Page 9 of Cuffed By the Wolf

I continue learning more about the candidate. In one of the pictures at her gallery opening, she stands with a tall man with a tan complexion, his hand resting on her ass. I catalog his face without meaning to — the sharp jaw, the easy smile of a man who knows exactly how good he looks in a tailored suit. He must be her boyfriend. Is her boyfriend willing to have a long-distance relationship while she lives in Lupton?

Snap out of it, Gavin. Why the fuck do you care? You don’t.

I come across one picture on her social media where she stares into my soul. Her amber eyes hold mine through the picture. The smile feels like it’s just for me. I remember how soft her wrists felt briefly in my grip this morning. And the way we stood so close together in the doorway. There’s something between us I hate and can’t shake.

An internal office message box pops up on my computer screen.

Dispatcher Lacy: Sheriff, have you come across any good leads for a secretary yet?

I grind my teeth together.

Me: I may have a decent lead.

Dispatcher Lacy:

Pinching the bridge of my nose, I go against my better judgment and call Ms. Walker.

Her phone rings twice. “Hello?”

“Good morning, Ms. Walker. This is Sheriff Drake.”

I open another tab on my computer and run her name through our report system.

“Hello, Sheriff.”

“I understand you applied for the secretary position. Scanning the report system, I notice there isn’t a report under your name.”

There’s a beat of silence.

“Since I’m staying in town, I figured I could file the report later. Securing a job seemed more important than finding a hotel.”

I exhale. “Be here tomorrow for an interview at nine a.m.”

She squeals, and I hear the sharp double clap of her palms coming together on the other end, like she’s already decorating a desk that isn’t hers yet. “You won’t regret hiring me.”

“Ms. Walker, I didn’t⁠— "

She cuts off my words. “See you tomorrow morning.” And disconnects the call.

“What the heck was that?” I slam the receiver down.

Just because she’s qualified doesn’t mean I’ll hire her. The thought of her being in close proximity every day might drive me mad.

I slip my fingers through my thick brown hair. I need to run. Being able to keep my control while in her presence is important.

I have a feeling I know why she didn’t file the report. The woman still plans to dig around on her own. We’ll discuss that tomorrow. I also plan to learn what Ms. Walker is hiding.

Chapter Five

SASHA

Ismile as I toss my phone back into my purse as the Lyft driver comes to a halt behind the antique shop. Thankfully, my car wasn’t towed.

“Harry, right here is fine.”

Harry and I got to know a little about each other on the short ride to my car. He’s twenty-two years old. Aspires to become an actor on Broadway in New York. So he’s saving up his money to make the move. Gig work is one of his three jobs. He’s also a lifeguard at the aquatic center and a bartender at Treasure, the local bar.

“Welcome to Lupton.”