Page 11 of Three Rules I'd Never Break

“About the other night, usually I lock the door. That guy called just as I got home, and I was mad. I shouldn’t have let it distract me.”

“True. Please make sure you lock it.” He walked back toward the exit. “Well, since everything seems okay here, I’ll be on my way.”

“Eli, how did you know that guy in the truck was bothering me?”

He kept his back to me a second before turning around. “He’d been peeking in the front window of your store. And then you were slinking along the side of the building right before he tore out of the parking lot. I had a hunch he’d been bothering you.”

I glanced at the blinds, uncomfortable at the thought of someone spying on me. “He hasn’t messaged me anymore, so I think he got the hint.”

“Good. You deserve better than that.” He stepped out and set his hat on his head. “Don’t forget to lock up.”

I flipped the bolt right away. Tonight, I wasn’t in the mood to tease him.

* * *

Eli didn’t knockon Monday or Tuesday night, and I made notes in my calendar. Knowing when my favorite deputy was on duty seemed like important information.

Chapter 5

Wednesday night, I’d sat out on my property until late, staring at the stars and dreaming about decorating my finished house. There wouldn’t be too many more nights where it would be cool enough to sit outside without sweating.

The house was set back off the road a bit, but the lot was deep. The three acres gave ample space for a large garden, maybe even chickens if I wanted to tackle something new. But those were on my later list.

I would need a fenced area behind the house for a puppy.

Sitting under the stars, I’d lost track of time. Eli had probably already made his rounds at the store, and I’d missed him.

After shoving my camp chair back in the bag and returning it to my trunk, I drove back to the store. The lot was empty and dark. Dark enough that I didn’t want to walk around to the back door.

I unlocked the glass doors, then slipped inside, locking the store up tight. I made sure the blinds were completely closed, then went back to my room. Once my jammies were on, I washed my face and tied my hair up in a messy bun.

The disappointment at missing Eli’s evening check-in surprised me. It wasn’t exactly a routine yet, but I liked our mini chats. He never said much, but seeing him was nice.

I’d even prepared myself with a list of questions to spark at least a bit of conversation. Those questions would keep until tomorrow night.

Nestled under the covers, I picked up my book, and Eli’s knock sounded at the back door.

Tossing the covers back, I rolled out of bed. If I answered too quickly, he’d think... he’d think the truth. I was eager to see him.

“Eli, hi. I thought maybe I’d missed your check-in.” I made sure to open the door wide enough for him to come in.

“I was by earlier, but your car wasn’t here. Did you have a nice evening?” He rubbed at his forehead like he was nervous, then stepped inside.

“It was a nice night. I was out enjoying one of the last cool evenings and the blanket of stars. I didn’t mean to be out so late.” I wanted to make sure he knew I hadn’t been out with anyone else. “You are probably going to tell me that being out at night alone isn’t safe.”

He slowly bobbed his head. “You’d be right. This area is pretty safe, but you should still be careful.”

“Do you have any brothers or sisters?”

His radio beeped, and the dispatcher asked for people to respond to something going on.

“I’ll be responding from the strip mall.” He backed out the door. “I don’t have any siblings. Sorry I can’t stay to chat.”

I watched as he jumped into his cruiser and left. But I made sure to lock the door.

* * *

On Thursday night,I read for a while, but then a craving for sweets grabbed me. I didn’t want to venture too far because I wanted to be here when Eli knocked. And if I didn’t hurry, nothing in town would be open.

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