He wiped at her tears.“Maybe it doesn’t end.”
“We both knew what this was when we started.We live in two different places.”
“I’ve been considering my next move, maybe I need to take a break from this town.”
She shook her head.“You’re the next Sheriff of Sandy Point.This path may not have seemed like your choice when you returned home all those years ago, but you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.You’re great at what you do, and your family is here.”
He knew deep down she was right.There was something about his hometown that made him feel proud and possessive all at once.As much as he felt overwhelmed or in awe of the trust his town put in him, it drove him.Gave him purpose, and he didn’t think he could recreate that anywhere else.
“But I need you now too.Atlanta isn’t that far.”
She just looked up at him in disbelief, shaking her head from side to side.“That’s impossible.”
“Why?”He ran his hands up her arms and gently gripped her face, meeting her eyes.
“Why shouldn’t I need you?”
“Because we just met, and I don’t belong here.I never have.”
“Maybe you’re wrong, Shelby Bell; maybe you’ve always belonged here too.”
He kissed her, not wanting to hear her deny it or try to talk herself out of it.If she wouldn’t stay, he was going to have to figure out a way for them to be together.But for now he was going to do whatever she needed.
Once they were both dried off and dressed Wes made her some breakfast and coffee she barely touched.
“Do you want me to call Declan for you?”
“No, but if you have his number, I’ll take it.”
He slid his phone over so she could copy the number and cleaned up breakfast while she made the call.From their conversation he could tell Declan confirmed he was her grandfather’s attorney, and he agreed to see her right away.
“I’m going to head over to his office now.Do you have to work today?”
“Yeah, but put this code in your phone, then you can come and go as you please.It’ll be easier to manage everything if you’re in town, so you don’t need to head back to Atlanta just yet, don’t you think?”
“Yes but I’m going to see about a room at the inn anyway.The last thing I need to do is arm my family with one more reason to hate me.And you really don’t need their wrath before a big election.”
“Or maybe you shouldn’t worry about what they think at all?”
“I know I shouldn’t care, but old habits.”
“Okay, look, I want to see you and be here for you, but if you want time alone I get it.”
She just nodded.“I’m going to grab my things, then I’ll get out of your way.”
But he grabbed her before she could walk by him.“Let’s just be clear, you’re not in my way, you’re not a nuisance, you’re not someone I don’t want to spend time with.As far as I’m concerned you belong right here, in my kitchen, in my home, for as long as you want to be here.”
Her sad eyes looked up at him, but he was full of relief when she let her body sink into his.
“You’re completely unexpected,” she whispered.
“Right back at you.”Then he kissed her and hoped she could feel at least some of his need for her.
“I’ll get a room at the inn, but let you know what I find out from Declan, and maybe I can sneak back over here later.”
“Or I can pick you up and we can take a drive out of Sandy Point.”
“That sounds nice.”
