Page 55 of Awakening the Sheriff

“I can do that.”

“Tell me if I do something you don’t like, okay?”

He clenched his teeth. “So far, the problem is that I like everything you do a little too much.”

“Don’t hold back.”

“Don’t wanna jump the gun.”

“There’s no jumping here. If you go, I’ll be right on your heels, I promise.”

As soon as I said that, Auden moved into my hands, his stomach muscles contracting and his hips snapping forward. I tightened my grip. Nothing more was needed as he did the work, creating enough friction with his movements to make me see stars.

We were completely in sync, which was ridiculous, considering he’d never done this before. But he felt good, so good. Time seemed to slow, our eyes locked. It had never been like this for me. Not sex, but…more. Emotional. Something much deeper.

Auden tensed, and then that big body jerked as he shot his load over my hand. The sight of him coming sent me over the edge as well, and I let out an unrestrained moan. When the aftershocks had subsided, he rolled onto his back, pulling me on top of him. I’d have cum everywhere, but who cared?

Auden sure didn’t seem to. His hair was sticking up in every direction, his lips were red and swollen, his cheeks flushed, and his eyes glassy. A strange pride filled me. I had done that. It had all been me, his first experience with a man. I’d never felt more powerful.

I snuggled close, running my hand through his beard, reveling in the softness of it. “It smells good.”

“I put beard product in it. Something with sandalwood.”

“Never noticed it before.”

“Don’t usually do it, but I wanted to be at my best when I came here.”

I chuckled. “No need to make a good impression anymore. You have me.”

He tightened his arms around me. “I do. And I intend to keep you.”

Be still my beating heart.

19

AUDEN

Ipulled up to Keaton’s house with my stomach all in knots. Why was I so damn nervous? It was a date. Nothing more. And I’d been on dates before. Granted, it was my first date with Keaton. And my first date with a man. Plus, it had been a while. Needless to say, I’d done some research, wanting to make sure I got it right.

I’d gone the extra mile and reserved a table at this fancy restaurant a couple of towns over. I’d never set foot in the place, but I had heard great things about it. Tiago and Cas had eaten there recently, and Tiago had raved about the food. Plus, he’d mentioned the romantic ambiance and impeccable service. He was a man of the world, so I trusted his recommendation.

The last few days, Keaton and I had texted nonstop, to the point where I had to force myself to put my phone away and get some actual work done. And no, I hadn’t missed the meaningful looks my deputies had exchanged with each other. They could think whatever they wanted. I didn’t care. They’d find out the truth soon enough anyway.

As I waited for Keaton, I fiddled with the collar of my white button-down shirt. I’d paired it with gray slacks. Was I too overdressed, my outfit too boring? I’d debated wearing a tie but had decided against it—too formal.

When Keaton emerged from his house, my heart skipped a beat. He looked stunning in his dark suit and one of his adorable bow ties I loved so much, a dark-red one this time. The sight of him somehow put me at ease, and my nerves melted away.

“Hi,” I said as he got into the truck.

“Hey.”

Conscious that we might have an audience, I resisted the urge to kiss him, but as soon as we were out of Forestville, I put my hand on his thigh. He gave me a starry-eyed look, the kind they drew in cartoons with stars or cute little red hearts. My boyfriend. I still wasn’t used to it, but that was okay. We had time.

Le Jardin was nestled in an old brick building adorned with ivy climbing up its walls. As we stepped inside, the warm glow of candlelight and the soft notes of a piano greeted us. We were escorted to our table by a friendly hostess, who left us with leather-bound menus.

“Wow, Auden,” Keaton whispered, looking around at the high vaulted ceilings and intricate chandeliers, “This place is incredible.”

I wanted to do a fist pump, but I held back. “Recommendation from Tiago and Cas. They celebrated their anniversary here last week.”

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