The Maverick & the Manhattanite. Leanne Banks

      “That’s a first,” he muttered.

      Lissa frowned at him and seriously considered giving back the flowers.

      Gage lifted his hands. “Hold on. I’m here to apologize. You’re right. I’ve been acting like a jerk lately.”

      Lissa dropped her jaw, shocked for the second time.

      He sighed. “I haven’t been myself since the flood. I shouldn’t have—” He cleared his throat. “Kissed you and then taken out my frustration on you. It wasn’t fair. If I act like a jerk again, I give you permission to haul off and slug me.”

      “Oh, I have to confess I’ve imagined what it would be like to haul off and slug you, but the kiss,” she said with a laugh. “The kiss wasn’t bad.”

      He blinked then shot her a smile so charming it took her breath away. “Let’s start over. Hi. I’m Sheriff Gage Christensen,” he said and extended his hand. “And you are?”

      She couldn’t resist returning his smile and his handshake. “I’m Lissa Roarke. It’s very nice to meet you.”

      “I’m gonna make sure it’s very nice to know you,” Gage said.

      Lissa felt a funny little twirling sensation in her stomach. “I look forward to that,” she said, and she really did.

      * * *

      The next morning, she walked to the sheriff’s office and sat at the desk she’d been given in the corner of the front room. She made a list of the calls she planned to make. She was getting excited that the first volunteers would be arriving soon and she could do more than plan. Soon, she would be able to make those promised repairs happen.

      A few seconds into her work, a coffee cup and muffin appeared in front of her. She looked up, surprised to find Gage delivering the caffeine and sugar. “Thank you very much. How did I rate this?”

      “You’re overdue. You rated it before you got here. Though you might not have any room for that muffin if Melba fed you before you left,” he said.

      “I’ve learned how to scoot out the back door if I don’t want a full country breakfast. Some mornings, it’s the most delicious splurge in the world. Other mornings, I don’t want that much food.”

      Gage chuckled. “In my world, I’d love to have that kind of breakfast every day. But maybe not having it’s for the best.”

      Lissa took a big bite of the muffin and chewed on the pastry.

      “Looks good,” Gage said in approval.

      “It is,” she said and took another big bite of the muffin.

      “Gage,” the dispatcher called from across the room. “Harry Leonard’s lawn ornaments were stolen again.”

      Gage groaned. “Somebody needs to give his neighbors’ teenage kids something to do. Looks like I may have to be the one. Tell him I’ll be right over.” He turned back to Lissa. “Let me know if you need anything. Will is escorting a prisoner to Livingston.”