Page 47 of Redeeming Melodies

"Clara's isn't exactly kid-friendly long-term," I found myself saying, wanting somehow to help.

"That's actually what I need to tell you." He turned those green eyes on me, something almost nervous in his expression. "I, uh, might have already bought the place by the coast. The Old Miller”

"You what?" The words came out sharper than intended.

"Called my realtor yesterday morning. Made an offer they couldn't refuse." He ran a hand through his hair. "Crazy, right? Buying a house in a town I barely know?"

"No, I mean- that's great." And it was great. So why did my chest feel tight? "Tommy will love it there."

"Yeah, about that..." He glanced at his son, then back at me. "The thing is, it needs some work before it's livable. Probably a couple weeks of repairs at least."

"Oh." Something hopeful fluttered in my chest before I could squash it.

"I was actually going to ask... I mean, if you know anyone in town who might have a temporary place-"

"I've got space." The offer burst out before my brain could catch up with my mouth. "Decent sized house, couple spare rooms. Until the Miller place is ready."

Elliot's eyes snapped to mine, surprise and something else flickering across his face. "Jake, that's-"

"Just practical." My heart hammered against my ribs. "Better than a hotel room for a kid."

"You sure?" His gaze held mine, searching for something. "We don't want to impose."

"It's no imposition." Why was my mouth still talking? "Got a yard too. Room for him to play."

A genuine smile spread across his face - different from his usual smirk, softer somehow. It did strange things to my insides.

"Guess we're going to be neighbors then," he said quietly. "Once the house is ready."

"Guess so." The thought of Elliot and Tommy becoming permanent fixtures in Oakwood Grove made something warm settle in my chest.

Our eyes met again, and that electric current crackled between us. Neighbors. Just neighbors. Nothing more complicated than that.

Right.

"One more drink?" Elliot asked, leaning closer. The whiskey had softened his sharp edges, making him look younger, more vulnerable. "Keep the town sheriff company for a while?"

“You’re on, Speedster.”

MORNING LIGHT

One second I was dead to the world, lost in the kind of sleep that only comes after days of running on empty, and the next my heart was trying to punch through my ribs. Fight or flight doesn't give a shit about context - that's what my first racing coach taught me. Your body reacts before your brain can catch up.

The knock came again, softer this time. Like whoever was on the other side knew better than to wake a kid at - I squinted at my phone - seven in the fucking morning?

Tommy's gentle breathing from the main room steadied me. He'd crashed hard after yesterday's excitement, his small body sprawled across the bed like he was trying to claim every inch of territory. Some battles weren't worth fighting.

My feet hit the cold hardwood - Clara's inn might be charming, but central heating wasn't its strong suit. The mirror caught my reflection as I passed - bed head, yesterday's sweatpants riding low, and exactly zero shirts. Whatever. Probably just Clara with fresh towels or something.

I cracked the door open and my stomach did this weird flip thing because standing there, looking way too put together for this hour, was Jake fucking Thompson. His uniform wasmissing, replaced by worn jeans and a soft-looking flannel that did nothing to hide those shoulders. The blush creeping up his neck when he realized I was half-naked? That was just a bonus.

"Morning, Sheriff." I couldn't help the grin spreading across my face. "This a wellness check or are you missing our late-night chats?"

His eyes snapped up from where they'd definitely been checking out my chest. "I, uh-" He cleared his throat. "Thought you might need help getting settled. Took the day off."

That threw me. "You took a day off? For us?"

"Someone's got to show you around properly." He shrugged like it wasn't a big deal, like small-town sheriffs regularly played tour guide to strays they picked up on night patrol. "Unless you've got other plans?"

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