by Mandy Baxter
She turned slowly as though afraid to confirm that he was in fact standing behind her. His heart dropped to the souls of his feet. His mouth went bone dry. This was fucking torture. Was she happy to see him? Angry? Was she hoping he’d left her alone and never come back? Her face was an impassive mask, giving nothing away as her deep brown eyes pinned him in place. Say something, you stupid son of a bitch!
The bell rang and a swarm of older kids and teachers flooded the playground, reminding him of a concert crowd. The teachers worked together, herding the kids to where they needed to go while keeping them on task. Organized chaos. There was probably a song in there somewhere …
“I need to get the kids on their busses.” Not even her tone betrayed her emotions. Good Lord, she was killing him! Kayleigh took a slow step backward and then another. “Don’t go anywhere. I’ll be right back.”
A slow breath of relief deflated Luke’s lungs. “Don’t go anywhere” was a hell of a lot better than “fuck off.” He’d taken Ryder’s words to heart, and was ready to do things right this time. He’d settled that bullshit with Minnie, and met with the guys about the future of the band. Some of it had been positive and proactive, but there’d been a shit ton of negativity and disagreement, too. After everything was said and done, Luke was happy with the decisions he’d made. He’d made choices that were for his music and career, but more importantly, he’d done what was right for his life.
A smile grew on his face as he watched Kayleigh usher all of her little rug rats to their respective busses. The smile on her face as she helped one with his backpack, and another with a loose shoelace, caused his chest to swell with emotion. The woman was fucking spectacular. It showed just how far lost he was to her that he could stand there and watch her wipe runny noses and zip up jackets all day.
The playground began to empty until every kid was either on a bus or in the care of their own parents. Even the teachers dispersed, heading back into the building like horses trotting back to the barn.
Luke strolled over to the swings, not far from where Kayleigh was talking with a mother whose little girl was tugging on her jacket. He squeezed himself into the U-shaped rubber seat and pushed back, setting the swing in motion. When the little girl apparently became too impatient to wait another second, Kayleigh gave a little wave, watching as the two walked toward the parking lot.
A peaceful calm settled around him. Kayleigh stood staring out at the parking lot for a few more minutes and Luke gave her the space she needed to gather her thoughts as he continued to sway back and forth, his knees almost up to his chin in the tiny swing. She turned, that same impassive expression on her face, and made her way to him, taking a seat in the swing beside his.
“I had to go to court today.” Nothing like addressing her ex’s broken nose to start off a conversation.
“Oh yeah?” Her voice bore a hint of playfulness and Luke’s heart soared. “Was the judge anxious to throw the book at the infamous Lucifer Blackwell?”
“I got community service,” he said with a laugh. “I look good in an orange vest though so it’s no big deal.”
“Sort of hard to pick up trash when you’re supposed to be a few thousand miles away, isn’t it?”
“Yep, which is why I bought a house here.”
The swing stopped abruptly and she turned to face him, her brow furrowed. “What?”
Luke smiled. “Familiarity can be nice. My mom’s already planning family dinners and it’ll be cool to be closer to Jase and Ryder.” He stopped the sway of his own swing and turned in the tiny bucket seat to face her. “I never should have shown up out of the blue like a selfish asshole, demanding to pick up where we left off without so much as a conversation. I won’t apologize for wanting you, Kayleigh. I’ll always want you. But I should have been mature enough to explain myself and let you decide what you wanted instead of putting so much pressure on you.”
“What about the band? Your career? Luke, you can’t just walk away from it.”
“I’m not.” He’d found a way to make it work, though this year would be more of a trial run. “I don’t have to live in L.A. to make music. I’m going to build a recording studio here. Chase, Toby, and Eric are staying in California and that’s cool. I’ve agreed to commute when I need to. We’ll still tour. But we’ll record our music here. I know it’s not ideal, splitting my time like this. But I think it’s a decent compromise. I used to think that I couldn’t have it all. But maybe I can. Maybe…” He reached over and took her hand in his. “Maybe I can slow down and enjoy the ride for a change. I could take you out to dinner again sometime. I promise not to punch anyone.”
Laughter bubbled in Kayleigh’s chest, her amusement growing to the point that Luke wondered if she’d finally snapped. Hell, for all he knew she was already back with Spencer, and he was much too late for compromises and sentimentality.
“I quit my job last week,” she said through another bout of laughter. “I was planning to move to L.A. over the summer. To prove to you that I could step out of my rut. That I could brave change and the prospect of sharing you with other people. I shouldn’t have walked away from you that night, Luke. I should have been more understanding. I thought that if I could go where you needed to be for your career that we could try to make this work. I’ve missed you so much. I don’t want to live another day without you.”
He grabbed the chain that suspended her swing, pulling her until they faced each other. His mouth found hers in a slow, tender kiss that set him ablaze with want, uncontrollable lust, but most of all, love. “I love you, baby,” he murmured against her mouth. “I’ve always loved you.”
“I love you, too, Luke.” Her lips found his and he deepened the kiss. He’d never, ever get enough of her and for the first time since he’d left her, Luke felt the final piece of the life he wanted click into place. “And I’m ready for anything, as long as we’re together.”
“Baby,” he smiled against her mouth, “you aren’t ever gettin’ rid of me.”
There was definitely a song in there somewhere.
THE BILLIONAIRE SHERIFF
ONE
“Someone oughtta put a disclaimer on that sign: Welcome to Sanger … Don’t blink or you’ll miss it.”
Noah Christensen let out a soft snort at his deputy’s observation. She might have acted as though she had nothing but disdain for the small Texas town, but he knew better. “Come on, Ali. It’s not that bad.”
They cruised past the sign toward town after a routine checkup on an unattended dog complaint just outside the city limits. As the local sheriff, Noah could have left it up to a couple of the on-duty deputy’s to take care of, but he liked to be out and about. He wanted to know what was going on in his community.
Ali gave him a sidelong glance and her mouth puckered. “You only think that because you didn’t grow up here.”
“You’ve got a point.” Noah had grown up in Dallas in a world so far removed from the one he lived in Sanger it might as well have been on another planet. He’d been raised surrounded by wealth and privilege. Wealth he hadn’t ever enjoyed and privilege he’d inherited simply by being a Christensen.
Texas oil royalty.
Yee-haw.
His family name brought with it a lot of clout, but Noah wanted to earn respect. Having it handed to him on a silver platter had never been appealing. He guessed in the long run, his dad had been right to cut Noah and his three older brothers off by not giving them a single dime and no legs up in life. Byron Christensen’s faults had been many, but he’d loved his sons in his own strange way. As was evidenced by the billions they’d inherited when he died. Funny, Noah had never wanted the money. Or the clout. Now, it seemed he was stuck with both.
“I would have traded you childhoods in a second,” Ali remarked. “I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have complained about being the Paris Hilton of Texas.”
Noah cut her a look. “Are you seriously comparing me to Paris Hilton right now?”
Ali grinned wid
e. “Of course not. You’re much prettier.”
“And still your boss,” Noah remarked without an ounce of humor.
“Pfft.” Obviously, Ali was scared to death of him. “I was thinking more along the lines of evil dictator. But if you think boss encompasses it…”
Noah tried to hide his grin. “You’re not funny.”
“Please,” Ali scoffed. “I’m a regular comedienne.”
The Sweet ‘n’ Sassy BBQ and bar came into view and Noah’s foot eased up on the gas pedal. “Are you hungry?” he asked as though the thought had sprouted magically in his head. “I skipped lunch. I could go for an early dinner.”
“I bet you could,” Ali replied all too knowingly. “You eat there so often, I’m surprised you don’t permanently smell like smoked meat.”
Noah cringed. He doubted his expression went unnoticed in the dusky interior of the truck. “This is Texas,” he said. “Barbeque is a staple food.”
“Uh-huh.” Ali bit back a laugh and Noah’s grip on the steering wheel tightened. “I’m sure that’s what you tell yourself every time you walk through her door.”
His spine straightened and Noah cleared his throat. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Okay,” Ali said. “Whatever you say, boss.”
Noah might have pretended not to have a clue about what Ali had insinuated, but her observation proved that he’d been unable to downplay his infatuation. Ever since the bar and barbeque joint had opened six months ago, it had become a regular stop for Noah. And not only because the pork ribs were spectacular.
“I like the ribs,” Noah remarked.
“You like the woman who serves them.”
Noah cleared his throat again. Had someone turned up the heat? It suddenly felt a little too stuffy inside the confines of the truck. He infused his voice with a nonchalance he certainly didn’t feel. “She’s all right.”
“I’d say you think she’s better than just all right.”
His foot eased farther off the pedal as he flipped the turn signal. Stopping would only strengthen Ali’s argument but Noah couldn’t help himself. “Do you want dinner or not?” He doubted that Ali would turn down a free meal—or the opportunity to continue to give him a hard time.
“Of course I do,” she said with a laugh. “Being on shift with you all day works up a girl’s appetite.”
Noah’s lips puckered as he pulled into a parking space. He’d learned a long time ago that in a war of words, Ali would always win. He’d seen her shake down suspects and bring speeding teenagers to tears. If he continued to deny his motives in stopping for dinner, she’d continue to counter his argument until he had no choice but to admit defeat. He wasn’t ready to come to terms with it himself why he stopped here day after day. No way was he going to admit it to his nosy deputy.
Ali hopped out of the truck and headed inside. The bounce to her step only made Noah’s heart pound faster in his chest. He swore, if she did—or said—anything to embarrass him, he’d take her badge. Okay, so he probably wouldn’t do that, but he’d make sure she worked a month-long shift with Charlie Johnson. Sanger’s oldest deputy could drive anyone to drink with his endless tales about the good old days. Yep, if Ali so much as glanced Naomi’s way, she’d be hating life for the next thirty days.
Noah paused just inside the door as Sweet ‘n’ Sassy’s owner flashed him a bright smile. Damn. Naomi Davis could stop him dead in his tracks.
“Hey there, Sheriff! Take a seat anywhere.”
Yeah, Noah definitely didn’t come here for the ribs. The knot in his gut was all the confirmation he needed. “Thanks.” Unfortunately, he also turned into an inarticulate asshat the second he walked through her door.
He wanted to sit at the bar but that wasn’t going to work while he was in his uniform. Noah was on duty and rumors would fly if the locals saw him bellied up to the bar. Instead, he followed Ali toward the restaurant seating at the far end of the building. Might as well have been miles away from where he wanted to be. Damn it.
Noah watched Naomi from the corner of his eye. Holy shit, she was beautiful. But not in the traditional sense. No, Naomi was beautiful like the night was beautiful. Quiet and dark. Secrets hid behind her smoky gray eyes, and her dark chestnut hair, run with streaks of violet, reminded him of a late winter sunset. Her features were soft and expressive, her lips almost too full in contrast with her sharp cheekbones. A tiny silver bar glinted from the piercing at her eyebrow and coupled with her leather cuff bracelets, rounded out her look to paint a decidedly edgy picture. Edgy and goddamned sexy.
And Noah wanted her so damned bad he could barely think straight.
* * *
Naomi watched with appreciation as Noah Christensen walked past the bar area and took a seat across the table from one of Sanger’s other deputy sheriffs. The man could certainly fill out a uniform and Naomi’s considerably shitty day was suddenly looking up. The small town of Sanger didn’t offer much in the way of dating prospects, but the sheriff supplied her with the eye candy necessary to get her through the week. Tall, with gorgeous hazel eyes, short clipped dark hair, and a smile that absolutely melted her. She’d actually grown to anticipate his almost daily visits to the bar, evidenced by the riot of butterflies that took off in her stomach the second he walked through the door.
Funny that since she’d moved here, a visit from the sheriff was all the entertainment she needed.
Life in Sanger was a far cry from her previously wild Dallas existence. But that’s exactly how Naomi wanted it. Anything was better than living in the city. Especially when living in the city had only ever brought her a world of trouble. A string of bad decisions and even worse dating choices had convinced her that she needed to get her butt out of Dallas ASAP. She might’ve stuck out like a sore thumb in the tiny conservative town, but even so, she’d never felt such a sense of belonging.
She really hoped she wouldn’t have to pack up and leave this place soon.
Naomi stuffed the sudden wave of anxiety and sadness to the soles of her feet as she grabbed two glasses and a pitcher of water and headed for Noah’s table. There wasn’t any point in worrying about things she couldn’t change. Especially not now when her night was finally looking up.
“How goes the keeping of the peace, guys?” Naomi asked as she poured two glasses of water. “Any dangerous criminals I need to worry about?”
Deputy Brown gave a soft snort of laughter but Naomi couldn’t seem to drag her eyes from Noah. Her lips curled into a smile at the same time her stomach twisted into a tight knot. The only thing criminal in Sanger was Noah Christensen’s sex appeal. Freaking mouthwatering!
His deep voice rumbled through her. “Unless you consider a dog dispute as dangerous, I think you’re safe tonight.”
Deputy Brown rolled her eyes and Noah shifted in his seat. Naomi had a feeling she was on the outside of an inside joke. She had no idea how someone as drop-dead gorgeous as Noah could come across as so nervous. He really was the epitome of the shy, small-town guy.
Totally adorable.
“Mrs. Dickerson again?” In a town as small as Sanger, everyone knew everyone’s business. It could be a blessing and a curse. This time, it wasn’t Naomi’s business that people were nosing into, which was fine by her.
Deputy Brown laughed. “How’d you guess?”
“Rich was in here yesterday complaining about it,” Naomi said as she poured a second glass of water. “He caught poor little Zeke in a live trap by his garbage cans. I can’t imagine Mrs. Dickerson was too thrilled about it.”
Noah laughed. The rich and decadent sound caused chills to break out over Naomi’s skin. She clutched the water pitcher in her hands closer to her chest. “No,” he said. “She wasn’t. But I think we got them both settled down. Rich promised not to trap Zeke as long as Amelia agreed to have the hole in her fence fixed. Their truce should last a couple of weeks before they find some other reason to pick a fight with each other.”
Naomi lo
ved that the biggest problem the local law enforcement had to deal with today was a dispute between neighbors. Sanger was a safe place and she craved the sense of security it offered. “So, what are you two eating tonight?” She flashed a wide smile at Noah. “I know you’re having the half rack of ribs. How ’bout you, Deputy Brown?”
Deputy Brown gave Noah a knowing smile and he looked like he wanted to kick her from under the table. Naomi’s brow furrowed as she realized she was once again not in on the joke. Maybe there was more to Noah’s relationship with the other woman than she thought. Her heart sank at the realization that he might not be as single as she’d thought. All of her best flirting gone to waste …
“It’s Ali,” Deputy Brown said with a friendly smile. Too bad Naomi wasn’t feeling very friendly back all of a sudden. “I’ll have the French dip sandwich with fries.”
“I’ll get your dinners started for you,” Naomi said as she scribbled their orders on her pad. “Just holler if you need anything else.”
“We will.” Noah’s answering smile nearly blinded her. “Thanks.”
Naomi stumbled as she turned too quickly to leave. She caught herself before she went face-first to the floor and rushed toward the kitchen without looking back to see if Noah or Ali had seen her near wipeout.
“Smooth.” Carl, the part-time cook winked at her from the kitchen’s service window.
Naomi grimaced as she hung the order slip on a little wheel hanging from the corner of the frame. “Ugh. You saw that?”
“Oh yeah.” Weathered skin crinkled at the corners of Carl’s eyes as he grinned.
“Do you think he noticed?” Naomi didn’t mind embarrassing herself in front of Carl, but she didn’t really want Noah to see her trip over her own feet.
“The truth?”
Her stomach twisted. “I can take it.”
Carl’s smile widened. “That boy can’t take his eyes off of you. He’d notice if you wobbled a half inch to the right.”
Naomi groaned. But she didn’t actually think Noah had noticed her clumsiness because his head was currently bent close to Ali’s and the two appeared to be deep in conversation. “I’m pretty sure he’s into her,” she said as she jerked her chin toward Noah’s table. “They were giving each other looks and she smiled at him.”