I know its been a few years, but I havent suddenly developed a violent streak. I still dont bite. She opened the passenger door, unfolded her long legs and stepped from the car before he had a chance to circle the car and open the door for her.
He left her bags in the car, as hed already decided before she arrived that shed be staying in a nearby motel rather than with them at the guesthouse. Im surprised Graham didnt come with you, he said as he joined her on the flagstone walkway.
So youve heard about my engagement. She flashed him a wry smile. Graham had business back in Baltimore.
I thought you were in the Hamptons.
Only for a party. We were set to return home today anyway. She straightened her jacket and patted her hair as they reached the door, the first indication of nerves since hed picked her up at the airport.
He opened the door and ushered her inside, then froze in his tracks at the sight in front of him.
Kristen was on the floor, on her hands and knees, apparently looking for something under the sofa while Maddy danced around her, shrieking with laughter.
Almost before he had a chance to blink, however, Kristen had risen to a crouch, one arm tucking Maddy behind her back while the other hand reached for the ankle holster hidden beneath the right leg of her jeans.
Sam held up his hands quickly. We come in peace.
Kristen relaxed, dropping her hand from the hidden weapon and reaching back to swing Maddy in front of her. She pushed to her feet, straightening her blouse. A fierce pink blush washed over her neck and face. We, um, lost a crayon.
Maddys eyes lit up as she spotted him. Weve been drawing, Daddy!
So I see. Sam let his gaze slide from his daughters bright face to Kristen Tandys mortified expression. He smiled, amused and a little touched by her embarrassment at being caught with her pretty little butt in the air. She managed a sheepish smile in return, and his stomach did a flip.
Maddy caught sight of Norah standing in the doorway behind him, and her broad grin faded to a tentative half smile.
Sam crossed to his daughters side and took her hand, leading her to where Norah stood. Maddy, this is your mother, Norah. Norah, this is Maddy.
Norah took Maddys hand. Its nice to meet you, Maddy.
Youre pretty, Maddy blurted, and Sam smiled.
Norah chuckled. Thank you. Youre pretty, too. She released Maddys hand and straightened, looking around the guesthouse with a speculative gaze. So this is the famous Cooper Cove Marina and Fishing Camp.
Technically, its my parents guesthouse, he corrected lightly, trying not to let the mild disdain in her tone annoy him. Would you like some coffee? A glass of tea?
God, not that sweet treacle you Southerners call tea. She shed her suit jacket, baring a pair of slim, toned arms. She hadnt been letting herself go over the past four years, he saw. She was as trim and beautiful as ever.
He took the jacket from her and hung it on the rack by the door. He turned back to find Norah looking quizzically at Kristen.
Norah Cabot, she introduced herself, crossing to where Kristen stood beside the writing desk near the window.
Kristen shook Norahs hand. Detective Kristen Tandy, Gossamer Ridge Police Department.
Norahs dark brows lifted. Is this an ambush?
Norahs dark brows lifted. Is this an ambush?
Kristens smile looked almost predatory, catching Sam by surprise. Funny youd jump to that conclusion, Ms. Cabot, instead of assuming I was here to protect your daughter.
Norah shot Sam a murderous look. An hour in the car and you couldnt see fit to warn me I was walking into a trap?
Ms. Tandy is here to protect Maddy, he answered with a shrug, enjoying his ex-wifes discomfort a little more than he should. It was a novel experience to see Norah caught off balance. She was usually in full control of any situation, whether a heated court battle-or a marriage falling apart.
And to ask a few questions, Kristen added firmly.
Holding back a smile, Sam decided this morning might turn out to be more enjoyable than hed expected.
THOUGH SAM HAD SPENT MOST of the last eighteen hours fretting about how to prepare Maddy for her mothers arrival, in the end, his worries had been for nothing. Maddy didnt seem to find anything odd about meeting her mother for the first time at the age of four, and Norah didnt overplay the mommy card.
Maddy enjoyed looking at old photos Norah had brought with her, including several photos from their brief marriage. Shed even agreed with Norah that they shared the same green eyes and long fingers and toes. But she made no fuss when Norah handed her off to Sams brother Jake and Jakes wife, Mariah, after a tour of the family property. While Jake and Mariah played tag with Maddy and Micah, Mariahs two-year-old, under the ancient oak towering over the backyard, Norah crossed the lawn to the bottom step of the deck stairs where Sam sat.
Shes lovely, Norah said with a smile, settling onto the step beside him. Youre a wonderful father. But I always knew you would be.
Sam looked across the yard at Maddy, who was laughing with glee as Jake swung her around and around. Why did you come here, Norah?
Norahs brow furrowed. Our daughter was almost kidnapped. Shouldnt I be here?
She was hospitalized with strep throat when she was a year old. We were in the same city then, and you didnt even call to check on her.
The police didnt leave an urgent message on my phone that time. Pretty young Detective Tandy was so insistent. Norah looked over at Kristen, who stood alone, watching Jake, Mariah and the children play. Shes very new at the job, isnt she?
Dont underestimate her, Sam warned. Shes tougher than she looks. Anyone who could survive what Kristen Tandy had gone through as a young teenager was made of stern stuff.
Have you taken on a new project, Professor Higgins? Norah shot him a pointed look. Looking to turn Daisy Duke into a proper lady?
Sam pressed his lips together, already growing annoyed by Norahs blithe sarcasm. He must have found her witty and entertaining once, or hed never have fallen for her. Maybe in a different situation, when his daughters safety wasnt on the line, he might have been amused by her sharp commentary.
But Kristen Tandy didnt deserve to be the target of Norahs verbal barbs. Especially now, when she was facing down her own demons for no other reason than to protect Maddy.
No comment, Sam? Norah slanted another look at Kristen.
Not everything or everyone is fair game for your tongue, Norah. He caught Kristens eye and gave a quick nod of his head to invite her over.
She crossed slowly to where they sat, her expression neutral. But hed begun to understand that her eyes were the key to deciphering her moods. Right now, they were a murky blue-gray, cool as a winter sky.
She didnt like Norah. At all.
I suppose, Detective Tandy, you have more questions for me? Norah spoke first, her way of taking control of the conversation.
Mostly, Im curious, Kristen answered coolly. After so many years away from your daughter, why show up now? I told you in my message that Id be willing to fly up to Washington to meet you if I needed to speak in person. It seems a bitout of character for you to hop on a plane and fly right down.
For the first time since Norah arrived, she lost her veneer of indifference. You dont know me, Detective. Youre not qualified to judge what is in or out of character for me.
The hint of gray in Kristens eyes darkened. Sam could swear he saw ice crystals forming in their depths. You abandoned your daughter to your husbands sole custody when she was three months old. You havent seen her in person since then. You dont call Maddy to talk to her, not even on her birthdays or holidays. I think Im perfectly capable of judging your behavior to be that of a woman who has excised her daughter from her life with brutal efficiency.
Sam stared at Kristen. Though hed just warned Norah not to underestimate her, even he hadnt expected her to stand her ground with such ferocity.
Where had this little tigress come from?
This Kristen Tandy was exciting. Maybe even a little dangerous. He liked her like this, maybe more than he should, given the searing heat building low in his gut.
The decisions I made about Maddy were for her own good, Norah said, her voice low and a little unsteady.
Kristens lips curved slightly. We agree on that point completely.
Norahs face reddened, and Sam saw the warning signs of a very nasty backlash. He stepped between the two women, taking Kristens elbow lightly. Detective Tandy, I had a thought about the files we were going over last night. Can we discuss them privately for a moment?
Kristen dragged her gaze away from Norah and looked up at him, blue fire flashing in her eyes in place of the earlier ice. She gave a brief nod and walked with him up the steps to the deck. What is it?
I enjoy a good verbal jousting match as much as the next man, but do you think you should antagonize Norah like that?
Her cheeks grew pink. Are you questioning how I conduct an investigation?
Youre not investigating anything here, Sam countered. Youre angry at Norah for being, well, Norah, and youre letting that interfere with your work. You know damned well you dont get answers from people by insulting them. His voice softened with admiration. Even if you do it magnificently.
Kristens brow furrowed, but she gave a brief nod. Youre right. But shes such a sarcastic, snobby b-
He pressed his fingers to her lips to keep her from saying the word. Its half her charm, he said.
Her eyes flickered up to meet his, and he felt her lips tremble under his fingers. He dropped his hand away, the skin of his fingertips tingling once more.
You like that in a woman? she asked curiously.
I guess I used to, he admitted. Or maybe I just mistook her sharp tongue for spirit and fire. He lowered his voice even more. I like spirit and fire.
Kristens eyes darkened but she didnt drop her gaze. The air around them seemed warmer than before, as if the sudden tension crackling between them had supercharged the atmosphere. Theyd moved very close to each other, he realized with some surprise, so close that his breath stirred the golden tendrils of hair that had escaped Kristens neat ponytail.