Page 25 of The SEAL and the Sheriff

Nora’s eyes had already gone past them, out toward the dark and the road that led, eventually, toward the cabin. “Whatever you think he’s done, that isn’t all he is.”

Hudson held her gaze. “I believe you.”

The words followed him out to the truck, but he didn’t examine them too closely.

The engine rattled to life and warm air pushed weakly through the vents.

Sarah didn’t put the truck in gear. “You were quiet in there.”

The cab felt smaller than it had fifteen minutes ago. Maybe because the heater was finally winning. Maybe because Sarah was only six inches away.

Her eyes stayed on the windshield. Giving him room, the same way she’d given Nora room.

“She loves him.” Hudson said eventually.

“Yeah.”

Hudson dragged a hand across his face. “He’s been lying to her for years. Different name. Different history. Probably a different birthday for all I know. And she’s spent four days driving herself crazy because, for once, he hasn’t called.”

“You think she doesn’t know?”

Hudson looked at her. “Know what?”

“That he’s carrying things he doesn’t talk about.” Her eyes met his, only for a second but long enough to make it impossible to pretend the question was only about Jake Mercer. “Or maybe she doesn’t care.”

Something tightened low in his chest. Sarah had always done that. Walked straight past the words people were saying and found the thing underneath.

“Maybe.” God. His voice sounded like shit. “Or maybe she knows exactly who he is and decided it wasn’t a deal breaker.”

Sarah nodded as if she’d already considered that possibility.

For years he’d told himself there was freedom in owing nobody anything. Looking at the house with its porch light and waiting wife, he wasn’t as sure anymore.

Sarah still hadn’t put the truck in gear. One hand rested on the steering wheel. The other rubbed absently at the spot just above her temple. Long day. Too much coffee. Not enough rest. Hudson focused on the darkness outside before he told her to go home. She’d tell him exactly where to shove that suggestion.

He stared straight ahead. “We should go.”

For one strange second the silence was crowded with things neither of them were going to say.

Then Sarah shifted into drive and the moment was gone.

10

Sarah drove back to the station, trying not to think about the man sitting right beside her, and failing miserably.

“Thanks for the ride. The fishing cabin tomorrow?” Hudson paused with one hand on the door handle.

“Meet me at the stables. It’s not accessible by truck.”

His breath plumed in the early evening air. “Stables?”

“We ride in.”

He frowned. “Ride?”

“Yes.”

“On horses?”