Page 106 of Guarded Deputy

“You can go wild with me later tonight.” His breath tickles my ear.

I giggle and shove his chest.

“No secrets, lovebirds,” Dani calls out.

I sigh, taking a step back, and glare at her. She’s smiling widely, though.

“I’ll have a beer,” I tell Nate.

“Coming right up.” He steps toward the bar.

“Things seem to be going good.” Avery smiles.

“They are.” I nod. “We’ve gotten closer these last few weeks.”

“I’m happy to hear that.” She taps her elbow with mine.

“He seems like a nice guy,” Gabriel says.

“He is.” I bite my lip and look over at Nate. He’s looking down at his phone when the bartender stops in front of him.

Sips and Beats has quite a crowd of people gathered tonight and country music plays through the speakers. The gray walls add to the dimness in the place, creating a cozy ambience. People love coming here to hang out and meet with friends. It’s a guaranteed good time.

“Hey!” Andrea joins our group, and I smile at her and wave.

“Long time no see,” I joke.

“It’s been for-ev-er.” She imitates Squints fromThe Sandlot.

I laugh and shake my head.

“How are you, Church?” Luke asks.

“Great. Ready to let loose.” Andrea shimmies.

Luke lifts his brows and stares at her.

“Too much?” She scrunches up her face.

“A tad. Tone it down a bit.”

“Jerk,” she says.

“Here you go.” Nate returns and hands me my beer. “Hey, Ms. Church.” He smiles at her.

“I think we can stop with the professionalism here, Deputy Moore.” She arches a brow and looks between us.

“Yup.” He nods, wrapping his arm around my waist.

I take a sip of my beer, looking at my friends interact. Smiling, I move my head to the George Strait song and hum along.

Nate gets to know my friends more, especially Avery and Gabriel, who he’s had less time to interact with. Dani smiles and wags her eyebrows. I chuckle at her and shake my head.

“You two look adorable together,” she says beside me.

“Thanks.” I grin, unable to hide my happiness.

When the song changes, Nate reaches for my hand. “Let’s dance.” He grabs my beer with his other hand and places it on the high-top next to us.

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