Chapter 17
Chapter Seventeen
One week later
Syrus
Things have been really busy the last week, so much so that I haven’t seen much of Silva. Between community events and running around for calls made to the station, it’s been pretty hectic.
There have been a lot of sports activities happening for kids as well as adults, and those always need coverage to make sure things don’t get too crazy.
Something about sports and testosterone, or even parents watching events, make people go insane.
The high school football team tends to play the local towns, though many of their games are away games.
As long as the roads are clear, they’ll happen.
I’ve been talking a big game to Silva and Isidro’s pack about the weather, but as long as we don’t get snowed in, our winter is usually fine. Even when we are, grocery stores have enough food, and everyone helps each other out in clearing roads if the plows can’t get to them.
I’ve also been putting out multiple reminders on the community boards that people prepare by having enough wood for their fireplaces, as sometimes the heater simply isn’t enough.
In addition to the usual activities at Widows Peak, there was also a Halloween parade that I worked with a few other officers, and everyone dressed up for it. This happened the Thursday before Halloween, and it’s hard to believe that the days have passed so quickly.
It’s officially Halloween today, and I can see snowflakes beginning to fall. Trick or treaters are going to need to bundle up tonight, and Club 21 will be slammed.
The snow is easing us in, and I for one, am grateful for it. As long as kids get to dress up and have their fun, I’m good.
All of this activity is the hustle and bustle of this town that I love, but it’s kept me from seeing the progress on Silva’s house, or really spending much time at all with her. I’m hoping to see it before the sun goes down as I drive up to see her before she goes to work.
Being this busy, also means I haven’t seen her much outside of following her home.
I hate how insane our schedules are, but soon it’ll start to settle as the snow falls.
There will be less pick up games unless people are really gung ho about it, outside of the beer hockey games on the rink.
The indoor or outdoor location also depends on the damn weather, as does so many other things in the winter.
Grumbling goodnaturedly under my breath, I park outside of Silva’s house.
Getting out, I stop to look at it, having to admit how good it looks.
The trim is a gorgeous lavender, and it really brings out its charm.
The guys came through for her, but I don’t know if that’s really changed how she feels about them.
My only concern is for Silva. It’s true that I’m intrigued by Isidro, Harlan, and Kyren, but not enough to start anything without her. Unless she’s willing to give them the time of day, I won’t either.
They have to show Silva that they can be people she can trust.
Climbing the stairs to her porch, my jaw drops as I see that it’s newly sealed.
When the fuck did that happen?
Hopping down to the ground, I text her to make sure it’s dry.
Me
Is there anything I can’t step on, Spitfire? I’m at your house, and just realized your porch looks newly sealed.
Silva
It’s all dry. The porch finished drying yesterday. Come on in.
Blowing out a breath, I nod. See, I knew it was newly done. Walking up the stairs, I use my keys to let myself inside.
Breathing deeply, I sigh happily. The entire house smells like Silva.
“Hey!” I call out, locking the door behind me.
“Hi!” Silva says, walking out of the kitchen. She’s in comfortable clothing, and I check my watch to see she needs to get dressed soon for work.
“Are you ready for Halloween?” I tease her, chuckling as she wrinkles her nose.
“I will probably see some very questionable costume choices,” she admits, laughing. “I’m going to leave the porch light on with a cauldron of candy. This street goes hog for trick or treaters, even though I’m never home.”
Come to think of it, the other houses were also all decorated with Halloween decorations, beside hers. Silva has never been very into holidays, but the club is always done up.
“I’ve never asked you before, but who decorates the club for holidays?” I ask.
“The girls and I all get together and do it for drinks on October first. We’ll take everything down together tomorrow, and then decorate for Christmas on December first. It’s always fun, but I don’t have any extra cheer by the time I get home.
It’s why my house is never decorated,” she says with a shrug.
“Plus, I live by myself and it feels like too much work.”
Walking over to her, I cup her face and kiss her hard. It’s been too long since I’ve been able to do this, and she moans as she kisses me back. Her fingers curl over my forearms, holding me in place as I suck on her tongue greedily.
When we finally take that step and begin to live together, I swear to help her decorate for the holidays. I’ll insist on it. Despite our busy schedules.
She deserves to wake up each day and be surrounded by Christmas cheer. Maybe there will even be a mess of kids in our future.
“I’ve missed you,” I confess, finally allowing her to take a breath.
“I miss you too,” she sighs. “This town has had us by the balls, huh?”
Snorting, I nod, kissing the tip of her nose before pulling her into my arms. She definitely has a way with words.
“Pretty much,” I murmur. “Are you dressing up tonight?”
“Yeah. Maura and I are wearing white tank tops, suspenders, and black shirts with face paint to make ourselves look like skeletons,” Silva says, snuggling into my chest.
“Baby, have you looked outside?” I grumble.
“Mmhmm. I’ll have fleece lined tights under the shorts, Big Guy,” she says. “I also have a heavier coat since it’s already snowing to throw over it. I solemnly swear not to lose a nipple to frostbite.”
Roaring out a laugh, I look down to see that she’s thoroughly proud of herself.
“I would miss them if you did,” I tease her. “I needed to swing by in between the mayhem.”
“I know,” she says, chewing on her bottom lip. “I’ve thought about asking you to spend the night, but I never know how well I’ll sleep.”
“Nightmares still?” I ask. She’s mentioned before that she’s had them. I hate that this is the reason she hasn’t asked me to spend the night.
“Yeah,” she grumbles. “They never totally stop. I’ve considered seeing one of the therapists, but I never make the appointment. It’s almost like I feel like my issues are too big.”
“You could look into the credentials of the therapists in town, see what you think,” I offer.
The truth is that not every therapist can handle deep trauma. Sometimes, it can cause more issues if they’re not trained properly. If we were in a larger city, it wouldn’t be as difficult.
Sometimes, our smaller town is both a blessing and a curse.
“You need your sleep,” she adds. “I don’t want to disturb it.”
“Please do,” I say honestly. “I toss and turn thinking about you at night. I would much rather hold you in my arms, even if you have nightmares.”
“Really?” she asks. “You may not think that when you experience it.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” I promise. “I’ll make sure I pack a bag to stay here if you're sure you’re alright with it.”
I don’t care how long we’ve been dating, the choice is always hers. This is her house, her space.
“I’m sure,” she says, hugging me again. “I need to start getting ready, and someone will be mad at me if I don’t eat before work.”
“That’s true,” I say with a grin, kissing her lips. “Have a good night, I’ll be at the bar once you’re done with work.”
Silva walks me to the door, and I find myself whistling under my breath as I walk back to my vehicle. It may be cold as fuck, and Halloween is sure to bring out some crazy shit, but I get to sleep with my girl in my arms.
Everything else is background noise.