“No,” I muttered, focusing very intently on my notebook. “And you didn’t see anyone near the main house at any point?”
“No, Sheriff. I was a very good boy. Stayed right here in my cabin, thinking about?—”
“That’s enough information,” I cut him off, my ears burning. “Thank you for your cooperation.”
He grinned, clearly enjoying my discomfort. “Anytime.”
I cleared my throat again, trying to push aside the vivid thoughts of him riding a dildo. “I’ll let you get back to your work. If you think of anything else, give me a call.”
“Oh, I’ll definitely be calling you,” he said with a wink that sent heat pooling in my belly. “And maybe I’ll stop by the office again and show you my…toy.”
I just tipped my hat, unable to speak.
FuckI wanted to see that.
Chapter 13
Xavier
“Do you two eat here like every night or something?” I asked as I followed Lucas and Beau into Dolly’s Diner for probably the fourth time in the past week. “Aren’t you tired of it?”
“Tired of Dolly’s cookin’?” Beau scoffed, glancing back at me. “Never!”
Lucas gave me a small nod. “I miss sushi. And latkes. And bagels.”
“God, I would kill someone for a kosher deli right now. Best food of my life!”
“What’s wrong with barbecue?” Beau asked, looking at the pair of us like we were insane. “And good southern cookin’? Lucas came down here to steal our recipes for a reason. It’s the best.”
“It’s good,” I nodded. “But if man was meant to live on red meat and pie alone, we wouldn’t have arteries that get clogged so easily.”
That got a snort from Lucas. “Beau is allergic to vegetables. I’m convinced.”
“I eat vegetables!”
“Ketchup is not a vegetable,” Lucas retorted.
“Well hey there!” a high-pitched voice called from the bar. It was Dolly, of course. “It’s my two favorite boys!”
Lucas stepped aside to show that it wasn’t just him and Beau. And the moment Dolly’s gaze landed on me, that smile flew right off her face and probably got stuck in her over sprayed hair.
“Yep,” I nodded, giving her a sarcastic smile. “I’m here too.”
“Well, isn’t that justwonderful,” Dolly said through gritted teeth, her voice dripping with false sweetness as she grabbed three menus. “Right this way.”
She led us to a booth near the back, and I couldn’t help but notice she walked a little faster than necessary, like she was trying to get this over with as quickly as possible. Lucas slid in first, followed by Beau, leaving me to take the seat across from them. Perfect. Now I got to stare at the happy couple while they made goo-goo eyes at each other.
Not that I was bitter or anything.
“Coffee?” Dolly asked, already pouring three cups without waiting for an answer. At least she was consistent in her terrible service.
“Yes, please,” Lucas said politely.
“Thank you, Dolly,” Beau added with that charming smile of his.
She completely ignored me, which was fine. I wasn’t in the mood to pretend to be nice to someone who clearly despised my existence.
After she walked away, Lucas leaned across the table slightly. “She’ll warm up to you eventually.”
