“I’ll tell you what I told her.” Joe stroked his beard. “My ancestors owned the now-dormant silver mine up above Caribou, and they bled this town and its people dry. Since I inherited the mine, I’ve worked hard to rebuild Scarlet and give back what my family took.”
Darius hadn’t known any of this.
Joe went on. “What do we want? We want a town that’s safe and welcoming to all. We want a community that’s self-reliant and strong. We want a police department that’s actively involved with our residents and a chief who can shift gears to meet emerging dangers like the transient camps. We want someone who’s forward-thinking, someone who can join minds with us to make Scarlet the best town it can be.”
“Damn, Joe.” Bob gaped at him. “Nice speech. You should run for mayor.”
More laughter.
Darius made eye contact with everyone at the table. “I am interested. You’re right, Joe. I never imagined living in a small town. Part of that comes from being a murder suspect. Let’s just say that I quickly learned to value anonymity.”
“I bet.” There was understanding in Megs’ eyes. “What’s changed your mind—besides Sasha.”
Darius had spent the better part of two months thinking over what he was about to share with them now. “I saw how you rallied around Sasha, how the town pulled together. I’ve seen how you care for Bear. You welcomed me like a friend from the moment I arrived. I’ve never experienced that sense of … belonging.”
Darius spoke only the truth. He had a family that loved him. He’d had friends growing up, and he’d had colleagues. But he had neverbelongedanywhere.
“So, you’ll do it?” Marcia looked ready to break out the champagne.
“Before I can make a decision, I need two things. First, I need to see specifics—the budget, an inventory of gear, a review of the staff—and maybe get a tour of the department.”
Michael opened a manila folder. “I’ve got some of that here.”
“What’s the second thing?” Megs looked ready to run out and get it for him.
“I need to talk to Sasha.”
Sasha rode up the escalator,her gaze seeking Darius in the crowd. Just before her plane had landed, she’d changed into that little black dress he liked and a pair of heels, her legs bare, nothing beneath her dress but a black, lacy bra and matching panties. Sure, it was November, and she’d be a little chilly. But she wanted to surprise him.
She reached the top of the escalator, her heart swelling when she spotted him, standing there in a dark wool overcoat, a frown of concentration on his face as he watched for her.
“Dare!” She waved.
He saw her, and his frown became a broad grin.
She threaded her way over to him, leaped into his arms, and planted a kiss on his lips, his familiar scent filling her head. “Oh, I’ve missed you!”
“I’ve missed you, too.” He buried his face in her hair. “God, you smell good.”
He stepped back, his gaze sliding over her, one emotion chasing the next across his face—hunger followed by concern. “That dress. Aren’t you cold?”
She lowered her voice to a whisper. “I want younow. Get me home!”
“Let’s go.” He took her bag and led her toward the west parking garage, no need to speak, both of them focused on the same goal with single-minded intensity.
Itwascold outside, a chilly wind from the mountains seeming to go straight up her dress, but the cold was no match for the heat in her blood. She’d thought about him so much that she was already intensely aroused.
The inside of his vehicle was warm, and he turned on the seat warmers. “Better?”
She slid a hand up his inner thigh. “Can’t we just do it here?”
“In the parking garage?” He glanced around, laughing. “There are cams everywhere—and people walking by. I’d lose my badge.”
“Thenhurry.” She squeezed her thighs together to assuage the ache, but it only made things worse.
He drove out of the airport, exiting onto the highway. “Put your seat back, and spread your legs.”
Without hesitation, she did as he asked, planting her feet on the dash.
