Total pages in book: 21
Estimated words: 19554 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 98(@200wpm)___ 78(@250wpm)___ 65(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 19554 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 98(@200wpm)___ 78(@250wpm)___ 65(@300wpm)
Emily
It’s just my luck that I get pulled over by the grumpiest cop in the county on a day when I’m already running late. Deputy Ashton Gannon looks like he stepped out of a catalog for broody lawmen, all sharp jawline and piercing eyes that could stop traffic—and my heart.
Then he runs my license, and I’m hit with the I’m a wanted woman.
Ashton
Patrolling someone else’s beat is bad enough. Add in a little red car flying past me like the speed limit is a suggestion, and I’m ready to ruin someone’s day.
But then Emily Smith looks up at me, and suddenly, I’m the one who’s hit hard. She’s gorgeous, with her big (color) eyes and curves for days. But the badge doesn’t care about pretty faces, and when I run her license, I see she has a warrant for her arrest. Great.
I’m a by-the-book kind of guy, but for her? I’d throw the book out the window. She might be flighty, and I might be too serious, but I can’t let her slip through my fingers. Not now. Not ever.
They protect, serve...and deal with all the drama life on the front lines in Silver Spoon Falls throws their way. But these firefighters, deputies, and first responders were not prepared for the madness of falling in love in this small town. When love comes calling, these heroes will do whatever it takes to secure their happily-ever-afters. Even if it means bending a few rules. But convincing their soulmates to give forever a chance? Well, they made handcuffs for a reason.
*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************
Chapter 1
Ashton
I walk out of The Golden Mug, sipping my rapidly cooling coffee, and wonder why I didn't take up an easier profession, like lion taming. I unlock my patrol car and slip behind the wheel, telling myself that today will be an ordinary, dull day in Silver Spoon Falls.
When my phone buzzes loudly against the cup holder, I nearly spill the precious liquid all over my uniform. Not the best goddamn way to start a morning. I groan, seeing Sheriff Dillon Armstrong's face flash across the screen.
"Morning, Ash." Dillon's voice crackles through the line with a slight static that makes him sound like he's announcing a boxing match.
"If you're calling me, I already know it isn't going to be a good morning," I reply, keeping my tone light while reaching for a napkin to mop up the coffee splatter on my pants.
He chuckles, which isn't always a good sign. "You got it. Listen, Roger is down with the flu still. I'm gonna need you to work a double and do a few extra patrols near the Falls today."
Fucking hell. "Roger just started a month ago," I remind the sheriff. "And this is his third goddamn call in."
Although there isn't much crime in Silver Spoon Falls, it burns my ass up knowing I have to do someone else's job as well as my own.
"I can count," Dillon grumbles. "Don't fucking worry. I’ll be discussing Roger's future with him the next time he decides to grace us with his presence. Now, I need you to drive down Harvey's road at least two or three times so he knows we're patrolling the area."
"Let me guess." I already know why my bright, sunny day just took a nosedive. Dealing with Harvey Davis' complaints has been an ongoing pain in my ass for years. This is why I asked Dillon to assign the new guy to the grouchy old farmer's patrol sector. "The high school kids must be tearing up his road again," I say, recalling the last time I had to deal with him. The man has a penchant for embellishing his version of events, like claiming the cows were organizing a protest against the noisy invaders.
"You know it. Apparently, those little assholes brought entirely new decibels into play, and Harvey's ready to call the mayor if we don't take care of it." It isn't like the lazy ass mayor would do shit, but I keep my opinion to myself. "Just check it out a few times to smooth Harvey's ruffled feathers."
"I will." After placing my coffee cup in the holder, I pull on my seatbelt. "But I'm not happy about it."
"I don't know how I'll sleep tonight knowing that." With one last chuckle, Dillon hangs up, and I take a deep breath and one last swig of my coffee. Silver Spoon Falls might not be the wildest beat, but it's never dull.
I push the red button, and the patrol car purrs to life. Flicking on the radio, I let some country music seep through the vehicle. It's not much, but it's a comforting soundtrack for my journey to hell.
I spend the rest of the morning and afternoon breaking up a fight between two elderly ladies who can't decide what book to read for the next book club, corralling Earl Martin's favorite horse when it escapes his pasture, and patrolling the road in front of Harvey's house a few times.
As the time for the kids to get out of school approaches, I decide to do another quick pass by Harvey's. I approach the Falls, and the paved roads give way to a gravel path. I drive to the end and slow down at Harvey's farmhouse. Glancing out the window, I find him stapling handmade signs warning against speeding vehicles.
Just as I park on the side of the road, Harvey ambles over to my vehicle. I step out, feeling the crisp morning air and the faint smell of cow… er aroma, lingering in the atmosphere.
"Afternoon, Harvey," I call out, plastering on my most friendly smile.
"Deputy Gannon," he replies, his voice gruff but not unfriendly. "Those little jerks scared my cows this morning. Bessie and Alma nearly had strokes from all the noise. They took off running like the hounds of hell were on their tails. I bet their milk supply will be down for God knows how long from all that stress."
"Dillon mentioned you've been having issues. Do you have any idea who it might be?"
"Same group in their fancy, loud, foreign-made cars." That fucking describes every goddamn spoiled little shit in this town of primarily millionaires.
I promise Harvey that I'll keep a watchful eye on his cows, making sure they remain undisturbed by the teenagers. He offers me a glass of lemonade, but I politely decline, stating I need to get back to my patrol duties. Pulling away from his farmhouse, I wave goodbye, hoping the rest of my extra shift will get a little easier.