Page 6 of Autumn Falls

Chapter Three

Autumn

“So, are we going to talk about how you couldn’t keep your eyes off the sniper dudes? Don’t get me wrong, from what I could see, they were buff, but damn.”

“Um…I met one of them in the café.” I turned pinker than my jacket, which was easy because the cool fifty-two degrees out was already getting to me. I should have already known since it’s November twenty-third. I love the Harvest Fest currently, but it doesn’t mean it isn’t this early in the day. In about an hour, I’ll be removing my coat and setting it in the car, or we’ll be heading home.

My sister must be feeling the same way too, because she tightens up her scarf and whips out her gloves. “Girl, it’s freezing. I think they lied about the weather.”

“No, Elle. We’ve just been standing in one place too long. We need to get the blood flowing and find some hot goodies to snack on.”

“While we do, why don’t you tell me about the hot sniper dude?”

“Um…there’s not much to tell. Well, I guess a lot happened in a short time, including me running into the fucking harpy from hell, CG.”

“Oh my God. No. Of all the people.”

“Yes, and she tried to make me look terrible in front of him, which I don’t think worked, but he left shortly after that, so who knows?”

“Well, if he let her sway his decision on you, then he’s a fucking cunt.”

“Who’s a fucking cunt?” I close my eyes.

“I’m assuming that would be you, but I might take that back.” My sister is bold as hell and never holds back.

“I hope so. Autumn, I’m sorry I cut our morning short, but duty calls and all. I’m Owen, by the way.”

“This is my sister Elle.”

“I’d say it’s a pleasure, but I’m sure we’d both know I was lying,” he says, sticking his hand out to shake hers.

She lets out a laugh and I’m actually getting a bit jealous of the way they’re getting along. “I think I like you, Owen. So I’ve never seen you in town before; what brings you here?”

“Business, of course, but I’m planning on making Meadow Falls my home,” he says, never taking his eyes off me. I recalled what he said in the café about the fact that I didn’t like it. Was that what he was referring to?

“Would you like to walk with us, or are you still on duty?” my sister asks, doing the work for me. I could give her a high five.

“Walking with Autumn was my plan all along. I can do both since I’m only here in a voluntary capacity.”

“Interesting.”

“Yes, I’m not a tactical officer, but rather a former military specialist.” My sister’s brows raise, but I don’t like the way her eyes linger on him. Is she interested or checking up on him?

“Well, I’m going to get the pie for Dad. Go look around.” It’s the latter. Thank you, Elle.

“Okay. See you soon.” She nods and walks toward Griselda’s booth.

“She seems extremely protective of you. I appreciate it. How much older is she than you?”

“She’s twenty-three. I’m twenty.” He frowns. “So, are you thinking you flirted with the wrong sister?”

“No. Not one bit. I’m just glad you have someone to look after you when I’m working, but it bothers me that your sister has to. She said the pie is for your dad, not your parents.”

“My mother ran off with another man when I was fifteen and my sister helped take care of both my dad and me when she was just starting college.”

“You’re sincerely honest.”

“There’s no reason not to be. Everyone in this town gossips. I’m surprised the other officer didn’t tell you all the details.”

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