Bluegrass Undercover (Bluegrass Brothers)

back before resting it on the curve of her hip. “Are you about ready to go home?” he whispered into her ear. His warm breath danced over her skin, resulting in goose bumps and shivers that were definitely not caused from being cold.
    Home. The word meant something now. She gave him a full smile and nodded. She really wanted to get home and be with him. He expertly extricated her from the conversation and steered her out of the room. She slipped on her coat when she noticed John Wolfe again.
    “Hey, he knew I was DEA. Did you tell him?” She casually nodded in his direction.
    “Who, John?”
    “Yes, he came up to me and told me he was glad I was here to clean up the drug mess and offered any information I needed.”
    “He’s a local legend. He knows everything, but no one knows how. I’m not surprised he knows about the drugs, and I’m not surprised he knows you are DEA. I would be surprised if we ever found out how he knows all this. If he offered to help, take him up on it. He and the Roses are the heart and soul of this town. He’ll find out anything you need and will move heaven and earth to protect Keeneston.” Cade leaned over and gave her a gentle kiss on the lips before saying good-bye to some of his friends gathering their coats.
     
    They approached his home, and she saw the curtain in the front window move aside and a big black nose press against the widow. A purple bow was tied in his hair today. Justin barked his greeting as he bounded toward the door with his hair flying and bow bouncing.
    A sense of peacefulness settled over her as she watched Justin land two big paws on Cade’s chest and cover his face with his kisses. She may not have experienced the feeling often, but she knew what it was. She was happy, and she was in love with a man and his goofy dog.
    Cade laughed as Justin bounded around. Annie slipped out of her coat and leaned against Cade. He slipped his arm around her shoulders and tucked her head against his chest.
    “Cade?”
    “Yes.”
    “I love you, too.” She felt the hitch in his breathing as he heard her soft words. He spun her around and kissed her fast and hard. His hands were everywhere, and she was suddenly standing there in nothing but her black bra, panties and heels.
    “God, I have been dying to tell you how much I love you, but I was afraid I would scare you away.” His tie went flying and landed out of sight. “I was afraid before. I’m glad you didn’t push it. But, I know it now with certainty. I know what I want, and it’s you.” She didn’t speak anymore after that. He didn’t give her time. He decided to show her a kind of love that didn’t need words.
     
    *     *     *
     
    The playoffs. Jesus, the playoffs. Cade took a couple deep breaths and wrung his hands. He was stalling going into the locker room. He knew it, but he couldn’t let the boys see his nerves. He had never made it to the playoffs. Heck, he’d never coached before either. How was he going to do this?
    “Coach?”
    “Austin, what can I do for you?” Cade watched as his quarterback squared his shoulders and looked him right in the eye.
    “Over Thanksgiving, I realized something. We both know I was supplementing with S2. I told myself it was for the team. To help win State and to help me win a scholarship. I thought it made me better, but it made me worse. I had dinner with Bonner, and he’s still in physical therapy and has to take all these medications. I don’t want that to happen to anyone else. I realized what happened to Bonner could happen to me or any of my teammates who are taking S2. I have talked to the team. We’re all clean now, but I know what I need to do. I need to turn myself in to you as a drug user. I know you’ll want me off the team. Maybe I could get some counseling from Miss Hill and come back next year?” Austin stood his ground and was prepared to take his punishment. Cade couldn’t help but respect him. He had grown up.
    “After the game, let’s meet in my office in the field house with your parents and Miss Hill and discuss the situation. I am very proud of you for talking to me. It shows great leadership, Austin. Real quarterbacks need to lead on and off the field.”
    “Yes, sir.” Austin went back into the locker room and Cade felt his adrenalin surge. He had a plan and it would work if he got some help from John Wolfe.
     
    Cade ran the length of the sidelines, cheering Trey on as he made his way to the end zone. There was