My eyes bug out for a second as Archie lets out a loud snort while Justin continues, “Or was it in the front seat?” His face turns thoughtful. “I don’t remember.”
I roll my eyes. “I see the rumor mill never sleeps.”
“Not here, ma’am. No.” His cheeky smile reminds me of the very same one Alicia gave me this morning when she brought me my second breakfast at nine o’clock.
“It was on the roof of his cop car,” I say with a secretive smile.
His eyes twinkle with clear amusement. “I knew I’d like you.”
I offer him my outstretched hand. “It’s mutual. I’m—”
“Josie, I know.” He takes my hand in a gentle grip. “My sister has been talking about you for years.”
I feel a stare and turn my attention to it, finding Archie looking at me with a soft, contained smile. I raise a brow, but his smile just grows bigger as he stays silent.
“It’s good to finally meet you,” Justin continues.
“Likewise,” I reply sincerely. Alicia has always been fond of her older brother, saying how protective, funny, and loyal he is. The things I appreciate the most in a man.
Wheels squeal to a stop, and we all turn toward the sound. The sheriff’s cruiser parks right behind Archie’s Rover, and the man himself steps out a minute later. He strides toward us with the determination of an enraged rodeo bull, and I start feeling awfully guilty. I don’t even know what for, but his accusing stare and angry movements are enough for me to back down. And it’s not because of fear, but for suddenly feeling guilty when I didn’t even do anything.
Justin tilts his head to the side as he watches Kenneth, then his eyes move to me and then back to Kenneth. Suddenly, a wide back steps between me and the approaching angry Sheriff—Justin stepped in front of me, hiding me from the view. I don’t know what’s happening, but I want zero part in it.
“What are you doing here?” Sheriff’s voice asks just as Justin says, “Sup, Sheriff? Came to check on the car?”
“Justin, I don’t have time for this.” Kenneth’s jaw is so tight his words come out almost like a hiss.
“Then why are you wasting time on our small company?” Justin says without a note of malice, but Sheriff doesn’t like it.
“Not today,” Kenneth warns. “What’s going on here?”
“What do you mean?” Archie sounds like he’s barely containing his amusement.
“I just met my sister’s best friend.” Justin crosses his arms over his wide chest, and I take a small step to the side so I can see Kenneth, who pauses for a second and looks like he lost all his words.
“What?”
“Oh, you didn’t know?” He clicks his tongue. “Something must have escaped our mighty sheriff.” The popping muscles in Kenneth’s cheeks become very visible. “Joz and Alicia have been friends for like what?” Justin glances at me. “Four years?”
“Five,” I squeak.
“Five.” He nods. “So she’s pretty much family, and I take care of my family. Which means you can go, I’ll make sure her car is fixed.”
Kenneth’s lips turn pale from pressing them too hard, but he refrains from answering. He levels Justin with a glare, but when his eyes turn toward me, they soften a little. “Are you okay with that?”
I nod, not knowing what to say or why he’s so interested in me. Just yesterday, we parted ways on bad terms, and now he wants to make sure I agree with Justin’s plan, like my opinion truly matters.
“Okay. All your stuff should be in the car.” He shifts his attention to Archie and holds him for a moment, then Justin. “Make sure she gets home at night.”
“Will do,” Justin replies with humor this time.
Kenneth turns around and walks back to his SUV with rigid shoulders. Justin exchanges a quick look with Archie before he turns toward me.
“Huh” is all he says. Huh.
“Huhwhat?” I ask.
“You’re a very interesting woman, Josie.”
