“Sorry, ma’am. I’m sorry about that.”
Her long hair slides over my arm, and I have the inane thought that it’s a beautiful, rich brown color with little wisps of highlights around her face.
Her face.
Something hits me low in the chest at the sight of it. Alarmed eyes and worry lining her forehead, but she’s so damn stunning at close range without the dim lighting or dirty window obscuring my view, I’m knocked speechless.
“I—apologize, Sheriff.” She practically jumps sideways to get away from me, scrambling down the stairs with her hands clutching a large purse. Her sweater, the same color as the one she wore yesterday, is way too light for the freezing temps today.
“My fault.” It’s all I can manage.
She doesn’t respond, just blinks and inches away.
“Did you get your tire taken care of?” I need more information here, and she’s clearly not going to give it to me.
Not a shock considering how she responded when I did the welfare check on her car, but I’d like to think I don’t seem like a complete bully in the uniform.
Granted, I also can’t erase the reality that some people have had bad experiences with law enforcement. Sure, not all cops and all that, but… enough of them to remind me I shouldn’t be frustrated this woman doesn’t instantly trust me thanks to the badge on my left pocket. It doesn’t automatically mean she’s got sketchy motives for being here.
“All set. Yeah, thanks.” She turns and walks.
“You sure? Usually, spares only last about fifty miles.”
She turns and squints like she’s trying to figure out why I’m still talking, then takes a hesitant step back toward me.
“I’ve driven maybe five miles so far. Should be good.”
I nod and swallow hard because my throat’s dry and Icannot stop the absolute invasion of thought telling me she is so beautiful it’s making my chest tight.
“Good. Get it changed soon.” I’m nothing if not capable of giving orders, and I default to that setting now. It’s that, or drop to my knees, I guess.
I internally scowl at the thought as she mumbles something and turns away again.
I’m being an idiot, but I shoot a hand in the air and wave even though she can’t see me as she charges down the street. “Have a good one.”
Have a good one?I order her around, clearly irritate her, and then wave at her like a besotted fool?
Yeah, it has to be the lack of sleep and coffee.
When I step inside, May is eying me, clearly having seen the entire exchange.
“Have a good one, huh? The quiet sheriff is suddenly a Chatty Cathy to the new girl?”
Behind me, my brother laughs low. Like an idiot. I don’t care how many degrees he has.
“No. I spoke with her yesterday. None of your business.”
Her brows rise on her forehead. “Interesting.”
“Not interesting,” I grumble, handing her my mug.
She must’ve seen me coming because she’s already dumping in the shots and hot water for my Americano.
“I think you’ve got a crush.”
“I’ve seen the woman twice, and only actually looked her in the face just now. How could I possibly have a crush on her already?”
She smirks. “I mean, you saw her.”
