Page 3 of Incomplete
After dusk had long settled, I turned onto my street, pulled my cruiser beside my black Ford Raptor pickup truck in the driveway, hopped out, and headed to my rental property. This particular property was the first I listed for rent instead of selling when I initially mapped out my plan. I also had never intended to make it known I lived across the street. I wanted that little factoid to remain a secret as I guarded my privacy.
But this particular guest was different.
She was an enigma.
A woman with a story, one I felt compelled to learn.
I walked around the side of the bungalow toward the backyard in search of my guest since her car was in the driveway, and all the lights inside the home were off. When I rounded the corner, I found the brunette beauty sitting on the porch steps, looking lost in her thoughts.
“Lakelyn.”
She jumped, flinging her hand over her chest despite the calmness in my tone.
“Officer Miller . . . how?” She looked around me, surveying the surroundings. “I’m confused. What are you doing here? Wait, did you follow me?”
“No.” I shook my head as I approached her with trepidation, nearly tripping over my two left feet when my eyes dropped to her long, lean, tanned legs that were on full display, stretched out in front of her.
“I assure you I’m not trespassing. I’m allowed to be here.”
“I know.”
“You do?”
The corners of her lips pinched subtle indents in her cheeks, and I welcomed her soft smile as I moved to sit a step down from her, intrigued as to why she was outside with her luggage beside her, staring up at the night sky.
“Beautiful night, isn’t it?” I commented, following her gaze up above. Still, she remained mum, soaking in one of the things I loved most about this town—the peacefulness it held, making it feel like you were the only one that existed amongst the serenity of the stars. I extended my hand toward her. “I’m Boden.”
“Boden?” she questioned with a curious stare. “As in owner of this property, Boden Miller?”
“The one and only.”
“Do you greet all your guests this way?” she queried.
“Only those who have a tendency to break the rules.”
“Touché, Officer.” She snickered. “Touché.”
“Any particular reason you’re sitting back here in the darkness?”
“I think the reason is obvious. It’s a beautiful night, the stars, the silence—”
Okay, I see what you’re implying.“Where did you say you were traveling from?”
“I didn’t.”
“Care to share.”
“Let’s just say I needed a drastic change in scenery.”
“Sounds like there’s a story there.”
“Not one I’m willing to share.”
“You know, some people believe keeping everything so tightly bottled up can do a person more harm than good.”
“And let me guess, you’re one of these people.” She scoffed.
“While it was a hard lesson to come to terms with, it did provide perspective over time.”
