Page 46 of The Claiming Series: Collection 1
“Remember that pact we made? The first day we met?” Lily asks, her voice rich with remembered amusement.
“Oh, Lord, how could I forget?” I chuckle. “We promised each other that if neither of us found the man of our dreams before we hit seventy, we’d both sign up to the same nursing home and become horny old spinsters.”
“Well, we haven’t reached the nursing home stage yet, but at least we got to share an apartment,” Lily says wistfully.
I smile as I remember all the fun timeswe’ve had. “God, I miss that, Lils. I miss you,” I say, feeling tears threatening. “I loved our little apartment.”
“Me too, honey. Colorado seems so far away. The last few months haven’t been the same without you here to keep me sane.”
“I know, but Mom needs me right now,” I reply, feeling empty as I say the words.
“How is she?”
I pause, wondering how to answer that. “It’s tough. I’m not going to lie. People don’t realize that alcohol addiction is a sickness like any other.”
“I’m sorry you’re having to deal with it alone. I wish I could be there to help you,” Lily says, a wobble in her voice.
“Hearing your voice helps,” I reply softly. “And you know you can come visit anytime you like.”
“I know, and I will as soon as I’m settled in this job,” she promises.
“Good. Enough depressing talk,” I say firmly. “Did Boss McHottie say when he wants you to start?”
“Monday,” she replies, chuckling at my nickname for Callum. “My new boss may be hot, but no way am Igoing down that road, even if I do want to lick him like a popsicle.”
“Ha! Like you’d even know how,” I snigger.
“That’s a low blow, Daisy Jenkins!”
“Again, how would you know?” I ask, bursting into near-hysterical laughter at my lame joke.
“My best friend has a mind like a sewer,” Lily sighs, and I can picture her shaking her head.
“Listen, honey, I have to go. Speak in a few days, okay?” I say as the timber structure of The Hideout finally comes into view.
Chapter Two
Drayton
I park the car and reach for my police radio, clipping it to my belt. The second I open the door, I’m blasted by a freezing cold wind and swirling flakes of snow. Colorado winters can be brutal, and this one is no exception. Bracing myself against the elements, I pull my hat down over my eyes and head for the warmth of The Hideout Bar.
Pushing open the heavy wood door with its antique glass window, I step into the dimly lit interior. A sense of nostalgia washes over me at the familiar surroundings. Rustic beams run across the ceiling, and pictures line the worn, red-brick walls, faded in their frames. It’s midday, so there are only a few patrons seated at the bar, nursing their drinks.
“Sheriff!”
I turn at the booming voice to look at the tall, burly man emerging through the doorway behind the bar.
“What have I told you about calling me that, Pa,” I glower, giving my dad the stink-eye.
“You’re the sheriff of this town, aren’t you?” he demands, raising a white eyebrow.
“Yeah, but?—”
“Then what’s the problem? Proud of my son and not ashamed who knows it,” he says with a grin.
“Where’s your girlfriend?” I ask, knowing it will distract him from his usual embarrassing speech about how glad he is to have me back.
“Nancy’s not my girlfriend,” Dad glowers, shaking his head. “You know no one will ever match up to your ma, but it’s still nice to have a little female company now and again.”
