No Foolin' (Willowdale Romance Novel) Read Free Page B

I asked if you’d dated anyone during our break. Lie by omission, isn’t that what they call it?”
    The chief sighed. “Stupid young men deserve a second chance.”
    “You want another go-round with an ex? Call Tonya. She’s still single.”
    The chief swatted away a fly and let out a long sigh. “Now you know that didn’t work. Only made me realize how much I missed you.”
    Kate shrugged and said, “How about Jeanne? The three of us gals all went out with LeRoy Jenkins. Although that was at the same time .  . .”
    Teague sucked in a breath and she turned to swat at him. “Not like that. The three of us went out on separate occasions.”
    Teague nodded quickly like he understood, but he was mostly trying to shake the image from his brain.
    The chief continued. “Now you know how Jeanne feels about my brother. Besides, I’m just teasing. I know where you stand.”
    Don’t blame him for trying, Teague thought. I’d want a second shot with her. The idea startled Teague, but he shook it away. He had bigger problems than curiosity about kissing Kate; he had to figure out what to do about the baby.
    And didn’t that thought quiet the fire down below.
    “Aren’t there any missing cows to find? What are you doing out here?”
    The chief took off his sunglasses and polished them with a handkerchief. “Just making the rounds. Got a few reports of some suspicious vehicles in town.” He planted his hands on his thighs and peered in the window. “Now let’s get back to business, ’cause you didn’t answer my question. Who’s this here with you? He’s not giving you any trouble, is he?”
    Teague leaned past her and waved. “I’m an old friend in town for a visit.”
    The chief folded his arms. “An old friend from where? As I recall, most of Kate’s friends are from right here in town.”
    She glared at Teague. “Why don’t you explain? You tell such a good story.”
    He opened his mouth and let out his deep, rumbling laugh. “Well, you see—”
    The chief stepped back. “Teague Reynolds?” The chief pointed at him. “T-Rex! What are you doing here?”
    He’d been meaning to kill the ET reporter who came up with his nickname. He bumbled his words and fiddled with the empty soda can in the cup holder. “Well, like I said, I’m visiting Kate.”
    The chief laughed. “I must say I’m surprised. I knew T-Rex got around, but our own sweet Katie?” He rocked back on his heels and shook his head. “Can’t compete with a movie star. Maybe it really is time to give up the chase.”
    Teague was surprised to feel his hands fold up into fists.
    “No, it’s not what you’re thinking. Heck, you should know I’m done with men.” She frowned. “Guys like you and T-Rex, anyway. Now keep quiet about this. I don’t need people talking.”
    The chief pretended to zip his lip. “Don’t you worry. I don’t want to hurt you anymore than I already have. I might be jealous, but mum’s the word on your little afternoon delight.” He turned to leave.
    She tried to protest, but Tommy spun around. “Hey, T-Rex, did you really get arrested for skinny-dipping in a fountain with that supermodel out in Vegas?”
    Kate glared at Teague. “Hadn’t heard that one.”
    “Don’t believe everything you read.” She wasn’t a supermodel. Just a regular model, right? And a citation isn’t an arrest. He held up both hands, protesting his innocence. “You can check my record, Sheriff. No arrests. Clean as a whistle.”
    Chief Larsen clucked his tongue. “Too bad, I would’ve enjoyed that story. Well, looks like you’re getting lucky today.” He winked.
    Kate’s cheeks turned an adorable shade of red, which definitely made those blue-green eyes stand out. “I told you, we’re just sitting here talking. We’re about to leave.”
    “We are?” Teague asked. He’d been enjoying himself, forgetting all about the problem he was so desperate to hide.
    “We are now,” she growled.
    “In that case, I’ll