He was really handsome with that crooked grin. Dark-brown hair, just long enough on top to be unruly (and littered with debris at the moment). Brown eyes set deeply beneath prominent brows. A square jawline, the amount of stubble riding the line between five o’clock shadow and beard.

  Well, she’d wanted a distraction.

  She thought of her boyfriend and winced. She was supposed to be there by now—she’d updated him on her progress only fifteen minutes before the accident. He’d be worried, and she had no way to notify him.

  She’d just had to get her hair done, hadn’t she?

  “So, what do you have for me?” Cooper asked.

  “What?”

  “You were going to give me all the dirt, remember?”

  “I recall the conversation but, sad to say, I’m fresh out of dirt.”

  “What do you do for a living, Katelyn?”

  “I’m a nurse. If I had the tools handy I could stitch up my own forehead.”

  He leaned in, studying her wound. “I don’t think it’s going to need them. You’ll have a heck of a bruise though. And probably a headache. Where were you coming from? Walnut? Marshall?”

  “Asheville. My old hair salon—big mistake.”

  His gaze roved over her carefully curled beach waves. “Doesn’t look like a mistake to me.”

  Something fluttered in her stomach. “Well, it ended with me on the edge of a cliff so . . .”

  “Asheville . . . That where your family’s from?”

  “I don’t have any family to speak of.”

  “No parents? Siblings?”

  “I have foster parents and a lot of foster siblings.” She paused before going on. “I had a brother—we were really close.”

  “Tell me about him.”

  She didn’t normally talk about her brother. Then again, she didn’t normally hang on the edge of a cliff. “His name was Spencer. He was my best friend. He was a private person, kind of a loner. But once you got to know him . . . he was a softy on the inside. And so creative—he could just pick up an instrument and teach himself to play it.”

  “Sounds like someone I could call friend.”

  She smiled. That was just the right thing to say. “What about your family? Are they from around here?”

  “They are. We’re close, though my siblings are a pain in the butt sometimes.”

  “Where do you fall in the lineup?”

  “Dead center.”

  “Ah . . . the middle child.”

  “We’re not all jealous and needy. Was your brother older or younger?”

  “Younger by two years.”

  “Which makes you the oldest child. Are you driven and compulsive, Katelyn? Always right?”

  “I guess I bucked the trend too. My upbringing probably had something to do with that. Having a dozen or so foster siblings tends to disrupt the natural order of things. Aw, don’t look at me like that. My brother and I were loved. The Clemsons were good people—we landed there when I was eight. They run a gas station in Asheville.”

  At the thought of Jill and James, her stomach twisted. She’d gone into town for a haircut and hadn’t even made time to see them. Had she ever told them how much their love and support meant to her? To Spencer?

  “I’m a terrible person,” she muttered.

  “What?”

  She lowered her lids in a slow blink. “Can you open Notes on my phone?”

  “Is this where you tell me all your dirty secrets?” He pulled the phone from his pocket, touched the screen, then looked up at her, waiting.

  “I want to leave my foster parents a note.”

  The humor fled his eyes. He scowled, lowering the phone. “You don’t need to leave a note. You can tell them whatever you want the next time you see them.”

  She couldn’t leave things unsaid. Not after all they’d done for her. “Please.”

  He gave her a long, searching look. Then his eyes softened to melted chocolate, and he let out a resigned sigh. “All right. But you’re going to feel silly when you open your phone later and see this.”

  She collected her thoughts as he stared down at the phone, thumbs poised. Then she began, speaking slowly enough for him to keep up.

  “Dear Jill and James, I don’t have words to express how much you’ve meant to me. You took us in when we had nothing and no one. You loved us as your own.”

  Her eyes stung. She cleared her throat. “I’ll never forget helping you make peanut butter cookies in the kitchen on Saturdays, Jill. Even now it’s my favorite cookie because of all the precious memories it represents.” She paused. “Is that stupid?”

  “No.” His voice was rough. He returned his attention to the phone.

  “Jim . . . You had the patience to teach me to drive and even change a flat. You’re a legend for that and so many other reasons. Christmases in your living room, countless meals around your dining room table, prayers by my bed. You are the center of my best memories, and I love you more than words can say.” She paused for a beat. “That’s it. Just sign my name.”

  After she spelled it for him, he pocketed the phone. Then he held her gaze for a drawn-out moment. Something passed between them. She’d just bared her heart to a stranger, and he seemed to understand.

  “Thank you,” she said.

  “You’re welcome. Now, can we stop being so maudlin and get on with the fun stuff? I bet we can find people in common. I know some folks from Asheville: David Young, Evelyn Murdock, Richard Lewis—”

  “Richard was my pastor. He’s a good guy.”

  “I’ve never been to his church, but yeah. Good guy. So you’re a believer.”

  “I am.” She studied his face, something softening inside. She’d known there was something special about him. “So if I, you know, fall off this cliff and die in a fiery crash, at least you’ll know I’m headed to heaven.”

  “Now, now, no martyr’s death for you. You’ll more likely die in your sleep at the ripe, old age of ninety, having told your children and grandchildren all about your narrow escape from death and the handsome deputy who rescued you.”

  “You call this a rescue, Deputy? So far you’ve only flagged down a vehicle and asked a bunch of nosy questions. And let’s not forget, I’m still hanging on the edge of said cliff.”

  His lips turned up, almost a smile. “So you do think I’m handsome?”

  Laughter bubbled out of her. “If you’re asking if I prefer to look at you instead of the sheer drop-off in front of me, then yes. And should you really be flirting while you’re on the job?”

  “Technically, I’m off duty.”

  “Yes, well, technically I have a—”

  The car pitched forward and whatever she’d been about to say died abruptly in her throat.

  3

  Katelyn screamed.

  Cooper pivoted, throwing his weight against the window frame, pushing back with all his might. It was futile—the car outweighed him by more than a ton. But he had to try. He grunted with the effort, his skin breaking out in a sweat.

  Katelyn’s scream echoed in his ears.

  The car’s frame groaned. Then it stilled.

  He didn’t move. Didn’t lessen his efforts. Was afraid to remove his weight.

  “Oh, dear God in heaven . . .” Katelyn’s breath came in gasps. “Don’t let me die. I’m too young to die.”

  “You’re not going to die,” he squeezed out. “Hear me, Katelyn? You’re not going anywhere but home.”

  Her whimper ripped at his heart.

  Pressed to the window frame and facing the trunk, he couldn’t see her. But she’d grabbed his arm, was wrapped around it like a snake. Her nails bit into his bicep. Even so, it was nice. If only he could forget about the ton of metal. And, oh yeah, the cliff.

  “You’re right. I can’t die—who’d keep Oreo in business?”

  “That’s the spirit. And I don’t like Oreos, so clearly your work here isn’t finished.”

  “That’s not possible.” Her breath whispered against his skin. “Everyone likes Oreos.”

  “I really don’t care for sweets in general.”

  “And here I was starting to like you.” Her words trembled. “You’re very calm in a crisis, Deputy.”

  “Part of the job.”

  “Whoops.” She removed her nails from his arm. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to cut off your circulation.”

  “Yeah, I really hate it when pretty women hang on to me.”

  Once she was back in place, he eased his weight off the door frame, one pound at a time. When he’d completely removed himself, he backed away from the vehicle.

  “If this car does go, you won’t be able to save me, you know. I’d rather you didn’t die trying.”

  “The car’s not going anywhere. And I’ve already decreed this a rescue. I’ve even filled out the accident report in my head. Done deal.” He sank back onto the rock. “Now, where were we?”

  She let out a mirthless laugh. “I have no idea.”

  He did. Things had just been getting good. But the brush with death had sobered him right up. His damp T-shirt clung to his back. “What brings you to Riverbend, Katelyn? I assume that’s where you were headed. Planning to hike the Appalachian Trail?”

  “My idea of roughing it is sleeping on two-hundred-thread-count sheets, so no.” She gave him a wry smile, but the corners of her eyes were tight.

  “Not everyone’s a thru-hiker. Lots of people just do day hikes. There are some good ones around here: Lover’s Leap, Roundtop Ridge, Hickory Fork . . .”

  “My brother always wanted to hike the whole AT. He talked about it all the time, starting in Georgia in the spring and working his way up to Maine.”

  “That’s the way most people do it.”

  “Have you hiked the whole trail?” she asked.

  “Only parts of it. Georgia and North Carolina. Takes a lot of time and I have to, you know, work.”

  “That work thing gets in the way, doesn’t it? I’m not a complete slacker though. I do jog for exercise.”

  “Oh yeah? Like that runner’s high, do you?”

  “No, I just like to eat cookies. Do you work out?” Her gaze flickered over him. “Scratch that. How do you work out?”

  “I have a home gym. And I hike a lot, of course.”

  “I guess you have to stay in shape for your job.”

  “I like working out. Great stress reliever.”

  “What do you get stressed about?”

  “Did I mention my family?” He instantly regretted the words, given her lack of relatives.

  But she laughed and set her head against the headrest, her chest still heaving. “I’m so hungry right now. How ridiculous that I’m thinking about food at a time like this.”

  “Why didn’t you say so? I have protein bars in my bag.” He started to get up.

  Her eyes flashed with fear. “Oh no you don’t. If I go down in flames, you’re gonna be right here watching.”

  He sank back down, tsking. “There you go again, hurting my feelings.”

  “You’re pretty soft for such a tough guy.”

  “Tough guy, huh? And handsome too . . . I’d better get your number quick.”

  “Isn’t it already on that accident report? Besides, as I tried to tell you before—”

  The sharp, piercing wail of a siren interrupted her. His gaze locked with hers. “Hear that?”

  Her features eased as she released a soul-deep sigh. “Thank You, Jesus.”

  “What’d I tell you, huh? Done deal.”

  Her pretty lips turned up at the corners. “This isn’t quite over yet, Deputy.”

  And then he smiled back. Because that was exactly what Cooper Robinson was hoping.

  4

  Cooper was late. But that happened all the time with his job. He still had to stop at his apartment for a quick shower. He was sweaty and grungy from the ordeal, and he had minor scratches on his arms and neck from the thicket.

  When he arrived at his place, he found five texts on his phone. One from Gavin, one from his sister, Avery, and two from his mom—all asking where he was.

  He texted Avery that he’d been delayed, knowing she’d spread the word. Amber Clarke, a hairstylist from the Beauty Barn whom he’d gone out with twice, had also texted him. She couldn’t be further from his mind right now.

  He could think only of wide blue eyes and a sprinkle of freckles across a pert little nose.

  That and the letter she’d written to her foster parents. Man. Sometimes he forgot how blessed he was. Maybe his dad was a loser, but he had a great mom. And his stepdad, Jeff, had turned out to be a lot cooler than Cooper had thought at the age of ten when his mom married him. Plus, Cooper had gotten a decent stepsister out of the deal.

  He whipped his belt from his jeans as he walked into his bedroom. That’s when he realized he still had it—Katelyn’s phone. He pulled it from his pocket, a dopey grin tugging his lips at the thought of her. He hadn’t felt like this in . . .

  Yeah. He’d never felt like this.

  He went through the motions in the shower, reliving the rescue in detail. Rick Rodriguez, the deputy on duty, had arrived on scene first. The fire truck came next, followed by an ambulance and a tow truck. From there the scene had gotten hectic. He left Katelyn in the paramedics’ capable hands while he helped Rodriguez with the accident report. Cooper stayed until the vehicle was secured and Katelyn was safely removed. She checked out fine. Pictures were taken, and at that point he realized he was over an hour late for dinner at his parents’. He couldn’t hang around any longer, and Rodriguez had offered to give Katelyn a ride.

  Cooper turned off the water and dried off. When he spied Katelyn’s phone on the bathroom counter, he smiled again. In his rush to get to his folks’ house, there’d barely been time for a quick good-bye. But Katelyn’s address would be on the accident report, and now he had the perfect excuse to contact her.

  Ten minutes later Cooper started his Silverado and pulled from the apartment lot. He hated being late for this, especially since they were waiting supper on him. And because this event seemed important to Gavin. His brother had just begun to climb out of his depression, and Cooper wanted him to feel supported. Wanted him to find some happiness. Maybe Gavin would quit pretending to be a campground manager and go back to being a highly sought-after contractor.

  It appeared Cooper had come full circle—his thoughts were right back where they’d been when he found Katelyn on the cliff. Katelyn. There was that grin again.

  He was off duty tomorrow. He’d drive to Asheville and return her phone—then he’d ask her to dinner. Normally he started with a coffee date, but they were way past lattes and Americanos. Maybe he’d take her on a picnic at Riverview Park. Picnics made a great second-date activity. Most women found them romantic, and there was ample opportunity for conversation—and enough privacy to make out if the occasion arose.

  But no, not Riverview Park. He wanted to take Katelyn someplace new. Someplace he’d never taken anyone else. Maybe they could drive down to Max Patch, have a picnic on the summit, and catch the sunset. All of this was contingent upon her agreement, of course. But—not to be arrogant—he couldn’t remember the last time a woman had turned him down. And he’d gotten certain vibes on that cliffside.

  It took only five minutes to reach his folks’ place. He pulled up to the white clapboard farmhouse situated on three and a half acres—basically, Gavin’s and his childhood playground. His mom and Jeff had bought the property shortly after they’d married. A fresh start, they said.

  Cooper wasn’t sure of anything at that point, much less his new stepfather and stepsister. Up till then it had been Cooper and Gavin against the world, united by their love for their mother and disdain for their father, Craig Burton—otherwise known as the town drunk.

  Cooper pulled up to Avery’s blue Jeep and shut off the ignition. Everyone was present and accounted for, car wise. He exited the truck, the familiar sounds of cooing doves and rippling river taking him right back to childhood.

  Gravel crunched under his feet as he headed toward the front door. He tried to get into the right frame of mind. He would have to work at this tonight. He’d used an entire day’s worth of words back on the cliff. Who was he kidding—an entire week’s worth.

  He mounted the porch and, as was his habit, walked right into the house. From the entryway he had an open view of the first floor. His mom, wearing jeans and a red shirt, stirred something on the stovetop. At the island Jeff poured a drink, the pendant lights glaring off his high forehead. Avery and Gavin were seated at the dining room table. Conversation hummed and a Luke Bryan song played softly. The savory smells of homemade cooking made his bachelor’s stomach rumble.

  “Sorry I’m late,” he called. “There was an accident on 70.”

  “Hi, honey.” Mom’s greeting mingled with the others. “Can you grab that extra chair from your bedroom closet?”

  “Sure.” He headed upstairs. His old room looked pretty much the same these days except cleaner and with the bed made. The Corvette Z06 poster was gone, as were his Braves memorabilia and basketball-hoop hamper.

  He found a folding chair in the closet and carried it downstairs, the steps creaking in all the familiar places. Old framed photos stairstepped down the wall. His mom and Jeff on their wedding day, photos of the kids opening gifts at Christmas, Cooper in his baseball uniform, Avery graduating high school, Gavin and his son, Jesse, frozen in time on his third and final birthday.

  “You hear what happened, Coop?” Jeff called as Cooper took the last step.

  A knock sounded on the front door.

  “I’ll get it.” Cooper turned and grabbed the knob, then pulled open the door and stilled at the sight of the familiar woman on the porch.

  5

  “You.” Katie stared unblinking at the deputy. What was he doing here? At Gavin’s house? Did she forget to fill out some form back at the accident site? But how did he find her here?

  “Katelyn.” His eyes softened and his lips lifted in a bemused smile. “What are you doing here?”