Under the Covers

Chapter Sixteen

Rain pattered around the gravesite. Juliet shifted her boots in the wet grass and edged closer to Sophie under the sprawling umbrella. While she wanted to be respectful and keep her focus on the preacher or the coffin being lowered into the ground, her gaze kept straying to Quinn.

He stood next to Melanie as they said good-bye to her grandfather. He’d left his Stetson in the truck, and the rain slid down his angled face unchecked. Sadness darkened his already dark eyes, and his black hair curled at his nape. A calm in the storm, he maneuvered closer to Melanie when she trembled.

Colton flanked Melanie’s other side, an arm around her shoulders. The woman’s thick, brown hair curled down her back; the rain only added to the wild curl. Her brown eyes glimmered with tears, and sandwiched between Quinn and Colton, she appeared breakable. She clutched a bouquet of pink roses. Colton whispered something into her ear, and her lips tipped in a small smile. She leaned into him as the coffin came to a rest.

The preacher finished his eulogy, and Sophie tucked her arm through Juliet’s. “I’m glad Colton’s home for good now.”

“Me, too,” Juliet said softly. “Though I thought Melanie was dating a banker.” The man in the three-piece suit was nowhere to be seen.

“She is, for now. I guess he’s at some conference in London. Apparently he’s flying home tomorrow.” Sophie turned toward the cars. “Let’s head to the wake early to make sure everything is set up.”

Juliet stumbled in her high-heeled boots. “Actually, do you mind dropping me at home? I think I’ll skip the wake.”

“Juliet Spazzoli.” Sophie tugged her through bodies toward the road. “You are not hiding just because your boyfriend hauled you down to the station for questioning. Grow a pair, girlfriend.”

Jake snorted next to her. “I truly wish you’d stop using that expression, Sunshine.”

Sophie shrugged. “You grow a pair, too, counselor.” Then she yelped as Jake snaked an arm around her waist and lifted, turning her midair to face him.

Juliet grabbed the umbrella handle before a spoke pricked her forehead. She paused as Jake easily held his wife a foot off the ground, determined amusement darkening his eyes. Sophie’s eyes widened. Yeah, the Lodge brothers didn’t take kindly to challenges.

With a shrug, Juliet left the couple. “I’ll meet you at the car.”

She picked her way around gravestones and the hilly terrain. As she reached the car, a strong hand banded around her arm. The scents of pine and male surrounded her, and her heart galloped into motion. Slowly, she turned. “Good afternoon, Sheriff Lodge.”

He ducked to keep from getting smacked with the umbrella. “I’ll give you a ride to Mel’s house.”

“That’s kind of you, but I’m going back to my apartment.” She fought a wince at how formal she sounded.

“No, you’re not.” Quinn took the umbrella and keeping her head shielded, led her to his truck. “We had to cut Freddy loose, and I’d rather keep an eye on you until I figure out what he’s doing.”

“While I appreciate your concern, I’ve been taking care of myself for quite some time.” Yet her legs kept moving right alongside his. Might as well poke the bear sooner rather than later. “Let go of my arm, or I’m going to kick you in the knee.”

He opened the passenger door and glanced down at her boots. “Those are kind of pointy.”

“Yes, they are. I assume they’d do some damage.” She grabbed the umbrella and closed it.

“You’ve already been to the jail once. Do you want another trip for assaulting a police officer?” His head cocked to the side, but no expression filtered across his rugged face.

“Not really. However, if I’m not under arrest, you can’t make me get in your truck.”

Predictably, he did exactly what she wanted him to do. Both hands grabbed her waist, and he lifted her into the truck. At the one touch, desire flared awake through her entire body. Several deep breaths did nothing but make her abdomen ache more.

She waited until he’d shut the door, crossed in front, and jumped into his seat before speaking, “I knew you were going to do that.”

“Darlin’, we both knew I was going to do that.” He started the ignition. “We obviously need to talk.”

“You’re mad at me.”

“Furious.” He nodded at a couple of people walking along the road toward the long line of cars. “Put on your seat belt.”

“Does this mean we’re over?” Something in her chest splintered.

“Right now? I have no clue. I need to deal with making sure Melanie is all right, making sure Colton doesn’t screw up his future, find out why drug dealers are killing people in my county, fight to keep my job, and get your stepbrother out of your life for good.” His knuckles turned white on the steering wheel. “You lied to me. There have been times in my life when trust was the only thing I could rely on. I…need time to figure things out.”

The splinter in her chest exploded. “When I was eighteen, I fell in love with a guy named Sonny Mitchsi.”

Quinn’s nostrils flared. “He was a criminal?”

“No. Sonny was a genius—got a full ride to business school.”

“All right.”

“The second he found out about my family, he dumped me. Said he couldn’t be involved with somebody like me—somebody with a family like mine.” Remembered hurt slithered down her spine. “I didn’t want you to do that.”

Quinn growled low. “You didn’t give me the chance.”

She sighed—he was right. “I didn’t ask to get in your truck.”

“I know.” He glanced in the rearview mirror. “Jake and Sophie needed a moment, and so did you and I.”

“Am I going to go to jail?” Juliet asked quietly.

“No. You have the best lawyer in the world, and frankly, you didn’t do anything wrong.” Quinn pulled the truck onto the main road. “Well, anything illegal. You didn’t do anything illegal.”

Oh, but lying to him was wrong. Lying to him and then sleeping with him, that is. If they’d remained just acquaintances, the lying probably wouldn’t have mattered much. But now it seemed like everything. “I’m sorry, Quinn.”

“Me, too.” He tossed his black Stetson on the dash. “You didn’t trust me, Juliet.”

There was the crux of the problem. Everyone leaned on and trusted Quinn Lodge, yet she was the only person he’d opened up to. No wonder he was so mad.

“I am curious. How long were you planning to stay in town?” he asked.

Chills cascaded down her back. “I was planning on leaving after the showing.”

His firm jaw snapped shut. “I see. Where were you going?”

“I thought I’d go to Utah or Wyoming.” Somewhere there were mountains, cowboys, and a community. But no place would have Quinn Lodge. “I’m sorry.”

They rode the rest of the way in silence, finally pulling to a stop in front of Melanie’s white farmhouse. A porch wrapped around the entire first floor, the planks faded and a few in need of repair.

Quinn frowned through the windshield. “I hadn’t noticed Old Man Jacoby needed help. Apparently I should’ve paid closer attention.” He stepped out of the truck and crossed behind it to open Juliet’s door.

She allowed him to assist her to the gravel. His hands lingered at her waist, and his eyes darkened.

“Sheriff?” someone called out.

They both turned and a flash went off. Several flashes peppered the air. With a growl, Quinn stepped in front to shield her.

The photographer rushed toward a parked car and sped off.

Juliet pursed her lips. “What was that all about?”

“I don’t want to know.” Quinn closed her door and took her elbow to escort to the porch.

“But, if that was a reporter, do you think they found out about me?” Oh, God. Any scandal could destroy Quinn’s campaign.

“Maybe.” He released her. “I’ll see you inside.” Without another word, he hurried to where his mother emerged from a truck, her hands full of dishes. After pecking Loni on the cheek, he reached for the bundle.

A lonely chill squeezed Juliet’s chest. She would’ve liked having been part of the Lodge-Freeze family. Sighing, she went inside for the wake.

…

The morning after the funeral, Juliet poked her head outside the gallery door. “Deputy Baker? Would you like some coffee?”

The young officer shook his head. “No thank you, ma’am.” He turned his red head back to survey the quiet street.

“How about you come inside and warm up? You can guard the gallery just as well from inside.” She fought guilt—the poor guy had been outside all night.

“Thank you, ma’am, but the sheriff left strict instructions for me to stay right here until my replacement arrived.” The kid didn’t change his focus.

Sighing, Juliet closed the door. Damn Quinn was punishing her for her decision to return to her apartment and not impose any longer on Sophie and Jake. She punched in numbers and asked to speak with the sheriff. Mrs. Wilson said she’d take a message, but that the sheriff was out on a call. Juliet decided not to leave a message.

Instead, she hustled to her desk in the corner to balance her books. After the showing the other night, she was finally in the black. Thank goodness.

An hour passed.

Then another.

Suddenly, the door blew open. She yelped and jumped. The sheriff stood in the doorway, gun out, his face a concentrated mask. “Juliet?”

She pressed a hand to her chest. “Why is your gun out?”

He frowned and set his gun back in the shoulder holster. “I got a report of screams coming from the gallery.”

The young deputy sidled in from the other gallery. “There wasn’t anybody in the back entrance, sheriff.”

Quinn’s gaze narrowed. “You didn’t hear any screams?”

“No, sir.”

“I think it’s a hoax,” Quinn muttered.

“Who called it in?” The deputy scratched his chin.

“I don’t know. It was a call to dispatch. Take point outside, Spencer. Phillips will be here in five to relieve you.” Quinn waited until the deputy took his leave to focus on Juliet. “I also had a message you called.”

She ran her hand along the back of her chair. “I’m refusing police protection. Please keep your deputies off my property.”

A veil dropped over his eyes. “You’re in danger, now there’s a prank call regarding you, and you don’t get to refuse police protection.”

She glowered. “You’re trespassing, Sheriff Lodge. Please leave.”

“No.” He crossed his arms.

For the love of all that was holy. Stubbornness lived in the man, at home and comfortable. “We broke up.” She understood exactly what “I need time to think” meant. “As such, you no longer need to concern yourself about me. All of the truth is out, and Freddy probably has no interest in me. Especially since Jake explained to him that the money is long gone.”

“Regardless of the status of our relationship, you’re a citizen in my county. If you’re in danger, you get police protection.” Quinn leaned against the door. “Deal with it, Juliet.”

Anger rippled through her veins. So she plastered on a polite smile and straightened her shoulders. “Well, then, I thank you for your diligence, Sheriff Lodge. The citizens of Maverick are fortunate to have you protecting us.”

Temper rippled across his face.

His phone buzzed, but his dark gaze kept her pinned while he answered. “I’ll be right there.” Turning on his heel, he yanked open the door to reveal a different deputy at guard. “Stay with her and report in hourly.” Without looking back, he strode out of sight.

The door drifted closed.

Her phone rang, and she cleared her throat before answering, “Maverick Gallery.”

“Hi, Juliet. This is Mrs. Hudson, from down the street?” an elderly voice chirped.

“Hi, Mrs. Hudson.” Juliet took another deep breath. The sweet widow lived in a small cottage a block down the street, and Juliet often dropped off groceries or goodies for the woman.

“What can I help you with?”

“Oh, Juliet. I dropped my favorite earrings—you know the ones Arthur gave to me right before he died? Well, they slid behind the stereo.”

“Oh.” Juliet glanced at the clock. “You need me to fetch them for you?”

“No, dear. I grabbed them,” Mrs. Hudson said.

Juliet frowned. “Well, good.”

“But then the stereo dropped on my leg.”

“What?” Juliet sprang to her feet. “Are you all right? Do you need an ambulance?”

“Oh, no, dear. I’m fine. Well, not fine. My foot is bruised, and I can’t stand on my tiptoes.”

“Do you need me to bring bandages or, well, anything?”

“No. But I do need you to come and get my yellow bowl—the one with flowers on it—off my top shelf. I can’t reach that high, and I’m going to Betty Adam’s for Bunko tonight.”

Relief flooded Juliet. “I’d be happy to help. In fact, I could use a walk right now. Give me a minute.”

“Thank you, dear.” The elderly lady hung up.

Juliet chuckled. Now that was a confusing conversation. She slid her arms into her coat and headed for the door. “Deputy Phillips, I take it?”

Phillips nodded a buzz-cut head. He stood to about six feet and was built like a truck. “Yes, ma’am.”

“How do you feel about a walk?” she asked.

“You walk, I follow, ma’am,” he said with a smile and twinkling brown eyes.

“Excellent.” She stepped into the chilly day and frowned at the gathering clouds. Not another heavy summer storm. She hustled down the block to Mrs. Hudson’s white bungalow. She knocked on the door and pushed it open. The elderly lady hollered for her to come in.

Juliet left Deputy Phillips on the porch and hurried inside. “Mrs. Hudson?”

“In the kitchen, dear.”

Juliet removed her coat, entered the sparkling clean kitchen, and stopped short. “Quinn.”

“Juliet.” He sat at the round table, a large bowl of oriental chicken salad set on the crocheted tablecloth in front of him.

Juliet raised her eyebrows at Mrs. Hudson.

The woman smiled and all but pushed Juliet into the chair across from Quinn. “The sheriff was kind enough to get down my bowl, but now I need a couple of testers for the salad I want to take tonight.” She dumped another bowl of oriental chicken salad in front of Juliet and smoothed her purple, velour pantsuit. “Now you two eat up, take notes, and I’ll be right back. I promised Henry Bullton next door some salad.” Humming to herself, she all but skipped out the back door.

Juliet’s stomach knotted. “I thought she’d injured her foot.”

Quinn took a bite of the salad. “Nope. She’s interfering.”

Juliet’s hand stopped halfway to the fork. “Interfering?”

“Yep.” He took another bite. “The word around town is that we broke up, and apparently, the news doesn’t sit well with Mrs. Hudson.”

Heat climbed into Juliet’s face. “Well, it sits just fine with me.”

“Does it, now?” Quinn polished off his salad. “Good to know.” He stood—a strong man with a hard jaw. “I have a meeting in five minutes. Please tell Mrs. Hudson that I enjoyed the salad very much and to mind her own business.”

“You tell her that.” Juliet lifted her chin.

“I will.” He halted at the kitchen door. “Make sure Deputy Phillips is with you all day, Juliet. I’d hate to fire the guy.” Whistling a smart-ass tuned, the sheriff sauntered out of sight.