Arrested Romance (Oak Spring Series Book 2) Read online

  Pete kissed her nose when he reached for his tie that was lying on the bed beside her. “A wild animal?”

  Mikki stood. “Don’t let it go to your head, big guy.”

  His hands circled her waist while she clipped the tie at his throat. As she tucked the corners under his collar, she asked, “Do you want me to take Austin to my house after I pick him up today?”

  “That would probably be easier for you. I appreciate your helping out.” He held her close and wiggled his brows. “I’ll have to find some way to pay you back.”

  Mikki winked and said, “Yes, you will.” She kissed him then walked toward the door. “I’m beat. I’m going home.”

  Pete followed her to the kitchen. “I’m glad you came by. I like it when you wake me up.”

  “You just like me to make the coffee.”

  He pulled her against him. “No, I like our mornings, too. You know, I’ve been thinking we work together pretty well.” He glanced over his shoulder and lowered his voice. “I love morning sex. It starts my day off right, and it relaxes you. I can go to work with a smile on my face, and you can sleep like a baby.”

  He kissed her and whispered in her ear, “We have a good thing, and I’m liking it more and more all the time.” After kissing her again, he stepped back. “I have to take Austin to school and then go to work. And you need to go home before you fall asleep on your feet.”

  Mikki yawned. “You’re right, I have to get to bed. That’s the only bad thing about working the seven-to-seven shift in the ER—your body screams for sleep while the rest of the world is shouting good morning.”

  “I’m really sorry about not telling you about Austin sooner.”

  “No problem. Don’t forget to remind him that I’ll pick him up this afternoon.”

  “Okay, thanks . . . and be careful.”

  Her face went serious. “You too, Sheriff.”

  When she reached the door, Austin walked into the room. “Good-bye, Austin. It was nice to meet you.”

  “Yeah, you too.”

  “I’ll see you after school.”

  He flopped into the recliner. “Whatever.”

  She noticed Pete roll his eyes and shake his head. Yeah, this is going to be fun. She hid her grin on the way to her car.

  “She seems pretty cool,” Austin said after Mikki left.

  “She is, and you better treat her with the utmost respect. Understand?”

  “Sure. So, I guess this is pretty serious between you two?”

  Pete looked through the window and watched Mikki get into her car. “Yeah, you could say that.”

  Chapter 4

  Pete parked next to the flagpole in front of the school building. “Okay, let’s go,” he said to the sullen boy next to him.

  Austin sank lower in the seat. “Did you have to wear that uniform? They’re going to think I’m in trouble or a snitch or something.”

  “Every kid in this school knows I’m the sheriff, whether I wear the uniform or not. It’s my job. And who cares what anyone thinks? If they say anything, just tell them the truth—I’m your uncle.” Pete opened the door and stepped out. When his nephew didn’t join him, he walked to the passenger door, placed his folded arms on the open window, and leaned inside. “If you don’t get out now, I’ll drive you to school in the squad car, with the siren blowing, and give you a big fat favorite-uncle kiss right here in front of God and everyone each and every morning . . . until the last day of school. And you know I’ll do it. Your call.” He turned and started walking toward the building then chuckled to himself when he heard the truck door slam and Austin hurrying to catch up.

  The hallway was quiet and empty. Colorful handmade posters lining the walls fluttered when the door opened. They stepped into the office, and the young lady behind the desk said, “Hello, Sheriff.” She glanced at Austin and back at Pete. “What can I do for you?”

  “This is my nephew, Austin Riley. He’ll be staying with me for a while, and I want to enroll him in school.”

  “Sure, if you will fill out these forms, I’ll let the principal know you’re here.” She turned to Austin and asked, “What school did you attend last? I’ll call and have your records faxed to us.”

  “Patterson Junior High.”

  “Thanks. Have a seat, and Mr. Dipton will be right with you.”

  They sat down, and Pete studied the forms. “When’s your birthday?”

  Austin rolled his eyes. “Seriously? You don’t even know when my freaking birthday is?”

  “Hey, I have four brothers and sisters and eight nieces and nephews. Do you think I can remember everyone’s birthday? That’s what they make calendars for. Now, when is it?”

  “August twenty-fourth.” Austin sat back and folded his arms across his chest.

  “Do you think you can do better?” Pete shoved the clipboard toward the boy. “Go ahead, and make sure they can read it.”

  Austin took the pen and leaned over the paper. After filling in a few spaces, he asked, “What’s your address?”

  “Seriously? I’ve lived in the same house for five years. You’ve spent two weeks out of every summer with me since you were practically out of Pull-Ups, and you don’t know my freaking address?” Pete rolled his eyes and crossed his arms for emphasis.

  Austin stared at his uncle for a minute, and then they both laughed. He handed back the form.

  “Are you current on your shots?” Pete asked. A panic-stricken face was his response. “Yeah, you have to be, or they would have said something at your other school.”

  A few minutes later they were shown into the principal’s office. Pete and Allen Dipton shook hands, then the three sat around a large table in the corner of the room.

  The woman from the front desk knocked on the door and stepped inside. She handed the principal a folder and said, “These are the school records, and they also sent the mother’s consent form.” After she left, the principal read through the paperwork.

  “It appears you were having a hard time at Patterson. You skipped classes more than once, went to detention a few times, and had a couple of Saturday schools.” He peered over his glasses at the boy sitting across from him. “But it also says your grades were good, above average, until the middle of last year. You made A/B honor roll consistently until you hit seventh grade. That’s a tough year for a lot of kids.”

  He pulled off his glasses and placed them on the table. “Okay, Austin. This information is between you, me, and your uncle. Those kids out there will only know what you choose to tell them. You come in with a chip on your shoulder, and there will be a dozen lined up to knock it off. You give them a chance, and they will give you one. It’s up to you. This school is no different than any other. We have good kids, and we have some who aren’t quite living up to their potential. You’ll be able to tell the difference right away. My advice is that you choose wisely who your friends will be.”

  He leaned back and punched a button on his desk phone. A woman answered, and he asked, “Will you get Mr. Riley a schedule and have someone show him to class?” When he turned his attention back to the table, he said, “Welcome to Oak Springs, Austin. I think you’ll like it here. Do you play any sports?”

  “No, sir.”

  “Well, don’t be surprised if Coach Applegate tries to recruit you for the basketball team. You look like you could make a few baskets if you tried.”

  There was a knock, and a girl with freckles and a long copper-colored braid stepped into the room.

  “Hello, Page, come in. This is Austin Riley. He’s a new student. Do you mind showing him around and making sure he can find his classes and locker?”

  “Sure. Nice to meet you, Austin. I’m Page Graham.” She held up a piece of paper. “Mrs. Davis gave me your schedule. We have two classes together. Come o
n. I’ll take you to your locker first, then I’ll show you your classrooms.”

  Pete looked at Austin, who was staring at the girl with his mouth agape, and nudged him. “Go on. And remember, Mikki will pick you up after school. Don’t make her wait.”

  Austin stood, almost knocking his chair over. He approached the girl and cleared his throat. “Hi. Thanks for showing me around.”

  “No problem. Come on, the lockers are right around the corner. Don’t worry, you’ll like it here, the kids are pretty cool.” Austin followed Page out of the room without responding.

  When the office door closed, Pete sat back and grinned. “I think his first day of school just got better.” He turned to the principal and said, “The kid is going through some tough times. His mother and I thought it would be a good idea to get him away from the crowd he was starting to get involved with.”

  “Every kid his age is going through a tough time. It’s called adolescence. We have the same issues here that all schools have. There are the trouble makers and the ones who try to stay out of trouble. It’s up to him to decide which group he wants to belong to.” Mr. Dipton sat forward and opened the file again. “He’s behind in his work. If we can’t get him caught up and improve these grades, he may not pass.”

  Pete rubbed a hand down his face. “What about a tutor?”

  “Yes, that would probably help. I’ll see if I can find one for him.” The men stood and started toward the door. “Sheriff, I want to thank you again for helping us initiate the Dads-On-Guard group to patrol our playgrounds and halls. The Watch DOG program is working. It’s great seeing the parents get involved.”

  “Glad to hear it. What about the drug issue? Have you had any more trouble?”

  “Nothing I can prove. There have been rumors, and we’re watching a few kids, but there’s nothing I can put my finger on right now.”

  “Bryer County just purchased a drug dog. They told me they will bring him down any time I ask. If you want to do a walk-through, let me know. We’ll have him sniff the lockers, restrooms, and anywhere else you want checked.”

  “I appreciate that. It wouldn’t be a bad idea, just to show the kids and parents we’re staying on top of things. I’ll get back with you.”

  Pete pulled a business card from his shirt pocket and handed it to the principal. “Call my office, and I’ll set it up.” The men shook hands, and Pete headed for the station.

  Chapter 5

  Pete entered the sheriff’s office and waved at the woman behind the front desk. “Good morning, everyone.”

  The female officer made a production of reading her watch. “Sleep in this morning, Sheriff?” There was a snicker from the deputy sitting at a desk behind her.

  “Nope, I was wide awake,” he said with a wink before closing his office door behind him. He sat down and studied the reports from the night before.

  The phone on his desk buzzed, and the woman at the front counter said, “You have a call on line two, Casanova.”

  Pete shook his head and laughed to himself as he answered the phone. “Sheriff Foster here.”

  “Good morning, Sheriff. This is Dr. Martin at St. Johns Hospital. I have a patient who was brought in last night with a gunshot wound. I was told your office wanted to interview him as soon as he was awake.”

  “Yes. How is he?”

  “His condition is serious, but stable. You may talk to him later this afternoon, but I can only allow you a few minutes.”

  “I understand. I’ll try to keep it as brief as I can. Thank you, Doctor.” Pete hung up and pressed the intercom. “Trina, I’m going to be out of the office this afternoon.” After completing some paperwork, he spent the next few hours on patrol. When his stomach reminded him that he had missed breakfast, he stopped at the diner.

  “Hi, Sheriff,” the dimpled waitress said when he stepped inside.

  “Hello, Penny.” He glanced around the room and saw Derik Stone in a corner booth. He walked over and slid into the seat across from the local mechanic.

  The two men had become friends when Derik’s wife, Kelly, first arrived in town trying to escape a bad relationship. Pete had even taken her to a women’s shelter operated by one of his retired partners when the man followed her to Oak Springs. The first time he met Mikki was at Kelly and Derik’s wedding a few years earlier. When the spunky brunette had returned to town to testify in the trial of Kelly’s abusive stalker, he asked her out. They saw each other as often as possible during that visit, and once she returned home, there were e-mails, texts, phone calls, and more than one weekend visit. Because the women were best friends, the four had spent a lot of time together since Mikki moved to town.

  Derik glanced at his watch. “Hi, Pete. Are you here for lunch or just taking a break?”

  “I need to question a patient at the hospital later, so I thought I would eat while I had the chance. What about you?”

  “I have to be at the school in a few minutes. I decided I better grab a bite first.”

  “I just left the school.”

  “Problems?”

  “No. My sister’s son is going to be staying with me for a while. I had to get him enrolled.”

  “Oh, really?”

  “Yeah, he’s a good kid, just getting involved with the wrong people and making some poor decisions. His dad is out of the picture, so I’m trying to step in and see what I can do to help.”

  As the restaurant began to fill up, Derik said, “Looks like there are a lot of people out today.”

  Pete scanned the room. “Yeah, and a few new faces, too.”

  Penny laid their tickets on the table. “Are you talking about those guys in the corner? They stop in every two weeks, like clockwork. The one in the red cap, he’s a cheeseburger, hold the onion, extra mayo. That one in the blue plaid shirt, he orders the house special, no matter what. The fellow with the mustache, now he’s a hamburger, well done, with a double order of fries. They’re good tippers.”

  “Every two weeks? What kind of work do they do?” Pete asked.

  “I don’t know. I’ve never asked, and they’ve never said.”

  Derik pulled out his wallet. “Well, I enjoyed the lunch, but I need to go. Since they caught two kids selling drugs in the high school, they’ve asked the dads to volunteer to patrol the halls and playgrounds. But I guess you know all about that.”

  “Yes, that stuff is everywhere, but I hate to see it in my town. I take it personally. Glad you’re helping out.”

  “It’s not much, but I’ll do whatever I can to keep that junk away from my kids.” He dropped a few bills on the table. “Is Mikki working tonight?”

  “No, she’s off.”

  “Do you guys want to do something?”

  “I thought we would just hang around the house, let Austin get settled in. I want him to get to know Mikki.”

  “Has he met her?”

  “Yes, this morning.”

  “This morning? She came over this morning?” Derik punched his friend on the shoulder. “Why don’t you just admit how you feel about each other and take the plunge? You know you want to marry her.”

  “She’s been here less than a year. You don’t think that’s rushing it?”

  “She may not have been living here, but you guys have been seeing each other since the trial. And what difference does the length of time make? If you love each other, go for it.”

  Pete stood and threw money on the table beside Derik’s. “This is just between us, and I mean that—don’t say anything to Kelly because I know she would call Mikki in a heartbeat—but I’ve been thinking about making things permanent.”

  Derik slapped him on the back. “It’s about time.”

  Chapter 6

  When the bell rang, students started shoving books and papers into their backpacks
. The teacher at the front of the room raised her voice to be heard over the noise. “Remember, class, your book report is due on Friday.”

  Austin packed his notebook and pencil in his bag and tossed it over his shoulder. He was checking his schedule when Ms. Jansky said, “Austin, do you know where your next class is?”

  “I have lunch now, then I go to science.”

  “Who is teaching that?”

  He looked at his schedule again. “Ms. Littman.”

  “Oh, you’ll enjoy her class. She sometimes brings her farm animals to school. Don’t be surprised if you’re working at your desk and a rabbit hops up and sits on your paper.”

  “Seriously?”

  “That’s what all the kids tell me.” As they approached the classroom door, Ms. Jansky said, “I promise you’ll like her. Everyone does.”

  Stepping into the hallway, Austin noticed Page standing beside the door.

  The teacher said, “Hello, Page. How are you?”

  “Hi, Ms. Jansky. I thought I would show Austin where the cafeteria is, since he’s new.” She peeked at the boy and blushed.

  “That’s very thoughtful. I’m sure he appreciates that. You two enjoy your lunch.” She turned to the young man who was staring at his toes and said, “Welcome, Austin. I’m glad to have you in class.”

  “Thanks,” he mumbled.

  The two were immediately caught in the flow of students pushing their way down the hall. The sound of slamming lockers and voices reminded Austin of Patterson. Only the faces were different. He stepped around a boy trying to stuff a backpack into a bottom locker then fell in step beside Page.

  “Come on, we better hurry. Did you bring your lunch?” asked Page.

  “No.”