TEXAS ROADS (A Miller's Creek Novel Book 1) (7 page)

Coffee spewed from his mouth, the rich taste suddenly bitter. Who did she think she was? “Other options?” He reached for a napkin and machine-gunned his words. “Care to elaborate?”

“Have you checked into grants and corporate donations?”

Her lightning-speed response nailed him to the wall. Was she deliberately trying to make him look like a fool? Every person’s head rotated back toward him. “I’ve checked into several alternatives, Mrs. Davis.”

“Dani.” She spoke the word softly.

“Excuse me?”

“Dani, remember?” Her volume increased.

He glared at her. She’d just undermined his authority in front of influential members of the community. His gaze zipped around the table—all eyes expectantly fixed on him—and he had no witty comeback. Nada. Zippo.

“Corporate donations sound like a great idea to me.” J. C. turned toward Dani, and his eyes glimmered with admiration. “You’re a very smart young lady.”

“Dani has a Business degree.” Mama Beth chimed in, her face bright as an Easter sunrise. “She graduated with a double major in Education and Business. With honors.”

The old geezers started their chatter again, all directed at Dani, whose cheeks had taken on a powdery pink hue. His blood simmered, but one look from Mama Beth silenced the words that congregated behind his teeth. Somehow he managed to speak with control. “I’d love to hear your ideas sometime, Mrs. Davis.”

“Dani.”

He forced a smile and nodded in mock compliance. “Dani.”

Steve rejoiced when the conversation switched directions, but now everyone focused their attention on Dani, causing his irritation to mount. They bantered with her like they’d known her forever. For Pete’s sake, she wasn’t that likable!

After lunch she pushed her chair away from the table. “Sorry to break up all the fun, but Aunt Beth promised me a tour of the town.” She gathered her things.

He sat up straighter. This little sightseeing expedition should prove interesting. If nothing else, it would be chance to get to know her better and find out what she was up to. Steve moved his chair out beside hers. “Mind if I come along?”

The raucous voices around the table quieted, and wavy lines etched Dani’s forehead. “Not at all. I understand you have historic ties to Miller’s Creek.”

Impressive. The little lady did her homework. Now he just had to figure out why.

He started to stand just as Dani backed toward him. They collided, and she lost her balance. As she descended toward the floor, he grabbed her at the waist and pulled her toward him. She plopped onto his lap, her startled blue eyes and upturned nose inches from his.

“Hey Steve, it’s not everyday a pretty girl lands in your lap!” Every head in the restaurant rotated their way as Coot’s voice trumpeted. Laughter and cheers broke out.

Heat built under his collar as the scent of her flowery perfume lassoed its way around his head. “You okay?”

Dani nodded and licked her lips. In a second’s time she lifted herself from his lap, her hands busy smoothing her skirt, her eyes averted.

He glanced at Mama Beth. Big mistake. An enigmatic smile played on her face, like a mother hen hatching an idea. Steve strode to the counter very much aware of what had just happened. A woman had fallen in his lap all right. But God had overlooked one tiny detail.

She was already married.

Chapter Seven

D
ani inhaled the fragrant spring day and waited for Mama Beth while she examined the buildings in downtown Miller’s Creek. Years of inspecting properties with her father enabled her to sniff out a good business opportunity, and this was it. The historic structures were two- and three-stories tall, a combination of brick and stone with amazing architectural detail, perfect for loft apartments and commercial space below.

Everything stacked up in favor of a move to Miller’s Creek. Her brain whizzed along at rocket speed. She could invest in property, renovate it, and promote the town as a tourist attraction. Some of the older homes would make charming country inns. If she loaded the downtown area with antique shops and boutiques, women would drag their husbands and girlfriends to this place in droves. Her face crinkled into a satisfied grin. A perfect plan. It provided her with work, helped the town, and put her inheritance to good use.

She peered into the café through the plate glass window where Mama Beth and Steve stood, conversing at the checkout counter. What was it about Steve Miller that intrigued her, and more importantly, why? His comments at lunch verified his arrogance. Not exactly an endearing quality. Those cinnamon-colored eyes of his, rimmed by long dark lashes, could only be described one way. Heart-stopping. There was more, something she couldn’t put her finger on. Perhaps it was the tender care he lavished on Mama Beth.

Steve held the door open for her aunt as they exited the building, then the three of them strolled down the street while he regaled them with snippets of Miller’s Creek history. The longer he talked, the more convinced Dani became. This town fulfilled all her requirements as a place to start over. They rounded a corner, and a view of the town square brought her to a mesmerized standstill, delight bubbling inside. “Oh, how lovely!”

The scene spread out before her, straight from yesteryear. Ancient oak trees encircled a lacy gazebo, its gingerbread trim begging for fresh paint. Park benches stood guard from each corner of the square, one occupied by two men in overalls, and deep in conversation. She imagined the area lit with thousands of flickering Christmas lights, Santa and his elves stationed inside the gazebo, an excited line of children eager to share their dreams.

Steve’s deep voice jostled her from her reverie. “You look like you’re a million miles away.”

Mama Beth spoke and turned their attention her way. “I’m going to park my carcass on this bench.” She wheezed out the words, her face strained, her gaze focused on Steve. “Would you mind showing Dani around?”

His eyes latched on to the older woman, and lines of unease stretched across his forehead. “You okay?”

Her aunt held up a hand. “I’m fine. I just need to rest a minute.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yes, but I want Dani to see the creek.”

Steve didn’t seem convinced. “Okay. I’ll take her. We won’t be gone long.”

His hesitation triggered uneasy feelings inside her. Did he dislike her that much, or was there something going on she didn’t know?

He gripped her elbow and herded her away from the square, her short legs doing double time to keep up. The warmth of his fingers radiated through her skin and unsettled her nerves. Why was he going ninety miles an hour in a strolling speed zone? Something had to be wrong. “Is Mama Beth okay?”

“She hasn’t been feeling too great.” The stiff set of his jaw accentuated his brusque tone.

Not well? She’d seemed fine at the café. “Well, has she seen a doctor?”

“Yep, they’re running tests.”

“Tests? What kind of tes—?” His brooding look stopped her short. Never mind. She’d ask Mama Beth later.

Their brisk walk landed them in an undeveloped area, which among the two- and three-story buildings struck her as both out-of-place and charming. Sparsely wooded, it descended to a ravine, where the cheerful gurgle of running water sang out. “May we go over there?”

A slight smile softened the grim line of his lips. “It’s just a creek.”

No, it was more than just a creek. She envisioned a rustic bridge over the rock-lined water. “You forget I’m from the city.” Dani marched on, lured by the musical babble. “If you need to go on, I understand. Don’t worry about me. In Miller’s Creek there’s not much chance of me getting lost.”

Instead he fell into step beside her, sending conflicting thoughts through her brain. Part of her wished he’d left her alone to explore, but she also felt oddly comforted by his presence. A structure across the creek caught her attention, and her heart soared. “An old train depot.” The words came out in breathy wonder. “It would make a wonderful museum.” Though it needed a little TLC, the clapboard siding and decorative wood trim pointed to a time when commerce depended on locomotives. She continued to stare, her mind popping with ideas.

“On the other side of the depot are the original train tracks.” He pointed past the building. “We’ve discussed getting rid of them, but haven’t done it yet.”

She faced him in protest. “But it’s part of the town’s history. Why would you do that?”

His eyes, hooded by a squint against the blinding Texas sunlight, studied her like an amoeba under a microscope. She looked away and licked her lips.
Focus, Dani
.
Think about your plans.

As if in deliberate opposition to her resolve, he leaned his lanky frame against an oak tree at the creek’s edge and crossed his arms. “Tell me more about yourself, Dani. All I know is you’re an elementary school teacher here to visit your aunt.” His velvety voice made her insides squirm. Why did she suddenly feel like she was on trial?

“What do you want to know?”

He shrugged. “Nothing in particular. What grade do you teach?”

“First.” Dani moved down the length of the creek. If he wanted to interrogate her, it would be on her terms, not his. With long strides, his legs took half as many steps as he followed to catch up. Surprisingly he said nothing else, but walked beside her in silence. She sneaked a peek from beneath her lashes. Maybe now would be the best time. “I want to apologize for my behavior yesterday.” The words blurted from her mouth. “I’m not normally so short-tempered.”

Steve’s eyes closed to tiny slits. After several tense seconds, he spoke, his tone even. “Apology accepted. Guess I owe you one, too. I should’ve gone in with you at B & B. I just wasn’t thinking straight.”

She toyed with her next words before gathering the strength to say them. “I got the impression you were upset with me.”

His brows raised, and then he lowered his head before returning an honest gaze. “I thought you were looking down your nose at Miller’s Creek, and it made me mad.”

Dani widened her eyes. “I’m sorry I gave you that impression. I love this town.” She took in his skeptical expression then wandered closer to the water. “It has so much potential.”

“Potential?” His tone darkened.

“Did I say something wrong?” She twisted her head to look at him.

A scowl resided on his face momentarily then disappeared. “Potential makes it sound like Miller’s Creek is deficient. I know the town needs work. I just don’t like hearing it from an outsider.”

An outsider? Is that how he saw her? It sounded so exclusive. Like you had to be a member of the club. “I don’t follow you.”

He didn’t respond right away, as if measuring his words. “I guess it’s like your students.”

“How so?”

“You’re probably more aware of your students’ shortcomings than anyone, right?”

“Yes.” Was he about to take another swat at her teaching ability?

“Do you like it when another teacher points out one of your students’ faults?”

The light in her brain flashed on. “No, I hate it. It makes me feel like a second-rate teacher.” She leaned her back against a massive oak tree and rested one foot on the gnarled roots. “When I mentioned potential, I wasn’t trying to put down Miller’s Creek. I just have an eye for seeing things the way they could be.” He twisted his lips to one side but didn’t comment. Maybe a friendlier approach would work. “I’d like to know more about the town. Mama Beth told me you’re the mayor.”

“Yes, I am.” He spoke the words in a chilled tone, leaving no doubt this was
his
town. “What do you want to know?”

“I’d love to hear more about your plan.”

A smirk curled his lips at the corners. “Funny, I was about to say the same thing to you.”

“Huh?”

“Your plan.” His voice took on a hard edge. “You come here to visit an aunt you don’t even know and start talking about potential like you have some kind of agenda. Sorry if I sound suspicious, but I care about this town and Mama Beth. If we’re discussing plans, I think you should tell me yours first.”

Her pulse braked to a momentary stop then hammered out a fiery cadence. “Excuse me for trying to express an interest in anything you have to say.” She whirled about and marched toward the gazebo, turning her head to call out over her shoulder. “Oh, and you didn’t come across as sounding suspicious. Just rude!”

* * *

The next day Steve loitered outside Miller’s Creek Community Church and searched the crowd. He located Mama Beth and Dani to his left, surrounded by several people. The constant prick at his conscience hadn’t subsided since yesterday’s run-in with Dani. He’d blown it again. Big time. By now Mama Beth knew all about it, and he dreaded her tongue-lashing.

The two women broke away from the crowd and ambled toward the picnic tables nestled beside the creek amid a tall stand of oaks. This was his best chance to apologize. He fetched his sack lunch from the pickup, and with a few long steps, neared the table where the two picnicked with J. C. and Wanda. As he approached, Mama Beth waved and motioned for him to join them. Her eyes didn’t scold like he’d feared, and he blew out a sigh of relief. Dani hadn’t told her. The thought yanked at his brain. Why hadn’t she mentioned it? It would serve him right for the way he treated her yesterday.

He walked to the end of the table where Dani sat and cleared his throat. “Okay if I sit here?”

“Sure.” Her icy tone clipped the word short, and she scooted toward her aunt without a glance his way. Dani placed her lunch bag on the bench next to where he was about to sit. Between them.

His eyebrows raised a notch, and he sat to remove his sandwich from the sack. “Hi, y’all.”

“Hey, boss.” Wanda gave her typical two-finger mock salute.

J. C. smiled. “Hi, mayor. What’s going on?”

He unwrapped his baloney sandwich and took a bite, all the while ogling Dani’s piece of juicy fried chicken. It looked delectable, and that smell could make a grown man cry. Why hadn’t he remembered to ask Mama Beth to bring some for him? His next thought ushered in a frown. Why hadn’t she offered?

The conversation turned to the morning’s worship service and the beautiful weather. Everyone joined in except Dani. She consumed her lunch without speaking then stuffed her trash in her lunch sack. “Excuse me.”

“No problem.” Steve slid down the seat to let her out. As she ambled away, his conscience knifed him again. She had every right to be mad. He watched as she deposited her sack in a trash can and strolled to the creek’s edge.

“Dani’s such nice girl, Mama Beth.” Wanda talked and chewed at the same time. “What does her husband do?”

Mama Beth heaved a heavy sigh. “He did manage her father’s company. Now I guess you might say he’s out of the picture.” She took a bite of chicken and looked away, blinking rapidly.

“Sorry to hear that,” said Wanda.

“Don’t be. From what Dani told me, it was for the best.” Her voice held choked-back tears.

Steve looked toward the creek where Dani stood staring into the water, her shoulders slumped forward. It sounded like she’d had enough trouble without him lousing things up and adding to her burden. He let out an exasperated sigh, slammed his half-eaten sandwich down on the paper sack, and strode after her. Since the sandwich wasn’t settling too well, he might as well eat crow. Underneath his boot a twig cracked. She whirled about at the sound, but as soon as she saw him, she flicked a disdainful glance and turned her back.

He gathered his courage. “Dani?”

“Yes?” She faced him, the hurt in her eyes twisting the knife lodged in his gut.

“I’m sorry about yesterday.”

No response.

Steve took a shaky breath and let it out in an equally shaky voice. “Seems like every time we meet I need to apologize.”

“You noticed.” Her sideways look pinned him down. Then in an almost imperceptible move, her lips twitched.

A chuckle bubbled inside, impossible to hold back. “That’s okay. Be smart-mouthed. It’s what I deserve.”

Her face blossomed into a wide grin. “You noticed that, too.”

He leaned back his head and gave a belly laugh, glad to finally share a lighthearted moment with her. She joined in with a musical giggle that reminded him of tiny bells.

After the laughter abated, Dani sent him a kind smile. “Don’t worry about it. I forgive you.”

Her words impacted him with a force he didn’t expect. She forgave so readily, unaware of the depths of his suspicion. Again he had the strange sensation her steady blue-eyed gaze sized him up accurately.