Chapter 14
RILEY
I close the window after Sawyer jumps back out of it, and while I unlock the door, I’m still feeling lightheaded and completely knocked off balance. I have no idea how he can switch between being the town's fun and charming barman, to the man who has me on my knees begging. I’ve never let anyone treat me the way he does when we’re having sex. In any other circumstance, I’d find it degrading, and yet I seem to crave it like a drug.
Today Sawyer laid down some terms of his own, and although they won’t be going into the agreement my solicitor draws up tomorrow, I will adhere to them because he’s right. Sawyer is giving me something very special, he’s giving me a part of himself, and although he won’t be raising my child with me, there's still a chance it could have his eyes or his sense of humor.
God help me if it does.
If I think about that for too long, it makes me feel guilty, and I shouldn’t let it. Me and Sawyer are grown adults who made a pact. I laid everything out to him from the start, and he told me he doesn’t want to be a father. Why shouldn’t what we’re doing feel enjoyable? Sex is supposed to feel good.
I check myself in the mirror by the door before grabbing my purse and heading out of the station to get some air.
It’s a crisp but sunny day in Clearwater Creek. Eleanor is cleaning the florist shop windows, and Eamon from the hardware store holds up his hand when he sees me. I take in the fresh air I came out here for and start thinking that this place really could become home once I’ve rid it of its scum.
“Do you have a gun?” A small voice comes from behind me, and when I turn around, I see a little boy with chocolate all around his mouth, and I smile.
“Not on me,” I answer, realizing that my utility belt is still in my office.
“Could I see it?”
“Christopher, leave Sheriff Hale to her business.” I look past him and see Cheryl Rushford struggling to push a stroller and keep hold of a toddler's hand at the same time.
“It’s fine,” I tell her, crouching down in front of him. “Well, Christopher, maybe next time when you see me, if it’s okay with your momma, I’ll let you take a look at it. But guns are very dangerous things, I need you to promise me that if you see one, you won’t touch it.” I know of far too many accidents involving kids and guns; curiosity is where it usually starts.
“Promise.” He smiles before wiping his nose on his sleeve and rushing past me toward the diner.
“I’m sorry, his daddy was a military man. I guess he’s got his obsession with weapons from him.” She rolls her eyes, still trying to get her toddler under control.
“I’m sorry.”
“Sorry for what?” Cheryl laughs.
“Oh, I assumed because you said ‘was’ that you’d lost your husband.” This is why I don’t like to socialize. I’m always putting my foot in my mouth.
“Oh, Christopher’s daddy was never my husband, and I sure didn’t lose him to death. I lost him to a blonde whore from the next town over.” She lifts the uncooperative toddler onto her hip and pushes the stroller to catch up with her son.
“It takes all sorts,” Eleanor remarks as she continues to clean her windows.
“Sorry?” I’m not sure if she was talking to me or to herself, but I guess the polite thing to do is acknowledge her.
“I said it takes all sorts. All sorts of people to make a world. Haven’t you heard that before?” She climbs down from her step ladder, and I hold it steady when it starts to wobble. “Cheryl Rushford, bless her heart.” She shakes her head as she looks across at her. “She just can’t seem to hold a man down. Doesn’t matter how many times she gets herself in the family way. Do you know she has two in middle school?”
“No.” I shake my head, looking across the street and watching her wipe Christopher’s mouth with a wipe despite his protests.
“She’s a nurse and a damn hard worker. Gets a lot of help from her mother, but Kathy won’t be around forever.” I decide it’s not my place to pass comment, so I smile and continue walking, crossing the street by the garage and heading toward the diner myself. I might as well grab something for lunch while I’m out here.
“Riley….” I see Maddison up in front of me and notice how she waddles a little faster to get closer. “I’m sorry… Sheriff Hale.” She smiles awkwardly when she looks down and realizes that I’m in uniform. “How have you been?”
“I’ve been good. Keeping busy and fighting crime, one dog doo doo at a time.” I laugh, and when she stares back at me confused, I’m reminded that she has no idea what I’m talking about.
“Never mind me, how are you?” I look down at her huge tummy. I swear it’s gotten bigger since I saw her Sunday.
“Oh, we’re fine, Jace had to pick up some bits from Eamon’s store, so I thought I’d come with him for the ride. I was hoping I’d bump into a friendly face.” The tone of her voice suggests that the friendly face might be mine.
“Aren’t all faces in Clearwater Creek friendly?” I point out with a hint of sarcasm in my tone.
“I guess that's true, but I’m still new in town and I haven’t quite sussed everyone out yet.” She looks around us
“Ladies.” My body automatically heats up when I hear Sawyer’s voice, and when I see him crossing the street, right toward us, I look to the ground when I feel that heat move all the way to my cheeks.
“Look at you, you're glowing.”
“Thank you.” I prove to him that I’ve taken on board what he said, then want the ground to swallow me whole when I look back up and realize that he is, of course, talking to Maddison.
“I mean, she is, isn’t she?” I laugh awkwardly, and I can tell from the pitiful look on Maddison’s face that she’s embarrassed for me.
“Well, you're obviously glowing too, Sheriff, but I’m assuming it ain’t for the same reason.” He scratches at his stubble.
“I don’t know what you're talking about.” I shake my head defensively. I swear this man is gonna have me breaking out in hives.
“Sure, ya do. The sun, the fresh air…spring ain’t far away, Miss Hale, and I think it’s gonna look good on you.” His eyes give me that scorching once-over before he strolls into Jean's diner, and when I look back at Maddison, her eyes are wide open and full of excitement.
“If I wasn’t pregnant, I’d be asking for a cigarette.” She bursts out laughing
“He’s just teasing.” I try to brush it off.
“Well, that was hot, and he is sure hot for you.”
“Who’s hot for who?” Jace steps up behind her, wrapping his arms around her middle and giving me a suspicious look over her shoulder as he kisses her cheek.
“Your best friend. He just told Sheriff Hale, here, that spring is gonna look good on her.” Maddison fills him in.
“Not as good as it’s gonna look on you, baby momma.” He strokes his hand over her round stomach and makes her giggle.
“Don’t pay Sawyer no mind, he flirts with everyone.” Jace turns his attention back to me and suddenly gets serious again. I almost find it a compliment that he sees me as such a threat.
“Don’t pay him no mind.” Maddison interrupts our stare off, seeming completely unaware of the tension. “That was more than just flirting.”
“I should get back to work, you take care of yourself,” I tell Maddison with a friendly smile.
“Don’t ya worry, she’s got me for that.” Jace nods his head at me curtly, before moving her along.