Noah
The look in Morgan’s eyes when I told her Lily was staying at my mom’s, hence the extra groceries, was painful. I wouldn’t have just volunteered that information, but she asked me point-blank if someone was staying with her. What was I supposed to do? Lie? It’ll probably make its way around the locals sooner rather than later anyway.
I pull out of Pete’s on the hunt for Lily, who said we’d meet in twenty minutes, yet it’s been forty and I haven’t seen her.
Her touch. It was so natural for her to brush her thumb over my mouth, and hell, did I want to snatch her wrist and kiss each fingertip. The only thing I could do was freeze to keep from pulling her into me. Pretty sure she’d do more than flee from my truck—she’d probably leave the damn country.
There are moments. Moments I glimpse what would’ve been the high-on-life woman. Perhaps she’d even be bubbly, less weighed down by whatever keeps her from settling in one spot. I wonder if I’ll ever see that side of her.
Slowly, I drive down Main Street, scanning the sidewalks for her. Considering she jumped out of my truck with little direction and clear motivation to create some distance between us, she could be anywhere. I pass the diner once more and allowthe truck to crawl along the pavement until I catch movement several shops down to my left.
I recognize Lily right away, her hands animated as she throws them up into the air, almost in a challenge. What surprises me, though, is who she’s talking to.
Paul’s in uniform, facing Lily in front of the Handmade Porch.He towers over her, his posture slightly intimidating, and something flips in my stomach.
Passing them, I whip the truck around and skid to a stop in front of the shop. Lily and Paul barely spare me a glance as I get out of the car. Max whines in the back seat, his focus shifting toward Paul. He growls.
Lily crosses her arms tight over her chest, glaring up at the sheriff. Her shoes scuff the concrete as she shifts nervously, yet her chin juts out, the challenge radiating off her. When I round the bed of the truck, stepping up on the sidewalk, she jabs a finger toward his chest.
Paul stiffens, his demeanor screaming irritation.
What the hell is going on?
“Everything okay?” I ask, moving to stand by Lily.
Paul studies me, his green eyes flicking between the two of us. “She was sleeping in the store the owner said.”
Lily scoffs. “It’s a store. I was looking because it was open. I drifted off for a minute, it’s not that big of a deal.”
I bristle and look toward Paul, who’s staring at her neck. “You’re the girl who’s been sleeping in the gym parking lot, are you not?”
“Oh, what the—” Lily lets out a sarcastic laugh.
“You’re telling me you just happened to get into the store to shop for furniture you can’t afford, and just happened to fall asleep while the owners had gone to lunch?” Paul continues.
I don’t like his tone.
“What are you trying to imply?” I ask, inserting myself.
Paul ignores me, which causes me to straighten and angle myself between him and her even more.
“You’re homeless. Trying to catch some shut eye in the store.”
“No,” Lily argues. “You’re all the damn same. Shitty law enforcement that thinks they can treat anyone like anything.”
I hate being lumped into that logic. I’d argue I’m not like that. Yes, I’m a uniformed federal law enforcement officer with authority to enforce federal and state laws within National Park Service sites, but I wanted to do more than just wear a badge. I wanted dirt under my boots and a job that meant something. It’s the real wild, and if I can keep the land safe from illegal activity and careless destruction, then it’s worth it.
There’s something about her fierceness as she says it—it’s a conviction. Perhaps personal experience—figuring by her squared shoulders, chin slightly raised, and the unyielding iron will radiating from her.
It takes a squint, but I examine the hours for the store plastered in the display window. They’re open ten to six today, so why would Paul get called about someone testing out their chairs?
“Do we need to head down to the station, Ms. Parker?” He makes an exaggerated glance toward her thick boots, his lip curling just enough to give away his disgust.
“The shop was open,” Lily reiterates, then she takes a few steps toward me.
“Come on, Paul. What the hell is this all about?”
“It’s about her!” he snaps. “The owners called and said the homeless girl from the gym was sleeping in their store. They wanted me to come check it out. Found her asleep. You’re not on anything, are you?”
