Page 8 of Wild Hearts

“Wait, Jake, the guy who picked us up, who sang over the mic of his squad car could possibly be Sheriff within the next say, five years?” I can’t help the incredulous tone of my voice.

Striker groans. “God, could you imagine?”

“What did he sing?” Shane asks, trying not to laugh.

“That reunited, and it feels so good song,” Striker grumbles, making Shane laugh.

“Classic Jake. He missed his bromance. Was he jealous of Mick?”

Striker glares at her, refusing to answer.

“Seriously though, why would he take over as Sheriff?” I ask, changing the subject.

“He’s the Sheriff’s son. It’s his legacy.” Shane shrugs.

“That must have been fun growing up,” I muse.

“Psh, if anything, it made Jake and Josh thought they were invincible growing up.” Shane gives Josh a pointed look.

“Hey now. We didn’t get into that much trouble.” When she gives him a disbelieving look, he amends, “I said not that much. Now enough about me. How’s business this year?”

I tune out as the siblings catch up on all things work. I catch bits and pieces of the conversation, but it’s hard to concentrate with Shane next to me. Her face lights up as she talks about the people she met. Grimaces when she recalls those that weren’t the best. Her hands wave around as she talks about the new areas she’s discovered.

After spending so much time in the roughest parts of the world, she’s a breath of fresh air. Angelic with her beauty and very untouchable.

Tearing my eyes from her, I move to take my plate to the sink. At the same time, Shane swings her arm out in the middle of her story, knocking my beer over. The foamy liquid pours across the counter and lands in my lap before I can react.

“Oh. My. God. I amsosorry. Let me help.” She grabs a hand full of napkins, blotting at my lap.

I try to jump back before she can touch me, but she latches on to my leg.

My buddy downstairs is loving the attention, even as her fingers dig into my thigh.

I look over her at Josh, who doesn’t look thrilled.

“It’s okay, Shane. I’m fine.” I reach down and remove her hand from my thigh.

I don’t miss the tingles that run through my veins. Nor do I miss her sharp intake of breath.

“Oh, well, um, let me wash them for you at least.”

Gone is confident Shane. Shy Shane has made her way back in along with a cute blush covering her cheeks.

I put my hand on her shoulder. “It’s fine. Really. Not even the worst thing I’ve ever had spilled on me.”

“Oh yeah. Remember the bucket of piss that Ramirez knocked over at camp? Didn’t that end up soaking you?” Striker laughs as he shoves bread in his mouth.

I glare at him. “On that note, I’m going to go shower and hit the sack. We have a lot to do tomorrow.”

“Oh, okay. Have a good night. Let me know if you need anything,” Shane murmurs.

I wink at her before turning to head up the stairs.

One thing is for sure, this break just got a lot more interesting.

Chapter 3

Shane

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