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He leans in a little closer, his eyebrows pulling down and his lips forming a thin line. “Well, you have some cuts and bruises. I just want to make sure you’re alright.”
“Oh. Oh! No, I’m fine.” I wave my hand around in the air, exaggerating my lie. “Fell off a ladder cleaning out my gutters back home. That’s all.”
“Fell off a ladder back home? Where’s back home?” He tilts his head to the side. It’s then I notice a toothpick sitting on his ear. I don’t know why it catches my attention, but it does. I shake myself out of my stupor.
“Uh, New York.”
“All the way out here from that big city? What brings you out this way?” Without even having to order, the waitress brings out a burger and fries for Ryker. He gives her a nod. “Thank you.”
The waitress turns back to the window behind her and grabs the steaming plate waiting. She smiles at me as she slides my food in front of me. I smile and thank her.
“So?” he presses, munching on a fry.
“Um, just needed a change.” I give him a lazy smile and turn back to my cheeseburger, absently playing with my bun. “I was on my way out to Seattle, but I kind of like it here. Might stay here for a minute.”
“Hm. Yeah. Weston’s a good place, small town, home to a lot of good people.” He takes a sip of his water, glancing at me from over the glass rim. Even though I’m not looking at him, I can feel him staring at me. “Where are you staying at?”
“Well, no idea yet. The bus I was on broke down. Decided this was fate. So, I’m flying by the seat of my pants at this point.” I shrug.
“There’s a bed and breakfast around the corner. Dawson’s B&B. They can give you place to lay your head until you find a more permanent situation.” He wipes his mouth and turns his entire body to face me from his barstool.
I nod. “Thank you. I’ll check that out. Can I ask you a question?”
“Of course.” Ryker nods.
My gaze lowers in shame. “Is there a place I can go and get a cell phone?”
“You don’t have a phone?” His eyes narrow at me.
“Uh, no. Lost it somewhere along the trip. Just figured I would get one when I got to Seattle, but since I’m stopping here for a while, I need to get one.”
“Sure. Well, there’s a general store down the main road. You can get a phone from there. They have pretty much everything.”
“Thanks. I’ll grab one from there.” I remove the top bun of my burger and pull off a pickle and eat it. I hear a shuffle next to me and see that the sheriff is pushing his plate away and getting up from his seat.
“Julie, this is for my lunch and hers. I’ll see you later.” He waves to the waitress, who I guess is named Julie, not Positive Polly.
“Wait … no …” I start to protest, but he simply turns and walks out.
“Thanks, Sheriff Holliday!” Julie calls from the other end of the counter. She nods to me and smiles. My lips quirk up in response; I can’t help it.
I reach for my fries and shove a couple in my mouth. I pick at the burger until I don’t feel like eating anymore. Rubbing my fingers in circles on my head, I sigh.
Maybe I should just keep moving to Seattle. The small town appeals to me in case Mitch comes looking, but they obviously notice outsiders. Being on the sheriff’s radar isn’t what I’m going for.
Ryker already saw my cuts and bruises. Of course, I jumped when he touched me. He already felt me out for what I was doing here. I know of all the people in this place, he doesn’t buy the shit I’m selling. I’m like a walking red flag.
Worse is the fact that he’s incredibly handsome and charming—and sexy. Can’t forget sexy.
Sheriff Ryker Holliday is going to be trouble for me.
Chapter 2
Zoey
Tonight’s been a rough night.It’s three in the morning, and I’m crying on the floor of the bedroom. Alone. I’m all alone. Even though that’s what I wanted, this isn’t how my life was supposed to go.
I’m not supposed to be in some small town in the middle of butt fuck Wyoming with a new name hiding from an abusive asshole of a fiancé. Well, ex-fiancé. I’m twenty-seven years old. I should be living my best life. Instead, I sit here, haunted.