Page 29 of Breathe Me In

I stared at her for a moment and questioned her kindness. Sherry was never kind to me. “Thank you, I do love my job.”

“And you primarily work in New York City?”

“Yes.”

“Must be hard coming back here.” At my look she rephrased. “I mean, you know, going from such a busy, beautiful city to quiet little Sheffield.”

I rolled my eyes internally. That was the Sherry I remembered. It was classic—she would say something, then try to cover it up with innocence. “Well, it’s home.”

Something crossed her face, and I knew what was coming. I braced for the impact.

“Gosh, Bree, I’m trying to recall when I saw you last.”

“Barn dance at Lucky’s, the same night Brad proposed to you.” I wasn’t going to give her the satisfaction of saying it. That night had also been the tipping point when I knew Sheffield wasn’t for me anymore. It had been the night I left.

“Was that it?” She tossed back her shoulder-length hair. “That night was such a blur, yet I remember it like yesterday.” Her fake smile wavered when Brad plunked back down. “I swore it was way before that.”

Oh, there it is. Like all the locals she just wanted to bring up what I wanted to forget. I only wish I could.

“Enough,” Brad cut in. “Time for you to leave, Sherry. Bree and I have a case to work on.”

“Oh.” Sherry’s face dropped. “I wanted to discuss Ginger’s schedule,” she pushed. I saw the pup’s ears perk up at her name, and she came over to sit at Brad’s feet. Sherry reached out to awkwardly pat her, but the dog inched closer to Brad.

“There’s no need for discussion.” He reached down and gave Ginger’s head a scratch. “Her schedule remains the same. Look, Sherry, Cap is breathing down our necks with this case. We have two bodies and no real witnesses or leads. Every second counts.” Brad tossed his napkin onto the table and stood.

“Bradley, I’m not even finished.” She laughed and glanced at me for help like we were good friends. I pulled in my chin and gave her a wry look. Brad didn’t bite, and she slowly rose. “Maybe I could help. It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve done that.”

“No.” He walked her to the door.

“Why, because she’s here?” she whispered loudly enough for me to hear.

“Yes.”

I took the opportunity to slide the mess off my plate into the compost bin. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see her fold her arms. “Bradley—”

“Good night, Sherry.” He stepped back and watched her leave.

I started to wash the dishes for something to do. I pretended not to notice the dishwasher. If I hadn’t done something, I’d have left. Then again, maybe I should have left. I’d let myself slip with Brad on the porch. So stupid, Bree. Old desires were hard to fight.

“I’m sorry about that.” He stood next to me and looked out the window. “She has a key because of Ginger, but I’m starting to regret that decision.”

“It’s fine.” I rinsed the plate and placed it on the drying rack. “I really think I should be the one leaving, though. This might be a mistake.”

“I disagree.” He lowered his head with a sigh, then stood straighter. “Look, Bree, about outside.”

I stopped him. “Let’s not. You’ve got lots on your plate, and Lord knows I do too. Let’s not complicate life any more than it already is.”

When he didn’t respond, I glanced up and found him watching me. His dark eyes held on to mine, and I resisted the urge to run my hands through his hair and push my lips to his. My eyes slipped from his and lowered to his mouth, which begged me to taste it. I could feel the heat in my chest spread up my neck and lighten my head.

A phone rang and broke the moment. I stepped back and dried my hands on the dish towel when I realized it was mine. The caller ID read Dale, so I sent it to voicemail.

“I’ll order us a pizza,” he suggested. “I’m starving. Then we can look at the case.”

“Good idea.” A text message made my phone screen light up.

Dale: I gave you some space, but no communication is ridiculous Bree. I just want to see if you’re okay.

We started to pull out all the paperwork and spread it across the living room table. Once the pizza arrived, I grabbed some napkins. Brad popped us each a beer and got to work.