“Plus, this color is all the rage this autumn season,” Melanie added with confidence. She was wearing a gold sweater and brown dress pants. She looked well put together and confident.
“Okay, I am trusting your opinion, Mel.” Mia headed for the cash register and laid the dress down on the glass counter. She was off today and decided to buy a new dress for Jessy’s bridal shower party next weekend. “I am going to Jessy’s bridal party. If I look silly, I am pointing the finger at you.”
Melanie rang her up with a laugh and placed the dress in a shopping bag. Mia had come in here a few times and had gotten to know Melanie and Jessy’s younger sister Lily. Mia looked around the quiet store. “Where is Lily?”
“Off today,” Melanie answered. “She is looking into taking some online classes like Jessy is doing. She really likes fashion design.”
“Good for her,” Mia stated, wishing she had gone for a career. She had hated being stuck in school, though, and just went out in to the work field.
The bell over the door rang, indicating a new customer had come in. Melanie’s smile brightened. “Hey, brother. Coming to check up on me?”
Mia turned her head expecting to see Lincoln. Instead, Abel was walking through the door looking good in his khaki uniform molding his thick muscled frame. Mia’s body started feeling warm and she could feel the pulse in her neck start throbbing. Shit, what rotten luck she had not left before he came in. Not that she didn’t enjoy drooling over him, but she knew she was the only one feeling the attraction. She was afraid he would notice her drooling.
“Yes, brat.” His voice was amused, even though his expression was stern. “Momma made me see if you’re still alive. Apparently, you haven’t checked in enough to satisfy her.”
Melanie rolled her eyes. “I called Daddy two days ago. Momma was at her book club. We’re shorthanded. Amy quit on us. She is moving to Saint Louis with her boyfriend.”
“I guess you can’t go to lunch with me then.” He pouted. Mia fiddled with her wallet and put it back in her purse, giving him a polite nod as a greeting.
“I can’t, but you can bring me something back.” Melanie sighed. She handed Mia her bag. Mia put her purse on her shoulder, ready to head back to her small house. She had plenty of cleaning chores to occupy her day.
“Hey.” Melanie smiled at them both as if she had gotten a sudden thought. She looked at Abel. “Why don’t you take Mia to lunch at the diner? She is new in town and hasn’t made many friends yet.”
“Oh no, that’s okay. Becky took me to the diner already.” Mia was totally embarrassed. She felt her cheeks heat up and probably turned red. “I’m sure your brother has plenty of people to want to hang out with.”
“Not so,” he spoke up, giving her a friendly smile. She wore faded jeans and a loose beige sweater. Why hadn’t she dressed up more, added makeup or jewelry? “I’d love to have lunch with you, Mia, if you can spare the time.”
“I am off today,” Mia whispered, letting her lashes sweep down and tightening her grip on the shopping bag. She should have said no and left the store. Why was she so weak? “Only if you’re sure.”
Abel nodded and put his hand on her lower back, moving her toward the front door. “See you later, sis.”
“Don’t forget to bring me lunch.” Melanie waved with a giggle.
Mia’s eyes squinted with the bright sunlight. The day was cool but not too cold yet. Abel pointed to his car parked by the front of the store. “Let’s put your bag in there for now. We can walk the three blocks, if that’s okay with you.”
Mia nodded and handed him the bag. “Sure. It’s such a cool, beautiful day. I can’t wait to see the businesses decorate for Christmas. Becky told me all about it.”
He put her bag in his trunk and closed it. “It’s something. I think a lot of them like to compete and show off. Plus, we have a parade, too.” They headed for the diner.
“I love the pretty colors of the trees.” Mia sighed. “I think autumn is my favorite season.”
“I agree,” Abel replied, walking with her down the sidewalk. “Do you miss New York? Brook Hollow is a drastic change.”
“Some. I miss being able to pick up the phone and order dinner, but I also like this town. It’s peaceful.” She sighed. Abel nodded to people as they passed by them. He seemed to be a popular man.
“Everyone smiles at you with such admiration. You must be a good sheriff,” she remarked casually, wondering what he was like behind the polite sheriff’s mask.
He seemed to think before he answered. “I do my best. I really care about this town. I grew up here and can’t imagine living anywhere else. I want people to feel safe. Some people are mad we haven’t caught the purse snatcher, so my popularity is going downhill every minute.”
Mia looked up at him as they walked. Not only did he have good looks, but he was caring to his family and the citizens of this small town she was growing to like. Why hadn’t some woman snatched him up yet? He was in his thirties. “You’ll get him, Sheriff.”
“Call me Abel,” he corrected, looking down at her with a grin she found contagious.
Some of her nervousness faded and she returned his smile. She might as well enjoy lunch with him today. After this, she probably wouldn’t see him again for weeks as usual. It was as if he hid from her, or maybe that’s how it felt because she constantly looked for him when she was out somewhere, but he ignored her all the time.
* * * *
Abel looked at Mia from across the table. Her curly hair was loose and looked like gold with the sun shining on it through the giant wall of windows by their table. She was beautiful in a natural way. What was more dangerous, in his opinion, was that she was also nice. She had a good sense of humor and kept up a conversation with him. He even liked her laugh.