I know I overwhelmed her last night, but it was like the truth just bubbled out of me. I couldn’t stop it. I don’t regret it, per se. I just don’t know if bearing my soul will be a setback in what has been significant progress between us.
The sun is just starting to rise, and with it a new day to show I meant every word I said. The buzzing on the makeshift nightstand I have makes me sigh. The downside to being the sheriff in a small town is always being on call.
I carefully slip my arm from a still sleeping Rina and roll over to see who it is. When I seeOakleyflashing across the screen, I’m instantly hit with a shot of adrenaline.
Rolling off the bed and carefully standing up, I swipe to answer even though it takes me a minute to get up off the floor. Once I walk to the living room, I bring the phone up to my ear.
“Hey.”
“Sorry if I woke you,” he says.
“I was awake. What’s up?”
“I have a lead.” The silence is deafening. I’m simultaneously excited, worried, and anxious. “We got a hit on the IP address, and it conveniently lines up with one Tyler Ramsey.”
“No shit?” I’m shocked. It feels easy, and I know things like this are never easy.
“The problem is it has to run through Rosedale’s system to get a warrant. I’m not sure how long that’ll take, and if his escalations are anything to go by…”
“We don’t have much time,” I finish.
“There’s also no guarantee that it is Tyler. It could all be some insane coincidence.”
“It’s not.” I know it’s not. Ever since we ran into him at the bistro, I knew something was wrong with him.
“We have to let this go through proper channels,” Oakley says like he knows my thoughts are turning to how I can go get this asshole.
“Sure,” I clip.
“Arlo…”
“Just let me handle this.”
“You’re the one who asked me for help, man. I’m not going to let you get yourself into trouble if I can help it.”
I sigh, knowing I’m being an overbearing dick right now. “You’re right.” I think about what I can do to expedite things, and the only logical thing is to go check out Tyler’s house and tail him if I’m able to. “Can I ask another favor?”
“Anything.” He offers it so freely. It’s such a change from when he first moved here.
“I need someone to be with Rina while I’m … out. Can she stay at Grind Time while I go check things out?”
“What exactly are you checking out?” he asks.
“I won’t do anything stupid. You’re right, it needs to go through proper channels. I just want to check out his house and see if I can get anything. If I’m able to follow him, I’ll do that as well, but I won’t be noticed.”
“I gotta be honest; I’m not loving this plan, but I also know men do stupid shit for the women they love.” I laugh at his response because he isn’t wrong, although Willow ended up saving his ass in the end.
“Can Rina stay with you? You’re the only one I trust with this.” A vulnerable truth I wouldn’t have admitted a few months ago.
“I can’t force her to stay, but I will keep an eye on her as best as I can, even if she leaves,” he concedes.
“That’s all I ask. Thanks, man. I’ll keep you updated.” I hang up without preamble. We don’t need to harp on shit, and I need to figure out exactly what my plan is.
“Who am I apparently staying with?” Rina’s annoyed tone startles me.
I turn to look at her and see her standing in my bedroom doorway wearing nothing but one of mySheriffshirts. It’s sexy as fuck, and if I didn’t just get the phone call I did, I’d drag her back to bed.
Sighing, I know being one hundred percent honest is the only way she’ll do what I tell her.
