Page 46 of Redemption

I shrug. “I’m just helping Clayton out for a bit. Now, how ‘bout that drink?”

“I’m on duty, so a Coke is fine.”

I scoop some ice in a glass and fill it with soda, as they call it up north. I place a cocktail napkin down in front of him and set the glass on top.

“So...sheriff, huh? When did that happen?”

He takes a sip before answering. “About a year ago, when my dad retired. I’ve been with the force for almost ten years now, though.”

“You like it?”

“Most days. Not much happens in this town, and ladies love a man in uniform.” He punctuates his statement with a wink.

Geez, I almost forgot Colby is as incorrigible as my brother when it comes to flirting.

“What happens on the days you don’t like?”

His mouth kicks up in the corner. “Usually, some punk-ass kids are bored and causin’ trouble.”

“Oh, you mean like you used to do?”

“Exactly.” He laughs. “Little bastards.”

“Colby, what did I tell you about hanging around here scaring off my customers?” Clayton grunts as he sets the keg down. “How are folks supposed to engage in some good old-fashioned debauchery when the town sheriff is watching their every move?”

“It’s never stopped you,” Colby challenges.

Clay points to him. “That’s because I have dirt on you.”

My head swings to the sheriff. “What kind of dirt?”

“The kind a gentleman like me never talks about.” He winks again.

“Oh, lord.” I shake my head.

“Gentleman, my ass,” Clay teases. “Just last week, you—”

“Are you kidding me?!” All three of our heads swing toward the back of the seating area where the shrill voice came from. “You’re unbelievable, you know that?”

“Oh, shit,” Colby and my brother say at the same time.

I, however, don’t say a word because I’m too busy watching the drama unfold.

“Nic, calm down.” Beck reaches for her as she stands, but she shakes him off.

“Calm down? Calm down?! This is because of her, isn’t it?” Nicky points directly at me. “Isn’t it?!”

Beckett pinches the bridge of his nose and says something to her that I can’t hear.

“Oh, screw you, Beckett Armstrong! You’re going to regret this, I can promise you that.”

Nicky storms through the bar, leaving a giant spectacle in her wake. Beck is still sitting in the booth, looking like he’s fighting off a migraine. He probably is after being screamed at like that. After a moment, he slides out of the seat and goes after her.

Nicky flashes all three of us a nasty glare as she passes us on the way out.

Right before she reaches the door, my brother calls out, “Bye, Nicky. You have a wonderful evening, sweetheart.”

She flips him a double bird as she’s stepping outside.

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