Chapter 20.
Twenty minutes later, both of us sat with our backs against a log just on the outskirts of the forest. I had one hand on my stomach as I looked out across the fields, the waving gra.s.ses dancing under the moonlight.
I am so full, I said with a light groan. Layla really knows how to pack a feast.
Did you save some room?
For what? I turned to look at the Chief, but instead of answering, he extended a wine gla.s.s in my direction. Hed sliced a strawberry and perched it on the edge of the gla.s.s all fancy-like. Oh, impressive. Are you sure you werent a bartender in another life?
I had to pay the bills somehow while going to cop school. He winked and poured himself a gla.s.s of wine.
What, no strawberry for you? I tilted my head towards his unadorned gla.s.s. Too girly?
Manly men dont have drinks with strawberries.
I laughed. We fell into silence and sipped the rich, red liquid. Layla had this whole falling in love thing down pat. Not that I was even close to falling in love with the Chief"that would be ludicrous"but I could see how it might work for two people who were attracted to one another. Two people who got along and wanted to be in each others company. The wine, the strawberries the meats and cheeses and finger foods that wouldve been perfect to feed to one another.
That strawberry looks good, the Chief said, his eyes following my fingers as I plucked the berry from the rim of my gla.s.s. Screw manliness.
I laughed again as he sliced four strawberries and rimmed his whole gla.s.s with the fruit. Hey now, youve gotta share. Those are the last ones in the box.
Come get it. He gave a devilish wink and held his gla.s.s on the other side of his body so that Id have to lean all the way across his chest to get one.
I considered it, since they were some of the best berries Id had all season, but I didnt trust myself. If I leaned over him and he felt as good as he smelled, Id be asking for trouble. Plus, I was in an emotional state right now, and the last thing I needed was to be confused by the enigma next to me. What are we doing here, Chief?
Were eating dinner? His voice lilted in question as he gestured towards the basket in front of him. You and I stumbled upon a basket of food at the edge of the forest at the exact same time. It was only fair to split the findings.
A half-smile tilted up my mouth, but I couldnt quite make it a full one. Whyd you ask me to stay? I wouldve let you take the whole basket home. Im sure Layla has backup in the fridge.
The Chiefs mischievous smile faded. I thought it would be more enjoyable to share it with someone. At home well, its quiet. Im sorry if I kept you from something, but I wont apologize for asking you to stay. I had a really nice time.
I swallowed, though it was harder than I expected. The thought of the Chief sitting at home with the picnic basket by himself tugged on my heartstrings in all of the wrong ways. I didnt mean that. I enjoyed it, too.
Turning his head to look at the sky, a note of sorrow pa.s.sed across his face, and I couldnt help but swallow hard again. I reached over, my limbs not working with my brain, and I clasped his hand in mine. Together we sat like that and watched the wispy clouds dance across the stars.
Something about the way we were seated eased some of the stress from deep inside my bones. Maybe it was the strength of his grip on my hands or the way our breathing synced up like one being. I scooted a little closer and my head rested on his shoulder.
At first he stiffened at my touch, and then after a long beat, he leaned his cheek on the top of my head. So, is this a date?
Im beginning to think I dont know anything at all, anymore, I said. I dont know what this is.
Then Im going to say its a date. But before you argue with me, listen. He squeezed my hand before continuing. You need an article. Ive been asking you to go out with me. I see a business partnership here.
A business partnership?
Im not done explaining. The Chiefs heartbeat was strong. You proposed an article about falling in love, yes?
I suppose so, although it wasnt my idea. I dont know a whole bunch about love as everyone has seen, lately.
Ive been on a few dates"
You date? I didnt mean for my tone to sound so incredulous, but thats just the way it happened. A part of me stirred inside, and my stomach didnt like imagining the Chief with other girls, even though it was ridiculous I should care whether he got married tomorrow or not. I just meant that you seem very focused on your job.
I am, he said quietly. I love my job. But like I said before, going home is quiet. Im beginning to wonder if theres more to life than my job. I havent figured it out yet in case youre curious.
So what happened on these dates you wanted to tell me?
Ive been on three first dates in the last year, and I went out with one woman for three consecutive dates. What I learned is that a first date is an interview; rarely, if ever, will you know whether or not its true love on a first date.
I bobbed my head back and forth. Your point?
Go on seven dates with me.
Excuse me? I tried to sit up, but I was frozen. Instead, I sat stock still, his cheek on my head, my head on his shoulder.
The woman I went out on three dates with I got to know so much better than the women I went on just one date with, he said. And when we broke it off, it was because we realized it wouldnt work.
Why didnt you go out on second dates with the other women?
Thats the thing. No particular reason, he said. I just got busy, and I imagine they did too. There was no immediate spark so we texted a few times after, but every time we tried to plan something, it just didnt work out. When I broke up with the woman after three dates, however, it was because we had a difference that would prevent us from being together.
Such as? I stirred against his arm, then realized my question was incredibly personal. Im sorry, you dont have to answer that.
She didnt want kids. I think I do want kids and a family someday. He shrugged his shoulders. Maybe the right woman could convince me otherwise, but this woman was dead set on never having kids, so we parted ways on friendly terms. Shes married to a successful banker now and they travel the world together. Thats not what I wanted; I like Fairyvale. I like our town. I love my job and the people here. Thats not the life for me, and were both better off because of it. They sent me a Christmas card last year.
I peeked up just in time to see a wry smile curving his lips upwards. Somehow, the thought of the Chief wanting kids and a family made my insides turn a bit slushy. I, too, loved my job, but I hadnt ruled out kids either. With the right man, a family sounded quite nice, actually.
So your business proposal is that you wine and dine me for seven dates, and I can write about it? I asked. Whats in it for you?
The Chief turned to face me. A chance.
I looked at the ground, my cheeks heating under his gaze. What happens after seven dates?
Its a win-win situation, the way I see it. Reaching out, he tilted my chin up until we saw eye to eye. If we make it to seven dates, then we must be enjoying ourselves. At least, were getting along well enough for you to write your article on the experience. And if we dont last seven dates, then you can write about the first one, or two, or three of them, and you can go on those other first dates you have lined up. In the meantime, you wont have to worry about awkward conversations with anyone except myself.
I considered the proposition. And after date seven?
Well cross that bridge when the time comes.
Youll let me write about it?
Use a fake name for me at first, the Chief said. But Im under no illusions the truth will come out later, and thats fine. Im not ashamed to be seen with a woman whos as pretty, as smart, as sweet as yourself.
Again, a slight blush crept up my cheeks. Thats a generous offer.
I have my own self-interests at heart, so I wouldnt quite say Im a martyr.
I shook my head. I cant believe Im agreeing to this, but"
Youre agreeing? The Chief turned to face me, his hands sliding down my arms to my wrists as his eyes scanned my face. Youll let me take you out again?
Lets keep it low key at first, I said, laughing at his excited expression. He was like a kid whod just discovered his mom had packed two cookies for lunch instead of one. Dates like this where n.o.body else is around. That way, if things dont work out early on, I can give you a fake name, write my articles, and your name wont be brought into anything. Youll just be my Mystery Man.
Mystery Man, he said. I like it.
Well, sir, we have ourselves a deal, I said, extending my hand as the mood took on a light, almost giddy mood.
Instead of shaking my hand like Id expected, the Chief leaned in and put both of his hands on the side of my head, then brought his lips crashing to mine. He held me there, kissing me for so long that timed stood still and my mind lost any ability to think on its own. Eventually, he pulled away, the stars reflecting in his eyes. Had to seal it with a kiss.
Dont get to far ahead of yourself there, gra.s.shopper.
Chapter 21.
Tell me the truth now, did you talk to Dan Woods today? The Chiefs voice caught me off guard.
After another fifteen minutes of cozy, comfortable conversation with our backs to the log, the Chief and I had cleaned up all of Laylas goodies, packed them in the basket, and got ready to head out.
I crossed my arms. You told me to stay out of the case.
There you go again, not answering my questions. You cant dodge all my questions.
I agreed to go out with you.
I know youre only doing it to save the newspaper and your job. The Chief shook his head. But dont worry, I know that going into things up front. Its my job to convince you that its worth continuing afterwards. If I cant do that in seven dates, then maybe its not meant to be.
Well see, I said, sliding into the front seat of my car. Ill see you tomorrow? Text me where you want to meet for our date.
Ill pick you up at seven, and I hope youll wear one of Laylas uniforms.
I wrinkled my eyebrows. Keep dreaming.
You didnt answer my question. I promise you wont get in trouble. Did you talk to Dan and tell Layla to text me?
I sighed. Yes. But I didnt learn anything.
Stay away from him, Rosie. I met him tonight, and I dont like the vibe Im getting from him. Even if hes not the murderer, you dont want to tangle with a man who has anger issues that severe.
Dont worry. Looking the Chief in the eye, I exhaled a large breath. I promise you Ill stay far away from him.
And anything else that relates to the case.
I cant promise that, I said. And you cant stop me from being in public property if Im not breaking the law.
Rosie"
I promise you this, I said, still meeting his eyes. Ill be safe. Ill keep you posted with what Im doing and where Im going and what Im finding. I wont impersonate people or otherwise break the law. In exchange, you cant try to stop me by pulling me over and things like that. Do we have a deal?
He crossed his arms, leaning back on his heels. Since I have a feeling thats the most Ill get from you, then yes. We have a deal. Ill see you tomorrow at seven.
Smiling, I waved and pulled away as the Chief climbed into his own vehicle and followed close behind me. When we reached the crossroads where he went left and I went right, we waved.
For the duration of the short drive home, I nearly floated an inch off my chair; a sensation that had nothing to do with magic. I couldnt quite put my finger on the emotion, but a faint whisper in the back of my consciousness told me it might be hope. Either way, I couldnt mistake the b.u.t.terflies in my stomach. They were there, and they were fluttering loud and clear. As much as I tried to ignore it, I was excited about a date for the first time in a while.
When I parked at the curb, I hardly remembered the drive home Id been so caught up in memories from the night. The scent of the leaves, the feel of the Chiefs soft, firm shoulders, the way hed grabbed my hand and never let it go. I was so caught up in these memories that I didnt noticed the headlights barreling towards me down the road. And by the time I looked up, it was too late.
I leapt out of the way of the car, but instead of veering away from me, the headlights swung towards my flailing body. I had a head start on my jump, but it just wasnt enough. The front of the car clipped the lower half of my body, the thunk sickening in my ears. By the time I hit the ground on the other side of the road, I was unconscious.
Chapter 22.
Everything hurt. By the time I peeled my eyes open, my legs felt like theyd been over by a truck. Swirling in pain, the thoughts in my mind fought against one another to straighten themselves out. Had I been hit by a truck?
Even with my eyes open, it took ten times longer than usual for the room around me to swim into focus. By the time it did, I groaned again, this time the sound a mixture of pain and embarra.s.sment.
Why are you looking at me? I asked thickly, my tongue heavy as I spoke.
No less than six eyeb.a.l.l.s stared down at me with intensity. One or two of those eyeb.a.l.l.s blinked when I spoke, and I could see tears in the third set.
Youre awake! Layla cried, throwing herself at me. She hurled herself towards my body which was tucked, to my surprise, in my own bed.
I preemptively cringed, and thankfully Layla got the picture and refrained from hurtling herself onto me, settling instead for a ginger pat on the back. Of course Im awake. Thats usually what happens when a person opens their eyes. But how did I get here? I was I scrunched up my face, trying my hardest to encourage the memories to come back to me, but it was hard.
Dont stress, Bel said, from her place-of-honor near my feet. She reached out and gave my foot a gentle pat, but even that was too hard. Relax.
Wincing from the pressure, I looked up into the last face around the bed. What happened?
Unlike her normally devilish smile and sparkling-with-mischief eyes, Madrinas expression was pure focus today. She scanned me up and down. The sleeves of her black robes were pushed up to her elbows and she ran her gaze up and down my body. You were hit by a car. Where do you hurt?
Im fine! I tried to sit up, but three sets of hands pushed me back down onto the bed. How did I get here?
Listen to Madrina, Layla said. She found you out front.