Page 106 of The Mountain Echoes
She raises both eyebrows in confusion.
“You have the power to cut me to pieces, darlin’.”
It’s more than I’ve given any woman, even Joy and Elena. I’ll die for them, but they can’t crush my soul like Aria can.
“I won’t hurt you…ever,” she vows.
We seal the deal with a kiss—slow, long, and potent.
The Wildflower Canyon County Sheriff’s office sits on Main Street, unassuming and solid. It’s been here longer than half the buildings around it.
I park out front and walk in.
“He there?” I ask Opal Hennessey. She’s the dispatcher and the town’s unofficial gossip channel. She can tell you who was arrested, why, and what they were wearing when it happened.
If I were murdered, the sheriff would start his investigation by talking to her.
“Yeah.” Opal’s eyes are dancing with curiosity.
“What?” I sigh.
“Hear that you been stayin’ nights at Longhorn.”
One fuckin’ night a few hours ago, and she already knows. I wish I were surprised, but I’m not.
“Is that what you hear?” I arch an eyebrow, feigning irritation.
Opal leans back and plays with her pen as she looks me over. She’s in her mid-thirties, sharp-tongued but kind as they come. At the sheriff’s office, she answers the phone, logs complaints, makes strong coffee, and gives anyone the side-eye if they walk in with an attitude.
“I also hear that Celine and that drunk husband of hers are in Aspen. Talkin’ up a storm about buyin’ a bar.”
I nod, taking the information in.
“Been tellin’ people that soon they’ll be sellin’ the ranch.” Opal leans in and drops her voice. “Hudson thinks he’s gonna get a share, but I have it on good authority that Celine’s plannin’ on divorcin’ his nasty ass.”
I flick my gaze toward her, humor tugging at my mouth. “On good authority?”
“The bartender at the Bad Harriett in Aspen is acousin, and he heard her talk to those girls you cut to size at the Heritage Sale.”
Like I said, Opal knowseverything.
I wait a beat because I know there’s more…the punchline.
Opal doesn’t disappoint. “And….” She pauses and gives me a wickedly pleased look. “I hear that you and Celine will be goin’ public about your affair soon.”
I give her a soft, contemplative glance. “Now, darlin’ Opal, I know you wouldn’t tell a soul what I’m about to tell you.”
Her eyes light up with mischief and joy. “As God is my witness, Mav.”
“Sure.” I give her a flat look, amusement curling low in my chest. “Now, see, the reason I’m stayin’ at Longhorn is to be with Aria.”
“You don’t say.” She puts a hand on her heart and gives me an exaggerated look.
“I got no interest in married women, you know that.”
“Oh, I do,” Opal agrees. “So, Aria?”
“She’s one hell of a woman.” I lean closer. “Between you and me…”—and everyone in Wildflower Canyon—“she’s the one for me.”
