Martha interrupts the moment, setting my food in front of me, and Santiago and Levi place their own orders.
My meal remains untouched as I belabor Levi’s words.
Is he suggesting that they’d be fine with an unconventional arrangement?
Like the three of us together?
I’m not opposed to the idea. Quite the opposite actually. I just never thought it would be something Levi and Santiago would be interested in.
The thought of the three of us together stirs something in me.
Happiness.
Would I stay here in Evergreen Falls for them? Is that what I want?
Even if my answer is yes, a part of me would always yearn for a fourth to join our trio—a surly small town sheriff who drives me crazy in every way.
CHAPTER 22
BLAKE
Iwoke up this morning thinking the last two days were a dream. The smell of diner coffee, the feel of cold handcuffs on my wrist, and the taste of cinnamon and maple syrup still linger in my memory.
Yesterday was a distraction. Fun but a distraction nonetheless.
It was a few hours where no one talked about serial killers, dead bodies, or threatening text messages.
I blame Santiago and his stupid charm, Levi and his stupid smile, and Walker and his stupid face.
These three men somehow occupy every available inch of space inside my brain.
But the illusion of easy times shattered the moment my phone rang this morning. Jolene called asking for my help with a witness sketch, and it all came flooding back to me.
A burning body. An interrogation room. An unforgettable kiss.
Walking across the station lot, I watch as the morning sunlight turns the windows into mirrors. For a moment, all I can see is my own reflection.
Tired eyes.
Messy hair.
A woman who thought she could stroll into town, save a few lives, and be on her merry way in no time.
So much for that plan.
“You’re here,” Jolene exclaims as I walk into the station.
I look toward the desk right inside. Jolene isn't even pretending to sound annoyed.
“I brought my supplies this?—”
Bear trots in behind me, nails clicking against the old linoleum. His nose immediately goes to work, sniffing every chair leg and desk corner like he’s conducting an official inspection.
Jolene’s face lights up.
“Well, would you look at you.” She rounds the desk before I can warn her and crouches in front of him. “Aren’t you handsome?”
Bear sits automatically, tail thumping once against the floor.
