“I suppose so,” I said, pulling Claudia a little tighter into my side. Billy was a decent guy, divorced like me before he came back into town. He took care of his young son on weekends, but I wasn’t sure if he was still single or not. He could have been looking at Claudia out of pure curiosity because she was a new face, but the possessive jerk in me wanted to make it clear we were together wherever we went.
Maybe that was the reason I’d suggested the stupid fake-dating thing. I’d drawn her into my side that day at the park without even thinking and kept going because it felt so good to have her close to me. Even if I hadn’t had the balls to admit I wanted her to be mine at the time, it’d felt good to know that was what everyone would assume.
I guessed it wasn’t a bad thing to have all that established already.
“I wanted to open closer to Main Street, but the cops keep me busy. And the fire department too. I guess every location is a good one when the town is so small.”
“Claudia is the new owner of Halman’s,” I said, smiling when I caught her gaze. “She’s going to give it some life.”
“Congratulations! I heard Larry sold it or was selling it. Please give it some life—and some new seats.”
“Working on it,” she said with a chuckle and leaned against my shoulder. “So, what’s your usual, Ju—Sergeant?”
“Turkey and Swiss on a roll. Billy gets bread delivered daily from the bakery in town.”
“God, I love Kelly Lakes.” She pressed her hand to her chest. “Of course he does. That sounds amazing, so I’ll have the same.”
“You got it,” Billy said, his gaze lingering on me for a minute as a smirk curled his lips.
“The alpha possessive thing is hot. Especially when you’re in uniform,” she whispered as Billy worked on our order.
“I’m glad you think so since I can’t seem to control it. I like everyone knowing you’re with me,” I whispered into her hair. “I think it’s as simple as that.”
“Simple is good. I like simple.” She cupped my cheek. “I like everyone knowing you’re with me too.”
I grabbed our sandwiches and drinks and headed outside. It was hot, but the tables were under the shade of the trees in the back of the deli. Claudia slid in next to me instead of on the opposite side.
“I could move if you want. I figured I’d sit here so you wouldn’t have to growl at anyone else picking up a sandwich today.” She shrugged, slipping a chip out of the bag and holding my eyes as she chewed. A salty crumb stuck to her lips, and I gave in to the temptation and leaned in for a slow kiss, flicking the chip off with my tongue before I pulled away.
“Are you supposed to be that sexy when you’re on duty?”
Her words came out low and throaty, tempting me back to her lips and so much more. But yes, I was on duty.
“Probably not, but it’s lunchtime.” I reached under the table and squeezed her bare thigh.
“Sorry again for interrupting your day.”
“Don’t be sorry. I’m happy for you. I told you it would come through.”
“It’s notofficialofficial, but I told Cece I wanted to work with her next Monday night. Just to start watching and learning. I won’t change anything until the fall and just keep it as it is for now. It’s all so weird.”
“What, being a boss?”
“I guess. Being the main boss anyway. I’ve managed other people before, but this is much different. I only have a few days left of lounging around Peyton’s basement before I’m back in the workforce.”
“Have you been to the lake yet?”
“I’ve dropped Mike off and hung out with Peyton and Keely a couple of times. It’s cute. A little crowded in the afternoons but cute. Why?”
“I’m off on Thursdays. And there’s a more private part of the lake we can go to. If you want.”
“A more private part of the lake.” She rested her head on my shoulder and batted her eyelashes. “That sounds a little scandalous, Sergeant.”
“Only if you want it to be.” I nudged her knee with mine. “I think you’ve been going a mile a minute with this and need to relax. Dad’s aide only comes in the morning on Thursdays, but I think he’ll be fine for the day. If he knows I’m out with you, he’ll probably find a way to dead bolt the door until nightfall.”
“I’m sure,” she chuckled, but she darted her eyes back and forth from the table to me. “A day with you does sound nice. And it would be good to distract myself a little from this crazy thing I’m doing.”
“Stop saying it’s crazy.”
