by Nikki Vale
“In case you missed the last part of the conversation he told her that he’s been invited to her sister Dawn’s birthday party this weekend and that he hopes to see her there. If you want a fighting chance, you might want to make sure you’re there too Boss,” she suggests sympathetically.
Chapter Five
Skye
I woke up this morning feeling rested. The bed Summer got for me is the most comfortable bed I’ve slept in for the past 6 years. It’s chilly in the apartment and I’m tempted to snuggle back down into the covers but I need to get up and get ready for this job interview. I roll over and look at the clock on the nightstand. Oh, crap! It’s already 9 o’clock. I have less than an hour to get ready.
I rush past the kitchen and the family room and into the bathroom. Luckily I had the forethought to iron my suit and hang it in the bathroom last night after my shower. I brush my teeth and wash my face then I slip on my turquoise blouse followed by my black two-button blazer with matching classic style slacks. I quickly style my hair in a loose top bun and then debate on whether I should put on any jewelry or makeup. I decide on a set of small diamond stud earrings and some lip gloss and call it good.
I take one last look at myself in the mirror and head out of the bathroom. “Hey there foxy lady,” Summer says startling me half to death.
“I thought you were still sleeping. I’m going to be late if I don’t get out of here soon,” I inform her.
“Yeah, I thought as much. I’m working today. It’s snowing outside so you might want to take my truck,” she says tossing me the keys. “AG’s opens at 11 o’clock for lunch. If you’re hungry after your interview stop in.”
“Great. Thank you for everything Summer,” I say sincerely, heading for the front door.
“Um, Skye? You might want to put on some shoes and a jacket before going outside,” she says chuckling. I’m so nervous I forgot to put on my shoes. I run over to the alcove that is now my room and grab my knee high black leather boots, black pea coat and a red scarf for good measure.
“Now you’re ready to go. You look lovely. Knock’em dead,” Summer says encouragingly.
I head out the door and down the stairs to the old truck and hop in. I sit there for a second and realize I don’t know where the police station is. I pull out my cell phone. It’s already 9:45. Thank goodness for navigation. I pull up the directions and it's only three minutes away, off of Main Street. I keep forgetting I’m in a small town. If it weren’t snowing I could probably walk anywhere in this town in less than 30 minutes.
I turn on the truck and immediately pull out. There’s no use waiting for the truck to get warm when the police station is practically around the corner. It’s a quiet morning, the snow is softly falling and there are only a few inches of it covering the ground. It’s quite beautiful. It would be even better if I were looking at it from the other side of a window in front of a cozy fire with a cup of hot cocoa.
All the lamp posts along the way display Christmas wreaths for the holiday season. Everything about this town is quaint and charming. Well, the verdict is still out on its citizens I haven’t met enough of them to make a fair assessment. If I judged the town based off the few people I have met, the town wouldn’t be on my list of favorites that’s for sure
There it is already. The police station is a small red brick building on the corner of Main Street and Poplar in the middle of town square. That was easy enough to find. I pull into a parking spot in front of the main entrance and quickly hop out of the truck and dash inside to keep from getting too wet from the falling snow.
I walk up to the front desk to let them know I’m here for a job interview and a young woman directs me down the hall to the Sherriff’s office. Now I’m really nervous. I had no idea the sexy Sherriff would be conducting the interview personally. I know this a small police department but don’t they have a personnel division? Listen to me. I sound whiny even to myself. Suck it up Skye, you can do this. You lived in a ten man tent in the Middle East for six months with missiles and mortars going off around you daily. This is a walk in the park.
I see a desk with the name Sally Allbright, Administrative Assistant to Sherriff Talbott.
“Good morning Miss. Can I help you?” Sally asks as I approach her desk.
“Yes, Ma’am. My name is Skye Williams, I’m here to interview for the position of Emergency Dispatcher,” I inform her.
“Oh so you’re the one,” she says. “Here fill out these papers and we’ll be with you shortly,” Sally instructs me, handing me a clipboard and pen. I take a seat in one of the chairs lined against the wall and begin to fill out the interview questionnaire she handed me. Sally stands up revealing a gaudy Christmas sweater similar to the one my grandmother was wearing yesterday. She walks to the Sheriff’s office door, walks in and closes it gently behind her. Within a few minutes she returns to her desk and I hand her the completed paperwork.
“Great. If you’ll just follow me,” she says kindly. She reminds me of Mrs. Garett from that old T.V. show, The Facts of Life, except without the annoying voice.
She knocks softly at the Sherriff’s door. “Sherriff Talbott, your 10 o’clock appointment, Ms. Williams,” Sally formally announces me. She leaves the office and closes the door behind her. I wish she would have left it open. She’s left me all alone with the Sherriff and he makes me edgy.
He stands up and puts out his hand. “Good morning Ms. Williams it’s nice to see you again,” he greets me professionally. I don’t know why I expected anything different. “Please have a seat,” he motions to the chair behind me.
“Can you tell me a little about your work history?” he jumps right in and asks me.
“I recently separated from the Air Force after 6 years due to completion of service. I was a Security Forces Patrol Officer. Most of my experience is conducting normal police officer duties, but I don’t wish to continue down that career path, Sir. I feel that I’m better suited to the position that I’m interviewing for as an Emergency Dispatcher,” I say in response to the question.
“Most enlistments are 4 years. Did you extend your enlistment? And why do you no longer want to be a patrol officer?” he probes further.
“I extended for two extra years because at that time I wasn’t sure if I want to make the military a career yet. I decided that I wasn’t cut out for police work because I don’t like conflict,” I say smiling sheepishly, thinking about the incident with Hailey last night. “I don’t like conflict, but sometimes it likes me,” I remark, shrugging my shoulders.
What I don’t tell him is that I’m tired of seeing people die. I no longer want to be the first responder to the scene of an accident or even worse a homicide. I don’t want to fight drunken people or people hopped up on drugs. I’m not a pacifist by any means, but I miss a normal life. I miss thinking that the majority of people are inherently kind with good intentions. Seeing the ugly side of people day in and day out changes your perspective.
“I noticed how you tried to avoid confrontation last night and how calm you remained even when the situation escalated and that’s why I think you’ll be good for this job. You’ve got the job. You can start Monday,” he tells me, surprising me. That was awfully quick.
He stands up and I follow his lead. I stick out my arm for another handshake. That’s what I was taught to do after an interview. He grasps my hand in his and gently rubs his thumb over the back of my hand. I ignore the warmth that spreads through me at his touch.
“Thank you,” I say, sincerely grateful for the job. For the first time, I notice his cleanly shaven face and combed hair. He looks adorable but I think I like him all scruffy and casual better. I wish I could feel his cheek. I bet I’d feel the stubble trying to poke through already.
He escorts me out of his office and instructs Sally to give me the necessary in-processing paperwork to fill out. Then he turns and leaves returning back to his office. I become immersed in the paperwork when I hear footsteps approach and stop near me.
“Hey there, it’s Skye, right?” I hear a man’s voice ask. I look up and see the handsome face of Deputy Jon Dark Star. .
“Yeah, that’s me. Your kissing cousin,” I reply teasing him. I don’t know why I felt comfortable enough to tease him like that. I don’t even know the guy. He blushes in embarrassment. That’s cute.
“Sorry about that yesterday. I don’t know what got into me,” he apologizes, rubbing the back of his neck. “Are you applying for a job here?” he asks.
“Yeah, I just had the interview. I start Monday as an Emergency Dispatcher,” I tell him.
“That’s great. Maybe we can hang out and have lunch or something sometime,” he suggests, smiling at me. Is he flirting with me?
“Sounds good. As you know I’m new to town and I could use all the friends I can get,” I inform him.
“Well your sister Dawn invited me to her birthday party this weekend so I’ll probably see you there,” he remarks.
I smile. “Yep, I’ll definitely be there. I’ll see you then,” I say in dismissal. Not to be rude, but I want to finish all of this paperwork before I leave here today. Jon seems like a nice guy and I wouldn’t mind hanging out with him some time.
An hour later I finish up all the paperwork and hand it back to Sally. “Dear Lord child, you didn’t have to finish it all today. You could have taken it home and brought it back later.” She informs me.
“That’s okay. I wanted to get it done so I don’t have to worry about it later. I don’t like having work hanging over my head,” I say happily.
“Well, you and I will get along just fine then. You have a wonderful weekend young lady and we’ll see you on Monday,” she replies. I stand there for a moment, waiting for I don’t know what.
Sherriff Talbott steps out of his office. He’s pulling on his jacket and closing his office door. “I’m going to go patrol for a while, Sally. Would you like me to pick you up something for lunch?” he asks her and turns away from the door catching sight of me. I smile, give a small wave, turn and walk out the door.
That’s what I’d been waiting for. One more glimpse of him before I left.
Chapter Six
Cooper
I wasn’t expecting Skye to still be here when I stepped out of my office to go patrol for a while and get some lunch. I step out my office to ask Sally if she would like me to pick her up something to eat and I’m momentarily stunned by the sight if Skye standing there smiling and waving at me. Before I can respond in any way she turns on her heel and leaves. Sally laughs and I look at her in confusion.
“I’ve never seen you so love-struck. All the women in this town have been clamoring for your attention and one look at her and you’re smitten,” she remarks.
“I wouldn’t go that far Sally,” I reply. Skye’s a very beautiful woman. A blind man could see that, but she’s also got this quiet confidence about her that intrigues me. Besides it’s probably the fact that she feels a pull towards me too but obviously doesn’t intend to pursue it that has me even more interested. But I don’t tell Sally that. She sees too much as it is.
“You know what? I think I’d like a Reuben sandwich with those homemade kettle cooked chips that they make at the Acorn Grill,” Sally tells me. I’m sure it’s no coincidence that she chose something from A&G’s since we both know that’s where Skye will be.
“Sure thing, Sally. Anything else you want?” I ask her. She just shakes her head smiling at me with a mischievous grin. I choose to ignore it and head out to my police vehicle, the Ford Interceptor that the city provides for the Sherriff of the town.
I get in and head over to AG’s Bar & Grill. I see the old Ford pickup already parked out back and I feel the knots in my stomach forming in anticipation of seeing her again. Damn, I think Sally might be right, I am smitten.
I pull into the spot reserved for law enforcement right outside the front and park. I flip down the visor to check my appearance. I’m taken back by my reflection. I almost didn’t recognize myself with my hair neatly combed. I chuckle and run my fingers through my hair loosening the gel holding it in place. My hair starts to turn up at the ends like it’s trying to curl and I slap my baseball-style police cap on it. That’s more like it.
I step out of the vehicle and head inside. The restaurant isn’t very busy today. It usually gets pretty busy around lunchtime, but I guess it’s slower because of the weather. I immediately notice Skye sitting at a table for two with Summer by the window.
“Hey Sherriff,” Summer stands up greeting me. “What can I help you with?” she greets me. As she stands and I see she’s wearing her apron, which means she’s working her shift right now.
“I’m just going to order some lunch for myself and something to go for Sally,” I tell her.
“Well why don’t you just have a seat right here and I’ll be happy to serve you,” she comments, holding out the chair she just vacated. I look in askance at Skye because I don’t want to intrude on her meal. She smiles her cheeks turning rosy and shrugs in acquiescence.
“I’ll take the clam chowder in the bread bowl with a side salad and a cup of coffee. I’d like a Reuben sandwich with the kettle cooked chips to go, thanks,” I tell Summer, as I take the seat across from Skye. I’ll have to remember to thank Sally for suggesting we eat here for lunch.
“How are you liking our town so far?” I ask, attempting to get Skye talking. She looks up at me with those beautiful eyes of hers.
“I just got here yesterday, so I haven’t seen much and the only people I’ve met so far are you, Jon and the woman at the bar last night and she made a lasting impression. Not exactly a positive one,” she replies.
I watch her as she dunks her grilled cheese sandwich into her tomato soup and nibbles on it. Some of the soup dribbles down her chin and she looks up at me in embarrassment as she dabs at her face with her napkin. Summer walks up with my coffee and soup.
“Here you go, Cooper. The soup will be out in a minute,” Summer says setting the coffee and salad down in front of me. She stands there for a minute looking between me and Skye. “You two would make the cutest couple. You know Skye’s single right?” she impishly supplies.
Skye sputters some of her ice tea onto the table and I chuckle. Summer laughs and Skye gives her a murderous look. I don’t want to embarrass Skye any further, so I don’t comment, but I don’t need Summer’s not so subtle hints to help pique my interest in her sister. My interest is already piqued.
“You’ll have to excuse my little sister. For some reason, she’s got it in her head that I need a man. I’m perfectly content on my own for now. I mean, not that you were interested or anything I’m just clarifying in case you thought I was interested in dating you or something. I’m probably not your type anyway,” she finishes quietly.
Not my type? I don’t know what she thinks my type is, but beautiful, confident, and kind women are definitely my type. I just smile at her and sip my coffee. I could strangle Summer for making what could have been a simple lunch with a beautiful woman into and uncomfortable situation for Skye.
“Summer tells me that you use to date that woman that harassed me last night. Hailey was her name, Right? Are you the reason she wanted to pick a fight with me?” she openly asks.
“More than likely,” I reply, rubbing my hand on the back of my neck.
“Well Sherriff Talbott I’m not one to fight for a man or over one so if you could let your women admirers know, that would be great,” she informs me. Judging by the look on her face she’s dead serious. Great. She has completely the wrong impression of me.
“I’m no cowboy Casanova, Skye. I’m a one-woman kind of man. If some women become possessive or jump to the wrong concussions, it’s through no fault of mine. I’m always upfront and honest about my intentions. Just so we’re clear,” I say pointedly, looking her in the eyes.
“If you say so,” she mumbles.
“I can vouch for Cooper on that one,” Summer chimes in, as she approaches with the rest of
my meal. “Cooper hasn’t dated many women here at all, but the ones he does seem to get attached pretty quickly. Makes you kinda wonder what kind of magic he’s working with,” Summer insinuates with a wicked smile. I blush and duck my head, digging into the bowl of clam chowder she placed in front of me.
Chapter Seven
Skye
I don’t know what Summer thinks she’s doing, but she just embarrassed me and Cooper. Although I have to admit it was absolutely adorable seeing him blush after Summer made the comment about him working his magic on women.
“Are you coming to Dawn’s birthday party this weekend?” Summer asks Cooper. He doesn’t say anything, just shrugs his shoulders. He hasn’t said much of anything since he sat at the table with me but the odd thing is that his silence isn’t uncomfortable in the slightest.
“You should come,” I say, not knowing why those words just left my mouth. There’s something about him that pulls at me. He looks up from his soup and the small smile on his lips makes my tummy flutter. Why does he have to be so damn attractive?
Summer stands there watching the silent exchange between me and Cooper for a minute. She smiles to herself and then spins around on her heel leaving us to our meals. I finish off my soup and take a sip of my iced tea.
“I might,” Cooper says out of the blue. It takes me a minute to realize that he’s finally responding to my request for him to attend Dawn’s birthday party. I smile at him and turn my head as I hear someone coming in the front door.
“Hey, Boss. What’s up Skye?” Jon greets us flashing his killer dimples. Jon grabs a chair from a nearby table and pulls it up to ours, inviting himself to join us. His smile is so infectious that I can’t help but smile back at him. From the corner of my eye, I can see Cooper scowling.