She nodded and didn’t move to exit the car.Ella was snoozing in her car seat, and it felt intimate with her and Nash in this isolated bubble.They hadn’t been able to find much alone time yet.
She was looking forward to more alone time in a far more intimate and private setting.Every touch from Nash incited her body in ways she’d never experienced.She’d seen the way Mary Mae and Liam had behaved around each other, so she recognized the signs.
Now, she wanted to take things a step further.The apple farm was home.She wanted to make that permanent with Nash.The logical next step was sex.And she couldn’t wait.
Something of her thoughts must have shown in her eyes, because Nash’s eyes darkened and his lips tipped up.He ran his thumb over her mouth.Then he leaned in to replace his thumb with his lips.
The kiss was soft and sweet.Full of promise.Of sex, sure, but of far more than that.Of love and lifetimes.
Or maybe she just had a strong imagination.
She hoped that wasn’t the case.
“Mama.Na.”
Laughing, Olivia looked into the back seat.“Hi, Ella.Did you have a good nap?Are you ready to meet some more people?”
“Na.”
Nash chuckled as he stepped out of the car and moved to take Ella out of her seat.Olivia’s heart expanded as he nuzzled the little girl’s cheek with his scruffy beard, making her squeal with laughter.
Olivia grabbed her purse, and together they walked into Phail Jail.A black cat sat on the counter separating the waiting area from the police work in the back.
A woman in a deputy’s uniform stood from her desk with a smile.She brushed her hand over the cat as she spoke to them.“Hello.How can I help you today?”
Olivia felt a rush of panic.“I’m Olivia Gonzalez, and this is Nash Cooper.I was hoping to speak with the police chief for a few minutes, but I’m just realizing now I should have made an appointment.”
The woman grinned.“No worries.Let me see if he’s got some time.”
She moved across the hall and entered a room after a quick knock on a closed door.In only seconds, she waved them forward with a smile.“Come on in.The chief can see you now.”
The man behind the desk looked serious and imposing.Strong and steady.Just how he’d been described.
With a broad smile, he moved around the desk with his hand out.“Alice.It’s so good to see you.I know you’ve been out at the farm.I should have found the time to come see you.”
The two men hugged.Ella giggled as she was included in the hug.
Nash rubbed the girl’s hair and then turned to Olivia.“Olivia, I’d like you to meet Marcus Ramirez, also known as Arrow.Marcus, this is Olivia Gonzalez and her daughter, Ella.”
Marcus shook her hand and then smiled at Ella.“Nice to meet you.Welcome to Phail.Have a seat and tell me why you’ve come to see me today.”
A huge Great Dane wandered in with the black cat, and Nash closed the office door behind them all.Marcus raised an eyebrow at the move but didn’t comment.He gestured at the animals.“Are you okay with these guys in here?They have free rein in the station but I can easily get rid of them.”
Olivia smiled as Ella squirmed in Nash’s arms trying to reach the big dog.“We’re all good with animals.No allergies or fears here.”
Marcus rubbed his hand over the dog.“This is Finch.He’s very gentle.When he was a puppy, he was found on a road curled around three kittens to keep them safe.He loves kids, too.The cat is Boo.”
Olivia laughed.“Someone is a fan of To Kill A Mockingbird?”
Marcus’s face softened.“My wife named them.The other two cats are Jem and Scout.”
“Oggie.Oggie.”
Nash sat in the chair with Ella in his lap.The cat moved to sit on the window ledge, but the big dog came over to sniff the girl.Ella squealed and clapped her hands.The dog rested its massive head on her lap and let her pat its face with her tiny hands.
The sight had emotions tumbling through Olivia.Love.Longing.Joy.
And she was here to make sure she didn’t lose the chance to have those things for the rest of her life.
