Page 4 of Take Me to the Valley

“But you've gotten used to being on your own, and they are a bit much?” He fills in.

“Yeah,” I agree.

“I get it. They have me over for dinner regularly and even still, after all these years, it's overwhelming. I don't know if I'll ever get used to it,” he says smiling.

For a moment there, I forgot to breathe. What the hell? This is Evan. Not only is he my brother's best friend, he is six years younger than me. It’s probably my body just reacting to the fact that I haven't been laid nor had a serious relationship in over a year. I’m going to have to have a date with a toy packed in my car that will take care of that issue.

“Cody said you joined the department. I’m kind of shocked to see you working nights though,” I say, thinking he should have been promoted to day shift by now. He's been there long enough.

“Normally, I do. But the guy who had the shift tonight is a friend of mine, and he had a family thing. Skye is with your parents tonight, so I took the shift to help him out.”

“Skye?” I ask, feeling a pool of jealousy in my gut that I hate is even there. I know my family would have mentioned if he was getting married, so I can only assume it's a long-term girlfriend. Though I’m shocked at much I hate the thought of him withanyone. I have to remind myself he isn't mine, nor could he ever be, and I want him happy, at least for my brother's sake.

“My daughter,” he says with a smile lighting up his face.

“Oh, that's right. How old is she now?” I ask, trying not to let the relief show on my face.

“She will be seven soon. With your mom's help, she is planning some big elaborate party. I know there is going to be a lot of pink and glitter,” he laughs.

Even though I knew he had a daughter, I was so wrapped up in my life that I had never thought much about it. I guess I never realized he had her so young. Everything in me wants to ask about her mother, but that isn't my place, so I refrain.

“I can’t I say I ever pictured you as a girl dad,” I laugh.

“Well, that makes two of us. Let me go check with the EMTs. Then I just have a few basic questions, and you can get on with your sneaking into town,” he says, winking at me. Then as he goes over to check on the EMTs who just got the woman on to a stretcher, I enjoy watching him walk.

He is definitely a flirt. I bet he has all the women in town falling at his feet, just like my brothers do.

As the EMTs load the woman into the ambulance, a tow truck pulls up, parks on the shoulder in front of my car, and waits for the ambulance to get out of the way.

Evan walks back over to me with a notepad and pen in hand.

Once again, I go over the entire story of finding the car, what I saw when I walked up, calling 911, and all the details. He asks a few questions, like if I saw any cars or animals in the area before or after I stopped, and I tell him I hadn’t. Before we finish up, I give him all my information for the report.

“Well, you are free to go. But,” he pauses, reaching into his pocket, and pulls out a card. Then, flipping it over, he scribbles something on the back. “Text me when you get home, so I know you made it. Your brother will never forgive me if I don’t make sure you make it safely.”

Taking the card from him, I put in my pocket. “Will do. Thank you for not ratting me out to them.”

“Hey, you saved my ass a few times growing up. It’s about time I get to repay the favor.” He smiles again, tipping his hat at me before walking back to his police car.

I head to my car, taking a few deep breaths. Why was the way he walks and talks and let’s face it, his muscular body so damn sexy? Damn it, get it together. This is Evan, not some stranger you just met.

Carefully, I make my way down the mountain and to the apartment I rented above one of the stores downtown. It’s temporary until I find a place. At least this one is furnished, so only minimal unpacking is needed.

I follow the check-in instructions and once inside, lock the door behind me.

Then, exhausted, I flop down on the couch. Well, I made it into town and as long as Evan keeps his word, I will have a morning of peace. Taking the card out of my pocket, I enter the cell phone number Evan scribbled on the back. I save it on my phone and text him.

Me:I made it home. Thank you for everything.

Evan:It was really good to see you. Save my number and let me know if you need anything.

Me:Saved. See you around.

Evan:You can count on it.

Chapter 3

Evan

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