Page 48

“But…”

“No, buts,” she mutters. “I’d proudly walk around in your clothes, Dodger. Why do you think I picked the sheriff one today and not a plain white tee that could’ve been mine?”

Because you don’t wear that shit.

Not that big or out in public anyway.

But that’s beside the point.

The point is, Adeline isn’t scared to be linked to me in any sort of romantic capacity, and after last night, I think we’ve finally crossed that gray line and into something that might blossom into a fantasy that turns into reality.

“Careful, AK,” I say as I hover my fork of pancakes toward my lips. “It almost sounds like you want me all over you.”

Adeline picks up her own fork and smiles at me. “I knew ya were a smart one, Dodger. Keep thinkin’. Ya just might surprise yourself.”

13

ADELINE

Today is beautiful but hot as I walk Pickles down a sidewalk downtown to get him used to being a beloved citizen. Folks have stopped to greet us, careful not to overwhelm him, but he’s been friendly and has quickly gotten used to receiving loving pets on his head. He’s even licked a few people.

At home, he’s been a bit restless being inside, so I’ve hired Tucker and Maverick Hale to build me a fence—a very high fence—around some of my yard so Pickles can roam free and sunbathe.

I’m still uneasy that he’ll try to get away, but I’m trusting that with the walks and talks, he’ll get used to being my buddy and stay without any trouble of another rescue mission.

Hopefully.

We continue down the sidewalk, and I get a few looks from the women in town as I walk on. I know it’s not because of anything on my face, the dog, or what I’m wearing today—a baby blue dress with cute little chunky sandals. It’s because of the gossip spread by Agnes and Maebelle the other day at Maple & Main.

Dodger and I together, eating breakfast, with me in his sheriff shirt.

Add on the phone calls about my rescue mission with Pickles in the middle of a storm, and you’ve got yourself a love story that folks around here are dying to explore and know more about.

And I’m fine with it.

More than fine, actually.

It’s about time anyway. I’ve had my eyes set on Dodger for a while now, so the rumors only help my cause.

Except with Briggs.

He has been nonstop calling and texting me since he heard about Dodger’s rescue mission, the stories roaming around town, and has been insisting on knowing what’s going on between us.

I’ve told him everything short of us having sex.

What I have said is that I like Dodger, how admirable he is, and how non-problematic he’d be, which I was hoping would ease my brother’s whatever it was. To the point where Briggs could do nothing but agree, but he’s still hesitant about me dating. Which is wild because he’s married, with one child and another on the way.

I’m behind.

And he’s not going to stop me from being happy.

Too bad he’s states away and can’t do crap about it.

A female laugh filters through the air and over a passing car when I glance toward the direction of it, and its familiarity to find Lucy Valor sitting outside of Nemo’s Subs at one of the small tables settled underneath a blue umbrella.

And, no other than, Henry Abbott sitting right across from her.

Oh, Dodger.