Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 27306 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 137(@200wpm)___ 109(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27306 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 137(@200wpm)___ 109(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
There’s a knock on the door followed by the entrance of three more deputies into the living room.
“Excuse me for just one minute,” the sheriff says. He lets go of my hands, and I feel a sinking in my chest. His touch soothes me, and its absence causes my anxiety to build again.
The four men speak in whispers in the archway for a few seconds, then the sheriff’s tone changes. What is it? Anger? Frustration? I’m not sure, but he certainly isn’t happy with whatever they’re telling him. He sends them back out the front door and returns to me.
“Lori, would you be opposed to spending the rest of the night in a hotel?”
“I don’t think that’s possible. Nana needs oxygen and medication. I’d be terrified if I forgot something. I’m still getting used to all this.”
“Alright, I understand. It’s just that my deputies gave chase to the intruder and lost him. I doubt he’d come back here, but I’m not willing to take any chances.”
“So, what do I do then? I can’t just move Nana out. And for how long? Until you find him? If you ever find him.”
“No. Hey, don’t get upset. If you say you can’t leave, I won’t make you. I’ll just stay here with you.”
“Stay here?” My eyes grow wide. Why would he do that? Does he think we’re in immediate danger?
“Sure, this couch looks comfortable enough.”
“Okay. Wow, thank you. That’s very nice of you.”
“It’s nothing at all. Now, it’s late. Why don’t you take your Nana to bed and get some rest yourself? Your statement can wait until morning.”
“That would be great. I appreciate it.”
“Let me help you.” He helps me off the sofa and turns to the one remaining deputy, telling him to watch the outside of the house. He takes Nana by the arm gently and walks her up the stairs.
“I want to move her down here, so she doesn’t have to get up and down. I just didn’t get a chance today.”
“I’ll help you with that, too. Anything you need. I’m serious. Anything.”
The burly man easily lifts my Nana into her bed and covers her. I lean in to adjust her oxygen mask and our shoulders brush together. It’s like static electricity, and I turn to apologize but stop when I see him smiling at me.
I must look like an idiot, but I can’t stop staring at him. He’s an extremely ruggedly handsome man, and I realize how out of place he seems here.
“Where are you from, Sheriff?”
“You can call me Luke. I’m from the city. Born and raised on the east side.”
“So, what brought you out to the country?”
He grins. “I wanted to live a more peaceful life. Pretty ironic given this evening’s events.” His pecs twitch when he laughs, and I briefly imagine what all those muscles look like under his clothes.
Oh god. Why am I thinking about this? Someone just broke into the house, and I’m imagining the sheriff naked. Get a hold of yourself, Lori.
I feel heat on my face and know that my cheeks and chest are red. I hope the handsome lawman isn’t a mind reader.
“I’m sorry to be so much trouble.”
“It’s no trouble at all. It’s my job to protect you.”
I’m sure he’s speaking about his position as sheriff until he adds, “You’re under my protection now. Just do what I say and everything will be fine.”
Until now, I’ve always had to take care of myself. My parents certainly weren’t going to go out of their way for me or anyone. I didn’t think anyone would come along to protect me, and to be honest, I never wanted anyone to even try.
Maybe that’s because I’ve never met anyone like Sheriff Luke before. I just met him, but if he told me to jump off a bridge, I’d do it without hesitation.
I can’t imagine not feeling safe with him around. In fact, I like that idea. Maybe I can come up with a way to convince him to stick around even after he catches this guy. It’s hard to imagine living in a world where I’m not always on edge and wondering what fresh catastrophe is waiting to unfold for me. With him beside me, I won’t be as scared.
“Thank you. I’ll do everything you ask. I promise.”
He pats my knee, and I nearly hyperventilate, something clenching between my thighs. “That’s a good girl. You can sleep soundly now. I’m here.”
“I’ll try, Luke. Good night.”
3
LUKE
The emotional charge of the night subsides as I lie on Lori’s couch in the darkness.
Until this moment, I’ve been running full steam and can now calmly replay the events in my mind. I was a beat cop in the city and spent most of my time writing tickets and doing paperwork. When the opportunity to run my own department became available, I jumped at the chance, hoping I might see a little more action.