Page 14 of Big Daddy Mountain Man

“Arizona,” Amber corrected.

“Years ago, if I’m not mistaken,” Marsha went on. “Bet I haven’t seen them in fifteen years. At least.”

“I’ve seen the outside of their place,” Sawyer said. “They gave me permission to hunt on their land.”

“Is it bad?” Amber asked.

“Wouldn’t say bad.” He paused and then added, “Wouldn’t say good, either. It needs some repairs.”

It has to beat the apartment I lived in back in Oklahoma City,she thought silently.And it sure has to beat the streets!

A serious look shaded Sawyer’s face before he said, “It’s going to be dark out there this time of night.”

“They said they’ve been keeping up with the electricity,” Amber replied hopefully.

“Yeah. But outside, there aren’t any lights to speak of. Could be the porchlight just burned out years ago. But they don’t have any yard lights.” He picked up his coffee and, from the looks of it, down the last of it, because he tilted his head far back and held the mug there for a few seconds. “When you finish up I’ll drive you out there and will help you get situated.”

Her first response was to protest, as she didn’t want him going out of his way to help her. But she held it inside. Sawyer didn’t seem to the be the kind of guy one argued with.

Especially a submissive Little like her.

Because Sawyer seemed like a Daddy.

She nearly giggled at the thought. Was she just thinking that because she was finally in Big Cedar? She supposed not everyone there was in the lifestyle. But if she had to bet the last of her money, she’d say that he for sure was! He just had those vibes.

Before anyone could say another word, the bell on the door jingled and a man in a sheriff’s uniform stepped in.

He looked determined as he strode toward them, keeping his eyes fixed firmly on Amber.

She tensed up and said, “I’m sorry, Sir. I wasn’t causing any trouble. But I can move on.”

The law officer stopped walking as a puzzled look spread over his face.

Marsha and Sawyer exchanged puzzled glances, too.

Amber grew so embarrassed. “I’m sorry,” she offered meekly. “I, uh, have… found shelter in parks and stuff before.” A tear slid down her cheek as she looked down. “Not everyone is okay with that.”

She sniffled and silently chided herself for the reaction. But it had been a trauma response outside of her control. Now, she was mortified.

A moment later, Alyssa’s voice rang out as she ran into the diner. “You found her, Daddy! That’s her! That’s our new friend.”

Amber smiled at this.

She was someone’s friend?

The sheriff smiled as he looked down at her and said, “Welcome to Big Cedar. We’re glad you’re here.”

Amber’s own smile grew.

She could already tell that Big Cedar just might be the community she’d been looking for her whole life.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Sawyer’s heart was breaking.

Amber’s reaction when she’d seen Quinn walk into the diner was like a punch to his gut. Someone had been unkind to the little cutie, and she hadn’t been able to stifle her natural response to the sight of a cop.

Whoever had been mean to her, well… if he ever found them, cop or not, they’d be in for a world of hurt.

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