Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 27306 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 137(@200wpm)___ 109(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27306 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 137(@200wpm)___ 109(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
“He went out the backdoor when he saw us pull up,” Bush tells her.
“So, to your knowledge, nothing was taken from the house and he didn’t hurt you or threaten you?”
“I didn’t notice anything missing, but I haven’t been in this house in almost ten years. I couldn’t tell you where Nana keeps all of her valuables. Maybe he found what he was looking for and this is over now.”
I don’t want Lori to know that the man came back last night, but I shake my head. “There’s no way to be sure of that, and we don’t have anything to go on. I think it would be best for me to stay here and keep an eye on the place for a while.”
“Well, me or one of the other deputies can do that. You’re the sheriff. This isn’t your job, Sir.”
I think he’s trying to be helpful, but I can’t stop the twitch of anger I feel. Not my job? Protecting Lori is my job and mine alone. I pull him out of Lori's earshot and tell him, “I’ve got it. You have other things to tend to.”
“Are you sure?” he asks. “I mean, I’m single. I wouldn’t mind spending a little quality time with the girl. Maybe she’ll find an interesting way to repay me.”
He grins from ear to ear, but that stupid grin fades as soon as he sees the expression on my face. Who the fuck does he think he is? Does he really think he has a chance with my girl?
“You think that’s funny? What the fuck is wrong with you?” I growl.
“I’m sorry, Sir. I didn’t mean anything by it. I was just kidding. I mean, you have to admit, she is beautiful.”
I clench my fists, doing my best to keep them from flying up and crushing his face. “She is beautiful and out of your league. Keep your distance or you and I are gonna have a problem. You understand me?”
“Yes, Sir. I’m sorry.”
“And keep your fucking mouth shut, too. If I catch you and the other deputies talking about her, I’ll hand you your fucking heads.”
As we complete the statement, Deputy Bush asks Lori for her name and date of birth. A little quick math and he’s floored when he realizes she’s just eighteen. She looks young but he wasn’t expecting that.
She’s so responsible with her perfectly charted notes on caring for her grandmother, and she gave up the life of a teenager to do it. I suspect he may be a little smarter than I’ve given him credit for.
After my outburst over his comments, he might just sense that something is happening between us. I can’t fault him for being surprised.
This age gap might prevent another man my age from pursuing her, but she’s just so damn perfect. I don’t think anything can change the way I’m feeling right now. I sense on a primal frequency that she’ll always belong to me…even if she doesn’t know it yet.
Doesn’t matter one bit because she’ll eventually realize her place is with me as my girl, my wife, and eventually, the mother of my children.
I lead Deputy Bush to the door. Once outside, he asks, “Should I swing by later so I can keep an eye on the outside?”
“No. I don’t want any noticeable police presence here. I’m going home to get some things and coming back in my truck and plain clothes. We have nothing to go on. The only way we’re gonna catch him is to catch him in the act.”
“That’s smart, Sir.” Bush drives away, leaving me grateful I didn’t have to knock his block off. These deputies may not have much experience, but they’re the most qualified applicants for the job and somebody needs to watch over the rest of the town while I focus on Lori.
Back inside, I find Lori helping her Nana up from her nap. I call her away for a moment and tell her, “I’m going home to pack some things. Can I pick anything up for you while I’m out? How about dinner? I don’t know if you remember but the barbeque place has excellent takeout.”
“Sure, that sounds great.”
I’m sure her gut is telling her to argue, but maybe I’ve convinced her it isn’t necessary.
“Take care of your Nana.” I lean down and kiss her forehead. “Maybe after dinner, we can finish what we started earlier.”
She bats her beautiful eyes at me, and just like that, I’m like a horny teenager again.
6
LORI
Luke kissed me, and it was better than anything I imagined. I was overwhelmed at first. But then, somehow, it just felt natural like breathing or blinking.
I don’t know what he’s thinking, but my mind is racing. I don’t know if that kiss is the beginning of something more or just his response to a very emotional moment. Now that he’s away from me for a while, will he consider it a mistake? I pray he doesn’t. The sheriff has me hooked now and I want more.