Page 2

I’ll ask about the footage soon, but for right now, my girl needs me to help calm her down.

Chapter Two

Riley

This is simultaneously the worst and best day of my life. I never thought that I’d be a victim of assault, especially not in the library, not in Blackwood Falls. But I also didn’t think I’d ever come face to face with the sheriff — a man whom I’ve been quietly crushing on since he gave a presentation at my local high school.

The whole point was to encourage us students to join the force, and thought that if I could become an officer, I’d be able to get closer to Noah. I attempted to get in shape, but even though there’s no official height requirement, I just didn’t have the build or the stamina to complete any of the tasks on the Physical Fitness Qualifier. How could I, when the dummy I had to carry was taller and heavier than I was? When I realized my dreams of being an officer would never come true, I decided that I would just make peace with not having him.

But now, he’s here. His arms are around me, and he’s running his strong hands along the length of my back. Even though I’m still shaken from what happened, from whatmighthave happened if Noah hadn’t shown up when he did, I relax into his hold.

I’m not surprised that his presence makes me feel safe. Heisthe sheriff after all. But there’s something else. It’s likesomething has sparked in my chest, and I feel more at ease than I ever have in my life.

After a few moments, my frantic breathing starts to even out. Noah pulls back slightly, his arms still holding me close. As though this moment couldn’t get any better, any more intimate, he rests his hand on my cheek. His thumb brushes just below my eye, comforting me with a gentle touch.

A sigh of relief escapes my lips, and my eyes fall closed. As he continues to stroke my cheek, he says, “Everything’s okay now, Riley. You’re safe.”

“Yeah,” I agree, letting out a shaky breath, opening my eyes to admire him up close.

His black hair is buzzed and neat, part of his sheriff’s uniform. Those green eyes, which I remember as being hardened and severe, take on a soft glint. Up this close, I’m struck by just how much bigger he is than I am. An involuntary shudder runs through my body, a strange kind of electricity collecting between my legs.

“Are you cold?” he asks, apparently sensing the way my body reacts to him. I’m not surprised, considering how tightly we’re pressed together.

“N—no,” I stutter, feeling silly for how flustered I’m getting under his gaze. “That was just— it was just a lot.”

That’s not a lie, he just doesn’t need to know how all-consuming his presence feels.

“It was,” he agrees.

Then, something amazing happens. The corner of his mouth twitches in the beginnings of a smile. Even though I don’t know him personally, Blackwood Falls is small and gossip travels fast. I thought he seemed tough when he gave the speechto my class, but since then I’ve heard more about him. I know that he’s serious, that he’s no-nonsense, that he won’t tolerate even the most minor infractions.

In all the stories I’ve heard, I’ve never heard of him smiling. Yet, here he is. Noah Reynolds is smiling at me.

“Seriously, though,” he says, his face straightening out. “Are you okay? I can get you anything you need.”

“I’m okay,” I tell him, his low, warm voice making me feel steadier with each passing moment. “Now that you’re here, I know everything’s going to be okay.”

This time, it’s not just a twitch of his lips. Noah smiles, and he gets even more handsome. My heart flips in my chest, and my breath catches in my throat. I have to look away from him before I do or say something stupid.

I don’t have any experience with this. The only man I’ve ever had eyes for is him. I’ve never had sex, never kissed anyone, never even flirted. The last thing I want to do is ruin this for myself before it’s even started.

“I’m glad to hear it,” he says, voice low and husky.

For a moment, I think he’s going to kiss me, but surely that has to be my imagination. He’s so much older than I am — nearly twice my age — and a professional. He’s not the kind of man to kiss the people he’s supposed to be protecting.

Breaking me out of my thoughts, he says, “Let me check you for injuries.” He finally puts some distance between us, but the weight of his attention grows heavier. “You might feel okay, but there’s a lot of adrenaline running through your system. It’s possible you were hurt and you’re just not able to feel it yet. May I touch you?”

I nod, not trusting my voice to remain steady. Once he has my consent, he takes one of my hands in both of his. With the same amount of gentleness that he used to stroke my cheek, he runs his fingertips over my wrist, pressing down slightly to check for any bruises or tenderness. When he’s satisfied that I’m uninjured there, he turns his attention to my other arm.

My entire body gets unbearably warm, the heat starting in my cheeks and spreading through my limbs. The warmth is concentrated on where he touches me. And… somewhere lower, somewhere peculiar.

Oh god… is that wetness? What’s happening to me? What is he doing to me?

After a few seconds, he deems my opposite wrist uninjured. I assume that he’s done checking me over, but his hands land on my hips and he takes in my form. I can’t help but wonder if his interest is strictly professional. The blush on my cheeks burns even hotter, and I’m positive that it reaches my chest.

“Did he touch you anywhere else besides your wrists?” Noah asks, the hardness in his tone surprising me.

Apparently, just the thought of that guy is enough to infuriate Noah. I think that if he were anyone else, I’d be scared of his seemingly very short temper. With him, though, I like it. I can tell that the anger isn’t directed at me and that it will never be directed at me.