"Same time tomorrow?" she asks.
She smiles. Soft and warm and aimed directly at me. "Thanks for the second chance, Sheriff."
"Third chance, technically. The raccoon incident occurred on day one."
"Right. Third chance." Her smile widens. "I'll try not to need a fourth."
She turns to leave, then pauses. Looks back at me over her shoulder.
"Nacho?"
"Yes?"
"That kiss was really good."
Then she's gone, disappearing down the hallway. I listen to her footsteps fade, then the front door opening and closing.
The station feels emptier without her.
I tell myself that's a normal observation. That any change in personnel affects the atmosphere of a workplace. That I'm simply noting the absence of an additional staff member.
I don't believe myself for a second.
Friday is approaching. The hockey event at six. But before that, we have to deal with Callum showing up expecting to collect Jessica like she's a package he ordered.
He'll find four brothers who have no intention of letting that happen.
And one sheriff who's discovering that no amount of training prepares you for an omega who reorganizes evidence rooms and kisses like she means it.
I return to my paperwork, pen in hand, reports spread across my desk.
The smile on my face refuses to fade.
20
SERGIO
The rink is freezing at six in the morning. Perfect. I need ice and frost and something to kill the fire that's been burning in my gut since Jessica walked into my house wearing my brother's henley and smelling like everything I've ever wanted.
She's in my truck right now. Passenger seat. Knees pulled up, bare feet on the dash because she kicked off her shoes the second she got in. Nacho's grey hoodie swallows her frame, but it can't hide the swell of her hips where the fabric bunches. Can't hide the curve of her thighs in those black leggings that should be illegal.
I keep my eyes on the road. Mostly.
"You're quiet," she says.
"I'm always quiet."
"Quieter than usual."
I grunt. She's not wrong. But if I open my mouth right now, I'm going to say something stupid. Something likeI've been thinking about your mouth since three AMorthe way you laughed in my kitchen made me want to pin you against the counter and taste you.
Can't say that. Won't say that.
Best friend's ex. Heat coming. Vulnerable.
Control, Negrorio.
I pull into the rink parking lot and kill the engine.
