The Naughty List Bundle - Kylie Adams [132]
Jordan coughed suddenly, then suggested, “Uh, maybe you should just come on out of there?”
“No, I’ve almost got her. She’s worked herself into a tiny little ball. Let me just scrunch in here a bit more.”
“No, wait. I’ll pull the desk out.”
Misty was sure she heard repressed laugher in Jordan’s voice, but the sound was muffled because most of her upper body was wedged into the seating area of the desk. “No, if you do that she’ll just run off again. At least this way I have her cornered.”
Jordan made a strangled sound.
“What?”
“Never mind.”
Misty tried wiggling her fingers at the cat. She had hoped to be gone already, out the door before Morgan awoke. Working with him was more enjoyable than she’d thought it would be. She liked getting to know everyone in the town, and it was so obvious to her how they all adored their sheriff. He was treated with respect and reverence and a bit of awe.
“So your arrangement with Morgan is working out?”
She snorted, wondering which arrangement Jordan referred to. The work or the personal relationship. “Yes, things are fine. Although Morgan does like to complain a lot.”
“Well, as to that,” Jordan said cautiously, “I think he complains because things aren’t going quite the way he planned.”
“Things aren’t going quite how I planned, either.” She laughed, then added, “Morgan gripes because it’s a habit, just like scowling at everyone.” Misty thought of all she’d learned about Morgan in the past week, how he reacted with the various community members who liked to stop by and offer suggestions or complaints or idle chitchat. His patience was limitless, and why not? He usually controlled everything and everyone without anybody even realizing it. He was careful not to offend, strong and supportive, understanding. But the final word was his, and they all respected that about him. In fact, she often got the impression that they brought their minor gripes to him so he would take charge, saving them the hassle.
Overall, she admitted he made a pretty wonderful sheriff.
“You know, Jordan, Morgan would like the world to think he’s a real bear, but Honey’s right. Deep down he’s just a big softy.”
There was a choked laugh, then a loud thump. Jordan cursed under his breath.
“Now don’t tease, Jordan. You know I’m right. Even though you all harass each other endlessly, you know your brother is pretty terrific.”
Jordan’s voice was lazy. “I think you and Honey are sharing that particular delusion. She’s as misguided about him as you are.” Then: “Just think. With you two singing his praises, Morgan will be known as a real pussycat in no time at all.”
Laughing, Misty said, “I wouldn’t go that far!”
Her laugh startled the cat, and when she tried to run, Misty reached out and scooped her up. “I’ve got her.” She started crawling backward, inching her way out. The cat didn’t fight her. Instead, it purred loudly at the attention.
Misty held the small calico close to her chest and scooted until she bumped into a pair of hard shins. Startled, she turned and looked up to see what Jordan was doing, and was met with Morgan’s blackest look. He had his big feet braced, his hands on his hips and his jaw locked. He didn’t move.
Jordan stood behind him, grinning.
For some fool reason, Misty felt her face heating. How long had he been there? What had she just been saying about him? She pulled her gaze away from his and frowned at Jordan. “You could have warned me.”
“Warned you about what?” Jordan asked innocently.
Morgan reached down and caught Misty’s elbow. “Come on, Malone, quit abusing my brother.”
Judging by the way Jordan rubbed his shoulder, Misty had the suspicion Morgan had already done enough abusing, but she had no idea why. Jordan didn’t seem bothered by it, though. He looked entertained. She frowned at Morgan. “What do you want?”
He didn’t appear to like her question. “We need to get to work.”