“Huh.Interesting.”
 
 Very interesting… even though I think she’s blowing thingsout of proportion.I have never seen a less scary man in my life.
 
 “Doesn’t even date women from around here.Always somegorgeous, model-type from Hollywood or wherever.”
 
 “As hunky as he is, he’s a small-town sheriff.I highlydoubt his women are models and actresses.”
 
 “Fine.Don’t believe me.But if anyone can reel him in, Iknow it’s you, Casey.”
 
 “I’m not trying to reel anyone in.”
 
 “Mm-hmm.Just promise me you’ll tell me how good the sex is.A man like that….”
 
 She closes her eyes, shivers, and draws a shaky breath.Witha giggle, I pat her on the shoulder as we make our way back to the bar.
 
 “A lady doesn’t kiss and tell, Jan.”
 
 By the time my shift ends, I’m dog-tired, and my feet ache somethingfierce.However, we made a killing tonight, and Rusty is open to trying some ofmy other ideas.I’ve already expanded our drink offerings, but I want to domuch more.I tuck my tips into my pocket and kiss him on the cheek.
 
 “Good night, Rusty.See you tomorrow.”
 
 “G’night, darlin’.”
 
 I was a little disappointed when the sheriff left, but it’sprobably a good thing he did.I don’t think I’d be up for any action in mycurrent state.When I walk through the doors, I find him in the parking lot,leaning against a shiny black GMC pickup truck.I guess he didn’t leave afterall.
 
 He smiles as I walk over to him.
 
 “If it ain’t the sheriff.I thought you left.”
 
 “No.I’ve been here… waiting for you.”
 
 “Well, here I am.”
 
 “Where’s your car?”he asks, looking around the parking lot.
 
 “Oh, it was such a beautiful night I decided to walk.”
 
 Which I now regret.I don’t know if I can take another step.This is why they say hindsight is perfect.But it looks like I have a ride.
 
 “So, you were planning on walking home?”He raises a brow.
 
 “Yeah.”
 
 “I can’t have you walking alone at this time of night.”
 
 “I walked the streets of New York City at this time of night,and I managed.I think I can handle the mean streets of Canid.”
 
 He straightens to his full height and clenches his jaw.Ashe opens the passenger door, he gives me a look that he probably gives tocriminals.Despite the fact that he looks menacing, I still don’t think he’sscary.Jan wassoexaggerating.
 
 “Get in.I’m taking you home.”
 
 Well, damn.Aren’t you bossy?
 
 “When you put it like that, how can I refuse?”
 
 His face relaxes, and he flashes a beautiful smile.I climbin and watch as he makes his way around to the driver’s side.
 
 “You lived here all your life, Sheriff?”
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 