Page 3 of Cuffed By the Wolf

Two sheriff's Broncos pull up. The townspeople stop, stare, and point.

“All this police presence for little old me?” I ask with my Charleston twang, peering up at him.

He chuckles. And addresses the officers exiting their vehicles.

“Tyson, Blake — bring Everett and Breann down to the station.”

“Yes, Sheriff,” they each reply before entering the front door of the antique shop.

The sheriff opens the rear passenger door and places me inside.

“This must be the most excitement your town has seen in some time, huh?” I pause, and my eyes move to his badge. “Sheriff Drake.”

He doesn’t crack a smile as he closes the door and rounds the back of the vehicle. “Nothing to see here. Go on about your day,” he tells the townspeople with a Georgia southern drawl.

The heat sits on my back like a lump of burning coal. I feel the sweat dripping down my spine.

Must he carry on a conversation with the locals.

“Mr. Officer, it’s hot in here.” I didn’t mean for that to come out like a mash-up of Lil Wayne’s “Mrs. Officer” and Nelly’s “Hot in Herre.”

He entertains an older woman now. Maybe if I’m quiet, he’ll get inside the SUV.

Two more adoring fans approach and chat with him. It feels like a theme here. Is he single? Is that why they are all so smitten with him?

I just want out of this tiny little town.

Finally, the driver's side door opens and he climbs inside. He slips mirrored aviators over his eyes, meets my gaze in the rearview mirror, and turns over the engine. “Nice and comfortable back there?”

“Peachy.” My smile disappears. “I’d feel better on a beach wearing a two-piece bikini enjoying the ocean.”

He arches a brow, then finally turns on the cool air.

Sheriff Drake pulls out of the parking space and drives down the road.

“You know that’s no way to treat an innocent person. Making me sweat back here.”

“I don’t know if you’re innocent yet. How about you zip it. We’ll talk down at the station.”

He turns on the radio and ignores me.

“Aren’t you supposed to listen for dispatch?” I ask.

“You’ve already ruined my afternoon. I’ve told you to be quiet.”

“Just let me go,” I whine.

He smirks. “I think I’ll save questioning for tomorrow morning.”

My brow raises and a bead of sweat drips into my eye. I know I look crazy now. One eye closed. “You can’t do that.”

“I’m the sheriff. I can do what I want.”

I already know this is going to be a very long night.

Chapter Two

SHERIFF GAVIN DRAKE