Read Online Dead Man's Rules by Rebecca Grace - Free Book Online Page B

Jerry smacked his lips together after tasting the offering.
    “Yep, great,” the skinny man next to him agreed.
    A strange sensation ran over Cere as she watched the men, a prickling of the hair along the back of her neck. Swiveling, she discovered a pair of eyes, shiny as polished onyx, focused on her. Her heart thudded and she drew back, startled.
    The eyes from her dream?
    No. These eyes belonged to a real man and their piercing blackness cut across the short distance between them like sharp edged blades. He sat in a small booth that wrapped around the back wall. Thick black hair curled over his ears. His striking, neatly clipped beard was streaked with thin gray rivers. Deeply tanned, his proud, chiseled face was that of a Native American warrior straight out of central casting for a Hollywood Western. His white cotton shirt outlined large shoulders. A bolo tie held together by a silver and turquoise thunderbird hung loosely at the open neck of his shirt.
    He watched her, ignoring the food in front of him. A small plate with half eaten pancakes and a pool of congealing syrup sat across from him, but the other seat at the table was empty.
    Cere met his gaze and attempted a smile. During her years at Scope she’d grown used to people staring at her or having strangers approach her, but this man’s steady gaze was unsettling.
    She pointed at the bolo tie. “That’s beautiful. Where did you get it?”
    A long finger stroked his beard. “Thanks. My cousin makes them.”
    “Do you have his card?” That would make a perfect gift for Alan.
    “She doesn’t have cards, but I can put you in touch with her.” The man shifted, appearing uncomfortable. “You’re Cere Medina.”
    She nodded. His dark scrutiny made her uneasy.
    “You don’t remember me?” As he looked down, his long, feathery lashes swept across one tanned cheek, and she flashed back. He was the boy she and Freeda had the crush on.
    “You’re a friend of my cousins. Chico. I met you years ago.” The implication hit her immediately. He led the expedition to the Palladium. Maybe she could get him to take her again so she didn’t have to worry about strange, threatening guys. Maybe he’d do an interview.
    He tapped his nose as his lips twitched. “Right on the button. Anything else?”
    She blinked. What did that mean? Suddenly she was aware of her appearance. Her hair was a mess, tied in a ponytail that threatened to fall. In tank top, shorts and sandals, she hardly looked like a national television reporter.
    “Think about it,” he said, gaze steady.
    Oh, damn. That deep voice. She recognized it even as the sun reflected off the badge on his white shirt. She should have guessed it from the moment she found him staring at her. Chico, her old crush, was now Sheriff Rafe Tafoya.

Chapter Eight
    Cere stared at the sheriff in disbelief. He was not what she’d expected from their phone conversation. Before she could respond, Lottie returned, her face bright pink. She looked from one to the other and clapped her hands together.
    “You’ve met. I’m so pleased. Rafe is my favorite neighbor. His aunt Rosalie was one of my best friends in high school.”
    Not anxious to admit their earlier discussion, Cere nodded at him.
    Lottie hovered at the edge of the booth. “Hon, I’m sorry, but I need to do something… so I have to run. Josie’s wrapping my breakfast to go.” She reached over, picked up her purse and pulled out a set of keys. “Here are my car keys and this is the house key. I’ll call when I’m done or Millie can bring me home. I hate leaving you girls to eat alone…” She gave the sheriff an expectant look.
    He waved at the table and smiled, showing a row of very white, straight teeth. “They’re welcome to join me.”
    Cere eyed the half eaten meal. “Looks like you have company.”
    “Fickle female. Already deserted me. Please…” His eyes fixed on Cere as he pushed the other dish to the far corner of the table.
    “Thanks,