Page 39 of Small Town Schemes & Summer Kisses
Caroline appeared next to Beck. “The lock is jammed.”
“Got it.” He made a motion for them to move, and with two solid kicks, the wood snapped, slamming the door open.
“Hey, Grayson,” Beck said, shaking his hand. “We are glad you stopped by.”
“Looks like I found the Bonnie and Clyde of Bluebell Bay,” Grayson said, crossing his arms as they emerged.
“You’ve got a problem, Sheriff?”
“Not during working hours.” Grayson gave them a dry smile, which was rare for him.
“Not what I meant. What are you doing out here?”
“I was making my rounds after the storm and saw your truck running outside with its high beams on.”
Beck caught the smirk in his voice. “Right.”
“Need a lift?”
“Can you take Caroline home?”
Caroline was hurt that he didn’t want to drive her. “I need to get my stuff together.”
The sheriff gave them a long look. “Okay, I’ll be out front. I’ll give you five minutes.”
“Let’s grab everything and go before we’re the top story atThe Holler & Fork.”
Beck tried to help her, but Caroline held up her hand. “Don’t, Beck. Just go.”
She put her phone back in the tote and grabbed the last of her trash before running out the door.
“Caroline, wait,” he called, grabbing her arm to face him. “I need to go get Quint from JT’s.” Beck pressed a kiss against Caroline’s forehead. “It’s late, so how about I see you tomorrow morning atThe Holler & Fork?”
Disappointed, Caroline nodded and slid into the front seat of the sheriff’s vehicle. Beck leaned down and looked at her. “What’s wrong?”
“Don’t … Don’t you dare,” she said, pointing a shaky finger at him.
“Dare, what?”
“Don’t you dare make me cry again, Carter Beckett.”
“I was supposed to get Quint hours ago, and there is something I need to finish up at the house. It’s been a long night. Get some sleep, and I promise I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Might as well kiss her goodnight, Beckett,” Grayson said, sliding into the cruiser. “Everyone knows.”
Beck pressed a kiss against Caroline’s lips. “Remember what I told you.”
She nodded as he closed the door.
Grayson turned off his cruiser lights and pulled out towards Caroline’s home. “You and Beck, eh?”
“I guess.”
“I bet someone gets Bingo tomorrow.”
Chapter Eleven
Caroline wasn’t panicking.
