Crap.I sent Drew a warning look. I did not want Charlie’s nightmares on my conscience. “Your dad’s working an important case,” I hedged.
I guessed word spread fast around a small town. It made sense but twisted my insides just the same.
Charlie’s feet began bouncing again. “Sometimes, they can’t save people on their SAR trips. It’s really sad.”
“It is sad,” I agreed. “But they do save lots of people, too.”
Charlie’s head bobbed in a nod. “Sooooo many. That’s why I want to do it. Dad says when I’m in high school.”
“Me, too, Little Man,” Drew agreed. He shot me a grin. “When I save a life, it’s really going to drive the babes wild.”
A laugh burst out of me; I couldn’t help it. But the release of the pressure, nerves, and fear felt like heaven. “It’s good to have your priorities in order.”
I caught sight of Luke striding toward the SUV, the girl I’d seen him with before at his side. She bit her bottom lip as they walked, glancing up at him every so often. He looked supremely pissed.
I grabbed the keys from the cupholder and slid out of the driver’s seat. “Stay here, guys.”
Rounding the vehicle’s hood, I watched as Luke and Violet parted ways. But she glanced back at him as she slowly walked in the direction of a station wagon.
I was so focused on Luke that I didn’t even notice the uniformed man to my right.
“Well, if it isn’t my lucky day. Never been happier to be on high school duty,” Reed greeted.
I couldn’t help my jump as his gaze raked over me. The intense focus made me shiver, but I refused to make a fool of myself yet again. “Hi, Officer Hall.”
He frowned. “Call me Reed, Hallie.” He stressed the use of my name.
“Okay,” I said. “I need to go—”
“Do you ever get time off, Hallie? Or is Law working you to the bone?”
I bristled at that. “I work normal hours.”
Reed grinned. “That’s good. I’d hate to have to report him for overworking his employees.”
I didn’t say anything in return. What was there to say?
“How about I take you to dinner tomorrow night?” he offered.
My blood went cold, but my hands started to sweat. I knew dating was part of the normalcy I was reaching for, but just thinking about going to dinner with Reed had dark spots dancing in my field of vision. “I’m not really in a place to date,” I croaked.
Reed studied me for a moment. “As friends, then. A welcome to Cedar Ridge.”
“Hallie,” Luke said as he moved to my side. He glanced down at me, a silent question in his eyes.
I forced a smile, trying to tell him I was good. “We have to get going,” I said, avoiding Reed’s question.
He scowled but quickly covered it. “Sure. Good to see you, Hallie.”
I simply nodded and headed away from him with Luke next to me.
“That guy’s a douche,” Luke muttered.
I pressed my lips together to keep my reaction in check. “Is douche a curse word? Should I be making you put a dollar in a swear jar?”
Luke just grunted.
I glanced up at him. He tried for an impassive mask, but I saw the tension in his jaw.
