Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 100608 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 503(@200wpm)___ 402(@250wpm)___ 335(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100608 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 503(@200wpm)___ 402(@250wpm)___ 335(@300wpm)
Tonight is the “lumber party.”
The last thing I want to do is whatever weird shit Cato has planned, but he is my best friend and I’ve been a dick lately. It’ll be good to spend some time with him. I just hate that I’ll miss seeing Dante again.
A buzz from my pocket has me smiling. Dante is easy to flirt with. Our texts this morning felt easy and normal. Like I could get used to regularly talking to him that way.
I can’t, though.
I won’t.
Dante deserves a lot more than I can offer him.
Dante: Can you come by the B&B after breakfast?
Me: Miss me already?
Dante: Someone sprayed homophobic shit on my building. I need to report a crime.
The breath is sucked out of me at his message. Then, rage burns through me. What the fuck is wrong with people?
Me: I’ll be right there. Sit tight and don’t touch anything.
“We have to go to Dante’s,” I bark out at Zak when he returns. “Police business.”
His eyes widen in fear. “Is he okay?”
“I think so. Let’s go.”
I pull up to the B&B, disgust making my breakfast sour in my gut. Unbelievable. Who the hell does this shit?
“That’s fucked up,” Zak growls.
“Stay here,” I order, climbing out of the car.
My brother ignores me and hops out. I take a few pictures of the words written on the side. Brigs Fairy Gay. I’m just pocketing my phone to look for anything the vandal might have left behind when Callan walks out.
“Hey,” he says to Zak. “How’s it going?”
Zak storms over to him. “Who did this? Are you okay?”
Callan nods. “It was just some coward who was too afraid to say this shit to my brother’s face.”
The image of a homophobic dickhead spouting off ugly words to Dante has me seeing red. I’m going to find out who did this and arrest them. There’s no way in hell they’re getting away with this.
“Sheriff Bell,” Dante says, stepping outside. “Fancy seeing you here.”
His voice is playful, but I don’t miss the sharp edge to his words or the slight pinch between his brows. He’s changed from his suit into jeans and dons a thick coat, black gloves, and a beanie. I’m craving to pull him to me to comfort him, but I know I can’t. Instead, I drink in my fill before turning to look at the message again.
“Who could have done this?” I demand, scowling at the hateful words. “I need a list.”
“Come on,” Callan says to Zak. “I’ll show you my room and the stuff I’ve been working on for your apartment.”
Once they’re gone, Dante walks over to me. He stands close enough I can smell a fresh, soapy scent and his expensive cologne I’d love to spritz all over my pillows. His hand brushes against mine. Since no one is around, I grab it, squeezing it.
“Are you okay?” I ask, my voice husky.
“Pissed.” He sighs, his hot breath clouding the cold air in front of him. “I want to ruin the fucker who did this.”
“I’ll find out who it is,” I vow. “Who dislikes you enough to do something like this?”
“Could be anyone,” he grumbles. “Based on the Chamber meeting, Ned isn’t a fan.”
“He’s an asshole,” I agree. “I’ll question him. Anyone else?”
“Dean and I didn’t exactly have a friendly conversation Thursday. And then Zak and Callan got into it.” His eyes meet mine. “What do you think?”
“My dad?”
He starts to release my hand, but I don’t want to let him go if I don’t have to.
“I’m not saying it couldn’t be him,” I rush out. “It’s just he’s too damn lazy to do something like that. Dad would try and get at you in a big way, not this.”
“There’s always Kian,” Dante bites out, not looking at me.
“That’s your jealousy talking.” I step in front of him and take his other hand. “Plus, if he hated you, he wouldn’t write a homophobic slur. He’d be more likely to accidently spill a drink into your lap or something or start a rumor that you like pineapple on your pizza.”
“I do like pineapple on my pizza,” Dante says with a teasing grin. “Should I be worried about a mob coming after me?”
I glance around to make sure no one’s nearby before stealing a chaste kiss. “You’re fucking the sheriff. I’ll protect you.”
He smirks. “Technically, the sheriff is fucking me.”
“Semantics.” I chuckle before reluctantly letting go of his hands. “What about Callan?”
“Callan is troubled, but he wouldn’t do this—”
“Not to you. What if this was done to him? Could be the same kid who wrote the note.”
His features grow stormy. “I didn’t think about that.”
“Since he thought it was Zak from before, hence the fight, I think it’s safe to assume he has no idea who could have done this.” It’s crazy how we go from no crime to a shit ton of vandalisms in the past few weeks. “The Rainbow Vigilante, perhaps?”