Chapter Seven
Once the last customer exited, Randi ambled over to the door to lock it, only for it to swing open unexpectedly, admitting a man she’d never seen before, but that didn’t mean anything. There were a lot of people she didn’t know, but she did know his presence unsettled her for some reason.
“I was just about to close. Is there something I can help you with?” Randi asked, frowning as he remained silent, his eyes wandering around the store’s interior. He picked up a scented candle, brought it to his nose, inhaled deeply, then set it back down with an air of nonchalance. His presence filled the space with an uneasy tension, and she wished fervently that he would leave.
“Sir, could you come back another time? I’m closing,” she insisted, her voice a little firmer.
He finally turned toward her, his gaze sweeping over her in a way that sent an involuntary shiver down her spine. Then his eyes, sharp and assessing, lingered on the rows of colorful bath salts arranged neatly on the shelves.
“Are you looking for a gift for someone special?” she asked, maneuvering behind the counter to place a barrier between them.
“No. Are you the owner of this place?” he inquired; his voice smooth yet carrying an edge that was hard to ignore.
“Yes,” she replied cautiously.
“So, you’re Miranda Guthrie.”
A chill settled in her stomach. She didn’t know this man, but he seemed to know precisely who she was, and the realization made her skin prickle with unease.
“Could you please leave so I can close?” she requested again, trying to keep her voice steady.
“I’ll come back another day. Perhaps we could have lunch together,” he suggested, his tone casual yet somehow unnerving.
“I’m sorry, but no thank you. I don’t know what we’d have in common to talk about.” Randi watched as he slowly made his way to the door, each step seeming to echo ominously in the quiet store.
The man paused at the threshold, turned to her once more, and offered a cryptic shrug. “You never know.”
With that, he finally departed, leaving Randi to swiftly lock the door behind him. She exhaled a shaky breath and made her way to her office. Pulling the chair out, she sank into it heavily, the weight of the encounter still pressing on her shoulders.
“You never know? What does that even mean?” she murmured to herself, her heart still pounding in her chest.
After retrieving her purse from the drawer, she turned off the lights, save for the one casting a soft glow behind the counter. She exited through the back door and locked it. The proximity of the stairs to the delivery door was a small comfort as she hurried away, still unnerved by the stranger’s eerie visit.
At her apartment door, her hands trembled as she fumbled with the key. She paused, inhaled deeply, and exhaled slowly, willing herself to calm down. Finally, she managed to unlock the door, stepping inside and securing it behind her.
Who was he? The question lingered in her mind, unanswered, as the unsettling encounter replayed itself over and over in her thoughts.
She was certain he waited until the last customer had wandered out of the shop before he quietly slipped inside. Today, the bustling pace that usually allowed her to wrap up comfortably at closing time was delayed until nearly half past two, as it took her an extra hour and a half to usher everyone out. Still, the extra hustle didn’t irk her much. After all, the sales were booming, but exhaustion tugged at her from the long hours spent being with Jack last night.
A mischievous smile played on Randi’s lips as she recalled rousing him and indulging in more sex. The memory of teasing him about his remarkable prowess in bed, and claiming it ensured he’d never have a moment’s peace even while asleep, made her laugh when he playfully groaned.
That morning had found her rising early to enjoy a long, warm shower while Jack still slumbered soundly in the comfort of her bed. When she dressed and prepared to leave, she paused at the edge of the bed, leaned down tenderly, and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. The instant his eyes fluttered open and locked with hers, her heart skipped a beat in silent wonder.
“I’m leaving,” she murmured softly.
“Okay, I’ll get going then,” he replied, his voice betraying the edge of sleep.
“No, stay and go back to sleep. Just lock up when you head out. The K-cups are in the cupboard above the coffee maker. There’s a spare toothbrush on the sink counter in the bathroom. I’ll talk to you later,” she whispered.
As she stepped out of the room, she stole one last glance over her shoulder, her eyes alighting on him as he had already drifted back into the peaceful realm of sleep. The promise of seeing him later tonight flickered in her mind, a promise charged with anticipation.
Now, as she entered her apartment, she was too scared to go out. Although she had planned to spend the day out exploring, the unnerving thought that this intriguing stranger might be lurking somewhere, watching her every move, persuaded her to remain safely at home despite the allure of a beautiful, sunlit day.
Randi adored summer’s warmth, yet she harbored a secret longing for snow; a rarity in her southern life. Her desire grew even when someone mentioned that September could bring some of winter’s magic. In the second week of the month, while the sky was a flawless blue, she couldn’t envision snow falling amid such perfect weather.
Deciding instead to savor a day of quiet relaxation, she settled in to watch movies. Her peaceful reverie was broken by the soft buzz of her phone on the table. Picking it up, her face lit up as she read a text from Jack.
How’s your day going, sweetheart?
She loved the way he called her sweetheart, darlin’, baby; each term that warmed her heart and made her smile.
My day is fine. What are you up to?
Six four.
Smartass.
I’m at the office. Town is crowded today. How are you going to spend your day?
I was going to go out and explore but decided not to.
Why not?
I’ll tell you tonight.
Now you’ve got me worried. Did something happen?
Randi, shaking her head internally, played down his concern. It must be that cop instinct.
I promise to tell you later.
Alright. Have a good day.
You too. See you soon.
Looking forward to it.
Setting the phone back on the end table, Randi couldn’t help but smile. She silently prayed the day would pass quickly. It was hard to concentrate on the movie when thoughts of Jack stayed in her head.
As she absentmindedly nibbled on her lip, a small seed of doubt began to sprout in her mind. Was she diving in too deep, too fast? She had never felt such a rush of emotions so quickly with any other man. Jack was simply a remarkable guy, and deep down she hoped, with quiet sincerity, that he wouldn’t shatter her heart.
****
Jack was reviewing paperwork at his desk when a knock sounded on the door jamb. Glancing up, he saw Declan standing there, holding a leash attached to a huge Rottweiler.
“He won’t bite me, will he?”
“Not unless I tell him too. This is Tank.”
Rising from his seat, Jack made his way over to Declan, and greeted him with a handshake, then rubbed the dog’s ears.
“How are you, Declan?”
“I’m good. How have things been since you got back?”
“Great. I didn’t realize how much I missed Clifton until I returned.”
“I get that for sure.”
“And your parents?”
“They moved to Arizona a year ago, so I’m handling the farm for them.”
“Yeah, Brody mentioned that. You’re still growing Beckett Feed?”
“Yep. It’s doing really well. Dad would have lost the place if Ash hadn’t stepped in to lease his land.”
“I hear Ash has done that for a lot of ranches and farms.”
“Yes, he has. Anyway, I have to head out now. Talk soon, Jack.”
“Sounds good, Declan. Take care and be safe out there.”
Later that evening, as night fell, Jack found himself wondering when Randi would drop by. He wasn’t entirely comfortable with the thought of her wandering the streets alone at night. Not that Clifton was particularly crime-ridden, but there were still plenty of unfamiliar faces in town.
Pushing his chair back, Jack rose and stretched before hearing the front door open. Making his way to the lobby, he stopped when he noticed Randi surveying the area. Her gaze met his, and as she smiled, his heart raced. Had he already begun to fall for her?
“Hi,” she said, approaching him while carrying a bag from the diner.
“I hope there’s something good in that bag for me,” he joked, nodding at it.
“This?” She held up the bag and shook her head. “No, I was sure you already ate. I stopped to get me a burger.”
Jack’s mouth fell open. “Thanks a lot.”
When she laughed, he couldn’t help but grin. “I’m just kidding. Of course, I have something for you too. I told Connie to prepare your usual.”
“Then come into my office and let’s eat, baby.”
She moved closer and paused right in front of him.
“Mind if I get a kiss first?”
“Of course, I don’t mind.” Jack leaned down, pressing his lips to hers. When she moaned softly, he drew her closer and let his hands wander down to her waist. He sighed contentedly as her arms wrapped around him.
“Are you hungry?” she whispered against his lips.
Jack chuckled. “You have no idea.” Taking the bag from her, he motioned for her to follow him.
They walked into his office where Jack circled the desk and said, “Take a seat.”
Randi settled into the wooden chair and glanced around the room.
“So, this is your office?”
“Yes. When the sheriff’s department was located on the first floor, there were only a few deputies. But Sam eventually had to hire more people. Since this place offers more room for offices, he decided to move it here. He had to have a couple jail cells made, but it’s a much better space here.”
Randi opened the bag, pulled out the burgers, and slid one across the desk to Jack before reaching back in for the fries.
“I only got one order of fries. I thought we could share.”
“Oh, you did, did you? Darlin’, I don’t share my fries.” Randi’s eyes narrowed as she glared at him, making him chuckle. “Just kidding. I’d share anything with you.”
“Good thing, Lawrence.” She laughed as she picked up a fry and took a bite.
Jack took a bite of his burger and moaned. “Damn. Nobody makes burgers like these.”
“You’re absolutely right.” Randi replied, biting into hers.
“So, tell me what happened today.”
Randi set her burger aside, grabbed a napkin to wipe her mouth, and began recounting the story about the man who had come into her shop.
“And you have no idea who he is?”
“I’ve never seen him before. I don’t know how he knew my name. He didn’t offer any identification, but he just gave me the creeps.”
“Trust your instincts. I don’t like you out there on your own at night.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“No, when you leave, I’m either walking you or driving you home.”
“Driving me? It’s only about three blocks, Jack.”
“I don’t care if it’s just one block. I’ll either walk you home or drive you. That’s that.”
Randi snorted with laughter. “Yeah, okay.”
“What’s so funny?”
“You. Men in general. You all think you can tell a woman what to do. Here’s a word of advice: if we don’t want to do something, we simply won’t.”
“No shit.”
Randi laughed again, making him smile.
“I’d like for you to come with me, though. It wasn’t so bad walking here because plenty of people were out. But the later it gets, the fewer people there are on the streets.”
“Yeah, so whenever you’re ready, just let me know.”
“I’ll stay as long as you want.”
“Miranda, that sounds like all night.” Jack smirked.
“Like that’s ever going to happen. Are you working Sunday night too?”
“I’m scheduled for daylight tomorrow. Paul was supposed to get home this evening.”
“So, you have to get up early after a night shift?”
“It only goes until eleven. Most nights I end up staying up until midnight anyway.”
“Okay. So, I won’t see you again until next weekend, right?”
“Yeah, I’m sorry. But we could go out Friday and Saturday night, and if you’re up for it, we could go horseback riding Sunday with Creed and his wife. I’ll have to call him to check if he’s free, but it’s supposed to be nice out, so I’ll see if they want to go. If not, we can ride at my place. Creed is one of my closest friends, and I ran into him in the elevator the other day. He’s a livestock agent and works on the third floor. He invited me out to his place. I know you’d get along with his wife, Abbie.”
“I’d like that.”
Later, while they were sitting at his desk playing cards, Jack heard the sound of the lobby door opening. He pushed his chair back, slid his hand over his holster, and circled around the desk.
“Stay here,” he instructed, and Randi simply nodded.
Jack stepped into the hall and walked briskly toward the lobby. He exhaled in relief when he saw Declan waiting at the counter.
“Hey, need a hand?” Jack said with a grin. Declan turned to face him and laughed.
“Hey, Jack.”
“How’s it going out there, Dec?”
“Okay. Anything happening here?”
“No, it’s been quiet. I—” Jack paused as he noticed Declan glancing over his shoulder toward the hallway. Looking back, Jack saw Randi standing there. He met Declan’s raised eyebrow, and Jack called out, “Come here, Randi. It’s fine.”
Jack observed her as she moved over and gently slipped her hand into his. He caught Declan smirking.
“I can see why you’re glad to be back.” Declan looked at Randi, touched his hat, and grinned. “Ma’am, I’m Deputy Declan Cavanaugh.”
“Randi Guthrie. It’s nice to meet you, Deputy,” she replied, shaking his hand.
“Please, call me Declan. Pleasure to meet you.”
“Let go of her hand now, Cavanaugh,” Jack snapped.
Still holding Randi’s hand, Declan gave Jack a questioning look. “Why would I want to do that?”
Jack sighed, shook his head, and chuckled. “I honestly have no idea.”
Declan then released her hand. “I apologize, Ms. Guthrie, but no one enjoys giving Jack a hard time more than I do.”
“I understand that.” Randi grinned.
“Hey! What exactly does that mean?”
When she playfully batted her eyelashes at him, both men laughed.
“Women,” Declan remarked with a smirk.
“Any problems tonight, Dec?” Jack asked.
“No, like I said, it’s been quiet.”
“Would you mind staying here while I take Randi home? She walked here, and I don’t like the idea of her being out alone this late.”
Declan glanced at his watch. “Why don’t you just head out, Jack? You only have half an hour.”
“I’ll stay. I don’t want Sam thinking I left early, and with my luck, something will come up.”
“That’s true. Well, I have to get back out anyway, so I can drive her home.”
“I don’t want to trouble you, Declan,” Randi interjected.
“It’s no trouble at all. I have my rounds anyway. If that works for you, Jack?”
“We’ll be right back.”
Jack took Randi’s hand and led her back into his office, closing the door behind them. “Are you comfortable with Dec driving you home? Otherwise, you could stay here until my shift ends.”
“If you assure me I can trust him, I’d prefer to go. I’ve had a long day.”
“You can trust Declan. I’ve known him since we were kids.”
“Alright. I’ll go then.”
She stood on her toes, kissed Jack on the lips, and together they walked to the lobby where Declan was leaning against the counter.
“I’d appreciate it if you could drive her home, Declan,” Jack said.
“Not a problem. If you’re all set, we can leave now.”
“I am.”
Randi turned, kissed Jack one more time, and then left with Declan.
Jack sighed as he watched them go, already missing her.
****
Randi stood inside the elevator with Declan, and she couldn’t help but notice how good he smelled. He was strikingly handsome; tall with jet-black hair and light gray eyes. As she stole a quick glance at him, she realized he was engrossed on his phone, which gave her a chance to run her eyes over his body. Sigh. He was built just like Jack, and the mere thought of Jack sent a shiver down her spine.
Declan was dressed in the same “uniform” that Jack wore: a khaki shirt with a badge affixed, a cowboy hat, jeans, and cowboy boots, though his protective vest had “K-9 Unit” stitched on it. He leaned against the wall while holding his phone in one hand while the other one rested on his holster, his ankles crossed. Even that looked sexy to her. She cleared her throat.
“Do you have a K-9 with you?” Randi asked.
“I do. He’s in the back. Don’t worry; he won’t bother you unless I say so,” Declan replied.
When the elevator doors slid open, Declan held one open with his hand and motioned for her to step out. She exited, and he followed her to the front doors, opening them for her as well. Another man with manners.
“My vehicle is over here,” he said, guiding her toward an SUV cruiser and opening its door for her. “It might be a tight fit with the computer inside, but you should be okay. There’s definitely no space in the back with Tank.”
“I wouldn’t be getting into the back of a sheriff’s cruiser unless absolutely necessary. Especially with that dog. He’s enormous. Tank seems to fit him well,” Randi muttered as she eyed the largest Rottweiler she’d ever seen, which made Declan chuckle.
“He’s a big guy, but he’s as gentle as a kitten, isn’t that right, boy?” Declan said, and the dog barked in agreement. He closed the door after she climbed in, then circled around to the other side. Opening the door, he slid onto the seat, removed his cowboy hat and tossed it onto the dash, running his fingers through his hair. After a quick look at her, he started the vehicle. “Where to?”
Randi gave him the address of her apartment building, and he backed out of the parking space, driving toward her place.
“Jack mentioned he’s known you for a long time,” Randi remarked.
“Yeah, we’ve been friends since we were kids. We went through grade school and high school together. He’s a good man,” Declan replied.
Randi smiled. “We haven’t been together very long, but I agree, he really is a good man.” Sitting up, she continued, “Pull into the alley beside Paige’s. My apartment is above my shop.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Declan parked at the steps and asked, “Would you like me to walk you up?”
Randi hesitated, wondering if someone might be lurking outside and watching her. With a heavy sigh, she looked up at him. “If you’re sure it isn’t any trouble.”
“Of course not. Stay right there—I’ll open the door for you.” Declan stepped out of the vehicle, made his way to her side, and as he opened the door, she thanked him. He reached for her hand to help her down, and though she placed hers in his, he let go as soon as she was steady on her feet.
“Tank, be on your best behavior. After you,” he instructed.
Randi nodded and began climbing the stairs while continuously glancing around. At the doorstep, she paused, took a deep breath, unlocked the door, and pushed it open. Turning back to Declan, she said, “Thank you so much.”
“You’re very welcome. Are you worried about something or someone?” he asked, tilting his head slightly.
“I’m not entirely sure yet,” she admitted.
“Alright then. Go on inside and lock the door. I’ll leave once you do,” he advised.
“I appreciate it, Declan.”
“Yes, ma’am. Get some rest. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight. Please be careful.”
Declan nodded and waited until she was safely inside. Once she locked her door, she heard him walking down the stairs. She hoped that whoever had been watching her would either be gone or leave her alone, though she knew he had deliberately sought her out and knew her name.
****
After a few minutes, Jack pushed his chair back, stood up, and stretched. He was relieved that Paul was returning soon, meaning he’d have the daylight shift to work tomorrow. Waking up at seven to be here wasn’t too bad; as he had told Randi before, he rarely went to sleep before midnight.
Locking his office, Jack headed toward the lobby when the door swung open and Declan reappeared, this time escorting a man in handcuffs.
“Hey, Declan. What’s the story here?” Jack asked.
“Drunk and disorderly, and to top it off, he thought it’d be hilarious to punch a deputy,” Declan replied with a grin.
“I don’t see a bruise, so he couldn’t have hit you too hard.”
“He hit me in the arm.”
“Yeah, it was like hitting a brick wall,” the man muttered.
“Then he tried to run.” Declan shook his head. “He shouldn’t have.”
“Your damn dog bit me,” the man slurred.
“Honestly, it barely broke the skin. The doctor said you’re fine. You’re lucky I didn’t put you in the back with him. What made you think you could outrun a dog?” Declan shot back.
“I didn’t think you’d let him come after me,” the man mumbled.
Jack chuckled as Declan rolled his eyes.
“I clearly warned you, ‘stop, or I’ll let the dog go and you will get bit.’”
“I thought you were bluffing,” the man said.
“Look, I don’t bluff when it comes to my dog. Have a seat while I fill out the report, then I’ll take you to your cell.”
“Can I make bail?” the man asked, settling into a chair.
“I don’t know, can you?” Declan replied sarcastically while filling out paperwork.
“I’m heading out. Need any help?” Jack inquired.
“No, thanks. He’ll likely pass out once he’s in the cell.”
“I get a cone fall,” the man slurred.
“I think you mean ‘phone call,’ and trust me, you will get one once you’re booked. So, for now, sit there and shut the fuck up,” Declan snapped.
Jack interjected, “I suppose I’ll have to deal with him tomorrow.”
“Unless he makes bail.”
“Yeah. I’ll see you soon, Declan.”
“Jack?”
He turned back to face Declan. “Yeah?”
Declan glanced at the man in the chair, then stepped closer to Jack. “So, what’s going on with Randi?”
Jack sighed. “Some guy went into her shop today after everyone had left, right before she was closing. He asked if she was the owner, and when she said yes, he said, ‘So you’re Miranda Guthrie.’ It really freaked her out.”
“I could tell something was off,” Declan remarked.
“I think it’s affecting her more than she’s letting on,” Jack admitted.
Declan folded his arms, leaned against the counter, and cocked his head. “So, where did you meet her?”
“At her shop. When I started working, the last week of July, I was heading toward the diner when I spotted a sign for a new store. I went in and introduced myself. I wasn’t prepared for how beautiful she was.”
“Yeah, she really is. You lucky bastard.”
Jack grinned. “Yep. Alright, I’ll talk to you soon. I’m off to get some sleep.”
“Okay, Jack. Be careful on your way home. I won’t be too far behind you.”
“I will. Goodnight.”
Jack strode out the door; rather than taking the elevator, he raced down the stairs, crossed the lobby, and exited the building. He couldn’t help but grin when he heard the sound of Declan’s dog barking inside the cruiser. Walking over, he peered in at the dog.
“Hey, Tank. Take care of your master.”
With that, Jack headed to his truck, climbed in, and drove out of the parking lot. Instead of going straight home, he took Main Street toward Randi’s apartment, not to bother her, but just to have a look around. He wanted to make sure she was safe, and no one was around.