I’maround my truck and helping her step down so fast that she lets out a little huff of surprise. “I’ll always get the door for you. Wait next time,” it’s not a request, more like a plea.
“Okay, Rhodes,” she murmurs and I kiss her forehead before helping her into her car.
“I’ll follow you.”
She nods and the entire time I follow her to her home, I’m thinking about how grateful I am that I was there tonight. That I found her first.
I don’t even care that I never had the chance to check things out. There will be time for that later.
Now I’m going to show my woman exactly what it means to be mine and ensure she knows not to ever put herself in danger again.
CHAPTER 12
HELEN
I can’t believe I just did that. I can’t believe it happened.
Rhodes Wilder and I just had sex in the backseat of his truck. The backseat of the Sheriff’s truck, even though it wasn’t his official vehicle. Aren’t all his vehicles technically official? I mean, he’s always the Sheriff.
It was the most pleasure I’ve ever felt in my life.
There’s no reason for this man, considering I barely know him though I feel the connection viscerally, to know my body as well as he does. The way he touched me was divine. I’ve never felt that kind of reverence.
And if the promises in his eyes can be believed, he’s not done with me. Not even close.
Honestly, I wasn’t entirely sure he would agree to go back to my place.
There isn’t usually a lot of traveling between our two towns. I’m sure there are places out there where people travel freely when your towns are so close, but it’s always felt like the battle lines have always been very clear here and they are lines you don’t cross.
But Rhodes doesn’t look at me like I’m from the wrong side of the ridge.
I like it far more than I probably should.
He makes me feel like he sees me. Really sees me.
Every timewe’re together, the way he listens—with his full focus—is intoxicating. I’ve been craving more of it.
And I’ve been missing him since I last saw him at Bunz Out.
Considering the man just intercepted me while I was checking out the possible location of major criminal activity, he was probably focused on the case. The realization has me feeling bad.
I was pissed and hurt when I didn’t hear from him.
He could have sent a quick text. Especially after popping up randomly in my life and then disappearing.
It might not have been for long, but I can admit I was feeling the loss of it.
He’s followed behind me carefully and closely, but not too close. It’s made me feel safe in a way I’m not used to.
When I finally pull into my driveway, Rhodes pulls along the street. I’m gripping the wheel so tightly that my knuckles are turning white. I’m not afraid, I’m nervous.
This feels big. And real in a way that is both terrifying and thrilling.
I nearly jump out of my skin when Rhodes knocks on my window. When I unlock the car, he swings open the door before crouching down next to me.
As he reaches across and gently unbuckles me, his hands are steady. They’re sure. I don’t know why, but seeing it helps.
If he’s so sure, about this, about what we’re both clearly feeling then I can be too. I think. I hope.
