Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 27306 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 137(@200wpm)___ 109(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27306 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 137(@200wpm)___ 109(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
“Oh, I’m sorry, I don’t have a lot of memories of my time here, but it’s good to see you.”
My blood pressure rises as I watch the young man. This isn’t just an innocent walk down memory lane. He has an obvious longing in his eyes, and he feels comfortable enough to show it right in front of me.
This Michael person lingers at the table, staring at my girl like a hungry dog until I say, “Listen, boy. We’re trying to enjoy our meal, so if you don’t mind…”
“Oh, yeah. Sorry.” He clears his throat. “It was good to see you again, Lori. Sheriff, have a good evening.”
He walks back into the kitchen, and Lori asks, “Are you okay?”
Foot tapping under the table, I wipe my mouth with my napkin. “I didn’t like the way he was drooling over you.”
“He wasn’t. He just….”
“Don’t tell me. I’m a man. I know what he was doing. I should go in that kitchen and shake some sense into the little shit.”
The more I think about it, the angrier I become. Not at her. She has no control over how men react to her. As I said, she’s oblivious.
“I’m sorry. I don’t want to spoil our evening, Luke.”
“This isn’t about you, little girl. Everything is fine,” I tell her but I can still feel the twitch in my left eye.
I have to calm myself down, so I suggest we take a walk along the riverfront after dinner. A little fresh air might be just what I need.
The moon hangs high in the night sky, casting its perfect reflection on the river. I hold Lori’s hand as we stroll along the rail and look out at the water.
“Now, this I do remember. When Nana and I came shopping, we’d stand here and toss bread to the seagulls.”
“That’s a nice memory.”
“Thank you for taking me out tonight. I didn’t realize how stressed out I was at home. Between learning to care for Nana and the break-in, I’ve been wound up a little tight.”
“Oh, come on. We must have relieved some of that tension on the porch last night. Didn’t we?” I stand behind her and pull her body against mine.
“Yes, you definitely helped me out.” She giggles. “Do you think we can do this again?”
“Of course. I’d be more than happy to taste you again.” I brush her hair to the side and kiss her neck.
“I meant the date.”
“Oh, yeah. That too,” I reply, sliding my hands up from her hips to her breasts.
She looks up and down the street to see if anyone is watching my public groping.
“I’m the sheriff. What are they going to do? Arrest me? Maybe we should go back to your place since I can’t seem to keep my hands off you.”
“We probably should. It was nice of the Spencer’s to help out but I don’t want to take advantage.”
I take her under my arm, and we walk back to the restaurant parking lot. As we pass the front windows of the Bistro, I see Michael standing by the hostess's desk.
He looks out the window at us and scurries back toward the kitchen. I can’t put my finger on it, but something isn’t right with that boy. I’m going to need to check into him tomorrow. My gut tells me I’m going to find him in the system.
8
LUKE
“I thought I might make some tea. Would you like some?” Lori asks once the Spencers have left.
“I’m not much of a tea drinker but I’d be happy to keep you company.” I start toward the kitchen, but she stops me.
“No, you stay here. I’ll make the tea and come back.”
I look out the window at the quiet street while I wait for her to return. Part of me wishes this guy would come barreling through the front door so I can deal with him and have this all over with.
The other part of me hopes he just keeps sneaking around in the bushes so I can spend more time with Lori. If I go home, I won’t have her scent surrounding me. I won’t be able to hear the faint sound of her breathing. These are the things that make me feel at home now, and I know how badly I will miss them.
She returns with a steaming cup in her hands. I take it from her and set it on the coffee table while she sits down beside me on the sofa. She sits sideways so she’s facing me with her hands folded in her lap.
“Is there something on your mind?” I ask her.
“There is. I was thinking about what we did on the porch last night.”
The memory of tasting her rushes into my head, and I can’t help but smile. “What about it, sweetheart?”
“I just thought we should talk about it. That’s all.”