“Ms. Bridges?” he asked.
She looked him over. He was a good-looking guy. Seemed calm and rational, but who knew what he was like on the inside. She was well aware that people could mask their true thoughts and feelings.
Since she was one of those people.
“Yes. That’s me. Have I done something wrong?”
He gave her a gentle smile. “No, of course not. I’m Sheriff Jake Reynolds. I just wanted to talk to you for a moment if I may?”
Sure, it was worded as a question. But she could tell that it was really a command.
So she nodded and he gestured to the large common area of the hotel which had a number of comfortable looking sofas, magazines on the table, and a coffee table.
“Would you like a coffee?” he asked. “My treat.”
“Umm.” Wasn’t the coffee free?
“That was a joke, Ms. Bridges. Sorry, my wife said that I should try using humor when trying to put someone at ease so they’re not frightened of me.”
“Oh. Um, sorry?”
“Don’t apologize. I should just stick with what I know.”
“Which is intimidating people?” she asked dryly.
He shot her a look.
“Um, sorry?” she squeaked.
Horse seemed to sense her unease and leaned into her legs with a glare up at the man.
Shoot. The last thing she wanted was for Horse to get into trouble with the sheriff. So she patted him reassuringly and tried to hide her unease.
To her surprise, the sheriff huffed out a laugh. “I guess it might be. Although I’m not trying to intimidate you.”
“I hate to tell you, but you’re not doing the best job.”
“Hmm. Let me get you a coffee. You look like you could use one.”
She did? Great. And she thought she’d done a pretty good job with her makeup today.
He returned with two coffees and some creamer. She poured a lot of creamer into her coffee. He raised an eyebrow but said nothing as she took a sip and sighed.
Okay, this might help kickstart her brain.
“How can I help you, Sheriff?” she asked, watching him carefully.
“Call me Jake. We’re going to get to know each other well.”
“We are?” Alarm filled her.
“Well, if you’re still planning to move to Haven. Wouldn’t blame you if you changed your mind after everything that’s happened.”
“What do you mean?” she asked.
“I mean after your interaction with Ravina last night.”
“Oh. Well, I mean, that wasn’t her fault. It was mine. The rental doesn’t include animals. She can’t bend that rule for me. Even though I didn’t know I was going to turn up with a dog. And he’s only temporary. I think. If I can find his family. I’m rambling. Sorry.” She took a deep breath in and let it out slowly.
