I nod, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. His eyes find mine as I reach the truck, and my cheeks betray me with a flush.Get a grip, Penny,I scold myself silently.You’re acting like a fourteen-year-old with a crush.
“Yeah… as ready as I’ll ever be,” I say, swallowing hard. Thinking about the restraining order feels like plunging into ice water.
He opens the truck door for me, a practiced, careful motion.
“Hey,” Cas murmurs as he helps me in, his thumb brushing briefly against mine,“you’re taking your life back today.” The warmth behind his words sinks straight into me, and I nod, trying to believe it.
The drive to Joe’s mechanic shop winds through Lander’s sleepy streets, golden morning light streaming across the dashboard and dust motes dancing in the beams. Cas hums along to the radio, some old, gravelly country song, and I find myself stealing glances at him, at the way his jaw tightens slightly when he hits a turn, the easy way his shoulders rest back against the seat. His scent drifts in waves: pine, fresh soap, something purely Cas. Sitting next to him, I feel a surprising sense of calm.
???
Joe’s shop smells like oil, coffee, and old wood, the kind of scent that clings to a place built on decades of work and trust. When we pull in, the big garage door is half open, sunlight spilling across the concrete floor. Joe wipes his hands on a rag and nods toward Cas.
“Morning, Sheriff. Penny, your tire’s been replaced, and I put a spare in the trunk. Checked your oil too, it was bad, so I changed it. Runs smoother than a mountain stream now.”
The tension in my chest finally eases, a quiet relief washing over me.“Thank you, Joe.”
I square my shoulders for the next question, already knowing I’ll need to leave the car with Joe until I find a job and have enough money to pay him.“How much do I owe you?”
“Already taken care of,” Joe says, jerking his chin toward Cas.
Cas smirks, that infuriatingly calm, confident look that says he knows exactly what I’m about to say.
“Cas, no!” I protest, heat rushing to my cheeks.“You and your family have already done too much. I can’t let you pay for this.”
That sheriff’s steadiness is right there in his eyes, patient, firm, unyielding.“You’ll need a car if you want to find a job, Sunset. Let me take care of this now and help you get back on your feet.”
I cross my arms, trying to look stubborn even though part of me just wants to melt into the safety of his tone.“Okay, but I’m paying you back every penny!” I sigh, defeated but grateful.“My first paycheck is going straight to you,” I mutter.
Cas’s lips twitch into a half-smile.“I just want to help you, Penny.”
I shake my head, heart thudding.“Can I at least know how much I owe you?”
Instead of answering, Cas moves around to open my car door, always the gentleman, always in control of the moment.“How about you let me buy you a coffee and some sweets after we finish at the courthouse,” he says, his voice softening.“I’ll have Joe mail me the receipt.”
I roll my eyes, but I can’t hide the faint curve of a smile that sneaks onto my face.
“Okay,” I sigh, suddenly aware of what I’m about to do.“I’m nervous about the restraining order.”
Cas’s gaze sharpens, warmth laced with steel.“Yeah, I understand,” he says, lowering his voice.“Think of it as another wall you’re putting between him and you.”
I nod, still wary, my hands fisting lightly in my lap as I settle into the seat. Cas leans a little closer, voice low but steady.“Let’s go and make sure you’re safe.”
???
The courthouse in Lander isn’t large, but it’s solid, brick and glass, the flag outside snapping softly in the wind. Inside, the scent of paper, coffee, and old wood lingers in the still air. My palms are slick with sweat as we approach the clerk’s counter.
Cas leans forward with that easy familiarity of his.“Morning, Tom. How’s Katie doing?”
The clerk, a middle-aged man with kind eyes and a coffee stain on his shirt pocket, brightens instantly.“She’s good, Sheriff. Tell your mama we’re still coming by for pie next Sunday.”
Cas chuckles, low and easy.“She’ll be waitin’.”
The exchange is simple, ordinary… but it settles something deep inside me. Everyone here seems to know Cas. They all respect him, trust him. Somehow, that makes me feel safer too.
Cas turns to me.“This is Penny. She’s here to file for a restraining order.”
Tom’s gaze flickers to my face, pausing on the fading bruises. His expression softens.“The case would be stronger if you had some pictures to go with it, but I understand if you’re not feeling like it. It’s up to you.” He says gently, giving me a reassuring smile. Cas looks at me for an answer, and I nod, unable to speak with the lump in my throat.
