“So you’re starin’ instead?”Cassie laughed.
“Actually,” Boone cut in, “she said you were a one-night wonder—minus the wonder.”
Crusher spit off to the side and kept staring.“Fuck you, Boone.”
“With the wonder or without?”
Grinning, Cassie patted Crusher’s arm.“You do whatever you gotta do, Crush.But I’m recommendin’ actual words over dirty looks—”
“Relationship advice comin’ from Clifton’s littlest heavy hitter is some damn funny shit,” a new voice cut in.
Cassie spun on Rook, shooting him a look.“I’m just tryin’ to be helpful,Elias—unlike some people.”
“Helpful…” Boone shook his head with a chuckle.“Someone’s in a good mood.”
“Someone’s gettin’ dicked down on the daily,” Crusher replied sullenly.“Meanwhile I’m out here bein’ called forgettable.”
“Aw, Crush—I’m sorry Luey couldn’t find the wonder.I’m sure you were very…adequate.”
Boone choked on his beer, while Crusher turned slowly toward Cassie, wounded disbelief written all over his face.
“Adequate?”he repeated.“Woman, I risked a hamstring for that fuckin’ ass.”
As the ribbing continued, the sound from the stage began to pick up, drawing people in that direction.Cassie found herself drifting with them, already picking apart the notes—half-formed chords, a progression just shy of familiar, something sitting just out of reach.
She turned with the flow of people, barely paying attention as the tents gave way to folding tables…and there it was—the sheriff’s booth.Crowding the entrance to the main stage, a banner stretched across the front; a large poster board leaned against it, the headline blown up—Hero Deputies Die in Ridge Fire.
The noise of the festival dulled, her steps slowing before she could stop them, something cold sliding through her chest.
Tate looked up mid-sentence, and the second their eyes met, Cassie felt her pulse kick into overdrive.
In spite of that—or maybe just to spite him—she squared her shoulders, plastered on a bright smile, and strode straight over.
“Hey there, Sheriff,” she said loudly enough that the ongoing conversations around the table paused.
“Ms.Berry,” Tate replied tightly.“Didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Wouldn’t miss it.Community event and all.”
“Settlin’ in, are you?”
“Still visiting.”
“Sure is a long visit.”
“Guess I must like the scenery.”She kept her smile, digging inside her pocket.Pulling out some bills, she slipped them in the donation box.
Tate’s mouth tightened.“Appreciated.”
“There you are.”Nash’s hand closed over her hip as he stepped in beside her.“Been lookin’ all over, and here I find you cozyin’ up to the law…”
Cassie gestured to the sign with a dramatic sigh.“I got distracted—it’s just such a good cause.You should give ’em some money.”She was reaching for Nash’s wallet before he could stop her, shoving a thick stack in the box.“There we go,” she drawled, giving it a little pat.“Good clean money for a good clean cause.Maybe now they’ll have enough to do their jobs…”
Nash choked over his laughter.“I ever tell you how much I like you in cutoffs?”he murmured, turning her away.
“Gosh, let me think.”She pressed into him, letting her attention drift from the sheriff.“Nope.Not nearly enough.”
“Favorite part,” he murmured into her hair, sliding along the curve where her ass met her leg.“Second favorite,” he added, switching cheeks.
