Page 45 of A Deceitful Pact

SAWYER

“So, what’s going on with you and the lady sheriff?” Hank casually asks as he takes a sip of his beer. It’s rare for him to come in here, especially on a Wednesday night.

“What makes you think there's anything going on?” I feel a smirk pull on my lips when I think about that kiss we shared after I dropped her home. Aside from all the panicking earlier, today’s shaped into a real good one.

Not only did I get to see my kid, but I kissed its momma too.

Hank does a quick scan of the room to check no one’s listening.

“Let's not pretend you don’t know why I’m here. Daphne told my old lady that she saw you and the sheriff get in your truck and head outta town together,” he admits.

“Scandalous.” I rub my hands together sarcastically, before popping the long-suffering guy another beer. “This one’s on me,” I tell him, because nothing in this world could bring my mood down tonight.

“What for?” Hank looks surprised.

“It’ll keep ya out the house a little longer,” I explain, tipping my chin at Beth Delaney when she steps through the door. She smiles at me as she joins the outta towner, who’s sitting in the corner, making it obvious that she decided they should meet here to prompt some kinda jealousy outta me.

“So, you and the Sheriff?” Hank continues to try to get me talkin’.

“What about us?” I rest my elbow on the bar.

“Come on, you know if I don’t tell ‘em somethin’, they’re gonna make it up anyway.” He shakes his head and laughs.

I feel my phone vibrate, and when I pull it out of my jeans and see a message from Riley, I figure my day is gonna get even better.

Is the bar busy tonight?

Not too bad. Why?

Can you come over once you're closed?

Sure thing, darlin’.

I grin like a kid at Christmas and tuck my phone back in my pocket.

“You can tell Eleanor that Miss Hale was feeling unwell, and I gave her a ride home, same as any gentleman in this town would.” I reach up and ring the bell. “Drink up, folks, we’re closing.” There are only a few in here, and since I haven’t got Len to close up for me tonight, it looks as if they’re all going home.

“But it’s only eight-thirty,” Beth protests as I head for the door and open it for them all to vacate.

“Something came up and I got somewhere to be,” I explain, reaching down to the switch so I can turn off the neon sign that says open.

“We’re on a date.” She stands up and marches toward me.

“Looks like you and your date are gonna have to find another bar.” I wait patiently for her to accept that, then watch her grab her man's arm and sway her hips out the door. Hank lifts his hat off the bar and places it back on his head as he hobbles toward me.

“Enjoy whatever came up, kid,” he tells me, slapping my shoulder on his way out

* * *

I take a shower and spray on some expensive shit before I head back over to Riley’s place. Her asking me to go to her is a huge fuckin’ deal. I figure that kiss we shared in my truck must have really got her thinking. Now that she’s in the right frame of mind, I need to ensure that I don’t fuck this up.

Today, I proved that I can be reliable. I was there for her when she was scared, and I held it together even though I was terrified myself.

I drive to her house, hoping all the way there that this is the end of her being stubborn. We shared so much today. Fear, relief, and pure fuckin’ joy when we heard that little heartbeat we made together. It’s made her open enough to give me a chance, and I won’t let her down.

She’s got me all nervous and excited as I knock on her door and wait for her to answer. It takes her some time to undo all the locks, and I still have a niggle in the back of my head that tells me she kept something from me when I asked her why she got ‘em.

“Hey.” She’s wearing sweatpants and a tank top that shows off the lower section of her stomach. When I look at it, all I can think about is that little bean we saw on the screen today. The little bean that's mine and getting bigger and stronger every day.

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