Chapter 15
FIFTEEN
INDY
She asked if I would let her in, and I did. Waking up this morning with a mess between my thighs, I almost had myself convinced last night was only a dream. Until I’m ready for the day and go to leave.
My door, which I never lock, is locked.
My heart beat doubles as I think about Summer locking my door after leaving, and a small smile ghosts over my lips at the thoughtful act. But we agreed no attachments, she was only being safe, considerate even, nothing more.
I can’t say the same for myself. I’ve never fooled around like that without giving back. I like to give, but something about the way Summer worked her tongue over me made my whole mind shut off. I basically got factory reset, and had to sleep it off.
The buggy cranks up, and I head down to my parents house. It’s already lunch time, so I know I’m about to get an earful. Mama’s on the front porch, knitting something for the local hospital’s baby ward, and Papa’s nowhere to be seen.
“There she is,” Mama says as I ascend the wooden steps. “Figured you’d already be out at the honey hut.”
“I was out with Lucy last night.”
“Mhmm, I remember,” she says, hands moving out of memory. “There’s some chicken salad in the fridge.”
“I’ll get goin’ after some coffee,” I yawn, pulling my legs up underneath me and enjoying the view. Echo’s out in the small pasture we’ve got near the barn, grazing in the grass. The swing attached to the big tree in the yard sways gently in the breeze as a police cruiser pulls into the drive.
“Mama?” I ask, it’s not entirely uncommon since Sheriff Folley likes to buy honey, and can’t always get to the market.
“He’s probably here for honey,” she shoo’s, waving her hand at the car.
Sure enough, Sheriff Folley steps out with a smile and a wave. “Heya Turner’s.”
Stepping down from the porch to meet him in the middle, I notice the uniformed woman step out of the passenger side.
“Sheriff,” I start, “here for some honey?”
He smiles, and I think back to the gunshot wounds he got last year when he went to save Lucy. Everyone was surprised when he went back to work, I think we all figured he would retire.
He chuckles, and adjusts his vest, “I’ll need some soon, but today I’m takin’ Hartley around town. Get her familiar with the locals.”
“Rory Hartley,” she offers her hand with a smile. “Intern Sheriff.”
My head swings back to Folley, “You retiring?”
He smiles, and claps a hand on my shoulder, “It’s time, and besides, Hartley here’s got a stellar background.”
Glancing her way, I turn back to Folley and smile. “I’m happy for you, Folley.”
With a hug, he leaves us and heads up the porch to where Mama’s been watching. Turning back to the Intern Sheriff, I’m not at all sure what to say to this woman. She’s young, probably a little older than me, maybe Summer’s age.
Summer…
“Not to be rude, but I’ve got to check on my counselors seein’ as it’s the last day before campers show up and all.” Shrugging, I wave as I head to the stables to grab my gear. Echo neighs from the pasture when he sees me, and I holler for him to hold on.
I can hear his snort from the barn, impatient thing.
Carrying his saddle over, I throw it over the fence that lines the pasture, and head back to the barn for the rest of my things. Once I return, Echo stands nicely for me to tack him up. The whole time I can feel eyes on me, but I ignore them.
I’m not sure about this new sheriff. Then again, because of Lucy’s kidnapping, the whole town’s still a little uneasy around law enforcement–with the exception of Folley–considering the asshole cop who kidnapped her was someone we’d grown up with.
Echo heads toward the camp with a press of my boot, and I enjoy the breeze. A few counselors mill around the mess hall, but the one I’m looking for isn’t there. I don’t know why I’m searching for her, I have no idea what I’ll even say.
Hey, Summer, thanks for tongue fucking my brains out last night. Sorry I passed out before I could return the favour, how’s your day goin’?
God, I need to calm the hell down. What is wrong with me?
River waves me over to their cabin with an expression on their face I’ve never seen before.
“Everythin’ alright?” I ask, hopping down from Echo and letting him find a patch of clover not too far off.
“I don’t know,” they say, eyes darting around the camp. “I’ve been lookin’ for Finn everywhere.”
“Finn, the surfer guy?” I ask, because I haven’t spent any time with him and he was one of the new hires this year. Also, in my defense, he does look like he stepped straight out of the ocean.
“Yeah,” they laugh, “he didn’t come back from the bar last night.”
“Did you ask Zaye? Or Santi? He talks to everyone.” I’m trying not to jump to conclusions, Finn’s an adult, he can go wherever he pleases, but if River’s been looking for him since last night…
River shakes their head, and my lips screw up while I think. “Maybe he’s still recovering from a one night stand or something? I’m sure he’ll show up.”
“Yeah,” they say, “yeah, you’re right. I’m sure he’ll turn up.”
They smile, and we hug.
“Totally,” I laugh, but it comes out sounding a little strangled. “I’m gonna check on the others, and the campers cabins. Do you need anythin’ else?”
“Nope,” they tell me, swiping a hand down Echo’s neck. “I might go for a ride later, wanna join?”
“We’ll see,” I promise, putting my boot into the stirrup and lifting myself over. “I’ll text you.”
Heading to the campers’ bunks is what I should be doing, but instead I’m guiding Echo to the lone cabin where Summer’s staying.
Her Jeep’s there, sitting outside the cabin, which I find odd since I didn’t hear it start outside mine.
Then again, I was pretty out of it I guess.
If she’s not here, I won’t go searching for her.
I’ll take it as a sign that everything’s fine and continue about my day.
Echo stops just outside the cabin, and I take a deep breath before hopping down. From the outside it looks empty, which feels like a blessing as I walk toward the porch. At the top of the steps, the door flings open and she’s there, walking out looking down at a notebook as if it betrayed her.
“Hey,” I start, hoping not to startle her.
She looks up, her curly hair flying everywhere. Her face instantly changes, lips that were downturned are now lifting, making her cheeks dimple. “Hey yourself.”
I’m not sure what to say now that she’s in front of me. So I just blurt the first thing that comes to mind. “Thanks for last night.”
She laughs, closing the door and leaning back on her heels. “No problem, Honey.” She takes in my heated cheeks and steps down from the porch into my space, leaning down to place her cheek against mine so she can whisper right in my ear, “It was my pleasure.”
Lord have mercy, this woman is going to be the death of me.
“I’d like to return the favor,” I whisper back, unsure how this works. I’ve never been particularly good at relationships, but this? This is new, and I don’t know what’s allowed.
Taking a step back and straightening to her full height, she turns and jumps up onto the porch in one effortless movement.
Opening the door, she throws the notebook she’d been holding back into the cabin before closing the door and turning back to me.
“I think we can arrange that. But I’ve got work to do, maybe later. ”
With a wink, she’s walking away toward the camp, and with one look back she gives me a two-finger wave and a smile.