CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

RYAN

I regret agreeing to come here. I should have declined Carson’s invitation, but he mentioned Parker would be there, and I couldn’t refuse.

It’s hard not to notice all the men checking her out, even though she seems oblivious to their stares. As the sheriff, staying calm and composed is a challenging task. I want to bust some heads.

I’ve been sipping the same beer all night to stay sober. Suddenly, I sense someone next to me. Nancy. This is the last thing I need right now, especially with Parker sitting across from me. I ignore her, hoping she’ll get the message and leave.

“Ryan, do you want to dance?”

Shit. Of all nights, she had to be here now. Nancy, a nurse at the hospital, has been flirting with me for weeks. Whenever I’m there for official police business, she acts like I’m there to see her. I’ve always been polite to her, trying not to offend her, but she doesn’t grasp my lack of interest. I answer with a friendly smile.

“No thanks,” I tell her, then return to Ben.

She doesn’t move away.

“I’m here with my family,” I say, trying to get her to go.

“Can I talk with you in private?” she asks, rubbing her hand along my arm.

Before I can turn her down, one of her coworkers comes over and bumps her shoulder. “I need help carrying drinks.” She forcibly leads her away.

I look across the table, and Parker’s seat is empty. She’s dancing with my brother. He better not try anything with her.

I can’t take it any longer by the time the song ends. I’m out of my seat and on the dance floor. I give my brother a dirty look as I come up beside him. I grab Parker’s hand as she walks away and pull her back into my arms for the next song. It’s a slow song, and I take advantage of it. We say nothing as I hold her close. She’s stiff initially, but seems to thaw halfway through. The minute the song ends, she pulls away, and I let her.

I return to the table, watching Catherine and Elle follow Parker to the bathroom. I think our little secret is out. She might not be happy about it, but I’m glad everyone finally knows. I just hope I haven’t ruined it.

Carson slaps my back. “Let’s get another round.” I get up and follow him. As we stand by the bar waiting for our beers, Carson turns and gives me a concerned look. “You and Parker, huh?”

“Yes,” is all I can say.

This is the first time I’ve ever held anything back from my brothers, but I promised Parker not to tell anyone and haven’t until now. I’m growing impatient waiting for her to reciprocate my feelings. Then again, I was ready to marry her when I first met her. If she knew that, she would run for the hills.

The bartender slaps two beers down, startling me. I take a sip and my phone goes off. The ringtone is my office. I’m off duty tonight, but if something comes up, they’re supposed to let me know. I set the beer back down, dig my phone out of my pocket, and read the text.

Car pulled over. Drugs found.

Give me the location. I’m on my way.

“I got to go,” I tell Carson.

“Be careful,” he says.

“Always.”

I step back and glance towards our table, searching for Parker, but she’s not there. Realizing I can’t wait any longer, I head for the door. For once, I’m not pleased about being called away for work.