Page 11 of Serve and Protect
Faker.Those shiny new boots have never spent a minute hiking these trails. I may not be the most experienced outdoorswoman, but I know a poser when I spot one. The two women sit at the table beside ours.
“Excuse me, Sheriff,” the brunette says as she leans in our direction.
He gives her a polite smile. “Yes?”
“My friend and I were wondering if you could recommend a good hiking trail nearby. Nothing too strenuous, of course.” She chuckles.Faker.“We’re newbies.”
“Eagle Ridge is popular,” he says. “If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a sighting of our local nesting pair of bald eagles. And then there’s East Ridge Trail. That one’s popular with families. It’s an easier trail, more suited for beginners.”
“I’ll bet you do a lot of hiking in these mountains, don’t you?” the woman asks. “Oh, where are my manners? I’m Aria, and this is my friend Bristol.”
Chris’s gaze darts to mine for a split second, and he has an almost panicked look on his face, as if to say,What do I do now?“Nice to meet you, ladies.”
“Please, call me Aria,” the brunette says.
“Yes, ma’am,” he replies automatically.
“So, you’re the actual sheriff in this town?”
“In the county, yes,” he says.
I’ve had enough of watching this woman preen in front of Chris. I rise from the table and collect my half-eaten lunch. “If you guys will excuse me, I need to get back to work.”
Chris reaches out and snags my hand. “Don’t go.” He gazes up at me with pleading eyes.
I notice Aria giving me the once over. Out of spite, I’m tempted to stay longer just to derail her flirting. But I really do need to get to work. When I made a visit to the kitchen earlier, Inoticed our display case was running low on pies. I need to plate up more slices.
“Sorry,” I murmur to Chris. “Gotta work. Later?”
He nods. “All right. See you later.”
As I head toward the counter, I glance back once. Aria is talking to Chris again, but his gaze is on me. When he catches me watching, he turns his attention to Micah and Robyn. Micah says something under his breath, and Robyn elbows him.
I admit I struggle with jealousy any time a woman pays attention to Chris. I honestly can’t blame them because he’s a great guy. He’s not just good looking, but he’s kind and brave. But the idea of him with someone else makes me crazy because he’smyfriend.
No, he’s…mine.He has been since the third grade.
When I was young, and Chris had a crush on me, I always declined his overtures. I was afraid. And stupid. Now, I’m not afraid. And I’d like to think I’m a lot wiser. And things really have changed over the years here in Bryce. I’m not bullied anymore. Neither are Micah and Chris. The guys have made their mark on this town, and they’ve earned the respect and admiration of the townsfolk. As for me—well, the townsfolk like the diner, and they love my pies, so I don’t get dirty looks any more. And I no longer hear their whispered racial slurs.
But I made my bed years ago, and now I have to sleep in it. I turned Chris down so many times he eventually stopped asking.
I guess marrying David was thesecondworst mistake I ever made.
I’m pretty sure saying no to Chris all those years ago counts as the worst.
Chapter 4 – Chris
After we finish lunch, Micah, Robyn, and I wave goodbye to Jennie, who’s busy ringing up a customer’s order. I walk outside to my vehicle and climb into the driver’s seat. Micah appears at my window and motions for me to roll it down.
“Just tell her, will you?” he asks. “Come on, man. You saw how she acted when that woman was hitting on you.Tell her.”
“I’ll think about it.” That’s my pat answer to get Micah off my back. I’m not going to put Jennie in the position of having to saynoto me ever again. I won’t do that to her. That would make me no better than a creep, and from what I’ve heard, she’s had to deal with enough creeps in her life.
Micah shakes his head. “I think you’re making a big mistake, man. I think she’d say yes if you asked again.”
“I said I’ll think about it.” But I can tell from the expression on Micah’s face he doesn’t believe me.
I head back to the station to check in with my staff and find out what else is going on in Bryce today.
