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A deep line formed between his
brow.
    “Yes, I took my maiden name back.”
    He scowled. “I heard about all the ruckus at
your new home. Must be nice to get a big old house left to
you.”
    How did I tell him I wasn’t in the mood to
discuss it with him? I sensed an edge of hostility in his voice.
What was his problem?
    “Yes, well, it was unexpected.”
    “That house is a historic fixture here in
Honeysuckle. We’d hate to see it get into the wrong hands.” He
ambled behind the counter and watched my every move.
    Did they think I’d trash the place? Have
crazy parties and paint the outside purple? I couldn’t believe my
ears. I figured it would be best if I got my junk food and
left.
    “Well, it’s in good hands with me.”
    The store was loaded with delicious-looking
chocolatey fatness and many other calorie-loaded items. My waist
could definitely do without those. Even though my mouth watered at
the thought of a sugary cake, I spied a small produce section. A
large watermelon sat in front, all green and ripe. The memory of my
grandmother carving away at the big piece of fruit flooded my mind
and I could almost taste the juiciness. I hoisted the watermelon
into my arms and carried it to the counter.
    The man eyed me up and down. “That’ll be five
dollars even.”
    I handed him the money, grabbed my
watermelon, and made a beeline for the door before he had a chance
to badger me anymore.
    “You’re not going to throw any wild parties,
are ya?” he called when I reached the door.
    Yes, ’cause I had so many friends in this
town. “No parties planned.” I glanced over my shoulder.
    “Uh-huh. We’ll see about that,” he said as he
placed the money in the register.
    The conversation was over as far as I was
concerned.
    Next thing I knew, I was strolling home with
a large watermelon in my arms. What was I thinking? The walk back
to the old Victorian wasn’t all that close and my arms soon ached
from the weight.
    “Late night snack, Rae?” the silky male voice
asked.

Chapter Seven
    I recognized the sexy southern drawl—it
slithered across the night air and tickled my ears, making me melt
just a little. Sheriff Kent Klein pulled his cruiser alongside the
curb. His chiseled features always made me stare just a little too
long. I wondered if he noticed. If he did, he never let me
know.
    He sure was easy on the eyes. A tall glass of
water, as Claire Ann would say. The soft light from the console of
his car shone against his face, revealing a bright white smile and
highlighting his short blond hair. Long, thick lashes outlined his
gorgeous brown eyes.
    We had talked on occasion when he’d come into
the store. He used to be best friends with my ex. I’d never been
sure what had happened between them. I’d never had the chance to
ask, and Ross hadn’t volunteered the information.
    Kent was probably wondering why I was
carrying a giant watermelon down the street at night. “It’s such a
beautiful summer night. There’s a slight breeze and I wanted to
enjoy it, although looks like there are storm clouds are moving
in.” Why was I blathering on about the weather? With a tilt of my
head, I gestured toward the watermelon. “I thought I’d have
something sweet.”
    “You have a sweet tooth?” He winked.
    I knew without looking into a mirror that my
face had turned bright red. Lucky for me it was dark and I prayed
he hadn’t noticed.
    “I heard about the house. Are you doing okay
there? Do you need any help?” he asked.
    “It was a bit of a shock, but I guess I’m
okay.”
    He stared for a beat, then said, “Well, you
let me know if you need anything. Anything at all.”
    I wasn’t sure what came over me next. “Would
you like to join me?” I gestured toward the watermelon.
    “You need help carrying it? Let me carry it
home for yo—” Radio static cut off his words. A voice announced
something that I didn’t understand. He replied, then turned to me
and frowned.
    “I’ve got to go. I’m