Page 53 of Wanted by the Lawman

CHAPTER 16

WYNN HAD HER head down, searching in her purse for her phone when she bumped into someone, causing the contents to drop and scatter onto the floor. “I’m sorry,” the masculine voice said.

She looked up and saw Deputy Lansing. “Hi. What are you doing here?”

“Here, let me help you pick your things up.” He bent on his knee and picked up her change purse and phone. “I’m only part-time over at the Sheriff’s department so I work security here on my other days. Here, looks like this is yours.” He held out her inhaler.

“Thank you.” She took the nebulizer from him and dropped it into her purse.

“Is everything okay?” he asked.

“Yes, I was just out here getting routine lab work.”

“Is the house coming along? I’ve meant to come out and see if you could use my help, but I’ve been busy.”

“I see your hand is healing.”

He blinked. “Yeah…it’s fine.” He rubbed the area where there was still a red wound, then pushed it into his front pocket. “Maybe I’ll see you soon?”

“Sounds great. I better be going. Zander is waiting for me.”

Once she was alone, she sent Zander a text. Just as he promised, he met her at the door. “You didn’t have to get out.”

“I don’t mind. I could use the fresh air,” he said.

Together they walked toward the truck. “Did you know Deputy Lansing works security here?”

“He does?” Zander looked back at the building.

“I just found out when I literally ran into him.”

Zander pulled off his hat, pushed his hand through his hair and resituated the hat back on his head. “I was thinking, would you like to go with me to mom and dad’s?”

“If you don’t think they’d mind.”

“They wouldn’t, trust me, but they’re not home. I was elected to help out by taking the boxes to the church for mom.”

Once he was in the driver’s seat, she said, “You’re a lucky man to have such a large, fun family. I enjoyed myself at dinner the other night.”

“You haven’t gotten to know them yet.” He winked and closed the door.

“They’re amazing. Your mom is patient and understanding.”

“Why don’t you go back with me for dinner soon?”

“She clasped her hands into her lap. “Maybe.”

“You’re different today.”

“Different?” She turned to look at him.

Her expression reached in and grabbed him by the heart. He couldn’t quite read whether she was sad or hopeful. “Yeah, just different.”

“Maybe I’m realizing that each day needs to be lived to its fullest.”

He flipped on his turn signal and headed on the road that took him to his parents’ house. “You don’t talk about your parents often.”

She chuckled, propped her foot up and laid her chin on her knee. Her hair fell over her cheek and she pushed it over her shoulder. “They’re both quick stories. My parents moved to Florida after my dad retired. We haven’t talked much since Rory came into the picture. They didn’t like him.”

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