Page 10 of Sheriff Daddy

“And keep your fucking mouth shut, too. If I catch you and the other deputies talking about her, I’ll hand you your fucking heads.”

As we complete the statement, Deputy Bush asks Lori for her name and date of birth. A little quick math and he’s floored when he realizes she’s just eighteen. She looks young but he wasn’t expecting that.

She’s so responsible with her perfectly charted notes on caring for her grandmother, and she gave up the life of a teenager to do it. I suspect he may be a little smarter than I’ve given him credit for.

After my outburst over his comments, he might just sense that something is happening between us. I can’t fault him for being surprised.

This age gap might prevent another man my age from pursuing her, but she’s just so damn perfect. I don’t think anything can change the way I’m feeling right now. I sense on a primal frequency that she’ll always belong to me…even if she doesn’t know it yet.

Doesn’t matter one bit because she’ll eventually realize her place is with me as my girl, my wife, and eventually, the mother of my children.

I lead Deputy Bush to the door. Once outside, he asks, “Should I swing by later so I can keep an eye on the outside?”

“No. I don’t want any noticeable police presence here. I’m going home to get some things and coming back in my truck and plain clothes. We have nothing to go on. The only way we’re gonna catch him is to catch him in the act.”

“That’s smart, Sir.” Bush drives away, leaving me grateful I didn’t have to knock his block off. These deputies may not have much experience, but they’re the most qualified applicants for the job and somebody needs to watch over the rest of the town while I focus on Lori.

Back inside, I find Lori helping her Nana up from her nap. I call her away for a moment and tell her, “I’m going home to pack some things. Can I pick anything up for you while I’m out? How about dinner? I don’t know if you remember but the barbeque place has excellent takeout.”

“Sure, that sounds great.”

I’m sure her gut is telling her to argue, but maybe I’ve convinced her it isn’t necessary.

“Take care of your Nana.” I lean down and kiss her forehead. “Maybe after dinner, we can finish what we started earlier.”

She bats her beautiful eyes at me, and just like that, I’m like a horny teenager again.

6

LORI

Luke kissed me, and it was better than anything I imagined. I was overwhelmed at first. But then, somehow, it just felt natural like breathing or blinking.

I don’t know what he’s thinking, but my mind is racing. I don’t know if that kiss is the beginning of something more or just his response to a very emotional moment. Now that he’s away from me for a while, will he consider it a mistake? I pray he doesn’t. The sheriff has me hooked now and I want more.

I’m pacing the floor, consumed with nervous energy when the black truck pulls into the driveway. I peer out the window and see Luke emerging from the driver’s side carrying bags of takeout for our dinner. Nana has already eaten and is in bed for the night, so it will be just the two of us.

“I’m sorry that took so long. I had to drop by the station to take care of some business,” he says as I hold the door open for him. He reaches into one of the bags and pulls out a bouquet of orange and yellow flowers. He hands them to me. “I thought maybe these would brighten things up a bit.”

“They’re beautiful,” I say as I stick my nose in them. “I’m just grateful you came back.”

He tilts his head, brows drawn together. “Why wouldn’t I?”

“Oh, I knew you would. I didn’t mean I thought you wouldn’t. It’s just… It’s nice to have you here. That’s all.”

He smiles and runs a finger along my jawline. “It’s nice to be here, sweetheart.”

We move to the kitchen where I’ve already set an intimate table for two. He places the bags on the counter and inspects my handiwork as I fill a vase and add the flowers to the center of the table.

“This is nice. Your Nana isn’t joining us?”

“No, she’s on a restricted diet. I’ve already fed her.”

He’s getting the food out, and I take a moment to look him over. This is the first time I see him out of uniform, and he looks different. His silky, black hair isn’t combed back and hangs down over his eyes. He’s wearing a hunter-green t-shirt and tight-fitting jeans with cowboy boots.

Luke looks younger in street clothes, and his muscular physique is much more obvious. I can easily see him modeling for a fitness magazine. In a town like this, a man like him can have a different woman every night, but he doesn’t strike me as the type of guy who’s into that sort of thing.

Some guys go to the gym to impress girls. I think Luke goes for himself. I’ve never known anyone who exudes his kind of confidence before.

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