Page 11 of Needing Your Love
She didn’t appear to recognize my name or hesitate in shaking my hand.
“What brings you to Pippen Creek?” she asked while clicking her laptop to life.
“I grew up here and decided it was time for a visit.”
Her smile widened. “Welcome home, Jimmy.”
Home.
The word echoed through my mind as I gave Kendra my information and bank card, and I didn’t hate the peace that continued to fill my chest.
After being denied by Sutton, I’d been desperate to escape this place, never planning to return. But I’d done some growing up while away, learned some hard lessons the chief hadn’t been able to impart, and now I wasn’t sure what to do with myself moving forward.
I just knew I felt driven to find that golden sunset I’d always dreamed of riding toward, hand-in-hand with the man I loved.
The plethora of dick I’d taken care of as an escort had become a bore. An absolute chore that had caused more yawns than climaxes in the previous couple of months. At first, I’d been thrilled to get my hole stuffed a few times a week while getting a shit ton of cash in return, but now? I wanted more. And that included Chief Sutton loving on my prostate with his fingers or cock.
A shudder ripped through me as blood seeped southward even though I daydreamed of impossible outcomes.
“Do you remember Jamie Forester? You seem about the same age,” Kendra said while handing over my room key.
The breath punched from my lungs at the surname, considering the man I’d been fantasizing about not a heartbeat before. “Yeah,” I rasped and cleared my throat. “Chief’s son.”
“The one and only.”
I remembered wishing Sutton had stolen me from Dad and made me his other son—until I’d learned what all a dick could be used for and had fallen hard for my hero. I’d been a horny fourteen-year-old with my eyes set on the only man who’d ever given me the time of day.
“Jamie graduated from the police academy this afternoon,” Kendra continued, “and there’s a party in about a couple of hours over at Frenchie’s. It would be the perfect opportunity foryou to catch up with the townsfolk since most everyone will be there.”
Smiling, I thanked her and made for the stairs, adrenaline causing my knees to shake.
While boredom had me leaving Boston in the rearview mirror, I sensed while climbing to the third floor and room with the window overlooking downtown Pippen Creek that I’d done as Kendra had suggested—come home. For how long, I wasn’t sure. Too many variables were involved to set a clear outcome.
But for now, I would shower, clean myself inside and out just in case this boy got lucky tonight, then take a walk down Main Street to reacquaint myself with the little town I’d thought I’d left in the dust.
Two hours later and dressed for attention in tight jeans that hugged my ass and a maroon crop top that showed off my hint of abs and belly button ring, I sauntered outside, ready to face down my future. I strode westward, shoulders back and chin lifted, my pulse thrumming from a combination of excitement and fear.
Pippen Creek—and Chief Sutton—here I come.
If only.
Snickering, I set my sights on Frenchie’s, my mouth watering for so much more than food.
Chapter 5
Sutton
Pride swelled in my chest at the sight of Jamie in his uniform. Pink flushed his face as everyone in Frenchie’s crowded around him to offer congratulations.
“You did well, Sutton.”
“Thanks.” I grinned, shifting slightly at Dex’s hard elbow to my side. He’d been my friend since childhood, sticking by me at every turn, especially after I’d become a single parent to my son. The reminder of Darla and the sob story from the day before made my lips twist into a grimace. “Guess who left another message yesterday?”
Dex rolled his eyes. “The fuck did she want this time?”
“Same complaint—she got into financial trouble and was hoping I would bail her out like I used to.”
“Manipulative little bitch,” Dex muttered, and I huffed a laugh.
