Page 47 of Seducing the Sheriff
“As long as Billy apologizes to Destiny, we’re good,” I said, smiling at her to show I meant it.
“Oh, he’ll apologize all right,” she said grimly.
For a brief moment I felt a little sorry for Billy. Just for one moment.
I headed back to my office, promising Rosie I would be available for a meeting in twenty minutes. I needed time to decompress and finish my rapidly cooling drink.
“Don’t forget to call Mr. Harding,” she cooed.
I shut the door on the world with a sigh of relief. Then I tucked the bag containing Greg’s buttermilk bar in the top drawer of my desk and sat back in my seat with my own, swilling it down with the last mouthful of the coffee.
I needed a moment.
The phone on my desk chose that moment to ring.
I picked it up with a huffed out, “Lawson.”
“Sheriff, it’s Rosie.”
As if I didn’t know that.
“Just to remind you again to call Mr. Harding. I expect you’ve forgotten about that in the excitement.
Excitement? What excitement? Drinking my coffee? A young man with a big mouth? But only the mention of Greg’s name and I felt panic in my chest start up again. What if someone spotted me leaving his place this morning? The whole town will know it by the end of the day.
I took a deep breath. I couldn’t ignore Greg, but I had to focus on my work. I’d visit him later.
“Thanks, Rosie.”
I left it at that. She huffed as she put the phone down. I had no idea what the problem was. Not for the first time, I decided I didn’t understand women at all.
I bit my lip. She’d keep nagging me until I called him, wouldn’t she?
I scrolled down and hit his number. It was right at the top of my list.
“You’re kinda late for lunch.” His rich chuckle warmed me to my toes.
“Sorry about that. It’s been a busy day.”
“No worries. You said you were gonna be busy.” Greg didn’t sound offended thankfully.
“You can always call me on my cell,” I said. “Unless you want to talk to Rosie.”
He gave a rueful chuckle. “True, but I didn’t want to bother you while you were working.”
“You could never bother me, Greg,” I assured him.
I meant it, and from his sigh, he understood.
We chatted for a bit longer but then my desk phone trilled. “I’m sorry, I’ve got to go.”
“No worries. Catch you later.”
Before I could respond, Rosie burst in, “Sheriff, a woman has been assaulted in Santa Maria.”
“Go, go,” Greg said in my ear.
I disconnected our call and answered my desk phone. I’d just sorted that out when there was another call.
