Page 147 of Wild Card
We headed out to the El Camino. Axel drove us over to the Fieldhouse. He’d decided he better not show his face over at the pool hall for a while, and my family would be more at home in a sports bar anyway. I’d only started going to Ball Breakers to avoid all the townspeople who wanted to talk shop whenever they saw me. The guys at the pool hall just wanted to be left alone, like me.
That’s where I’d first seen Axel and been unable to look away. It felt like a million years ago that our eyes had met across the room, electricity crackling between us.
“Well, hello, Sheriff Harvey!” My sister pulled me into a big hug as I stepped through the door.
Mom was right after her. “So proud of you, honey! You deserve this.”
Dad slapped my arm. “They can’t keep a good man down.”
Bodie grinned. “You’re the top boss now. So cool.”
His little sister stood beside him, clinging to Camille’s arm, looking shy. “Good job, Uncle Dalton.”
I smiled and nodded, my heart still a little conflicted. My family was ecstatic about the news I’d taken the sheriff gig. It meant I wasn’t going anywhere. To them, it probably also meant that I’d put Shane’s death behind me.
But I’d always carry what happened with me, always feel a burden of responsibility to keep my deputies safe. But Axel had been right; it was the best possible way to honor my former partner.
I slipped an arm around my boyfriend, who was quieter than usual, and tugged him forward. “Everyone, this is my boyfriend,Axel. We’re celebrating him tonight too. He just landed a grant to start an animal foster program.”
“Oh, that’s great!” Camille said. “Congrats.”
I’d shared a few pics, so none of them were shocked that I’d gotten myself a bad boy. He wore black jeans, chains hanging from the belt, a formfitting blue button-down that made his eyes pop, and a leather jacket. For him, it was nicely dressed up. His hair was pulled into a knot behind his head, but I fully intended to set it loose as soon as we were alone.
“We’ve heard so much about you,” my mom said with a small smile. “Dalton sure is taken with you.”
Axel chuckled nervously. “The feeling’s mutual, even if I’m probably the last guy he wanted to fall for.”
My sister grinned. “I can tell you’ll keep him on his toes. That’s just what he needs.”
Axel relaxed. “I’ve been told I have that effect on people.”
She cackled. “Perfect!”
Bodie just gazed at him with wide eyes. Then he said in a hushed whisper to his mom, “He looks like a total badass.”
Maybe my nephew would finally transfer his hero worship to someone else. Though Camille wouldn’t thank me if he decided to cover himself in tattoos.
We made our way to a group of tables pushed together in the center of the room. Gail, the owner, was setting out menus. “Congrats, Sheriff. I’ll be right over to take drink orders.”
“Why don’t we just get a couple pitchers of beer to make it easy on you?” I suggested. “Plus one of soda for the kids.”
“Bless you, honey, that would be fantastic.”
“Just whatever’s on tap,” I said. “If anyone is picky, they can order something else.”
She nodded. “Okay, will do.”
Axel’s brothers and Gray’s boyfriend, Emory, joined us just as we were pulling out chairs.
“Sorry we’re late,” Holden said. “Had a last-minute business call.”
Axel wiggled his eyebrows. “Was itbusinesstime?”
Holden frowned. “Yes, Ax. I just said that.” He paused, gaze flickering around the table. “Nice to meet you all.”
Camille hopped up, offering her hand. “I’m Dalton’s sister.”
Holden hesitated a beat, then gripped her hand briefly. “Hi.”
