Page 54 of Sheriff's City Girl

I chewed on the inside of my cheek, wishing that I would’ve had the ability to get information out of my daughter. Emma didn’t even know her, and she was able to talk to her in a way that I couldn’t.

This is why she needs a mom—or at least a female figure to guide her.

“His stepmom is something else, that’s for sure,” Emma grumbled in agreement, making Jess smile. “She’s the first person I’ve ever met that’s offered me recipes for low-carb foods in my café. I actually made a version of one of them—labeled it low-carb—and no one ordered it… Not even her.”

Jess burst into laughter. “She just wants it on the menu so she can take credit for it, probably. She’s always been that kind of person. I didn’t really know her when she tried to date Dad, but it doesn’t take knowing her to know how ridiculous she is. Cody says that she’s crazy.”

“That’s because I think she might be,” I grunted, gaining the attention of both of the women. “I couldn’t get rid of her.”

“That’s what Lily told me,” Jess said, just before yawning.

We all fell into silence at that. By the time I pulled up in front of Emma’s house, Jess was fast asleep in the backseat. I glanced back at her, knowing that she would be tired in the morning… But I would get her up anyway. That was just tough shit when you decided to sneak out in the middle of the night. I was certain that Lucas could find some ranch work for her to do, too.

“Well, thanks for taking me home,” Emma said in a near whisper, pushing the door of the truck open. “I’m glad it was nothing more serious than it was—which was serious enough,” she added quickly. “I just mean, I’m glad she’s safe.”

I smiled at her. “Me, too. I’ll walk you to the door.”

She seemed surprised, but didn’t object, waiting for me to slip out of the Bronco and join her. I walked her up the concrete path to her front door, the motion light kicking on as soon as we made it to the porch.

“Thanks for talking to Jess,” I began, shoving my hands into the pockets of my jeans. “I don’t know what you said, but it must’ve worked. I was expecting her to put up a lot more of a fight about it all.”

Emma shrugged. “She’s a good kid, Mason. She knew that she shouldn’t have snuck out—there’s just so many pressures in the world. Not to mention, she’s really taken by that kid.”

“He’s Graham’s kid, isn’t he?” My stomach knotted up uneasily at the thought of her getting involved with that family. There was something about them I didn’t like, and maybe it was just my small-town bias, not wanting outsiders to come to town… But I wasn’t sure.

“Yeah, he is Graham’s kid—but I have no idea who his mom is,” Emma said, giving me a puzzled look. “That being said, you should probably know that he’s started working for Lucas out at the ranch. He’s helping Jake. I guess they know each other somehow? I don’t know. That’s just what Jess told me. She was working really hard to get me to accept him.”

“Lucas sometimes hires high school kids to help out at the ranch, though it’s a little surprising he hired the kid of the developer that’s trying to buy the ranch.”

“Maybe he’s just trying to keep the peace?” Emma suggested. “Maybe by hiring Cody, he’s trying to get Graham to back off.”

I nodded. “That’s a good point.” I had to agree with her on that. It made sense that Lucas would try to do that. He wasn’t the kind that got into conflict if he could avoid it. He preferred to bend and give to avoid confrontation…

And maybe that’s why he was so damn hardheaded about reporting the missing cattle.

I could only guess, though.

“Anyway,” Emma cleared her throat as she reached for the doorknob. “I need to get to bed. It’s way past my bedtime.”

“No kidding,” I chuckled, glancing down at my watch. “It’s damn near morning.”

“Basically,” Emma laughed, giving me a fatigued smile. “I’m glad that everything was okay. I know she’s in trouble, but that’s always better than her not being safe—or not getting in trouble for doing something silly.”

“Yeah, I guess that’s one way to put it,” I agreed with her, feeling the tension rise between us as I lingered there on her doorstep. Her potent green eyes seemed to be waiting for me to do something, and something in my chest was in agreement with her.

I pulled my hands from my pockets, and leaned toward Emma, threading them through her hair. She let out a sharp breath as I cupped the back of her head, bringing her lips to mine. I was sure my daughter was still sleeping, but even if she wasn’t…

I didn’t care.

Our kiss was soft, but still passionate as my tongue stroked hers for a brief second before I broke it and pulled away.

“Goodnight, Emma. I’ll call you.”

She smiled, her cheeks still flushed and lips slightly swollen. “Goodnight, Mason. Get some sleep—both of you.”

I tipped my hat to her and waited for her to step inside and lock the door before I headed back to the Bronco. My heart was beating out of my chest as I headed across her yard. There was no doubt that I was starting to feel things for the woman…

I just hadn’t deciphered exactly what they were—and I couldn’t let them distract me from the investigation or my relationship with my daughter. That all had to come first...

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