Page 35 of Dust and Desire
“Yeah. Old money southern. The kind that makes you think of plantation houses and mint juleps.”
The sheriff’s pen paused. “I may have seen him. I saw a red truck matching that description in town yesterday. Parked outside thediner for a while, then later down by the Rusty Spur. Didn’t think anythin’ of it other than I’d never seen it before.”
My blood ran cold. “He’s here then. In Sagebrush.”
“Possibly.” Sheriff Webb closed his notebook. “I’ll keep an eye out, put a BOLO on the vehicle. In the meantime, I’d suggest you stay with someone else tonight. This place isn’t secure with that broken window.”
“I’m supposed to meet someone at seven,” I said, glancing at my watch. Nearly 6:30 already. “Dustin Corvus.”
The sheriff’s expression softened slightly. “The lawyer out at the tiny house? Seems like a good man. Awfully quiet though.”
“Yeah, I was going to pick him up for dinner, but now...” I gestured helplessly at the mess around me.
“Go on your date,” Sheriff Webb said, surprising me. “But be vigilant. I’ll swing by his place later to check on you both, if that’s alright.”
“Thanks, Sheriff.” I hesitated. “Do you think I should I tell him? About Keith I mean?”
He considered this for a moment. “That’s your call. But in my experience, honesty is usually the best policy, especially when someone’s safety might be at stake.”
I nodded, my stomach churning at the thought of explaining my complicated past to Dustin. Would he still want me once he knew the truth? That I’d been running for years, that I’d put him in danger just by being close to him?
The sound of boots on gravel pulled me from my thoughts. It was Logan and Dakota returning from the main house.
“Nobody saw anything they cared to remember,” Logan said, shaking his head. “We’ve got so many classes goin’ on in the arena this time of year that none of us pay any attention to the vehicles drivin’ in and out.”
Marcus nodded. “Can you get me a copy of your class roster and their parents? I just wanna make sure none of those names are poppin’up in my files.”
“Sure thing,” Logan nodded, gesturing for the sheriff to follow him. “I’ve got a copier up at the house.”
“Thanks for your help, Alex,” Marcus said, tipping his hat after he’d placed it back on his head. “I’ll keep in touch.” He paused for a moment, giving me a wink. “And good luck tonight.”
“Thanks, sheriff,” I replied, nodding back.
Maybe Sagebrush was a lot more accepting than I originally thought.
Chapter 13
Alex
Iarrived on Dustin’s doorstep unshowered, covered in dirt, and clutching a backpack in one hand and a grocery bag in the other. I looked a fucking mess. But when Dustin opened that door, his blue eyes lit up like I was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. That sensation gripped my heart in a way I didn’t know possible and then proceeded straight to my groin. Of course.
“Sorry I’m late,” I said, giving him the biggest smile I could muster. “My apartment got broken into.”
His smile faded into concern in a flash. “What?!”
“It’s fine,” I grinned, dropping my bag on the floor and sweeping him up into a tight hug. “But I might need to borrow your shower.”
He let out a small moan of delight as I held him. “S-Sure.” Then he paused. “Do you need a place to stay?”
I pulled back, kissing him softly. “I was hoping you’d offer.”
The relief that washed over his face made my chest tight. “Of course,” he said, his hands coming up to rest on my chest. “Stay as long as you need.”
“Thank you,” I murmured, leaning down to kiss him again,deeper this time. He tasted like coffee and something sweet, and I found myself getting lost in the familiar warmth of his mouth.
When we broke apart, both breathing a little harder, Dustin’s eyes searched my face. “Are you okay? Really?”
“I am now,” I said, and meant it. Being here with him, feeling his solid warmth against me, made everything else fade into the background. “But I should probably clean up before we go anywhere. I smell like a barn.”
