“Ms. Calloway.” His voice carried that same controlled authority from yesterday, but there was something rougher underneath it now. Something that made her pulse skip.
“Sheriff.” She was proud that her voice came out steady despite the way her heart was hammering. “You’re up early.”
“I was in the neighborhood.” The words came out too quickly, like he’d rehearsed them. “Thought you might appreciate some breakfast, and I wanted to go over a few local ordinances with you since you’re new to the area.”
He held up two takeout coffee cups and a white paper bag that smelled like heaven and sugar. The gesture was thoughtful, professional, and completely transparent.
In the neighborhood. Right.
“How thoughtful,” Electra said, her dry humor kicking in as a defense against the way his proximity was making her skin tingle. “I suppose sheriffs make house calls for all the new residents, or am I just special?”
Something flickered across his features—recognition, maybe—before his professional mask slipped back into place.
“Public safety is my priority. Mind if I come in?”
The question was polite, but there was something in his tone that suggested he’d find a way inside whether she agreed or not.
This man is trouble.
And God help her, she was intrigued.
“Sure.” She stepped back, acutely aware of how his large frame filled her doorway as he passed. “Though I’m not exactly dressed for company.”
His eyes swept over her again, and this time she caught the way his jaw clenched almost imperceptibly.
“You look...” He cleared his throat, his composure cracking just enough to let something more primal peek through. “Fine.”
The coffee was warm when he handed it to her, and their fingers brushed during the exchange. The contact was brief, casual, but it sent electricity shooting up her arm like she’d stuck her finger in a light socket. From the way his breath caught—barely audible but definitely there—she wasn’t the only one who felt it.
“So,” she said, taking a sip of coffee that was perfectly sweetened. “What local ordinances does a romance writer need to know about?”
Rune’s posture straightened, and suddenly he was all business again. Professional. Controlled. Like he’d flipped a switch that buried whatever heat had been simmering between them.
“Wildlife safety is the primary concern,” he began, his tone taking on the cadence of someone who’d given this speech before. “Bears are common in this area, especially during berry season. Keep your garbage secured, and if you encounter one, don’t run. Make yourself appear large and back away slowly.”
Electra nodded solemnly. “No running from bears. Got it.”
“Wolves are also present in significant numbers. Maintain distance.”
“How much distance are we talking? Like, different zip code distance, or just don’t try to pet them distance?”
The corner of his mouth twitched. “The latter will suffice.”
“Also trail safety is equally important,” he continued, back to his rehearsed speech. “The terrain can be deceptive, especiallyfor someone unfamiliar with mountain conditions. Weather changes rapidly, and it’s easy to become disoriented. I strongly recommend not hiking alone, particularly after dark.”
“Strongly recommend, or is that an order, Sheriff?” The words slipped out, tinged with the kind of challenge that had gotten her into trouble more times than she could count.
This time, his smile was unmistakable. Controlled, but definitely there.
“A recommendation,” he said carefully. “Though I reserve the right to upgrade it to an order if circumstances warrant.”
“How very authoritative of you.”
The words hung in the air between them. Rune’s eyes sharpened, and for a moment, she felt like prey being evaluated by a predator.
“I take the safety of my town seriously, Ms. Calloway. That includes everyone in it.”
Everyone, or just me specifically?
