Fletcher was Elliot’s for his wedding that never happened, Elliot would be Henley’s, which we never thought would be a possibility but he’s very serious about Elodie now, so it wouldn’t surprise me if they’re engaged soon. Henley was mine when I married Sarah, and that leaves me to be Fletcher’s. I just never thought the fucker would be marrying my little sister, but I can’t stay mad about it forever, I guess.
Elliot studies me. “You sure your neighbor isn’t going to distract you too much?”
I glare at him as I lean back in my chair. “I’ll be fine. And just so y’all know, I’m not asking her out.”
Henley shrugs. “Suit yourself. But stop acting like this is the end of the world.”
Even though I want to argue, I refrain. It feels impossible to handle right now, just because the shock hasn’t worn off. That’s it. Once a little bit of time has passed, I’ll forget all about that night and things will just slip right back into the routine.
Vienna may be next door and my daughter’s teacher now, but she’s just like anyone else in town. Yes, she infiltrated my mind the night we met with her wit, clumsiness, and heart buried beneath the sliver of fear I recognized in her gaze. But maybe I’m building all of it up in my head because it has been so long since I’ve felt that comfortable with anyone.
Yeah, that’s it.
Enticements during a dry spell will do that to you, ignite that need all over again until you shove it back down and leave it dormant again for a while.
I can only hope that happens soon because having the temptation of her right next door might make forgetting damn near impossible.
***
“Have a good day at school, sweetie.” I bend to kiss Ellis on the forehead as we near the school’s front gate.
“I will. We’re gonna have pizza for dinner tonight, right, Daddy?”
“Yes, Ellis. I told you we would.”
She holds her pinky out to me, poised and ready to seal the deal. “Promise?”
I hook my pinky with hers. “Promise.”
With glee, she drops her hand from mine and I watch her walk toward the building. She waves at me as she looks over her shoulder. “Bye, Daddy! Be safe!”
Ever since Ellis found out about my job and the fact that I’m supposed to arrest bad guys—her words, not mine—she’s told me to be safe each time I leave for work. Fortunately for both of us, Blossom Peak doesn’t see much action that could put me in harm’s way, but I appreciate the sentiment, nonetheless.
I lift my phone to check the time, and when I glance back up, I meet a pair of bright green eyes I can’t seem to get out of my head, even though I’m desperately trying.
Vienna offers me a soft smile accompanied by a wave.
My instinct is to return both, but I don’t. It’s not that I’m trying to be rude, it’s that I don’t want to invite any sort of relationship between the two of us that could be misconstrued. Henley was right—I need to quit wavering when it comes to Vienna.
Just because she’s Ellis’s teacher and my neighbor doesn’t mean we need to be friends. I can befriendlywith her but still keep a respectable distance.
Because distance is the only thing you can control, right, Rhonan?
I simply nod, then turn around and walk away as fast as I can. After all, I can’t be late for work.
***
Once I arrive at the station, the familiar stench of burnt coffee greets me the second I walk through the doors. It’s just after nine in themorning, which means the night shift must have left their pot on the burner, and I need to make a fresh one stat.
“Hart. Good morning.” Chief Deputy Banks greets me as I make my way toward my desk.
“Morning, Chief.”
He nods in the direction of the debriefing room. “We’re gonna have a quick meeting before the night guys take off.”
As soon as I enter the room, I find Jake, Daniel, Brody, and Jordan waiting for me. “What’s up, fellas?”
Jake tips his chin in greeting. “Morning, Hart. How was Career Day yesterday? Did you recruit any future sheriffs at the elementary school?”