Handcuffs and Haints Read Free Page A

her.
    “I have no idea. Just money I guess. There was none here, so they took the laptop.”
    “I know. They did, and you’re probably right. I just wonder why they made such a mess.”
    “I have no idea. I think I’m leaving as soon as I get packed up.”
    Nick walked over and sat down beside her. His thigh brushed hers, and Zoe caught her breath. “I can understand why, but I hope you’ll stay. I want you to know this is a one of…a rare occurrence. When I came by and told you I was here to help, I had no idea something like this would happen. I just wanted you to feel like you had someone to call if you needed anything since you’re single and all.” He looked away from her.
    Zoe threw her hands up. “I don’t even have a computer now.”
    “You can use mine for as long as you’d like. Did you get to save your manuscript?”
    His usage of the proper term reminded Zoe again of his intelligence, of how he was everything she didn’t expect a small town Southern deputy to be.
    “I do, and I appreciate the offer.”
    “Don’t just appreciate it. Accept it. Please.” He touched her hand, and Zoe took a ragged breath.
    “Okay, I will. Here’s hoping yours doesn’t get stolen, too.”
    “It won’t. I’m going to have surveillance out here. I’ll bring the computer by when I come back on the first shift.” The closeness of his body distracted Zoe.
    “What? I don’t think I’m staying.” She shook her head, not meeting his gaze.
    “Please stay. I want you to see how great our little town is, Zoe. I’m so sorry this happened to you.”
    The warmth of his words made Zoe’s next protestation fly out of her head. “Well…”
    “No buts about it. I’m going to make sure you’re okay. I’ll patrol around here tonight, and I’ll make sure the sheriff keeps someone on the case.” Nick leaned closer to her, and for a crazy moment, Zoe thought he meant to kiss her.
    She leaned back a bit, her head swimming. Zoe couldn’t remember a reaction this visceral to any man.
    “All right. We’ll see how it goes.” She stood up, needing to distance herself from Nick Wheeler. Turning toward the window, she watched the shimmering leaves of a few old oak trees waving in the breeze.
    “Good. Well, I’ve written this up. I’ll call you if I find anything out. Do you want me to bring my computer by when I get off work at six?”
    “Sure. That would be great.” Zoe faced him, sucking in a breath as she felt herself spiraling into Nick’s sphere. It felt chaotic and overwhelming.
    “I’ll do that then. Let me know if you think of anything else…old enemies that sort of thing.” He grinned at her, and the dimple in his right cheek made her want to sigh like a school girl.
    “I will. Thanks again, deputy.” Zoe’s voice came out strident, and she saw him flinch. It gave her a satisfaction to put distance between them.
    “Just doing my job.” He pivoted away from her and walked out of the room without another word.
    Zoe slumped back onto the bed. “Great. Just great. Now I’ve pissed him off.”
    I have a real way of doing that with men. She squared her shoulders and tried to shrug it off. Better now than later on when she decided he was getting too close, expecting too much…
    She walked to the window, hoping he wouldn’t see her there. She watched him get into the car, her heart hurting a little.
    “Get over it.”
    Zoe straightened up the room as the last rays of the sun went down. The thought still troubled her. Who could have done this and why?
    The doorbell rang, knocking her out of her reverie.
    “What now?” She muttered under her breath. Her heart pounded, and her palms sweated. “Screw you. I’m not scared.”
    A man she didn’t recognize stood at the door.
    “Can I help you?” She didn’t open it.
    “I’m your neighbor. Just wanted to come by and be neighborly.” Zoe noticed his forehead had a strange slope to it, when he turned aside to spit. Not a handsome man by any