Crazy for Lovin’ You by Teresa Southwick

commissioner’s job.
    Taylor moved closer and looked up at him. “Have you seen Mitch Rafferty?”
    â€œNope,” he said, shaking his head. “But I’ve talked to him.”
    â€œReally?” She hoped she’d added just the right amount of indifference to the single word.
    â€œHe talked to me about the places he’s already checked out for the championships if that’s what you’re asking.”
    She smiled. “You know me too well. At the risk of presuming on our friendship, what do you think of my chances for getting the nod?”
    â€œGood. Why? Are you worried about it?” He lifted his dark brown cowboy hat and ran a hand through his hair, before replacing it.
    â€œConsidering what the Stevens’ sisters did to him—yeah,” she said.
    â€œThat was ten years ago,” Dev pointed out. “We were all young and foolish back then. Every one of us made mistakes.” His words were meant to be encouraging. But there was a shadow in his eyes and his mouth tightened into a straight line. She couldn’t help wondering what else he was remembering.
    â€œYou mean Jen?”
    â€œI mean all of us. But Jen jumped in with both feet. I’m just not sure her eyes were wide-open.”
    â€œHow can you say that? Was it foolish to lead with her heart? To elope with the love of her life?”
    â€œShe was only eighteen. What did she really know about Zach Adams?”
    She didn’t miss the fact that he hadn’t actually answered her question before asking one of his own. “Jen knew she loved him and he was the only man for her. What are you saying?”
    â€œWhen a girl is that young, the stars in her eyes can blind her to things. If she’d just waited, maybe—”
    â€œWhat?” Taylor demanded.
    He shook his head. “Doesn’t matter anymore. Zach’s gone.”
    He muttered under his breath what sounded like some things are best forgotten. But she knew the stubborn set of his jaw meant he wouldn’t say more. Still, she wondered about the little he’d told her. She had a feeling that Mitch Rafferty’s return had triggered memories for someone besides herself.
    â€œYou’re in a mood today,” she said. “Anything wrong? Have you heard from Corie?”
    Dev had been divorced for over a year. His young wife had left him and his two-and-a-half-year-old son for a career in New York. Taylor had been engaged when she’d been jilted. She couldn’t help wondering if rejection hurt more after the wedding.
    He shook his head. “She sent a package for Ben’s birthday next month with a note that said she would be too busy to see him.”
    Taylor touched his arm, a gesture of sympathy. “How’s Ben doing?”
    He smiled, but it was sad around the edges. “He’s the best thing I’ve ever done. But if it wasn’t for Polly Morgan…” He shook his head. “I don’t know what I’d do without her. Full-time housekeepers and nannies don’t grow on trees. And she’s like a mother to the boy.”
    â€œDoesn’t she have a daughter?” Taylor asked. “As I recall, she’s a real brainer. Skipped a couple grades in high school.”
    He nodded. “Hannah. As a matter of fact, she’s here now, for a visit. She’s a doctor.”
    â€œStaying with you?” she asked.
    â€œYeah.”
    â€œIs she pretty?”
    â€œI guess.”
    â€œDo you like her?”
    â€œDoesn’t matter. She’s dedicated to her career. I need a woman like that about as much as a snake at a garden party.” He shuffled his feet nervously. “Besides, I won’t see her much. She’s filling in for Doc Holloway while he’s away on a family emergency. Started today.”
    â€œUh-huh.” Taylor couldn’t help grinning. For a man of few words, that was a lot like a jump up and down, kick your feet, put