Chapter Nineteen

It had been a few days since the incident. The State police were finally gone, and Fletcher’s father had been cremated and buried. Zeke made sure the sheriff’s department paid for it and that everyone could be there to support the young man. Zeke could tell Fletcher had been deeply affected by their concern and thought about the things he could do to help the young man.

Later that day, when Fletcher knocked on his office door and asked to talk, Zeke was ready and willing to do whatever it took.

Fletcher closed the door behind him and sat in one of the chairs in front of Zeke’s desk.

“How are you holding up?” Zeke asked.

Fletcher shrugged. “It still feels like a nightmare.”

Zeke nodded. “I can imagine. What can I do to help?”

“I was thinking about moving away. Maybe starting new somewhere else.”

“I have an idea. I’ve already talked to the sheriff in Madison, and he’s interested in having you come work for him. It’s in another town, but you’re still close to your friends.”

Fletcher tried to laugh. “I don’t think I have any friends.”

“You’d be surprised how many people care about you, Fletcher.”

The man looked surprised, and Zeke caught the emotion he tried to hide.

“We know why you acted like an asshole, and it’s understandable. You didn’t want anyone close to you. That way, no one would find out about your father and your family secrets.”

Fletcher looked away and nodded. “You’re right. However, I would have taken Kayla. I thought she’d be able to make me feel better and help me through everything.”

“I can see that. She’s a tough woman, but she’s also the sweetest one I’ve ever met.”

Fletcher nodded. “Yes. Should I give the sheriff a call to set up an interview?”

“Yes. He’s expecting your call. He’s a good man, and I know he’ll take good care of you,” Zeke said.

Fletcher stood and held out his hand. “Thank you.”

Zeke also stood and shook the man’s hand. “You’re welcome. We’ll expect you to come around a lot.”

Fletcher smiled. “I will. I think I’ll buy a house or rent an apartment in Madison, though.”

“That would be a good idea. That way, you don’t have to drive so far.”

“Thank you for your help, Sheriff.”

“You’re welcome. Take care.”

Zeke listened to the man as he said his goodbyes and was glad when the other men told him they’d miss him. The man needed all the support he could get.

He looked up when he sensed someone in the doorway. He sat back in his chair and narrowed his eyes. She had a mischievous light in her eyes but also a shadow of something he didn’t understand.

“What are you up to, Little Sub?”

She shrugged and leaned a shoulder against the doorjamb. “Nothing. I thought I’d tell you I’m done for the day, and I’m headed home.”

“I’ll be over…”

“Not tonight,” she interrupted.

“Yes. We will be together tonight, Little Sub. I’ll come and get you in about an hour.”

“Don’t I get a choice?” she asked.

“About some things, but not about tonight. I’ve waited for you for a long time, and I can’t wait another day to have you under me.”

He could tell she wasn’t trying to push him away, and he could detect a level of anxiousness that hadn’t been there before. He understood it. In the next few hours, their relationship would solidify, and she would become his in every way. Since she was used to being on her own and not having to answer to anyone, it would be difficult for her at first. She didn’t have a choice.

“Go on home. Darrell has moved back to his house, so you’ll have some privacy.”

He watched her swallow and nod.

“Good girl.”

She turned and walked out.

Zeke waited a few minutes before closing his computer. He waved at a few of his guys and his dispatcher as he walked out of the building. Once in his car, he called the café he liked and ordered picnic-type food.

At his house, he showered and shaved before gathering the things he wanted for the night. After picking up the food, he headed over to Kayla’s house.

He pulled into her driveway, turned off the car, and sat for a moment. He was willing himself to calm down so he didn’t scare her. Pain and fear were two things he never wanted her to feel. A smile grew across his face. Zeke would enjoy her amplified sensitivity and a bit of nervousness. It would heighten her pleasure and his own.

At her door, he knocked and waited for her to open it. His body tensed when he heard her light footsteps.

The first sight of her took his breath away. She was in a light-blue skirt that hit an inch above the knees, and she had on a white lacey top. It was gathered at the waist, and it emphasized her breasts, making his mouth water. She wore tiny white sandals, and her toenails were painted a pretty pink.

She’d kept her hair down the way he liked it and curled the ends. He couldn’t detect any makeup on her face, but her eyes looked bigger somehow, and her lips redder.

When he focused on her expression, he smiled. There was no fear in her eyes, but he could tell she was nervous and trying hard to hide it.

“Are you ready, Little Sub?”

She nodded.

“All right.”

“I’ll grab my purse,” she said.

“You won’t need anything. I’ve got everything covered.”

“Okay.”

He pulled her out of the house and held his palm out for her keys. After locking her door, he slipped the keys into his pocket, wrapped an arm around her waist, and led her to the car.

Once he got them settled in and driving down the road, he reached for her hand and held it against his thigh.

“Where are we going?” she asked.

“The house.”

“Has more been done to it?”

“You’ll see,” he said and grinned.

They were both silent for the rest of the drive. He saw her eyes widen when he pulled into the driveway.

The house was done on the outside, and all the windows and doors were installed. He’d chosen a rustic dark wood-looking siding that looked enough like the real thing, but he’d never have to worry about staining it.

“Oh, it looks so good,” she said.

“It’s coming along faster than I thought it would.” He opened his car door and slipped out before grabbing the basket of food. He walked around to her side and helped her out.

At the door, he released her to get his keys out.

“Now, remember, there is hardly any furniture, but I thought that was something we could go look for on our next day off,” he told her.

He was happy to see the excitement on her face.

After locking the door behind them, he took her hand and pulled her down the hallway. He stopped at a closed door and watched her expression as he pushed it open. A gasp tore from her throat, and her hand pressed against her mouth.

“Oh, wow, Zeke. This is wonderful.”

The room was finished. A soft gray covered the walls, and the dark wood floor gleamed. He’d had a carpet put in the middle and a king-sized bed on one wall. The bed was made up of a white comforter that was edged with gray silk. The pillow shams matched it. He hadn’t had a chance to try it out, and he wanted the first time to be when she was with him.

Besides the bed, there were two nightstands, but otherwise, there was nothing in the bedroom. He’d had towels and the basics put in the bathroom so they could shower. He wanted her to help with everything, so she’d feel like the house was hers as much as it was his.

Even though the house had electricity, Zeke pulled out a few lanterns, lit them, and set them on the nightstands. He pulled a blanket from the basket and laid it over the new comforter to protect it from crumbs.

He set some of the food and bottled water in the middle before he turned to her. He squatted in front of her and slipped her sandals off.

“Get on the bed, Baby.”

She climbed on and sat with her legs tucked under her. He pulled his boots and socks off before following her. He lay on his side, balanced on his elbow across from her, handed her a plate, and started filling it and his with food.

They ate in silence for a few minutes, but their eyes never strayed from each other.

Zeke could feel the air in the room sizzle with the sexual tension both were feeling.

He knew if he didn’t get his hands on her in the next few minutes, he’d go mad.