Page 105 of Sterling Touch
Andy’s like a villain in a B movie, with poor acting skills and exaggerated motions. When he licks his top teeth, I want to punch him like my brothers have taught me.
But I’m also curious what Andythinkshe knows, and I hold still a moment, knowing a man on a power trip, like him, is all too eager to share.
“I know all about you and the late night visits during your son’s sport camp.”
Initially, I have no idea what Andy means. Seconds later, I recall that Andy was the night patrol during the Haven Hitters weekend on Ford’s property. And of course, I remember what I did with Cort.
Which means?—
“Since you’re spreading your legs for just anyone, maybe you could spread them for me.”
I gag. And everything happens lightning fast.
A stool falls over. The table jostles. And I’m catching Cort’s arm as he leans over the table, reaching for Andy.
Fumbling off my stool, I stand while still clutching Cort’s forearm.
“You fucking watch your mouth,” Cort snarls, pointing at Andy. His finger nearly underneath the deputy’s chin, like Cort intends to throat punch him.
“He isn’t worth it,” I whimper, still trying to process that Andy might have seen Cort and I together. He was watching us.
I’m going to be sick.
Cort and I have discussed Andy’s incompetence and grudge against Sebastian. We’ve also talked about how he mishandledthe Stanton case. But this infraction is on an entirely different level of disturbing.
“Is there a problem here?” Stone is suddenly standing near the opposite side of the table. His gaze falls to where my hand grips Cort’s arm.
As Cort stands to his full height, he nudges me behind him, and I keep my hand on his arm, sliding it up to the crook of his elbow. The last thing I want is a physical altercation between my boyfriend and the sheriff.
“Maybe Andy would like to share the problem.” Cort sneers in Andy’s direction. The edge in his voice as sharp as a knife. “Want to repeat that disrespectful, vulgar shit you just said to Stone’s sister?”
“It’s Deputy Sheriff Whitehall.” Andy stands, ignoring all the rest of what Cort said, and runs his hands along his belt, before settling it on the gun holstered at his hip.
With a gasp, I glance at Stone.How does someone like Andy work with my brother?
However, Stone hasn’t taken his eyes off Cort. The two of them are locked in some battle of wills, or worse, a conversation of truths.
Eventually, Cort tips up his chin.
“Alright,” he mutters, slipping out from underneath my touch without a glance in my direction. As he spins and disappears behind me, I stare at Stone a second before glancing at Cort’s retreating back.
Swallowing hard, I make the only decision I can.
I follow Cort.
40
[Cort]
“Hey.” The call follows me as I slam open the door to Milton Roadhouse and step out into the early evening sunlight. I round the corner onto Corner Street and head for the lot behind the building where I parked my truck.
“Hey. I’m talking to you,” Vale calls out again.
As much as I love her, I’m not in the headspace to be with her right now.
“And you shouldn’t be,” I snap as I spin to face her, witnessing the instant hurt in her eyes. Those beautiful clear eyes that smile up at me when I’m over her. That stare at me across my kitchen island. That laugh with me seated on my couch.
Dammit.
