Sheriff’s Secret

by Webster, K

  He huffs and stomps to keep up with my maddening pace. “You’re extra pissy today. I know Brie baby can’t satisfy you, but if you need to, uh, take a load off, you know where I live.”

  I shoot him a warning glare. “I’m fine.”

  “Of course you are,” he says with a roll of his golden-brown eyes and holding up his red-gloved hands in a peaceful gesture. “Just offering to help a friend out.” He stops, grabbing my bicep to keep me from storming off. “Are you really upset about seeing Kian?”

  Kian’s name on his lips sends a flutter of old memories tickling down my spine. Innocent, sweet, romantic memories that were some of the best moments in my life. At the time, I was so fucking happy. If I knew they were going to be short-lived, I would’ve enjoyed them even more.

  “I’m fine,” I say through gritted teeth. “Kian is my friend. Why wouldn’t I be okay to see him?”

  Cato, seeing straight through my painful lies, frowns. “Sometimes you’re so sad you’re hard to look at. I hope one day you can let go of that fear holding you hostage.”

  Pity.

  He feels pity for me.

  It’s written all over his somber, usually playful face.

  “I’m not sad,” I murmur. “I’m just…” Lonely.

  “My baby!” a familiar voice shrieks, ending our heart-to-heart. “Get over here and let me look at that hair.”

  Dot Rhodes, Cato’s mother, owns the old beauty shop that still maintains its usual clientele despite the new hair salon down the street opening a few weeks ago. Rhodes’ Beauty Shop may not have all the bright lights and fancy chairs like Opal Essence has, but it makes up in loyal repeat customers and affordable prices.

  She fusses at Cato to find time to come see her for a haircut. I leave them to their private family moment and walk up to our final destination. Brigs Ferry Bay Chamber of Commerce. As I wait for my friend, my eyes catch on the source of all my pain as he crosses the street.

  Kian Abrams.

  Sweet, perfect, beautiful Kian.

  I can’t look away as he bounces across the street, waving to familiar people in cars. His brown hair is perfectly styled—the Atlantic Ocean wind tunneling down Main Street is no match for it either. Today he’s well put together like usual in light blue and navy plaid pants that hug his trim frame, black shoes that give him an extra inch or two on his usually shorter stature, and a gray leather jacket that fits him well. The scarf he’s wearing is his source of color—mustard yellow and fancily tied at his neck. His smile and the bright hazel eyes are meant for everyone…but me.

  Our eyes lock as he steps onto the sidewalk. In one glance, I steal his smile. Just like that. His brows furrow and my shoulders hunch. It’ll always be like this. The silent looks of disappointment he flashes my way. The drowning guilt I suffocate in.

  “Why am I not enough for you?”

  His words still haunt me to this day. He was everything and more. I was just too much of a pussy to step out of the closet with him. To tell the whole damn town we were an item. Had I had the balls to do that, we might very well be a couple to this day. Hell, maybe even married. I loved him more than I ever loved anyone in my life.

  But I wasn’t brave for him.

  He told the world he was gay and they accepted him.

  I told no one, watching my secret high school sweetheart go forth and live the life I always wanted. Without me.

  “Sheriff,” Kian greets, a forced, polite smile on his supple lips.

  “Kian.” My voice is gruff. Words I always want to say to him sit right on the tip of my tongue. “How’s business? Blur & Focus doing well this winter?”

  He stiffens but gives me a quick nod. “Yep. See you in the meeting.”

  Like a lovesick puppy, I watch him go inside, checking out his ass in his plaid pants like I still have claim to it. Cato comes to stand beside me and lets out an exasperated sigh.

  “Painful,” Cato says again. “Sometimes watching you is just too damn painful.”

  I swallow down the hurt inside me and shrug. “Then look away, man.”

  Dante

  “You’re going to get sued,” I say with a chuckle as I lean back in my leather chair and swivel around to face the window overlooking Wolffish Bay. “Keep making chicks cry like that because you’re a fucking douchebag and you’re gonna get sued.”

  My best friend, Adrian Frost, scoffs at my words. “For what? Sexual harassment? You know I’m strictly professional at work. I don’t flirt or put off any vibes that I’m one bit interested.”

  I can imagine him in his New York office, pacing back and forth, anger rolling off him in waves. If he weren’t such a surly dickhead, I’d breach the topic of why I think he’s such a mean ass. He’s gay. Has to be. He certainly doesn’t realize it. Claims to be too busy for a love life. Truth is, he isn’t interested in dating because he isn’t interested in the female population.

  “Besides,” he continues, “Tasha didn’t get fired. She quit. Just like they all do. It’s not my fault they can’t handle the workload. The new girl better have her shit together.”

  “Maybe take a weekend off and come visit,” I offer. “This place is gorgeous and relaxing. So much potential.”

  “Not all of us are going through a midlife crisis.” Adrian sighs. “Some of us don’t need a change. We just need consistency and for our employees to do their goddamn jobs without crying.”

  I stifle another chuckle. “You need to get laid, man. If you come out here, I could take you to this awesome little place called Blur & Focus. One side is a wine bar while the other side is a dance club.” A gay dance club, but he doesn’t need to know that. “We’ve got a couple of the rooms almost ready here at the B&B. Make some time, Adrian.”

  “I’ll think about it,” he agrees, much to my surprise. “I’ve got to run. We’ll talk later.”

  He hangs up without saying goodbye. Typical Adrian. I shove my phone into my pocket and get caught staring at the ocean again. Wolffish Bay sparkles, even on gloomy January days. It’s deceptive really. As pretty as the water looks with fishing boats dotting the horizon, I know it’s cold as fuck out there. Come spring, though, and the warm breeze off the water will be inviting for our guests.

  If only Dad could see us now. I’d like to think he’d be proud if he were still around. Even though my little sister Shelly and I worked hard for Kincaid Corp before cancer took Dad a year and a half ago, I think he’d like our new venture. Selling Kincaid Corp and moving up north to Brigs Ferry Bay was what we were destined to do.

  Red Hake Bed & Breakfast is something Shelly and I can build together and enjoy. We’re paying homage to the vacations we spent in Nantucket visiting the local B&Bs there with our family but give it the Kincaid twist to make it just a cut above the rest. Those trips were some of my fondest memories. When Dad would exchange his briefcase for a fishing pole and his business scowls for smiles. When he passed away, Shelly and I needed a change. Our little brother Callan more so than us.

  This is a good thing.

  We’re going to make Brigs Ferry Bay our home.

  “Yoohoo,” Shelly chirps as she walks into my office. “You’re going to be late.”

  I tear my gaze from the window to sweep over her outfit. Paint speckled overalls. Baggy shirt and tennis shoes. Dark hair twisted into a messy bun. Shelly Kincaid has changed from the boardroom boss woman she once was. Seeing her so…free…is invigorating. It’s a reminder that we made the right choice.

  “I like that smile on you, big brother.” She plops down on the edge of my desk. “You really are going to be late, though. Not the best way to officially greet the townspeople for the first time.”

  I roll my eyes at her. “They’ll live with my tardiness.”

  “That right there, mister, is the New Yorker asshole attitude you were supposed to leave behind,” she chides. “You’re a small-town B&B owner now. Time to get friendly with the neighbors and make friends.”

  “I made friends with the antique g
uy,” I blurt out.

  A laugh tumbles past her lips. “You can’t buy friendships, Dante. Besides, Mr. Sullivan didn’t exactly seem like he wanted to be your buddy. He was edgy the whole time we shopped.”

  “I’m working on him,” I lie. “What about the cute twink from Blur & Focus? He’s my friend.”

  Her brow hikes up. “Oh yeah? What’s his name?”

  Bitch.

  “Derek.” I shift my eyes past her to a Nantucket family picture taken when we were kids framed on my bookcase, not meeting her penetrating stare. “Derek Blur.”

  “Oh my God,” she groans. “You’re such a bullshitter. His name is Kian Abrams.”

  That’s right. I remember now. Kian. Friendly smile, pretty eyes, tight ass. I’m definitely going to work on the friendship thing with him a little more. Might even be able to coax him into a friendly sleepover. I’d absolutely fuck someone like Kian. He’s the kind of guy I’d dominate in bed and love every second doing it.

  “It doesn’t count,” I argue, shaking away images of what Kian might look like naked. “You’ve been here since this summer while I wrapped shit up in the city. You have had months to meet these people and learn their names.”

  “Fine,” she agrees with a huff. “My point is, you’re going to have to get better at this peopling thing around here. The townspeople are charming, but they’re odd. Resistant to change. I had lunch with Addison the other day and she was in tears.”

  I frown, crossing my arms over my chest, and lean back in my chair. “Why? Was someone rude to her?”

  Addison, like us, is a New York transplant. Back in the city, their shop was quite successful, but since her sister Adeline had a stroke, they wanted to slow their pace. When they’d discovered we’d moved to Brigs Ferry Bay, they grabbed some retail space on a whim while visiting and made the impulsive decision to relocate Granger Home Décor.

  “Not exactly rude,” Shelly says with a sigh. “Just not so accepting. They still make a killing on online sales, most of which is shipped to New York, but their walk-in business is rare, and some townspeople refuse to even walk on their side of the street.”

  “That’s idiotic,” I grumble. “The other businesses should be supportive of one another. Plenty of customers to go around for all of us.”

  “My thoughts exactly,” Shelly agrees. “Which is why you need to grab your coat and get to that meeting. The old fuddy-duddies in this town need a Kincaid to show them the way. And while I could go in your stead, you know you’ve always been the face. Just like Dad was. There’s something about you that people admire and respect.” She smacks my shoulder. “Though I’m still trying to figure out what that thing is.”

  I smirk at her. “Brat.”

  She slides off my desk and grabs my hand, pulling me to my feet. “Go. Make nice with the other business owners. Be friendly. Get us some more bookings so we don’t fail before we even start.”

  “Fine,” I concede as I walk over to my coat that’s slung over an armchair. “I’ll go to this meeting and schmooze.” I pull on my coat and then button it up. “You want to go to Blur & Focus with me tonight?”

  “Raincheck. I have a date.” She grins at me. “With a local.”

  Both my brows fly up. “Since when?”

  “Since this morning at the donut shop,” she reveals, her hazel eyes twinkling. “A lovely gal named Patricia set me up with her son.”

  I wait for her to continue. When she doesn’t, I scowl. “Wait. That’s it? What does he look like? What does he do? How do you know he’s not a stalker or a serial killer?”

  “Oh my God,” she groans. “There are literally two policemen in this town. No crime, dummy. I’m sure whoever he is will be a normal, good-looking guy. I’m out of options.”

  “You’re twenty-five, Michelle,” I grumble, using her full first name in my most fatherly tone. “Don’t settle for some local loser.”

  Her lips press together as disappointment hardens her features. “Again, with the better than everyone attitude. You have to live a little. That’s what this move was all about. Throw caution to the wind. For all I know, I’m going to dinner with a hot fireman who will want to marry me, give me babies, and ride off into the sunset with me.”

  The thought of anyone putting babies in my sister makes me want to throw up.

  “I just think I should meet him first. Big brother duty and all.”

  “I’m a big girl who can handle herself. Save all your daddying for Callan. He’s in rare form lately.”

  We both sober up as we think about our little brother. He was always a moody kid, especially when Mom died ten years ago. It only got worse when we lost Dad and I became his legal guardian. Callan moved to Brigs Ferry Bay a few weeks ago with me. His first day at a new school for his senior year started on Monday. He’s been a bear this whole week, which means he’s hating every second of it.

  But she’s right.

  If anyone can handle herself, it’s Michelle Kincaid. Sweet and adorable most days but can be a raging bitch when the mood calls for it.

  “All right,” I say as I grab my wallet and keys to the Rover. “Call me if dinner goes sour. I’ll rescue you.”

  She waves goodbye to me and I exit my office, inhaling the scent of sawdust and paint. We really lucked out on this property. Seaside cliff. Within walking distance to the Boardwalk and a short drive to Main Street. Expansive property line and excellent views. Strong bones of the frame of the massive home but just needed to be stripped to the studs and rebuilt. A property like this should have cost us several million, but I got it for a steal at less than eight-hundred grand.

  I push out the front door of the B&B and shudder against the cold. My black Range Rover shakes against the harsh wind like it might blow away at any second. Hitting the fob, I start the engine, but I know it’ll never warm by the time I reach the Chamber, which isn’t but a couple miles away or so. Once inside the safety of the vehicle, I shiver and then mash at the buttons, hoping to crank the heat up immediately. I yank on my leather gloves, pull on my seat belt, and then head out.

  Traffic is light and soon I’m turning off Red Hake Mountain Road onto First Street. I’m pleased to see the “Future Home of Wolffish Luxury Condos” sign in front of the old textile building. If our B&B does well, I have plans to move into one of the condos to free up space. It was a coincidence that Rhett Laredo and I, both New Yorkers, moved into the same area around the same time. Though Rhett’s a little older than me, we immediately got along well. It’s tough being the newbies in town, but he’s a cool guy and we have similar vested interests.

  I get caught at the stoplight at First and Main, so I peek at Blur & Focus on the corner, trying to catch a glimpse of the cutie who owns it. It’s one of the busiest establishments in Brigs Ferry Bay and I love that it’s accommodating to the gay community. My biggest reservation about moving here was that the townspeople might have shit to say about a gay businessman building a B&B in their town. But Kian’s club and bar is a testament to the fact they’re more than accepting of gays than I realized. His business seems to be the heart of the town, pulsing blood to the dead parts around here. Hopefully, with time and new growth like Addison and Adeline’s shop and Rhett’s condos, this place will be at its full potential.

  The light finally turns green and I hang a right, heading north on Main. Since Main Street is the most popular street in Brigs Ferry Bay, the traffic is heavier. A few cars, but a lot of foot traffic as people walk along the sidewalks and cross the street. I smirk when I pass the police station. The sign out front is ridiculous.

  Brigs Ferry Bay PD—And Puppies!

  As I pass by Granger’s Home Décor, I see Addison in the window. I wave to her and she grins happily at me. It frustrates me that the two sisters are being given the cold shoulder. They’re good people and don’t deserve it. I’ll definitely be mentioning it at some point. After passing by a diner that smells so good my stomach grumbles, I make it to the Chamber of Commerce. Luckily, someone
is pulling out of a spot and I whip into the space in front of the doors.

  The drive here is less than five minutes, putting me at eight minutes late, which isn’t bad and normal for New York. Everyone’s always late in New York. I brace myself for another battering of the blistery wind.

  Thunk.

  The telltale sound of a car door hitting my vehicle has me cringing hard. With a groan, I hop out of my Rover, no longer worried about the cold, and round my vehicle to find the offender. A little old lady with shiny white, purple-tinged hair grins at me.

  “Hello, young man,” she greets. “What a dapper looking fellow you are. The gals at the beauty shop will be impressed.”

  “You, uh, hit my—”

  “Come now, son,” she interrupts, taking my elbow in her frail hand. “Be a gentleman and walk an old lady to her hair appointment.”

  Be friendly.

  I can practically hear Shelly’s voice singing in my ear. It’s not this old lady’s fault the wind is so fucking terrible. With a frustrated sigh, I nod and slowly walk the woman next door to the beauty shop. Once we reach the front door, she makes a great show of grabbing me by the lapels of my coat, dragging me down to her short height, and planting a kiss on my cheek.

  “Have a nice day, ma’am,” I grunt out. “Stay warm.”

  She cackles. “You really are a tourist if you think anyone is warm on Beacon Island in January.”

  I give her a nod and take a quick peek at my BVLGARI titanium and black watch. My friendliness has cost me five more minutes. Still, thirteen minutes late is good by New York standards.

  If I can just get used to this fucking wind, I think I’m really going to like it here.

  Before heading into the Chamber building, I glance at the dent in the side of my car. Fuck. The wind really will take some getting used to. That’s going to hurt every damn time I look at it.

  Jaxson

  We can’t wait forever.

  Two more minutes is all I’m giving this guy before I start the meeting. Rude as hell to make a room full of people wait on your ass. Fucking New Yorker. I’m pissed and scowling until I hear Kian’s laughter at whatever Cato says to him. All anger dissipates as I freely roam my stare over Kian.