“It’s time I said it.” I hold up the beer, ready to clink her glass. “I think you’re going to be a great addition to the team.”

  She’s just put a chip laden with salsa in her mouth, and she covers her smile with her hand, ducking as she lifts her margarita and taps it to my beer. “You do?”

  “Hell, yeah. Your first day on the job, and you’ve already cracked the case.”

  We both take a sip of our drinks.

  “I’m not sure I’ve cracked it, but to be fair, our perpetrator was very sloppy.”

  “Or he wasn’t expecting anybody to look that close.”

  Our food comes out, and I scoop up a steak taco while Britt digs into the street corn. We both let out noises of delight.

  “Herve makes the best street corn.” She groans between bites, making me grin.

  “For me, it’s the steak tacos. Rare.”

  Nodding, she quickly picks one up and takes a bite, letting out a muffled, “So good,” from behind her hand.

  For a few minutes, we stuff our faces, until she sits back with a sigh. “So much better than scrambled eggs and cheese.”

  “Was that your dinner for tonight?”

  “I haven’t had a chance to shop! I’ll get groceries tomorrow.”

  “Okay.” I nod, grinning and noticing her empty glass. “Do you want another?”

  “I’d better not.”

  “You sure?”

  She sits up a little straighter. “Maybe I could just have a Corona?”

  I order us each a beer, and she tilts her head after the waitress leaves, giving me a smile that tightens my stomach. “What?”

  “Thank you for this, the dinner and the compliment—what you said about me being part of the team. It really means a lot to me.” She hesitates. “And I promise not to teach Owen any more card tricks. I really had no idea you wouldn’t like it.”

  That part makes me groan. “I’m not a monster. I’m just not a fan of magic and… all that.”

  I don’t really want to read off the laundry list of her family’s behavior while we’re getting along so well.

  She nods. “I understand.”

  “You do?” My brow arches.

  The waitress places two beers in front of us, and she lifts hers, taking a short sip. “I actually, really do. My mom is still obsessed with finding Dad’s killer—through any spiritual means necessary.”

  “Gwen still believes your dad was murdered?” It’s more a musing question, based on what I remember of how hard my dad investigated the case.

  The conclusion was indisputable. It was simply a terrible accident, caused by a fault in the machinery.

  Britt nods, taking another sip. “According to her, there’s no way Dad should’ve drowned in that box. She was convinced it was tampered with.” A sad smile curls her lips. “Because there’s no magic. It’s all distraction and manipulation and making you look that way while something else happens over here.”

  The resistance in my chest is all but gone at this point. “You surprise me, Miss Bailey.”

  “I aim to please, Sheriff Stone.”

  She has no idea.

  With an exhale, she traces her finger along the bottle. “I watched my mother throw herself into astrology and tea leaves and tarot—anything that would reveal his killer.”

  “I get that. She was hurting.” I can’t believe I’m relating to Gwen.

  “She wasn’t the only one hurting, but my pain didn’t appear on her star chart.”

  Ouch. I reach across and place my hand on hers. “I’m sorry.”

  I imagine pulling her into my arms, sliding my hand down her soft hair, and comforting her.

  “I was right there with her, suffering right beside her.” She traces the tip of her finger along mine. “Tarot and magic were the only ways I could be close to my one remaining parent. Until I realized it wasn’t helping anything. None of it would make her see me.” She sits straighter in the booth, moving her hands to her lap with an exhaled laugh. “I’m sorry—that was a major downer. Let’s change the subject!”

  “My wife cheated on me.” The words tumble out like more dirty laundry.

  Britt inhales a short breath, then her hand is on top of mine. “I’m so sorry. Was it before…”

  “A few months after her funeral, I was cleaning out her stuff, and I found a box of love letters between her and this guy, Clive Stevens.”

  “Oh my God!” Her eyes widen. “The guy from the library?”

  “Yeah, that guy. Who knew?”

  “Not me… You must’ve been devastated.”

  “It wasn’t a great moment for me.” I hesitate, thinking. “I’ve only told one other person about that.”

  “Your mom?”

  “No, actually.” I pick at the label coming loose from my bottle. “I told Adam. We were having some argument about faith.”

  I don’t feel like going down that road again, but somehow she seems to understand.

  She gives my hand a squeeze, and her voice is sure. “I won’t betray your confidence.”

  Shifting in my seat, it’s my turn to exhale a laugh. “You wanted to change the subject. What about our case? Did you learn anything from your mom today?”

  The waitress returns, and I motion for the check.

  “She wanted to read the cards.” Britt rolls her eyes, shaking her head. “I swear, the woman makes me crazy.”

  The lightness in her tone makes me grin. “Parents are like that, I guess.”

  “What about you? What did you learn from the Jones boys?”

  “They weren’t home. I briefly talked to their dad.” I polish off my beer. “I expect they were up to no good somewhere else that night, but I was planning to go back tomorrow and ask about the three-wheeler and our guy with the prosthetic leg.”

  “I’d like to go with you if that’s okay? Maybe take Edward?”

  “Sure.” I pay the bill, and we slide out of the booth.

  The warmth went away with the sun, and it’s a cool spring night. Britt crosses her arms, and I wish I had a coat to put over her shoulders. I’d like to put my arm around them.

  When we get to the tarot sign, I hesitate outside her door. “I can walk you up?”

  She looks up at me, and the streetlights shine in her pretty green eyes. “You want to be sure I climb the stairs safely?”

  “Accidents happen all the time.”

  “I guess you’re right.” She exhales a laugh, wrinkling her nose.

  I follow her up the steps slowly, my eyes drifting to the curve of her ass in those jeans, and I remember the curve of her ass in those Daisy Dukes.

  “What will you do tonight?” We’re outside her door, but I don’t want to let her go.

  “Watch a rerun of The Closer until I get sleepy and go to bed.”

  Her back is to the door, and my hand is on the door frame above her head. A yellow light is above us, and the landing is shadowy and intimate. It reminds me of the night before she left, when we were outside in the moonlight, talking about our dreams.

  “What will you do?” She’s quiet.

  Her pink tongue touches her bottom lip, and electricity hums around us. I’m standing too close to her, and I can’t help myself. Her fresh scent of flowers and the ocean surrounds me. My eyes trace her skin, her soft cheek, her full lips, and I just want to touch her, slowly tracing my fingers down her shoulders…

  “Aiden?” My eyes drift from her lips to her green eyes, so warm and inviting. “You didn’t answer me.”

  “Sorry, I was thinking…”

  Her dark lashes flutter to my chest, and her slim hand rests lightly on my shirt. “What were you thinking?” Her eyes lift to my mouth.

  “I won’t sleep tonight if I don’t taste your lips.”

  “You won’t?” Her fingers trace the fabric of my shirt, and I imagine her pulling it higher, her mouth on my body.

  “No.” It’s a hoarse whisper.

  Her chin rises and mine lowers, bringing our lips dangerously close.

  “Lack of sleep is the number one cause of accidents.” Her eyes meet mine, the tips of her white teeth pressing against her bottom lip. “And Owen needs his Daddy.”

  Fuck, don’t say Daddy. “Is this okay?”

  Lowering my face, I brush my lips across hers, and I fucking swear it sparks. My heart beats in every part of my body, specifically the parts below my belt.

  “Mmm,” she hums. “Yes.”

  “This?” I do it again, only this time, I use a little more pressure before pulling her lips with mine.

  My chest burns with hunger, and her fingers curl, clutching my shirt.

  “Yes…” It’s a throaty whisper that makes my dick hard.

  “Or this?” I repeat the movement, this time nipping her bottom lip before sealing our mouths together, warm and soft.

  Her lips part, and my tongue sweeps inside, tasting her, spicy sweetness. Her fingers rise to my chin, and we repeat the process, growing hungrier with every little taste, with the increasing pressure.

  My hands go under her ass, and I lift her, pressing her back against the door, and she whimpers as our tongues curl together. Her legs are around my waist, and she rocks her hips in a way that massages my cock through my jeans.

  Fuck me. My hands go to her waist, slipping under her tank and moving higher, over her soft skin to her bra. I want to shove the garment up. I want to lift and knead her breasts. I want to roll her tight nipples between my fingers. I want to devour her flesh and make her moan. I want my teeth against her skin as she begs for more.

  One of her hands fumbles to my waist, pulling my shirt higher and tracing her fingers across my tightened abs. Her back arches, and her skin touches mine.

  “Fuck,” I groan. My dick is an iron rod in my pants. My lips are at her ear, and I pull the soft shell with my teeth. “I want to be inside you.”

  “Oh, God,” she moans.

  I want to fuck her so badly. I want her body riding mine, and I want her bent over the couch as I ram into her from behind. I want to taste every part of her, spend all night claiming her. How long has it been?

  How long… It’s been since Annemarie, since I was betrayed, since I realized I’m a grown-assed man who doesn’t believe in lust at first sight. Not to mention love. I’m the sheriff. I have a son who needs me to be an example.

  I’m her fucking boss.

  With a groan, I lift my chin to break this contact. I lower Britt to her feet and grip the doorjamb so hard my knuckles ache as I struggle to find control.

  “I’d better go.” It’s a rough statement of fact from a man hanging by a thread.

  Opening my eyes, I look down at her. Her cheeks are beautifully flushed. Her green eyes are wide and dilated, and her lips are pink and swollen from our kisses.

  Her hair is messy from my fingers threading in it, and her shirt is shoved to the side, revealing the top of her bra. My eyes linger on her breasts rising and falling with every rapid pant. It’s hypnotic.

  I still want her.

  “Yeah, I’ve got to go.” I push myself away from her.

  Her hand covers her lips, and she nods, blinking down. “Goodnight, Aiden. Thank you so much for dinner.”

  I want to touch her one more time, but I’m afraid if I do, I’ll push her through the door and finish what we’ve started.

  “Goodnight.” I force myself to jog down the stairs.

  I force myself not to look back as I push through the glass door, and I force myself to walk in the cool night to the courthouse, where I get in my truck and drive the short distance to my house.

  When I get there, I text my mother to ask if Owen can spend the night. She sends me a picture of him asleep in my old bed, peaceful and happy.

  A quick thank-you, and I toss my phone on the bed. I’ve got to hit the shower and take care of this need surging through my veins.

  CHAPTER 8

  BRITT

  My entire body is on fire. My heart beats so fast, it aches, and I can still feel the echoes of his fingers on my skin, my arms. I can feel his hands sliding along my waist, rising higher as his lips touch mine, savoring, tempting, then taking.

  I just made out with Aiden Stone in the hallway.

  Sheriff Aiden Stone just devoured me like his last meal—and it was so fucking hot.

  Edward lifts his head off the sofa when I enter, and I give him a pat as I pass. He lowers it again, and I go straight to my bed, turning and falling backwards onto it. Aiden Stone touched my bare skin… He kissed my lips.

  I want to be inside you.

  Staring at the ceiling, I’m literally vibrating with need. My eyes cut to the top drawer of my nightstand, and I lean forward quickly, taking out the small bullet vibrator. Then I drop back again, flicking it on and sliding my hand inside my jeans.

  Closing my eyes, I relive every moment of what just happened. The dim yellow light, casting his perfect face in warm shadows. His broad shoulders stretching his shirt as he leaned on his hand over my head. I leaned back against the door, lifting my chin and doing my very best to project all the kiss me vibes I could summon.

  Then he did.

  He kissed me, and that kiss…

  The floor disappeared.

  The entire world disappeared.

  All that existed was him and me and his unexpectedly soft lips brushing mine, pulling mine, nipping mine. I couldn’t breathe. I could only hold on to his shirt so I didn’t fall.

  Until he lifted me off my feet, and I could feel how much he wanted me. His cock was so hard and long in his jeans, grinding against my clit through mine. I could’ve come right then. My fingers curled in his hair, and his beard scuffed my chin, my cheeks, my lips.

  I imagine his beard scuffing my inner thighs, and my core tightens. Orgasm spikes in my veins as I imagine riding his face between my legs, large hands squeezing my ass, rising higher to cover my ribs, higher to my breasts. Another flash of orgasm makes me whimper, and the muscles in my core begin to spasm.

  I traced my fingers over the hard planes of his abs… so sexy. Our eyes met briefly, and the storm in his raged furiously. His strong body held mine firmly against the wall, and I had to arch forward. I wanted his skin touching mine.

  Then he said those words.

  I let go as I imagine him not stopping us before it goes too far. I imagine giving in to these feelings. I imagine the two of us entwined, touching, tasting, letting the heat consume us. I picture his hands holding mine hostage above my head, the weight of his body pinning me against the door as he thrusts that massive cock faster, harder, while my head falls back.

  His lips are on my nipples, pulling, sucking, and I moan so loudly. My back arches, and the orgasm shudders through my stomach and thighs. His hoarse groan fills my mind, and we’re coming together in a mixture of salt and cedar and sweat.

  “Oh, God…” I roll onto my side as the powerful aftershocks tremor through me.

  Flipping off the vibe, I pull my knees to my chest. My eyes are still closed, and I hold onto the image of him leaning close, powerful and gorgeous…

  And impossible.

  We work together. He’s practically my boss.

  I won’t sleep tonight if I don’t taste your lips…

  My stomach tingles, and a smile steals across my face. So much hunger was in his words, in his eyes, in his tone. How could I say no?

  I wonder if he’s asleep right now. I wonder if he’s thinking of me.

  “Britt and I are heading over to talk to the Jones boys.” Aiden’s standing by Doug’s desk looking at his phone. “Holly, would you mind if we stop by your place on the way and let Edward sniff around your chicken coop?”

  Holly gives a thumbs-up, holding her hand over one ear of her headset.

  I’m waiting by my desk with Edward, and Aiden hasn’t said more than ten words to me since I got here—good morning, and are you going with me today? (My reply, “Good morning, and yes.”)

  Let’s go will make ten.

  “You ready?” He turns, and his gray blue eyes meet mine like a shock.

  “Ten,” I almost sigh.

  “What?” His brow furrows, and I wave it away.

  “Yes! Edward and I are ready.”

  Today, I’m in jeans and a long-sleeved navy tee. It has K9 Unit on the pocket, but Edward was never officially part of the K9 unit—those dogs have special training, and he only has a good nose. But he’s as good as any K9 unit to me.

  “Come on, Mr. Ed.” I scratch his ears, and we follow Aiden to the back door, through the break room.

  Chewing on my lip, I watch his ass flex in those dark brown pants, and all the feelings from last night are simmering under my skin. From his behavior today, I guess we’re going to act like it never happened, which I suppose is the right approach. We’re professionals, and I want to be taken seriously.

  Serious law-enforcement professionals do not make out with the sheriff in the stairwell outside their apartments.

  Pulling my hair into a ponytail at the base of my neck, I put a pair of aviator sunglasses over my eyes and switch my brain into work mode. Objective: Find the man with the missing leg.

  “Which episode of The Closer did you watch?” Aiden breaks the silence in his truck, but his eyes don’t leave the road.

  For a second, I’m confused. Is he joking? “I didn’t watch anything last night. I was a little preoccupied by all the things that happened yesterday.”

  He glances at me, and my chest squeezes. I bite the inside of my cheek to make it stop.

  “Anyway,” he continues, “Holly had several of her chickens stolen a few days before Terra’s farm was demolished. Figured it couldn’t hurt to let you check the place out, see if Edward picks up a scent.”

  “It’s a great idea. I can’t imagine this guy’s motives, unless he was making chicken salad and needed pickle relish.”

  Aiden exhales a laugh, and it breaks the tension between us. I’m glad, and a little proud I made him laugh after everything.

  “Owen asked me a similar question. It’s hard to know why people do things these days.”

  “Could be the next social media trend.”

  “That’s all we need.” He turns the truck into the driveway of a small house close to town.