To Love a Cop. Janice Johnson Kay

deserved to see that he has cooler friends than they do.”

      Her eyes sparkled and her laugh was a delighted ripple. “His friend isn’t so modest, though.”

      Ethan shook his head. “Laura, Laura. You don’t understand preteen boys. Modesty is not a virtue they admire.”

      That gained him another laugh. “Then thank you for the dunk, too.”

      “Ah, listen. I had an idea,” he said. “I didn’t want to say anything in front of Jake.”

      Her smile faded.

      “Nothing bad. I was just thinking I could install a hoop above your garage, if you’re okay with it. It would be healthier for him to be out shooting baskets than doing whatever he does in his room.”

      Laura made a face. “Probably computer games.” She looked toward the garage. “Our driveway is flat.”

      “Pretty much perfect.”

      “If you mean that, I’ll go ahead and buy a...backboard. Isn’t that what they’re called?”

      “Yep. I could make one if I had time, but I can’t promise right now.”

      In the end, she agreed to let him pick one up since she knew nothing about them and his vehicle was better suited for hauling something that might come in a huge box than hers was. She insisted on paying for it, though.

      He was starting to turn away when she touched his arm. “I...wanted to ask you something.”

      Ethan tensed at the way she’d lowered her voice. “Sure.”

      “Please be honest with me. Do you, um...” She visibly squared her shoulders. “Are you carrying a gun?”

      He felt a spurt of anger that he knew wasn’t fair. For all she could tell, he might have a backup weapon; a lot of cops never got dressed without donning an ankle holster. He wasn’t one of them. Maybe someday he’d be sorry, but he didn’t think so.

      “No,” he said tersely. “Did you think I’d come to lunch or dinner at your house carrying, after you told me how you felt about it?”

      Those shoulders sagged. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have even asked. It’s just...”

      He got over his pique. “Hey. I do understand, Laura. It’s a hot button for you, and for good reason. I respect that.”

      Desperate eyes searched his. “Thank you. I hope it’s not uncomfortable for you. I mean, being unarmed.”

      He couldn’t resist wrapping his hand around her upper arm and squeezing gently. “No. I’m not one of those guys who can’t go to the john without his gun. I carry a backup only on the job, and even then only when I’m involved in something that might call for it.” He managed a smile. “Didn’t figure the playground was one of those places.”

      “I’m glad.”

      Somehow as he’d turned back to face her they’d ended up so close, only a few inches separated their bodies. Their voices had gone quiet, too; intimate. Her gaze was suddenly shy, her cheeks flushed. Ethan couldn’t stop himself from bending to kiss her cheek, warm, soft and sweet-smelling. He heard her inhalation and went still for a moment. Man, he wanted to kiss her mouth, too, but he made himself straighten, let her go and back away.

      “See you Tuesday.”

      “Oh! You don’t have to pick him up, you know. I’d be glad to drive him.”

      No dinner invitation, then. He still didn’t know if she was attracted to him, too, but thought she was. She’d have her own alarm system, though, and he had no doubt he triggered it.

      “Why don’t you bring him,” he suggested, “and I’ll run him home afterward?”

      “Thank you. If—”

      He mock-glowered. “Don’t say, ‘If you mean it.’”

      She almost laughed. “I promise.”

      “All right.” Even as he was loping across her front yard to the curb, he lifted a hand to her.

      Once again, she remained in the open doorway, watching as he drove away.

      * * *

      SUNDAY AFTERNOON, LAURA spread bills out on the desk as she calculated what she could afford to pay and when. Her sister had picked up Jake to go with them to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, a perfect choice when rain was pitter-pattering down, so she had peace and quiet.

      Her phone rang. She didn’t recognize the number, but it was local, so she answered.

      “Laura?” It was a woman’s voice. “This is Emily. Emiliana?”

      Laura’s hand tightened on the phone. What was she supposed to say? Oh, how nice to hear from you after all these years?

      “Matt’s sister?”

      “I’d forgotten your voice,” Laura said coolly.

      That opened a pool of silence. Finally Emily broke it. “Tino told us what you said to him. He’s ashamed he encouraged his kids to talk about what happened.”

      “Is he? He should be ashamed. Him a grown-up, preying on a child. Did he mention that word has spread throughout the school? That Jake’s friends have quit calling? That he hears kids whispering ‘Murderer’ as he passes?”

      “I’m so sorry.”

      “Does Mama know you’re calling? I’m sure she wouldn’t approve. Or did you sneak out so Guido doesn’t know, either? He never could stand up to her.”