Emily’s expression turned rueful. “They claim that fast driving is the most excitement to be had around here.”
“Sounds like maybe you agree with them.”
She shook her head. “I don’t believe in endangering lives by driving recklessly. But I do understand that kids get bored. There really isn’t much for them to do.”
“Someone should consider starting some afterschool programs for teens. But in the meantime, they’re going to have to learn that traffic rules will be enforced in this town while I’m on watch.”
Emily laughed. “You sound just like a cop.”
He couldn’t resist reaching out to touch her, though he contented himself with teasing the ends of her golden curls. “I am a cop.”
He didn’t think he was imagining the awareness in her eyes when she looked at him. Emily didn’t see him only as a cop, any more than he had ever thought of her as nothing more than a suspect
Her smile died when he continued to gaze down at her, standing so close that their bodies were almost touching. All he would have to do was lean forward a couple of inches, and her mouth would be close enough for him to take that taste he’d been craving all evening.
He wasn’t holding her mere—she could easily take a step backward if she felt uncomfortable. But she didn’t immediately move away, which gave him courage.
“This wasn’t much of a dinner,” he said, jerking his chin toward the restaurant. He could see Billy Ray through the window, still leaning on his broom and watching television. “I’d like to take you someplace a little nicer next time. How about it?”
Emily’s left eyebrow rose a fraction of an inch. “Are you asking me for a date?”
“Yeah. My social skills have gotten a little rusty, but that’s what I’m trying to do. Would you like to have dinner with me sometime?”
She hesitated, then stepped back.
“Thank you, but I’m afraid I have very little free time right now,” she said, avoiding his eyes. “I have a lot of work to do, preparing for the move, so many details to finalize. I think I’d better concentrate on getting that stuff done for now. And as long as your investigation is ongoing, it’s probably best for us not to socialize. Isn’t that right?”
Okay, she’d made her feelings clear enough. She wasn’t interested. She’d tried to be nice about it, though, so Wade managed a smile that he hoped looked somewhat genuine. “Yes, I suppose so. And, having just been through a big move myself, I know how much time and work is involved.”
Emily’s smile held a touch of relief—and maybe just a little regret? Or was that only wishful thinking on Wade’s part?
“Yes, well, thank you for the coffee and pie, Chief, er, Wade. I’ll be seeing you around.”
“Sure. Good night, Emily. Drive carefully.”
She nodded and climbed into her car.
Wade felt himself scowling as he headed toward his Jeep after Emily drove away. Moping like a kid who’d been turned down for the prom. And he hoped he wasn’t foolish enough to fall for a woman who could very well prove to be another heartbreaker.
One thing was for sure. He was spending entirely too much time thinking about Emily McBride.
OLIVER WAS DANCING impatiently by the time Emily got home. She’d made a quick trip during her lunch hour to let him out, but he was ready to go again.
“I will be so glad when your owners get home,” she told him, holding the door so that he could waddle quickly outside. “You’re entirely too much responsibility. Their cruise should have ended today, so they’ll be home by Wednesday. Two more days and you’re out of here, buddy.”
Oliver didn’t seem offended at her impatience to be rid of him. He sniffed around the yard in the darkness, taking his time now despite his earlier haste. Emily sat on the edge of the porch and kept a close eye on him, using the bright moonlight for illumination. Night creatures serenaded her from the woods. It was a lovely and peaceful scene. And so lonely that Emily’s heart ached.
It wasn’t that she’d been particularly close to her father. Josiah McBride, Jr. had not allowed anyone to be close to him, including his only daughter. But since his death, Emily had been even more aware of how alone she was. And how little she’d actually done with her life.
Something rustled in the trees near the driveway and Oliver barked.
“Quiet, Oliver,” Emily said. “It’s probably just a deer. The woods are full of them.”
Oliver posed threateningly for a few more moments, then lost interest in the now quiet trees and went back to his search for the perfect spot to do his business.
“Sometime tonight would be nice,” Emily prodded him impatiently. “I have things to do, you know.”
Oliver snorted as if in disbelief that she had anything more important to attend to than him.