“I could barely get him to crack a smile. Sergeant Grumpy had a romance-cover face and drool-worthy arms. If I hadn’t been in the middle of a meltdown, I would have flirted a little harder. I took it as a good sign that I’m at least not too far gone.”
“Did you get his name?” Peyton asked with a chuckle. “And, yes. The fact that you still flirted with a hot cop even a little after you were laid off and drove here in enough of a rage to speed makes me feel better too.”
“Davis. I asked him what his first name was, and he said Sergeant.”
“Ah, yes. Davis works with Jake on his days off.”
“Why would a cop need a side job?”
She grimaced. “He’s been taking care of his dad since his mother died. He grew up in Kelly Lakes and was a few years behind Jake and Uncle Keith in school, but he moved away and only came back into town about six months ago. His father is a diabetic and lost his leg, so he can’t live alone. Davis told Jake that he moved back into his house because he didn’t want his father to live in a facility when he could take care of him. I’m not sure if he works with Jake for the extra money or the break. I’ve always found him more quiet and reserved than grumpy.”
“I have that effect on people, I guess. Probably didn’t help that I tried to invoke Uncle Keith’s name to get out of it at first. Hopefully he doesn’t tell on me.”
She laughed when I flicked my eyes to hers.
“Uncle Keith would be more concerned about you than mad, if that’s what you’re afraid of.”
“I didn’t even realize how fast I was going. The more I thought about things, the harder I pressed on the gas pedal. Sergeant Davis saved me from another possible disaster.” I broke off a piece of cookie, guilt now swirling with all the other emotions simmering in my gut. “That’s commendable to take care of his father like that.”
“You’d take care of your parents in a heartbeat if you had to,” she said, a smile twitching at her lips.
“As much as they’d drive me crazy, yes.” I smirked around the rim of the ceramic mug, the liquor relaxing me enough to chuckle when Peyton met my gaze.
“I love that we have the kind of friendship that we always unload bad news to each other first. It’s nice.” Peyton crinkled her nose at me.
“Same. Thanks for being my safe place.” I glanced around the kitchen. “Both figuratively and literally.”
“Anytime. I think wherever you land next will be right where you’re supposed to be.”
“Or I’ll dig a bigger hole. Either way, it’s something different, right?” I wrapped my fingers around the handle of the mug and held it up in salute.
“You won’t dig a bigger hole. You’re the smartest person I know.”
I nodded, my mind drifting to Sergeant Davis. After learning his backstory, I felt even worse for looking like a brat having a tantrum when he’d pulled me over.
“He works with Jake a lot?”
She tilted her head from side to side.
“Not a lot. Once or twice a month, maybe. Jake uses him for renovation jobs more than repairs. He said Davis has a good eye for craftsmanship. He helped a lot when we redid the kitchen.”
I nodded, pursing my lips as I scanned the space, the gleaming marble countertops now almost taunting me. I had no plan for how long I would be staying with Peyton, but I had the feeling that I’d run into him again at some point. This town was too small not to see everyone all the time. I only came to visit for a weekend every month, and even I knew most of the townspeople by name.
But not the hot cop who now, thanks to my lousy first impression, I was sure thought I was a hot mess. Why did that bother me so much?
“Hey, Claudia.”
I swiveled my head to Jake’s voice, his deep timbre laced with sympathy.
“Hey, Jake.” I pushed off the chair and gave him a quick hello hug. “Thank you for accepting a last-minute, late-night houseguest.”
“You aren’t a guest.” Jake shook his head as he draped his muscular arm across his wife’s shoulders. “You’re family. And Keely is going to be very happy to see you.” He smiled as he pulled Peyton closer. “Mike and I straightened up the basement tonight, and it’s all yours for as long as you want it. I’m sorry about your job.”
I sighed, lifting my shoulder in a slow shrug. “It happens. I guess. And thank you for all of that. I’ll stay out of your way and not cause any more trouble while I’m here.”
“Moretrouble?” Jake’s brows pulled together.
“Davis pulled her over for speeding on the way in, but he let her slide when she told him about the day she’d had.”
