Just for the Summer by Jenna Rutland

closer. “I’m not one of them.”
    His breath warmed her cheek, and she detected the faint scent of mint. A rush of heat
     nearly buckled her knees.
    Dani yanked on the handle of her designated drawer which protested with a squeak.
     She wadded up the silky underwear and shoved it inside.
    Time for a subject change. “I’m making spaghetti with low-carb pasta tonight.”
    “Unfortunately, I can’t stay for dinner. We’re short a deputy tonight.” Matt opened
     a locked drawer and removed a gun. “If you need anything, send an SOS. I’ll see if
     I can help.”
    “I’ll be in the kitchen. How bad can it be?”
    “Sweetheart, we’re talking about my mother. The possibilities are endless.”
    “I’ll be fine—maybe.”
    A few coins jingled as he dropped them in his pocket. He grabbed his wallet off the
     top of the dresser. “What’ll you do the rest of the evening?”
    An idea popped into her head. “How would you feel if I introduced Sam to Tae Kwon
     Do?” At Matt’s raised eyebrow, she continued. “I’m a second-degree black belt. I’d
     love the chance to teach Sam the basics.”
    He grinned. “So I should be lucky you didn’t kick my butt over the underwear comment?”
    She narrowed her eyes at him. “Martial arts isn’t about being a bully. It’s about
     fitness. Increasing strength, flexibility, and coordination.” She tossed a pair of
     socks into the drawer. “Training improves the brain’s ability to focus and helps self-control.”
    “And how is yours?”
    She held back a smile. “Stellar.” She stowed her empty duffel bag under the bed. “I
     think it would give Sam’s self-esteem a boost. Plus he needs regular exercise to help
     with his blood-sugar control.” She gave him a sheepish grin. “Can you tell I feel
     strongly about this?”
    “Yeah, and I get the feeling there’s a story behind it.”
    She glanced at the floor, searching for the right words. “When a person loses control
     of their life, they’re desperate to find a way to grasp any personal power.” Aware
     of her candid words, Dani hesitated before looking him in the eye. “I began training
     after I’d hit a low point.”
    He studied her closely, and she fought back the memories. She’d become pregnant through
     no choice of her own, had stood helpless while her family struggled to deal with the
     situation. Lost friends she’d been naive enough to assume would be supportive. After
     Sam’s adoption, she’d made a vow to herself to always strive for power over her life.
    “I think he’d love it, especially spending time with you,” Matt said. “I appreciate
     it.”
    Real hardship there. One-on-one with her sweet boy was more than she’d hoped for when
     planning this trip. She would teach Sam to never be a victim. To persevere with integrity
     no matter what life threw his way. She might only be his birth mother, but she could
     leave him the only gifts circumstance would allow.
    “I’ll talk to Sam tonight, if it’s okay with you,” she offered. “We can get started
     tomorrow.”
    “Sounds good.” Matt aimed for the doorway. “I need to head out.”
    “What time will you be home?”
    “Miss me already?”
    She gave him an exaggerated eye roll. “In your dreams, Sheriff.”
    “Actually, in my dreams—”
    “I’m talking food here. My schedule is still screwed up. I’ll be up late cooking and
     working on my book.” She pushed past him to get to the door first. When she was free
     from the risk of touching him, she glanced over her shoulder and ordered, “Come home
     hungry.”
    He had a look in his eye like he’d just come off a testosterone IV. “Not a problem.
     I’m already there.”

    A ribbon of sweet-scented air wafted past Dani’s nose as the aroma drifted into the
     foyer where she dropped her purse. She’d made enough baked goods in her life to recognize
     the smell of fresh-from-the-oven chocolate cake. Like a cartoon character following
     a streamer of