Chapter 7
Chapter Seven
Emily glanced up from her desk in the Sweet Bloom Sheriff Department, taking a moment to appreciate the sight of Paul Evans. Despite her rule about dating guys with badges, she couldn’t help but feel drawn to him. With his thick brown hair and warm brown eyes, he had an air of quiet determination that was both appealing and, at times, intimidating.
“Hey Emily, got any interesting calls that have come in today?” Paul asked with a smile.
“Morning, Paul,” she greeted, forcing herself to focus on work rather than the way his uniform fit his trim frame. “Just the usual so far. Nothing too exciting.”
“Good, maybe it will stay that way, and I’ll have time to take Maddox out for some extra training today,” he mused. “That dog has endless energy.”
“Sounds like fun.” Emily tried to maintain a casual tone and not let her growing feelings for Paul show. Her ex had chosen his career over their relationship, leaving her heartbroken and wary of falling for another man with a badge.
As Paul continued down the hallway toward the K-9 unit, Emily hated that everyone in the department knew about her past heartbreak. It seemed to hang in the air like an unspoken truth, making it even more challenging to keep work separate from her personal life. She wanted nothing more than to prove that she could be professional and unaffected by her emotional past.
“Hey, Emily,” Sheriff Matthew Hart called out as he passed by her desk. The friendly and outgoing sheriff had always been a big brother figure to her, and she appreciated his loyalty. “You okay? You seem a little distracted today.”
“Hi, Sheriff, just a lot on my mind, I guess,” Emily confessed, hoping her blush wasn’t too noticeable. “I’m fine, though. Really.”
“All right, if you say so. Remember, my door’s always open if you need to talk,” he offered before continuing on his way.
“Thanks, Sheriff.” Emily gave him a grateful smile before turning her attention back to her work.
As she scanned the calls coming in, she took a deep breath and steeled herself for the day ahead. She would not allow her feelings for Paul to interfere with her job or her heart. She had learned her lesson the hard way, and she refused to let history repeat itself.
Later that evening, after work, Emily stepped into the cozy warmth of the Cozy Cup. The aroma of freshly ground beans and steamed milk enveloped her like a comforting embrace as she scanned the room for her friend. Cora sat at their usual table by the window; her black hair was pulled back in a loose bun, and a steaming mug was already in front of her.
“Hey, Em,” Cora smiled, raising her cup in greeting. “You look like you could use one of these.”
“Thanks, Cora,” Emily sighed, sliding into the seat across from her friend. She ordered her usual caramel macchiato and wasted no time diving into the reason for their meeting. “I need your advice. You know about my rule—no dating guys with badges—but there’s this new deputy, Paul, and he’s...different.”
Cora leaned forward, green eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Different? How so?”
“Well, for starters, he’s a K-9 handler and intensely focused on his job. But he’s also kind and attentive. I can’t help but feel drawn to him despite my past experiences.” Emily fidgeted with the sleeve of her sweater, suddenly self-conscious.
“Em, I get why you’re hesitant, but not all law enforcement officers are the same. Maybe it’s time to take a chance—you deserve happiness,” Cora encouraged gently.
Emily considered her friend’s words, feeling her resolve waver. “Maybe you’re right. It just scares me to think about getting hurt again.”
“Life is full of risks, Em. What matters is how we learn from our experiences and grow as individuals. But think about giving him a chance. You never know what could happen.”
“Thanks, Cora. I really appreciate that.” Emily smiled, relieved to have someone in her corner. They sipped their coffees and chatted about the town’s upcoming Christmas activities, letting the conversation drift from Paul and her worries.
Just as Emily relaxed, the door to the coffee shop opened with a gust of cold wind. Marjorie Simms, the local gossip, strolled in with her group of nosy friends. The older woman’s salt-and-peppered hair was held back by a festive red bow, and she wore a mischievous grin that made Emily’s stomach sink.
“Emily, dear,” Marjorie cooed, sidling up to their table. “I hear there’s a new K-9 handler at the sheriff’s department.”
Emily narrowed her eyes at the older woman. “Why are you bringing Deputy Evans up to me?”
“Dear, it’s no secret you work with him,” Marjorie replied sweetly, but her eyes flicked between Emily and Cora as if sensing a story. “Is there something more going on?”
“Absolutely not,” Emily snapped, the words tumbling out of her mouth faster than she’d intended. “We’re just co-workers. That’s it.” She knew, though, that deep down, her feelings for Paul were growing stronger by the day. If she didn’t keep her guard up, who knew what might happen?
“Well then, what can you tell us about him?”
Emily felt her cheeks burning, suddenly on high alert. “He’s just another deputy, Marjorie. Nothing special.”
“Really?” Marjorie eyed her skeptically, clearly not satisfied with the response. “Well, I’m sure he’s quite an interesting addition to the team. Don’t hesitate to share any juicy details.”
Emily managed a polite smile, her grip tightening around her coffee cup. “Really, Marjorie, there’s nothing much to say,” she insisted, trying to convey disinterest.
“Oh, come now, dear,” Marjorie persisted, her voice laden with a mix of curiosity and sly amusement. “A handsome new deputy and his remarkable dog—sounds like the beginning of a charming little tale. Surely, there’s something you can share?”
“Just standard department stuff, Marjorie. You know how it is,” Emily replied, hoping her tone would end the conversation. She glanced at Cora, silently pleading for an intervention.
“Marjorie, we were just discussing the Christmas festival,” Cora interjected, trying to steer the conversation away from Emily’s discomfort. “Perhaps you have some news about that?”
“Of course, dear,” Marjorie shrugged, seemingly accepting the change in topic. “We’re going to have all the same activities as years before, but there’s also going to be an addition of food drive where you can drop off items for families in need.”
“Oh, that sounds nice,” Cora stated with an approving smile.
“It was Sheriff Hart's idea. He thought it would go well with the toy drive,” Marjorie explained.
“We’ll have to make sure to pick some items at the grocery store,” Emily said before taking a sip of her coffee. She didn’t want to burst Marjorie’s bubble and tell her how Sheriff Hart had already posted a flyer at the office a week ago.
“That’s an excellent idea. And you’ll have to keep me updated about any developments with the dashing K-9 handler and his four-legged companion,” Marjorie winked before making her way to her own table with her friends.
Emily exhaled in relief, grateful for Cora’s timely rescue. “Thanks for that,” she murmured, her nerves still rattling like the windows during a winter storm. “Ugh, I can’t stand that woman. She’s always sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong.”
“Try not to let her get to you, Em,” Cora advised, squeezing her friend’s hand reassuringly. “She’s not worth your energy.”
“I know, but she’s like a dog with a bone when she gets a new piece of gossip.”
They both chuckled, the moment of tension dissipating as they returned to their discussion about the festival preparations. Emily felt a bit more grounded, reminding herself why she had set boundaries in the first place. Yet, Paul’s image lingered stubbornly in her mind like a thick cloud that wouldn’t disperse.
“Remember, Em,” Cora said gently, placing a hand on her friend’s arm. “You don’t need to justify your feelings to anyone. Whatever happens with Paul, it’s between you and him, no one else.”
“Thanks, Cora.” Emily took a deep breath, steadying herself. She knew her friend was right, but it didn’t make the situation any less daunting. All she could do was take things one step at a time and keep her heart open to the possibilities.
Deciding it was time to leave the coffee shop, she stood up and waved goodbye to her friend. As she stepped outside, the crisp winter air hit her face, momentarily distracting her from her swirling thoughts as a shiver crawled along her spine.
“Hey, Emily,” a familiar voice called out, causing her to look up to see none other than Paul himself. His brown eyes were warm with concern as Maddox, his loyal German shepherd, wagged his tail by his side.
“Hey, Paul,” Emily greeted in return, forcing a smile and trying to keep her voice steady. “What brings you here?”
“Taking Maddox for a walk,” he replied, nodding toward the dog. “Are you okay? You look upset.”
“It’s nothing,” Emily lied, though her face betrayed her frustration. “I just...ran into Marjorie Simms inside the coffee shop, and let’s just say, she knows just how to push a person’s buttons to make them feel like going nuclear.”
“Ah, I see,” Paul said, understanding dawning on his face. “Well, if you want to take your mind off things, you’re welcome to join Maddox and me at the dog park. It’s a nice day for a walk, and Maddox could use some company.”
Emily hesitated but then, thinking of Cora’s advice, decided that spending some time with Paul might be a good idea. After all, it was just a walk, right?
“Sure,” she agreed finally, her green eyes meeting his. “Why not?”
“Great,” Paul exclaimed, his face lighting up in a dimpled grin. “Let’s go.”
As they walked toward the dog park, Emily relaxed more and more with each step. The tension from her encounter with Marjorie slowly faded, replaced by the easy camaraderie between her and Paul.
As they chatted, Emily found herself opening up to him about everything from her love for decorating Christmas trees to the annoying habits of their mutual colleagues. She couldn’t deny that she was having a great time with him, despite her initial doubts.
“I never would have guessed you were secretly a Christmas fanatic,” he joked, causing her to laugh and shake her head in amusement.
“It’s one of my favorite things about Sweet Bloom; this town goes all in when it comes to Christmas. I’m no exception.”
“I’ll have to keep that in mind,” he told her with a chuckle.
They continued to give more details about their lives, forming an unexpected bond over their shared interests. Before she knew it, they were at the park, and Paul was releasing Maddox off his leash to run free in the fenced-in area.
“Thanks for inviting me along, Paul,” Emily said as they took a seat on one of the benches. “I needed this.”
“Anytime, Emily,” he replied, his brown eyes crinkling with happiness. “And remember, not all guys with badges are the same.”
“Maybe you’re right,” she admitted, watching Maddox happily chase after a thrown ball. “Maybe I’ve been quick to judge,” Emily continued, her gaze following the energetic dog. “It’s just hard to let go of past experiences sometimes.”
“You know, Emily,” he began slowly, “it’s okay to let people in sometimes. Everyone needs someone to lean on now and then.”
Her eyes narrowed slightly, her defenses going back up at the mention of depending on someone. She didn’t even rely on her twin, so why would she think about doing that with anyone else? “I don’t need anyone to lean on.”
“I didn’t mean to imply—” Paul started, but she cut him off.
“I know what you meant.” Silence fell between them for a few moments, filled only by the distant hum of Christmas music and the barking of dogs.
Emily sighed, breaking the quiet. “It’s not about needing someone,” she confessed, her voice softer now. “It’s about wanting someone and getting hurt because you let them get too close.”
Paul nodded as if he understood more than he let on. “Trust is a risk, Emily. But it’s also what makes things like friendship...and more...worth it.”
Her heart fluttered at his words—and more. It was foolish to think there could be anything between them when she had made it her rule not to mingle romance with work, especially not with another badge in the mix.
Looking at him now, though, under the soft luminescence of the park lights, his sincerity was hard to ignore. Emily found herself wishing things were simpler.
“I know it’s hard,” Paul told her with an assuring pat on the arm, “But Emily, just think about it—sometimes the risk is worth the reward. Stepping out of our comfort zones can lead us to better places we never expected.”
As Maddox returned, panting with excitement and dropping the slobbery ball at their feet, Paul picked it up. “So,” he began casually, tossing the ball back into the field, “I heard you mention at work that you’re helping with the Christmas festival decorations.”
“Yeah,” Emily replied as they watched Maddox sprint after the ball. “It’s a lot of work, but I love seeing the town come together like this. Sweet Bloom has a way of making events amazing, especially at Christmastime.”
“I’d love to help if you need an extra pair of hands,” Paul offered earnestly.
She looked surprised, but pleased. “Really? That would be fantastic. But are you sure? I mean, it can get pretty chaotic.”
Paul laughed, the sound easy and genuine. “I think I can handle a little chaos. It might be fun.”
Their conversation flowed effortlessly from there, ranging from their favorite movies to their aspirations for the future. Emily enjoyed Paul’s company more than she had expected, and his eagerness to help with the festival endeared him even further.
As the evening wore on and the stars came out, they decided it was time to head back. Maddox seemed reluctant to leave his playground but followed loyally after Paul called him and clipped his leash back on.
Walking back through the quaint streets of Sweet Bloom, Emily felt a warmth that wasn’t solely from the brisk walk in the crisp air. There was a coziness in knowing there might be a friendship—or perhaps something more—brewing between her and Paul.
Just as they were nearing the coffee shop, Emily stopped and turned to him. “Thanks for tonight, Paul. It meant more than you know.”
Paul smiled softly. “I’m glad I could be there for you,” he said honestly.
They stood there for a moment longer than necessary. “See you tomorrow,” Emily stated as she fidgeted with the straps of her purse.
“Sure thing,” he told her before turning around to leave.
As Emily watched him walk away with Maddox trotting happily beside him, she felt a surprising flicker of anticipation for the next time they would spend time together outside of work. Maybe Cora was right; perhaps it was time she stopped focusing on her dating rules and gave Paul a chance to prove he differed from her ex.