”

She smiled at a disappointed-but-suspicious Tammy and turned on one heel to hurry away. It was going to be a crazy week. She needed to get everyone scheduled and to talk to the people at the city works department to make sure all the road blocks were planned and ready to go. The sheriff always kept a close eye on the vendors who rolled into town on Friday. If there was going to be any trouble, it was likely to start there. Tents and money were a dangerous mix. And there was still Jackie’s case to consider. Before the Fall Festival overwhelmed her, Andi wanted to talk to the principal at the high school and the owner of the hardware store. The sad truth was she had nothing better to go on.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

A
NDI
KNOCKED
ON
the door to the newspaper office at ten minutes until eight. And Mark took a deep breath for the first time since he’d left her in front of the courthouse. He’d been sure she’d find some reason to skip this. She was too smart for her own good sometimes. The fact that she’d shown up...well, it should mean she was as anxious to see him as he was to see her. But it might mean she was at the end of her crime-solving rope. He’d been pacing in the shadows of the newsroom for at least twenty minutes, plotting his next move in case she stood him up. He’d been so certain she would, he’d run over to Purl’s Place right before it closed to get her a gift. Then he’d have an excellent reason to track her down. He’d been glad to see that Tammy was absent. Nicole, a very nice eleventh-grader, had helped him pick out a skein. It was his newest ace in the battle to win over the sheriff.

Even before he opened the door he could tell it had been a long day for Andi. She looked tired. Really tired. The kind of exhausted he’d moved to Tall Pines to escape.

Mark opened the door and took her hand as she walked in. “Hey, beautiful sheriff, tough day?” The office was dark, as he liked it. It was peaceful to sit there, surrounded by his newspaper, and watch the quiet Main Street. She stopped him as he reached over to turn on the lights.

“No, dark is good,” she muttered. “I’m certain I look like roadkill tonight. I am more tired than I ever was in Atlanta. Monitoring conversations of suspected terrorists and war criminals was so much easier than breaking up a fight between two cheerleaders.” She twisted her arm to show him her elbow. “And I have girl slap bruises. Tears, hair, hair spray and flying elbows and not a single new lead to show for it.”

Mark didn’t say anything. He also didn’t laugh.

“And Howard King, hardware-store owner, is on vacation. Yes, he and the wife are on a beach in Hawaii right now. The kid running the place either played dumb really well or is actually very dumb. And either way, he was no help. That means I have to talk to Jackie. Again.” Her voice said very clearly that the idea was dismaying.

“Ray Evans was clearly not involved, even if he is the proud owner of one dark pickup truck. His lovely wife vouches for him. It’s just been a long, disappointing day, you know?”

He eased his hands to her shoulders and guided her to a chair in front of the window with a perfect view of the deserted Main Street. “Sit. Relax. I have just the thing to improve your mood.”

The newspaper offices were prime real estate, perched squarely in front of the courthouse on Main Street. From her seat, she could clearly see the Country Kitchen as well as the Smokehouse, Hair Port and her office. He knew that for a fact. He spent a whole lot of time in that very spot.

Mark held up a plate. “I have a piece of chocolate pie with your name on it and a nice cup of coffee. Want it?”

Andi held up both hands and made “gimme” motions. She took the first bite and sighed with happiness. “Please don’t tell me you can cook chocolate pie, too. That would be almost more than I could handle at this minute, right here, feeling like I do.” Then she laughed.

He desperately wanted more details. Feeling like she did? What did that mean? Was she talking about just being tired? Maybe she’d missed him all day yesterday as much as he’d missed her. And if that was the case, they were both doomed.

And why wasn’t he scared to death by the idea?

When she glanced at him, he shook his head and motioned up with his fork. “Nope, but my mom can.”

She grimaced. “I’m sorry. Too wrapped up in my own junk. I should have asked about her visit. How’s it going?”

He licked his fork and set it on his plate before he reached over to give her a mug of coffee. “Good. She’s staying for the Fall Festival. She likes it here.” When his eyes met hers, his lips twitched. He was pretty sure that she would understand that little admission was a source of both satisfaction and concern to him. He’d been happy with the way things were. Having his mother in town could be a big help or a big pain in the neck and was liable to be both at different times. Still, he loved her. Tall Pines was a great place. It was probably a match made in heaven.

“That’s nice.” She looked a little unsure about where to go from there. He could understand the dilemma. “Is she staying to see you win the chili cook-off?”

He laughed. “No, I decided not to enter. I was afraid that losing might actually kill Jackie if we don’t track down his trophies before then.” He took a sip of hot coffee before he added, “But my mom hasn’t forgiven him yet, so she’s entering and she’s pretty sure she’s going to win.”

He took the chair beside Andi, scooted closer and pointed down the street. The lights in the Country Kitchen had just been turned off. A red convertible whipped to a stop on the street right in front of the door. “That looks like Wanda’s car.”

“She and Jackie have a little exchange going on,” Mark said.

Andi’s lips twitched as she watched Jackie hand Wanda a pie pan. “Pie for money...a tale as old as time.”

Mark whistled. “Maybe you haven’t solved the case yet, but you are doing some investigating, aren’t you? Wanda’s secret, unrest over at the high school, travel plans of local business owners and a showdown with your nemesis. You’ve got to be getting closer.”

Andi hummed and finished her pie with her eyes closed. She needed a kiss. Obviously.

His fork clinked on his plate as he set it on the windowsill.

Mark turned his hand over in hers and twisted their fingers together before he rested them on his thigh. “You’ll figure it out.”

Andi looked up to meet his eyes in the dark. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”

One corner of his mouth quirked up. “Well,
I
am on the case, too.”

She smiled back and straightened in her seat. “You’ve been a big help, Mark. I don’t suppose you have any more ideas for me. Now that I’ve completely cleared my list of suspects, I’ll have to do some creative brainstorming tomorrow and I couldn’t even stir up a breeze at this point.”

He laughed and stood to pull her up out of the chair. “Here’s a thought...maybe it wasn’t Ray, but someone who wanted to help Ray.”

Andi pursed her lips. “So that moves the mayor to the top of the list. Lori would be second. Or maybe the other way around, but something to think about.” She rubbed her forehead. “You’re pretty good at this.”

The words and her tired smile were too much. He clenched his hands to keep from grabbing her and kissing her.

Andi headed to the door. Her face and her walk all said casual ease, but she froze in the doorway. Nonchalance had never really suited her.

And the time was right. He was done waiting. There was no better place or time in the world than this peaceful office after dark, when it felt as if they were the only people left in the world.

He leaned closer and then she asked, “Why didn’t you kiss me good-night?”

When he paused to look at her face in the light from the street, it seemed as if she was holding her breath.

Mark squeezed her hand and stepped closer. There was a smile on his lips when he said, “How many times have you said ‘
working
date’ to me? That seemed to be going a little too far to sell the story.”

He could see doubt and dissatisfaction on her face. Teasing her, watching her frown in annoyance was fun, but maybe here, in the quiet, shadowy office, he should be completely honest. “But I wanted to, Andi. And if you don’t leave quick, I’m going to right here. Now.”

He held his breath and watched her analyze his answer. Before he could make good on his promise, Andi tilted her head up and touched her mouth to his tentatively. His free hand slid around her waist to pull her even closer, and he tilted his head to fit their mouths together in a sweet kiss of introduction. She fit his arms perfectly and he did his best to memorize her weight against him, the sweet heat of her mouth, and the way her hands gripped his shoulders. Finally he stepped back and loosened his hold.

Andi shook her head. “We’re in so much trouble.”

Mark bent and pressed another kiss on her mouth. “We’re going to stop calling them ‘working’ dates, right?”

Andi closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “We shouldn’t be doing any dating at all.”

An angry answer came quickly to mind but he’d negotiated with her before. He had just the right light, easy answer ready when she surprised him. “But I do need your help.” She rolled her eyes. “I hate it, but you’ve had the best suggestions. And...” She reached up to smooth her hand down his arm and tangle her fingers with his, and Mark did his best not to either slump with relief or shout in victory. “I have no idea how we could ever work, with your history and mine, but...you make Tall Pines better.” She closed her eyes for a second. “Or you make me better or you make me feel better here or...something. I don’t want to give that up. Not yet.”

“Maybe after you solve Jackie’s case? Or even after you win the election?” Mark studied her face. They were important questions. “Or when you leave town for sure. Then you’ll be okay with giving that up?”

“I think we’re past that.” She squeezed his hand. “I think... The things you’ve said to me, they matter, Mark. So...that’s all I know.”

He tried to ignore the flash of satisfaction that surged through him at her words. He’d started this to improve communication with the sheriff. He hadn’t counted on how well they’d connect, but he was glad he wasn’t the only one getting in too deep.

He wrapped his arms around Andi and pulled her close until she rested against him. Instead of pushing him away, Andi put her head on his shoulder and Mark rubbed the tension in her back and massaged her neck until she melted against him, like once she’d let go of all the stress of the day, there wasn’t much left. Anything that might look like an iron backbone had disappeared along with the knife-edge creases in her pants and the starch in her collar. Andi was done. She let out a long, tired sigh, and Mark felt it all the way to his bones.

They stood there quietly for a minute, and he ran his hands up and down her back. He wasn’t sure if she actually fell asleep or just desperately wanted to. Her hands shifted on his back, a slow quest from the small of his back over his shoulder blades. And, if it was possible, she relaxed further into him. Her breath sent a tickle of shock down his neck and he shivered.

Easing back reluctantly, he asked, “Remember when I warned you about killing yourself for a job like this? That there’d always be more to do, more work waiting?” He pulled her closer. “I hate to see you wearing yourself out like this.”

“It’s the job. You understand that.” Andi straightened, stepped back and pointed at the plates stacked in the window. “Um, you aren’t going to leave those there, are you?”

Mark looked over at the small stack, then back at her. “What if I am? Is that against all the rules that keep the earth spinning upright on its axis?”

Andi frowned. “Of course not. I think it’s a safety issue. You’ll have broken dishes if you aren’t careful and this is a place of business, so someone could get hurt and then you’ll have a real problem on your hands, so...”

He stopped her lecture with another kiss. Her lips were warm, and he could feel the traces of her smile before he stepped back. “I’ll pick them up, Sheriff. I solemnly swear.”

Andi nodded.

“Should I pass along your compliments to the chef? My mother’s upstairs even now, slaving away on her new and improved chili recipe.”

“Oh, definitely.” Andi swayed toward him before she straightened her shoulders and turned to the door. “I need to get home. Tomorrow’s going to be another day like today.”

Mark held up one hand. “Well, I bought you a present, but I understand perfectly if you’d rather wait until you can properly appreciate it.”

Andi stepped closer and tilted her head. “A present? For me? Why?”

Mark laughed. “You seem to be getting a second wind.”

Andi smiled and twisted her hands together in front of her.

“Close your eyes and hold out your hands.”

Andi rushed to do both, then fidgeted while she waited. He dropped the skein in her hands and said, “Okay, open your eyes.”

Andi looked down and stepped closer to the window so she could read the label. “Sock yarn.” The look on her face said she was impressed. Really. But not quite sure.

She smiled. “Self-striping yarn in tans. This is great. It’ll blend right in with my uniform. What a great choice, Mark. Thank you. This is a great end for what started as a pretty rough day.” The look on her face said she was trying to be happy with the color, and Mark wanted to laugh out loud at her transparency.

“I love it,” she said. “Thank you for thinking of me.” She kissed his cheek and gave the skein a squeeze.

He nodded. “Nicole said that one is all it would take to make a pair.”

“When I win the election, I’ll have some lucky socks.”

One corner of his mouth lifted. “Yeah, but...that’s not for you. Well, I mean, it is. But it’s for you to make for me.” He threaded his fingers through hers and walked her to the door. “I’m not scared of some silly knitting superstition. Make me a pair of socks. Let’s dare the universe.”

Andi froze for a minute and then laughed. “It sounds dire when you say it like that. Can testing the universe or karma or whatever wait until after the election? I need to be well-rested for something as monumental as all that.”

Mark squeezed her hand. “You bet, but I expect to see twelve wooden needles poking out of that yarn the next time I come over to visit Mojo.” He muttered under his breath, “For someone who lectures about safety issues, I think you’re missing a big one with all those needles.”

Andi shook her head. “It’s only four needles. They each have two pointy ends, that’s all.”

Mark raised an eyebrow. “Right. Well, you’re the professional. I trust you not to poke your eye out.”

Andi stepped slowly onto the sidewalk. “I guess this week is going to be nuts so...” Mark was happy she wanted to spend more time with him, maybe almost as much as he wanted more time with her. But it might do him some good to get a little distance, just to make sure he was comfortable with where this seemed to be headed so quickly.