Loni grinned. “But it is.”
He lifted a brow. “You ladies always so generous?”
Loni laughed. “Only to charming ex-SEALs, and of course, old schoolmates of Sadie’s.”
She groaned as all eyes turned to her.
“Yeah. Sadie’s great,” Lori chimed up. “She’s the town’s secret guardian angel, keeping spirits high with her crafts and all. She’s practically a local celebrity.”
She snorted. “You’re exaggerating. I just like to brighten people’s days.”
“According to my wife, you’ve always been the heart of Harland County,” the sheriff stated with a grin.
Sadie had gone to school with his wife, Lyndsey, and her best friend, Emily. Even though the two were a year ahead of her, they still had several classes together. She appreciated their passion for helping animals because it mirrored her desire to see people happy.
Heat crept into her face. “I don’t know about that.” She laughed.
“Well, I think it’s true,” Loni said. “Your wife is smart, Sheriff.”
Gabe grinned. “Absolutely, but don’t tell her I said that.” Still grinning, he tried to hand Loni money, but her friend waved him off. “You ladies are too kind. We appreciate it.”
“Yes,” Dale said. “Thanks.”
The sheriff grabbed the box, and as the two men exited the bakery, the bell jingling behind them, Loni and Lori turned to Sadie, identical thoughtful expressions on their faces.
“That was interesting,” Loni said, folding her arms across her chest.
Lori nodded as her sister rejoined them. “Very. It was like he was trying to play it cool but only when you were looking at him.”
“Yeah.” Loni leaned back, a knowing smile on her face. “Because when you weren’t, his gaze was eating you up.”
Sadie laughed, shaking her head. “Doubtful.”
The man had been giving offNot interestedvibes. She wasn’t sure what her friends had seen, but Sadie couldn’t ignore the thrill shooting down her spine at the thought of Dale’s attention. It had been a long time since she’d felt this kind of excitement. And confusion.
Mr. Hot and Cold.
What kind of game was he playing?
As Sadie sipped the last of her latte, she couldn’t help but feel that this homecoming might be more eventful than she’d ever imagined.
Chapter Five
Dale followed Gabe into the open bay door on the side of the ESI building, noting several guys working on SUVs and two others sparring on a mat in the middle of the garage. There was a huge birdcage against the back wall, where a woman stood talking to two parrots. It wasn’t until she turned sideways that he recognized her to be Gabe’s sister, Rylee.
He’d heard she was also an ESI agent, and a darn good one. Dale was shocked that his overprotective friend was okay with her working such a risky job. Perhaps married life had mellowed the guy. He bit back a grin. This Lyndsey was a miracle worker.
Levi “Mac” McCall, the owner and head of ESI, was the first to notice them. A broad smile spread across his face as he straightened from one of the SUVs and approached, extending a hand. “Dale Taylor, in the flesh. Long time, no see, brother. Any chance you’re going to take me up on that job offer yet?”
Dale shook Mac’s hand, grinning. “Good to see you, Mac. I’m still thinking about it. Thought I’d bring some reinforcements.” He nodded toward the box of donuts in the sheriff’s hands.
Mac’s eyes lit up. “Now, that’s the kind of back-up I can get behind. And, Gabe, you always know how to make an entrance.”
Gabe laughed. “Just doing my civic duty, Mac. And I’m actually hoping Dale would consider working with me.”
Dale’s brows shot up. “You mean, like a deputy or something?”
The sheriff nodded. “Yes, you’d start out as a deputy.”
