I can’t believe this.
The deputy takes a blanket from his trunk and covers me with it before stuffing me into the back of his car. I slouch down in the seat. It’s embarrassing as hell but I’ll put up with it if it means protecting Stormy’s name.
The trip to the station doesn’t take long and I’m thankful to see Jackson is on duty. He works part time as a deputy while trying turn the ranch he inherited from his grandparents into a full-time income.
After I quietly explain what happened, he laughs his ass off. Jackson and I have been friends since high school, and I learned back then that he knows how to keep his mouth shut. It’d be easier to push a Ford through the eye of a needle than to get a secret out of him.
“I’ll get you out of here, but we have to at least take a mugshot so you can have a keepsake,” he says.
“Like I want a memento of my junk swinging in the night air?” I have to laugh now that I’m out of handcuffs and in a pair of extra sweatpants and a T-shirt he had on hand.
“It’ll be something you can give Stormy. The photo, not the junk.”
“Funny.”
“I thought so.” Jackson motions me toward a wall.
“Alright.” I stand in front of the height measurement chart.
“Hang on. Add this.” Jackson hands me a black Stetson.
I put the hat on, think of Stormy, then give the camera what I think is a great smoldering stare along with a sexy half smile.
Jackson takes the photo. “As soon as this uploads in the system, I’ll text it to you,” he says. “You’re free to go.”
“I need to find a ride,” I tell him. I don’t have my phone on me and don’t have anyone’s number memorized.
“My shift is ending. Come on, I’ll give you a lift back to Stormy’s.”
Stormy swings open the door as soon as I step onto the porch. She’s barefoot and wearing a pair of light pink pajamas. Her hair hangs free and her lips are still slightly swollen from our kisses.
She’s so damn beautiful.
“My neighbor came over to warn me about a Peeping Tom. She’s the one who called the sheriff’s office. You’ve had a busy night,” she says with a teasing grin.
“Yeah, but not as pervy as what she thought.”
“I know you weren’t wanking off in the bushes like she said. But what were you doing outside?”
“I thought Checkers got out and went to look for her,” I explain.
“Ah, okay. I was planning to come and get you, but the deputy said you’d been released so I guessed you’d be on your way here.”
“Are you alright with everything?” I ask. Tell me you had a great time. That you want to see me again. Please.
“Uh huh.” She points to a wooden ladderback chair. “I put your clothes over there.”
Well, if that’s not a take your hat and get going clue, I don’t know what is. I scoop my clothes up, tucking them beneath my arm. “I’ll head out then. It’s late and I’ve got an early morning tomorrow so I can get some things done on my ranch.”
My ranch. Saying that still gives me a thrill. My place to call home. My place to belong.
Stormy gives me a funny look but doesn’t say anything.
“Then…uh…thanks and uh…goodnight,” I tell her and I’m out the door. My head is spinning, my heart is filled with trepidation. I stick the key in the ignition of my truck, and it clicks. Nothing else. I try again with the same result.
Stormy walks up to the passenger side and motions for me to lower the window. “I’ll take you home and you can get Jude or one of the other Richfords to bring you back to get your truck later.”
“I don’t want to leave it because then everyone will know I was here with you.”
