Читать книгу The Military K-9 Unit Collection - Valerie Hansen - Страница 20

EIGHT

Ten agonizing minutes later, Jason and the bomb tech emerged from the dark shack.

Elated at the sight of the tall cowboy, Serena bolted up the steps and flung herself into Jason’s arms. He hugged her tight and captured her lips for a deep, life-affirming kiss.

Stunned and bemused, she returned the kiss, losing herself in the sensation and warmth of his touch. Relief that he was safe melted through her limbs.

A throat cleared, reminding her they weren’t alone. She pulled back to stare into Jason’s brown eyes. “We got him and we’re safe.”

He flashed a grin. “Yes, we are. You’re my hero.”

A flush of pleasure coursed through her veins. “What was that you were saying about when this was all said and done?”

“We’ll get to that.” His words held a promise she tucked into her heart. He slipped an arm around her waist and led her down the stairs with Ginger at their heels.

Serena quickly introduced Jason to the FBI agent.

As the two men shook hands, Jason said, “Agent Davison, we need to talk. I was able to get useful information out of the killer.”

“Wonderful,” the agent replied. “Good job.”

The sheriff strode forward and stuck out his hand. “Mr. Hargrove. Well done.”

“I’m not the hero,” Jason said loudly and he pulled Serena in front of him and put his hands on her shoulders. “It was all Deputy Evans. She took down the Red Rose Killer. She deserves the credit.”

Serena’s throat closed out of embarrassment. She didn’t need Jason fighting her battles. She met the sheriff’s narrowed gaze and lifted her chin. “We did it together.”

Jason stepped to her side and draped his arm around her shoulders, drawing her attention back to him. “Naw, it was all you and Ginger.” The dog let out a woof as if in agreement.

The affection in his eyes set her heart fluttering. She wished they were alone so she could explore the feelings gathering within her.

“Deputy Evans.” The sheriff’s harsh voice broke the moment.

She swung her gaze back to him. But then Mayor McIntyre rushed forward, forcing the sheriff and Jason to step aside. She hugged Serena. “I was crazy worried.”

Serena hugged the woman back. “Me, too.”

Releasing the mayor, Serena turned her attention to the sheriff. She owed the man an apology. “I’m sorry I disregarded your orders, sir. But I had a lead and I had to follow it.” And she would again if it meant taking someone like the Red Rose Killer out of commission.

Grudging respect shone in the old man’s eyes. “You did good, kid. We’re all proud of you.”

She nearly fell over at the words. “Thank you, sir.”

Jason touched her elbow, drawing her attention. “I’m going with Agent Davison. We’ll talk soon.”

She watched him walk away, marveling that God had spared them both. But what did the future hold for them?

* * *

Three days later Serena dressed in her best sheriff’s uniform and put her hair in its customary braid. Ginger was washed and groomed, her coat shiny beneath her Sheriff’s Department vest. They were ready to go. Yet she hesitated at the front door, not relishing leaving the house.

Ever since the news broke about the capture and arrest of the Red Rose Killer, the media had been camped outside her home wanting an interview. Everyone was saying she was a hero, but really if Ginger hadn’t distracted Boyd, Serena wasn’t sure what would have happened.

Jason had taken none of the credit and he had made a point to say publicly that the sheriff should be proud and grateful to have the K-9 team of Ginger and Serena working for the Dill Sheriff’s Department.

And today Mayor McIntyre was giving Serena and Ginger a commendation for outstanding service. The whole town would be present.

But there was only one man she wanted to see. A certain cowboy.

We’ll talk soon, he’d said. But she hadn’t heard from him in any way in the past three days. She’d thought about driving out to the ranch but then talked herself out of it. He obviously wanted to go back to his isolation. And after hearing the harrowing story of his wife’s and partner’s murders, she understood his pain.

She’d just thought she and Jason had connected... She gave herself a mental shake. Stop it. He knows how to find you. She wasn’t going to go begging for his attention despite how badly she wanted to see him.

“Okay, Ginger, we have to leave or we’ll be late.” Unfortunately, her car was parked out front, which meant braving the media.

A loud rap on the front door startled her into irritation. Some intrepid reporter, no doubt. She blew out a breath, plastered on a smile and yanked open the door.

Jason stood there wearing a well-tailored navy suit, crisp white shirt and tie. A black Stetson covered his head and black snakeskin cowboy boots completed the picture. Her gaze skimmed over his clean-shaven jaw and met his warm brown eyes. Surprise and pleasure poured through her, making her knees weak.

In his hands he held the most beautiful bouquet of pink, orange and yellow gerbera daisies. Her favorites.

She opened her mouth but no words formed.

He cocked an eyebrow. “May I come in?”

Shaking off her stupor, she stepped back, allowing him to enter her home. Ginger barked and ran to sit at his feet, looking up at him with eager affection. He bent down and scrubbed behind her ears. His warm brown-and-gold-flecked gaze met Serena’s. “Hello, beautiful.”

Heat flooded her cheeks. “I’m surprised to see you.”

He straightened. “I hope it’s a pleasant surprise.”

“Definitely.”

“I brought you these.” He held the flowers out.

She took them and headed for the kitchen to put them in water. “I love gerbera daisies.”

“I know.”

She froze then turned to stare at him. “How?”

He winked. “Ex-detective, remember?”

Charmed, she laughed softly. “Seriously, how did you know?”

“I met your parents in town this morning, and I asked your mother.”

Serena’s mouth dropped open. “You talked to my parents? About me?”

“I did. Nice people.” He took her hands in his. “And I wanted to let them know I intend to date their daughter.”

Delight cascaded over her like a waterfall. “You’re asking me out?”

“For starters.” He drew her close and brushed his knuckles along her cheek. “I want to know you and see what God has in store for us.”

She laid her hand on his chest and felt his heart beat beneath her palm. “I like the sound of that.”

“Great. But for now may I escort you to your commendation ceremony?”

“Yes.” She slipped her hand around the elbow he offered. “Ginger and I would love to have a handsome escort.”

In fact, she could get used to having this amazing man beside her for the rest of her days. God willing.