I frown, still not getting it.
“Jesus, Calliope, you’re the live version of Jessica Rabbit.”
“Who?”
“I can see I’m going to need to arrange a movie night for us and bring all the classics. Jessica is an animation with the perfect hourglass figure. She’s got tits and ass and knows how to work them. Add in all that thick glossy red hair and boom, you turn innocent boys into walking hard-ons.”
“Did you forget to take your meds?”
She gasps, holding her chest. “That was rude.”
I roll my eyes. She’s going to go on a tangent about respecting my elders. I keep my eye on the cops, who have returned to their cars. None of them has left, and it’s making me antsy. “Why are they still here?” I interrupt her mid-speech.
“They’re waiting for their boss. And talk of the devil.”
I look in the rearview mirror when I see lights flashing as the sheriff’s cruiser pulls in. “I’m sure this is going to be fun.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll get this sorted for you if I have to kick the sheriff’s ass myself.”
I reach for her wrist and squeeze it. She winks at me and climbs out first. The door to the cruiser opens, and a man steps out in jeans and a button-up. Before I can get a better look, he slips a black Stetson on his head.
Jen talks animatedly. The sheriff looks over to the car holding Officer Asshole before his gaze shoots to me. I can’t see his face from here, and in theory, he shouldn’t be able to see mine. And yet, for some reason, I feel like this man sees far more than I’d like him to.
When he walks in my direction, I take a few deep breaths to calm myself. “Nothing is going to happen. I’m fine. Everyone’s fine.”
He taps the window. I look out and see just his black shirt. I lower the window and wait for him to bend down. “Ma’am,” he greets me as he comes into view.
Holy shit. Looks like the sheriff’s department got a serious upgrade. Too bad I’ve sworn off men and hate cops. If anyone could tempt me, it might be him. He has the most startling green eyes, ringed with a touch of gold, making them look almost otherworldly. Teamed with enviable long lashes and a sexy-looking mouth, I can only imagine how popular he must be in our little community.
He tips his hat, revealing a brief glimpse of thick chestnut hair that curls at the front before it’s hidden once more under his cowboy hat.
“Sheriff.” I’m relieved when my voice comes out sounding normal.
“Name’s Shepard.”
“Calliope,” I reply unnecessarily.
He nods. “Your lawyer arranged for me to be here when you arrived in case there were any issues. I didn’t bank on my team being one of them. I can only apologize.”
I must stare at him like a fish, eyes blinking, mouth wide open.
He smirks, and dear lord, that thing should be illegal. I’d never touch him with a ten-foot pole, but I feel like he might have just landed a recurring role in my fantasies.
Get a hold of yourself, Calliope. You’re a grown-ass woman now. Act like it.
“I’ll follow you and your lawyer up. Stay in the car until I get there.”
“Okay. Thanks. Are we anticipating trouble?”
“Something tells me where you go, trouble follows.” That little dose of reality is enough for me to get my hormones under control.
I offer him a tight smile and raise the window, ignoring his huff of amusement. Jackass. I think I prefer officer asshole. At least I know where I stand with him. The sheriff, though, seems like he might enjoy toying with me way too much. As he walks away, I take a deep breath and wonder if Jen is correct, if I should just count my losses and run. But then I hear that dark whisper in the back of my head, the one that refuses to leave without people paying for what they did to me. Besides, I’ve survived much worse.
The driver’s side door is opened, and Jen climbs in. “Dear god, that man is a tall drink of water. If I didn’t already have a man at home, I’d ride that cowboy like a stallion.”
“Please stop. I think I just threw up a little bit.”
She cackles before driving through the archway where the sign hangs. I swear the land sighs in relief.