Part 16 (1/2)

Mack helped Chloe out of the car. At the door he paid the cover price for both of them even as she began to protest. Hey, he was Southern. She was dressed up. His mother would kill him if he didnt pay. Inside the door, he pulled Chloe to a stop and tried to locate their table. Her scentsomething very light yet exotic, made him shut his eyes and inhale deeply.

Over there, Chloe said, startling him back to his senses. I see Hannah and the others.

The band played a line-dance tune, but few people were on the floor. It was his experience that most folks needed a jump start of liquid courage before strutting their stuff. And the night was young. Unfortunately. He didnt know how long he could take being close to this new Chloe. As they made their way between the tables, he could see Darden, Sooner and Rollins shaking their heads while they forked over several bills to Breckinridge.

Hey! She greeted Mack and Chloe with a smirk when they made it to the table. Whittaker, never let it be said I dont have faith in you.

What are you talking about?

Darden, Sooner and Rollins looked guilty.

They didnt think youd show.

The Pillar and Post hasnt been your thing for quite some time, Darden said. Its good to see you here tonight.

Breckinridge introduced her date, and Darden, Sooner and Rollins introduced their wives to Chloe. Everyone scooted over so two more could fit at the table. Mack took one look at the pitchers of beer that had already been ordered. Im going to get a pitcher of Cheerwine Cola, he said, then headed for the bar along one wall.

When he did, Breckinridge pulled Chloe and the three wives out on the floor to join the line dancing. Mack couldnt take his eyes off Chloe. Her hair coppery in the flickering light, she was the most vibrant woman in the room. And in clothing that did her body justice, she was hot.

Hed thought the proximity to alcohol was going to be the problem tonight. It wasnt. The problem was one beautiful woman he had no business getting involved with.

C HLOE HADNT HAD SO much fun in a long time. Maybe the change in her att.i.tude was the result of Faiths and Junes makeover. Or maybe the camaraderie of the deputies table lifted her spirits. Or the friendly greetings from townspeople shed met during the week.

Or maybe it was the unmistakable look of appreciation on Macks face.

Hey, nothing was going to happen. But that didnt mean she couldnt let loose and enjoy the moment. Besides, she needed to prove to him she could step out of her journalistic detachment and embrace life.

Despite his frequent sidelong glances, hed made no moves. Shed line danced with the women and even accepted some slow dances with the guys Faith had promised would ask. So much for the ankle bandage benching her. At times it appeared as if Mack might cut in, but he didnt. That was okay. Theyd put the matter of that middle-of-the-night aberration to bed, so to speak, and it was better they both finished the week on a cordial, but detached note.

So did you get your story?

Chloe, now standing in the long line to the womens restroom, turned around to see Mel, the mechanic. Its Chloe, isnt it? Mel added.

This must have been the night for transformations. In an off-the shoulder cotton top, kicky denim skirt and red cowboy boots, the self-described grease monkey was scrubbed clean and apparently ready for a good time.

Mel! Chloe exclaimed. How are you? Yes, I have a story and a half. My editors thinking of expanding it to a series.

I see youre at the deputies table. Couples. Mel gave Chloes outfit the once-over. Business or pleasure?

Omigosh, business, Chloe replied, trying to sound casual, hoping any color in her cheeks would be attributed to the barns warm interior. And dancing. Hannah Breckinridge suggested my story wouldnt be complete without observing some downtime. And Deputy Rollins is performing the next set. She looked toward the front of the line. I hope I get a chance to see it.

We can only hope Hannah needs to use the restroom. If she sees the backup, sh.e.l.l commandeer the mens room until this line disappears. Even off duty, a badge has its perks. And shes not afraid to explore them.

Chloe laughed. She could see Hannah performing such a bold but logical maneuver. She was going to miss this crowd. And the potential for real friends.h.i.+p with Hannah.

How about Whittaker? Did you ever get him to open up? Mel asked.

The opening up hed done wasnt for public consumption. For the first time this week, Chloe felt protective. The feeling surprised her.

He certainly showed me the ropes, she said with exaggerated enthusiasm. From patrol during the tornado watch to serving processes to rescuing Sarah Culpeppers cat from a tree.

Im glad. Mel leaned against the rough wood planking of the barn wall and stared at Chloe with blatant skepticism. And Im glad hes here tonight. Macks good people. He needs to get back into circulation. Begin to trust again.

A bathroom stall opened up, and with a sense of having escaped, Chloe walked toward it. See you.

Anytime.

When Chloe made it back to the table, Deputy Rollins was already tuning his acoustic guitar. Everyone at the table had turned their chairs toward the stage, and Chloe found her seat right up against Macks. The room lights dimmed and the spotlight was Rollins.

And Mack draped his arm loosely over the back of her chair.

It wasnt a move, she told herself. He was a big man, and of course hed need to stretch. But with all the rationalization, the warmth of his arm still made it difficult to concentrate on Rollins, who had a good voice and a half-dozen original songs about love and loss and a couple of bad-a.s.s dogs.

When his set ended, their group broke into a roar of applause. Rollins looked pleased.

Suddenly the smoke and the closeness of all these genial people and the realization that in twenty-four hours she was going back to Brevard and her life of studied detachment got to Chloe. Feeling like Cinderella hearing the clock strike midnight, she stood and said, I need some fresh air.

Me, too, Hannah agreed. Ill go with you.

Although Chloe would have preferred being alone, she didnt argue.

As they pa.s.sed through the big barn door, the person in charge of admission stamped their hands so that they could get back in. Once outside, Chloe took a deep breath. Have they never heard of no-smoking laws?

Hush. This used to be tobacco country, big time. Every farmer had at least a small patch. Old ways die hard.

Chloe walked farther away from the barn in an attempt to distance herself from the party atmosphere. But the parking lot was jam-packed and appeared to be another venue for socializing and showing off new clothes and comparing restored cars. Did these people do nothing but bond and look out for each other?

Inhaling the bracing night air, Chloe kept moving. The thought of walking back to town crossed her mind.

Whats wrong? Hannah asked, putting a hand out to stop her.

Im getting a headache.

I have aspirin.

No, thanks. Sleeps the cure. Chloe hugged herself and gazed up at the canopy of stars. I guess Ill see ifsomeone can drive me home.

Youve been good for him this week.

Good for whom? Chloe spun around to face Hannah.

Mack, of course.

Ha! I havent seen him when he hasnt had steam coming out of his ears.

Hannah chuckled. Believe it or not, thats good for Mack. Until you showed up, he was like a robot. Got the job done, but without any emotion. I dont mean to sound like one of the town matchmakers, but Id like to see you come back after the article runs. I think Mack would, too.