They drove in silence for the next few minutes. When they pulled into her driveway, she said, “If you weren’t meeting up with Cullen, I’d invite you in for a drink, coffee, whatever.” She knew it was safe to say it because Gaines had to get over to Cullen’s place. But it opened a door for a future opportunity.

“Rain check?” Gaines asked.

“Absolutely.” She leaned over and gave him a peck on the cheek.

He took her face in his hands and brushed the few strands of hair from her cheek. “You are one special lady. Woman. Luna-tic. By the way, you look lovely tonight.”

Then he kissed her softly. She felt the heat rising in her chest until she was completely flushed. It was all she could do to break free of the magical spell. But this was not the time or place for a tryst. She wanted it to be special. Secretly, so did he. He kissed her on the forehead and unlocked both their seat belts. He went to the other side of the vehicle and opened the door and walked her to the front porch. He took her hand and gently brushed his lips across the back of her fingers. “Good night. Sweet dreams.”

Luna was dumbfounded. Speechless. She simply stood there, immersed in the pools of his deep blue eyes. No other words needed to be said. When she unlocked her front door, she glanced in the hallway mirror. “Lovely? If he only knew! Thank goodness for Chi-Chi!” Inside, Wiley was patiently waiting for a hug, his tail wagging to beat the band.

* * *

Several miles away, Cullen was transporting Chi-Chi to her car when it occurred to him that they were rarely alone together. He strained his brain to think of the last time it had happened. He drew a blank. The ride back to the center was about ten minutes. He had to fill up the air with something. Sitting next to her in silence was unnerving.

Chi-Chi broke the ice. “I think your sister is sweet on Marshal Gaines. Do you not agree?”

“And vice versa.” Cullen nodded as he kept his eyes on the road.

“So what do you think they should do about it?” Chi-Chi was as baffled as anyone as to why the relationship between Luna and the fine marshal hadn’t moved ahead.

Cullen thought it was ironic that he should have to answer that question since he was in a very similar situation. At least on his end. “Huh. In today’s world, men have to be very careful with their approach.”