Forever in Love Read Online Free PDF

Rae’s place.” He paused meaningfully. “She wasn’t home.”
    “But she has my purse, and it has my car keys and everything.”
    “Now, don’t be hasty in making accusations, ma’am. You don’t know if she has your purse.”
    “It seems to be the consensus around here.”
    “Did you see her take it?”
    “No, but—”
    “Did anyone else see her take it?”
    “No, but—”
    “So we don’t know what really happened to it.”
    He had to be joking. Everyone in town seemed to know that Willie Rae was a kleptomaniac. Why was the sheriff defending the woman? Was he just trying to dot his
i
s and cross his
t
s in case he got sued?
    “If she’s not home,” Earl began, “there’s nothing I can do.”
    “Can’t you find her? It’s not a big town.”
    “Probably can, if I have the time to look around some. We don’t exactly have a big city force here in Cooter’s Bluff.”
    Catherine rubbed the bridge of her nose. That made sense, but she didn’t have to like it. “I see.”
    “If you want, I can stop by her place again tomorrow. Where are you staying?”
    “On Peach Street. Um… I can’t remember the exact number. That’s also in my purse.”
Which you’re refusing to look for
.
    “It’s the Blue House,” Blaine said.
    “Okay. As for your car, ma’am,” Earl began, “maybe you can call one of the dealers around here and see if they can help out?”
    “You have luxury car dealers?”
    “Yes. Mercedes and BMWs and such over in Greensville.”
    She raised an eyebrow. “I’m pretty sure they don’t have anybody who handles Aston Martins.”
    Something flickered in Earl’s gaze. “No, they don’t. I suppose we have to wait until you get your purse back unless you want it towed back to your place.” He turned to Blaine. “You mind her leaving her car here overnight?”
    “Not a bit.”
    “Excuse me, how do I get back to my place?” Catherine asked.
    Earl frowned. “I can take you, if you want to leave now.”
    “I’m not ready to go back just yet.”
    “Well then, I’m sure one of these fine gentlemen will be happy to give you a ride when you are.”
    The slow way he spoke like she was some stupid child infuriated her, but she kept a tight leash on her temper. “Are you seriously suggesting that I get in a car with some stranger I met in a bar?”
    “I know all the men here. They’re good guys.”
    Catherine felt her jaw drop. No wonder Salazar hadn’t wanted to come here himself. This place was no Small Town Americana. It was more like Loony Bin Americana.
    “I’ll drive her on over,” Blaine said. “I don’t mind.”
    “See, problem solved. No need to worry. Have a good evening, ma’am. Blaine.” Earl tipped his hat, the bar-lights reflecting briefly off his cue-ball pate, and left.
    Catherine rubbed her temples. A knot had formed behind the right one, a sure sign of a headache to come. “You don’t have to drive me,” she said to Blaine. “I can figure it out on my own.”
    “It happened here, and I feel partly responsible.”
    “Well, if you’re sure…” She picked up her coat, holding it possessively. “I guess I should be grateful she didn’t steal this, too.”
    * * *
    An hour later, Catherine let Blaine lead her out of the bar, his hand warm at her elbow. He towered over her. He might have been the tallest Pryce; they were all known for their height except for Salazar’s daughter Vanessa. This close, it was easier to see the clean Pryce lines on him. They softened his rough edges. He also smelled nice, warm clean cotton and hard soap. If she’d been looking for a quick, no-strings-attached affair, she might have invited him into her bed.
    But that wasn’t what she was looking for. Her mother was right: she was becoming a fossil. Just look at the way people were starting to address her. “Ma’am” indeed! It hadn’t been too long ago that people had called her “miss.” She needed to get a husband who was rich enough to never go bankrupt as