Page 40 of Stormswept Colorado

“Thank you so much!”

Then I drove off and got back onto the highway. “That was sweet of you,” I said.

“She was a fan. It only took a second, so…”

“But it can’t be easy. Giving so much of yourself all the time, not knowing if a fan’s going to turn on you. Like the mob on Main Street yesterday.”

Or that message earlier.

Her expression faltered, gaze moving to the window. Then she unwrapped her burger and took a bite. “Mmm. That’s good.” She swallowed. “I really was starving.”

I was no genius, but I knew a blatant subject change when one came my way. Ayla wanted to keep our conversation light. Fair enough. I could oblige.

The winter landscape rolled past as we drove.

“Could you hand me my burger?” I asked.

“Do you need to pull over to eat?”

“Nah, I can multi-task. I’ve eaten many meals on the road.”

“Same here. I also love kettle chips.”

“Are you trying to steal my snacks?”

“I was hoping you’d share.” She smiled and pulled my burger from the bag. “I would offer to take turns driving, but…”

“Sadly, I can’t let you drive the department vehicle.”

“Can I run the sirens?”

“Maybe.”

“Wait, are you serious?”

“Not in the least, Troublemaker.”

She barked a laugh, easy and carefree. My chest swelled with happiness and pride.

Fuck, I was an idiot. Hadn’t been interested in dating a woman since becoming a civilian, and I chose a pop star for a hopeless crush? A pop star who needed a friend to have her back far more than she needed a guy lusting after her.

You’re embarrassing yourself, Landry.

Ayla unwrapped the top half of my burger and handed it to me. I polished it off in a few bites without asingle spill.

“That was impressive,” she said. “Also scary.”

I opened my water bottle one-handed and washed down my dinner. “Told you. Lots of practice eating on the road.”

“I would’ve thought a police chief worked at a desk most of the time.”

“In a big city, maybe. In a town like Silver Ridge, I’m out in the community.”

“What’s your favorite thing about being police chief?”

“The difference I get to make every day. Helping people through difficult times.”

“Is it long hours?”

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