Page 20 of Caught With the Sheriff

“Yeah.”

“I’m going to stay here until she falls asleep. She’s upset right now.”

She doesn’t say anything for a minute but then she sighs. “I read the newspaper reports. That poor girl. I knew I recognized her name. And not just because of her books.”

“Yeah,” I croak. “It was bad. I just finally got her to talk about it.”

“You mean after twenty four hours? That finally?”

“Okay, mom. I admit this is moving fast but that doesn’t mean it isn’t right.”

“You stay as long as you need. But tell her I’m gonna be there early in the morning. The fair is tomorrow. I thought I’d take her and Claudia. Tire both of them out.”

“Thanks, mom. But I don’t know if she’ll go. She hasn’t been outside of this house for the most part except for when I made her go.”

“Just tell her.”

“Alright. The Founder’s Day Festival is just a lot of fun. I know she’ll enjoy it.”

“Fine. But I’m gonna go in now. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Bye, sweetheart. Take care of that girl. I’ve got everything on this end. I’m just happy that some girl finally got you to let go of a little of that massive control of yours!”

“Goodnight, mom. Tell Claudia goodnight from me.”

“She’s already asleep.”

I hang up and stand in front of the door for a second, gathering the tattered remnants of my control.

I unlock the door after a deep breath. And walk inside to a quiet house. “Willow? Where are you, little sprite?”

“Upstairs. In bed,” she calls and my heart starts racing but I lock that fucker down. Checking the doors and windows, I start up the stairs slowly, so slowly, my steps light and quiet.

My breath is fast and loud in the silence of the house. It’s like the house is holding its breath. Waiting to see what’s coming next.

You and me both, house.

But when I get to the top of the stairs I see that the bedroom door is open and there’s a dim light burning. I push the door wider and she’s there. Her red curls catch the light and make a golden halo of fire around her pretty face. Her smoky eyes smile at me. She pats the bed and my brow lifts.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. You’re tired and upset tonight, baby.”

Her pouty lips turn down. “I know exactly what I’m doing. I want you.”

My dick is pressed against my pants like the fucker’s gonna push his way right out of them.

But that’s not happening right now.

“No. Not tonight. We’re both tired and emotional and I want you to know exactly what you’re doing. Because once I touch your body, once I claim you? That’s it. You’re mine. And I’m not sure that you’re ready for that.”

“I am,” she huffs.

“Not tonight. But I talked to my mom and I’ll stay tonight. I’ll make sure that you’re alright all night.”

She huffs again but then she growls. “Fine.” And she rolls over in bed and pulls the covers up.

“I don’t know how you sleep under all that stuff.” I sit on the edge of the bed and tug off my boots and throw my hat onto the end table. Then I lie down beside her and she turns over and curls into my side and I close my eyes, telling my fucking dick that that is not an invitation. No matter what he fucking thinks.

I let my shoulders relax and close my eyes, sure that I’m never going to be able to sleep beside my biggest temptation.