Sheriff’s Secret Read online

  “Fine,” she huffs in resignation. “We’ll go, but you can better believe when one of you starts dating, they are so getting the deputy third degree from me.”

  I snigger, imagining her trying to intimidate Dante. She’s already half in love with his charming ass. Hell, so am I.

  “What are you over there giggling about, Bell?” she demands, looking every bit the part of fierce cop.

  “Nothing, ma’am. Nothing at all.”

  I should tell Cato to stop buying me shots, but after the week of hell I’ve had, I pretend it’s only my first shot rather than my fourth. I’m enjoying myself, listening to Cato complain about the cat infestation at the fish market. He claims he’s going to have a talking to Brooks Reyes who owns it, but I know it’s all false bravado. Brooks is big and brutish. Quiet and broody. Not an approachable man at all.

  “Have you seen the hottie who plans to build the Wolffish Luxury Condos?” Cato asks, fanning himself. “Super fine. Like he can be my daddy any day of the week.”

  I chuckle and shake my head. “I haven’t met him, no. How did you meet him?”

  “At the grocery store!” He sips his fruity drink and smiles. “Rhett. Even his name is hot. Anyway, he was tall and sexy. All polished and put together in a big city, fancy kind of way we don’t see around here often.”

  Like Dante.

  “Sounds like he made quite an impression. Did he ask you out?” The doors open to the bar and Hank walks in with Brie on his arm.

  Cato waves them over to us and says, “No. I even had my good pants on.”

  “All your pants are the good pants.”

  “Right?” Cato preens.

  “What are you cheesing about?” Brie teases, leaning in to kiss Cato on the cheek.

  “Just explaining to Jax how no one can resist me in any pair of pants because my butt looks that good.” Cato sticks his hand out. “Hi, Brie’s boyfriend.”

  Hank laughs, shaking his hand. “Hey, man.”

  I also shake hands with Hank, though mine is a bit firmer, laced with warning. Our eyes meet and his fierce expression tells me what I need to know. He likes her and doesn’t want to fuck it up. Good. Brie’s a great girl who deserves someone who’ll treat her right.

  Kian walks over to us, bringing Cato and me another round. His stare lingers at my mouth, making me wonder if I have something on it. It’s then I realize I’m smiling. I guess I’ve missed Cato more than I realized.

  “Gah, guys, it’s like middle school all over again,” Kian jokes, giving Hank a little wave. “Except Cato. He’s the baby.”

  Hank orders drinks for himself and Brie. Everyone is chattering, so when Kian returns, their attention isn’t on us. He bumps my shoulder with his.

  “You seem happy. Is Bean’s having a sale on boring cop jackets?”

  The warmth I used to feel around him is missing. It makes me think of Dante. His touch sets my soul ablaze. And, just like that, I ache to see him again.

  “Ha,” I deadpan. “I’d be happier if I caught the arsonist.” I avoid telling him the real reason for my happiness.

  “I’m sure you’ll catch him. You’re a good sheriff, even if your cliché mountain cop style is not.” Kian winks at me in a teasing way that used to make me crazy for him.

  As he walks off, I can’t help but pull out my phone and text Dante.

  Me: I miss you.

  His response is immediate.

  Dante: I have that effect on people.

  Me: Smartass.

  Dante: You love me.

  It’s written in jest, but it’s not far from the truth. The feelings I have for Dante are all-consuming. He’s in my head all hours of the day, even when he’s in my bed.

  “Any new news on the arsonist?” Cato asks, overhearing my conversation with Kian.

  I reply to Dante with heart eyes and that he “might run into me” at Kian’s bar before pocketing my phone and meeting the stares of Cato, Brie, and Hank. “I’m following any and all leads.”

  “You think it could be the Rainbow Vigilante?” Hank asks. “That’s what everyone around town keeps saying.”

  Specifically, his father, my father, and Paul.

  “Not sure,” I grumble, knocking back my shot. “But I can’t rule it out. This is the most crime we’ve had ever and it’s all isolated to the past couple of months.”

  “Any new people in town since then?” Hank frowns. “Seems like maybe an out-of-towner.”

  “The Kincaids are new,” Cato reveals, “but the stuff keeps happening to them.”

  “Them?” Hank darts his eyes to Brie.

  “All three siblings,” Brie confirms. “Dante’s B&B was vandalized and his car was keyed. The gazebo Shelly was putting the finishing touches on was burned to the ground. And poor Callan’s been getting harassed at school.”

  “Have you seen any kids acting strangely around Callan Kincaid?” I ask Hank. “Anyone picking on him or following him or anything?”

  Hank brings his beer to his lips, brows furrowed as he thinks. He swallows down a gulp and darts his eyes my way. “I mean, there’s a weird kid who seems a little sketchy, but it’s probably nothing.”

  “Any leads are good leads,” Brie encourages, clutching his bicep. “Anything could help.”

  Hank nods, his brow dipping. “You’re right. I can keep a better eye on him to look for any unusual behavior.”

  “What’s the name? I can look into him,” I say, pulling my phone back out so I can input the name.

  “Cormac Jordan. Eighteen. Doesn’t have friends or anything. Always lingering where he shouldn’t. Watching people. He’s been especially interested in Callan. I seem to see him anywhere Callan is.” Hank sighs. “It’s probably nothing. I’m probably being hyper vigilant.”

  “No,” I say, shaking my head. “This is good. I’ll look into him. Thank you.”

  We continue to drink and reminisce with stories of our youth. Kian ups the flirting, but I’m not interested. I’m waiting for my secret boyfriend to show up.

  Boyfriend?

  Fuck. There’s no other label for him. He’s mine. I’m not looking to give him up anytime soon…or ever.

  “Got room for one more?” a deep voice says from behind me, heat burning into my back.

  Cato’s eyes widen and then a knowing smile turns his lips up on one corner. “I was about to head next door to go dancing. You can have my seat, handsome.”

  Dante takes the seat beside me, his hot stare raking down my front and back up again, settling on my lips. “Someone looks happy to see me.”

  My cheeks burn hot and I fight a grin. Though Hank and Brie are lost in conversation, I feel exposed with the way Dante undresses me with his eyes in front of everyone.

  “See you two lovebirds later,” Cato whispers into my ear before smacking a big kiss on my cheek. He waves to Dante and then takes off.

  “Stop,” I mouth to Dante, whose hazel eyes burn with lust.

  “Never,” he mouths back.

  Dante

  Drunk Jax is fucking hilarious. By the time I arrived at the bar, he’d drunk himself into oblivion. He was unaware of the fact Kian was flirting like crazy with him. It pissed me off because I’m pretty sure Kian can tell I’m hot for the sheriff, which means he’s trying to stake a claim on what’s mine.

  But he’s not mine.

  Not really.

  It has to end eventually. Probably soon. We can’t go anywhere. I’ve been through this a thousand times in my head.

  So why can’t I just end it once and for all?

  “I’m going to take him home,” I tell Brie and Hank. “Kian keeps bringing him shots. This guy doesn’t drink enough to hold his liquor well.”

  Brie and Hank exchange confused looks. I’m glad Jax is loose and unaware of the fact I may have just outed him to his friends. If I know where he lives and how he handles his alcohol, that means I know him. Well. Jax, if he realized what I said, would probably have a conniption fit.

  “I can ca
ll him a cab,” Kian states, popping up beside me like a twinky stalker. “Kind of my responsibility.”

  My shoulders tense as I stare down the smaller man who’s putting off possessive vibes over my man.

  Not my man.

  “Not necessary,” I grit out. “He’s the best bud I’ve met since I got here. There’s been plenty of times he’s looked after me. I can do this for him.”

  I’m hoping my words convince them he’s my regular buddy, not my fuckbuddy.

  “Stop talking like I’m not here,” Jax grumbles. “I’m hungry. Who wants pancakes?”

  Hank and Brie laugh while Kian rolls his eyes.

  “That’s our cue to leave, Sheriff.” I stand and help him to his feet. “Ready?”

  I fish out some cash and hand it to Kian, making sure the tip is generous. “I’ve got his tab covered.”

  Kian’s face is red and his glare is fiery enough to melt a glacier, but I’m not intimidated by him. When Jax sways slightly, Hank comes to the rescue.

  “Let’s get him out of here before the whole town starts talking,” Hank grumbles. “The last thing we need is them thinking he’s an incompetent sheriff.”

  Agreeing, I nod and accept his help. We manage to get him outside, the two not drunk men shivering against the cold while the drunk is howling at the moon like he’s a wolf.

  “Jesus,” I complain. “How much did Kian give you to drink?”

  As he starts spouting off numbers trying to remember, Hank and I get him inside my Range Rover.

  “Thanks, man,” I say to Hank.

  He offers me a quick head nod and then runs back inside where it’s warm. I climb into the front seat and get the car started.

  “I want pancakes,” Jax says again. “A huge fucking stack of them. And a to-go bag for my cat.”

  His cat?

  “How about we get you to your house and we’ll see what you have?”

  He’s quiet as I drive. I sneak peeks at him to find him staring at me with such unguarded emotion. It’s unnerving. Makes me feel things I have no business feeling.

  I pull into his driveway and shut off the car. He’s already climbing out before I can get unbuckled. By the time I reach him, he’s stumbling toward the front door.

  “Come on, drunk ass,” I grumble. “Let’s get you inside.”

  We make our way into the house. Sure enough, a one-eyed cat greets us, meowing up a storm, circling our feet.

  “I missed you too, Pirate,” Jax croons to that cat. Ox huffs from his favorite spot by the back door.

  “I can’t believe you got a cat.”

  “Cato made me.” He pouts. “My cat is the shit, though. She loves me.”

  I sort of toss Jax onto the couch and make my way into the kitchen where the cat follows me. Jax doesn’t have stuff for pancakes, so I settle for some Eggo waffles in the freezer. After I toast and butter them, I pour syrup on them and bring the plate out to Jaxon.

  He’s no longer on the couch.

  I set the plate down as he reenters the living room. My mouth goes dry. I rake my gaze over his bare chest, taking in all his nakedness besides a fitted pair of white boxers that leave nothing to the imagination.

  Fuck. This. Man.

  He’s too good-looking. It drives me insane.

  “Food,” I rasp out. “Eat it.”

  His dark eyes flash with hunger, but I’d bet my left nut it’s not for waffles. I shed my coat before sitting next to him on the couch. Pirate jumps up on my coat, curling into an orange ball that’s no doubt going to leave a trail of cat hair. Jax really must’ve been hungry because he practically inhales the waffles. Once they’re gone, his gaze finds mine.

  “Jax,” I start, but I’m cut off when he pounces on me.

  Pirate meows in irritation before scampering down the hall to the bedroom.

  He straddles my waist, his lips crashing to mine. I groan, getting lost in the sweetness that is him. My palms find his ass, squeezing, as I urge him to grind against my aching dick. His tongue tastes like syrup and I’m so fucking hungry for it.

  “Want you,” he rumbles against my lips. “Inside me.”

  I freeze at his words.

  I certainly misheard.

  “Dante.” He pulls back, lust-filled brown eyes boring into me. “Please.”

  “You’re, uh, drunk. I can’t do that. You’ll regret it tomorrow.”

  He scowls. “I’m drunk, but I know what I want. I’m not unconscious. I want you to fuck me, big city man.”

  I slide my hands beneath the band of his underwear, grabbing the firm globes of his ass. “I really, really want to, Jax, but it wouldn’t be right.”

  “I’m fine to fuck,” he snaps. “That is, unless you really don’t want to fuck and this is an excuse not to.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous.”

  He pulls back, fire burning in his stare. “Maybe I should just go to bed. Alone.”

  I flinch at his words, but there’s no sense in arguing with a drunk person. “Maybe you should.”

  Clearly stung by my agreement, his eyes glisten with emotion. “Fuck you, man.”

  “Jax—”

  He starts to pull off my lap, but I don’t want to let him go. I yank him back into my arms, squeezing him and burying my face against his chest.

  “Please don’t go,” I whisper.

  The tension in his body relaxes and his fingers slide through my hair, stroking me in a comforting way I’ve grown to love by him.

  “I’m tipsy and feeling good,” he murmurs, “but I’m not blackout drunk. I want to try this now because…” He swallows audibly. “I’m afraid it’ll hurt. Since everything is numb and tingling, I thought it would be a good time to try.”

  “Are you sure? I don’t want to hurt you or make you regret it later.”

  He grips my hair, pulling back so I’m forced to look up at him. “I regret nothing with you. Not one single second. I want it all, Dante. Everything you’ll give me.”

  “You wanted me to leave,” I argue, still hurt by his words.

  “I wanted you to stay and fight for me.”

  “Don’t play games with me, Jax. I’m too old for that shit.”

  “And when it comes to dating, I’m pretty damn inexperienced at it,” he says, smirking. “Which means it’s just one more thing you need to teach me. How to get fucked and not play games.”

  “Some games are fun,” I tease, smiling at him.

  “Everything with you is fun.” He stands up and shoves his boxers down, revealing his thick, bouncing cock. “I’ll be right back.”

  I stare after his flexing ass, groaning as he disappears around the corner. Quickly, I flick through the buttons of my dress shirt and peel it open, exposing my chest. I’ve barely gotten my pants unfastened when he arrives. His dark gaze penetrates me as I shove my boxers and pants down my thighs. He wastes no time waiting for me to continue to undress, tearing the condom open with his teeth and straddling my lap.

  “You’re so fucking hot,” he growls. “And mine.”

  I hiss when he rolls the rubber over my dick. He uses teasing movements to rub lube all over my dick. Grabbing hold of my slick cock, he positions himself over it, but I stop him with a shake to my head.

  “Not so fast, boy. Let me get you ready first.”

  Appreciation flickers in his eyes and he nods. I lubricate my fingers and then slide them beneath him, seeking out his tight, virgin hole. He whines when I tease at the puckered flesh. I know he’s desperate for it when he slowly impales himself on my finger. My dick is twitching with need as I watch him gently fuck my finger.

  “Feel good?” I murmur, leaning forward to suck on his hard nipple.

  “Mmmhmm.”

  “Want more?”

  “Yes,” he rasps out.

  Slowly, I press another finger into him, careful to twist and scissor the both of them to stretch his body. Once he’s easily fucking my two fingers, I tease his nipple with my tongue and teeth, occasionally massaging his pr
ostate. His ass tightens around my fingers. Based on the whimpers escaping him, he’s loving every second of this and eager to come. I focus my efforts on his prostate. My other hand lazily strokes his dick while my teeth do a number on his nipple.

  “Oh, fuck,” he chokes. “Dante, fuck.”

  “That’s it,” I croon. “Come, baby.”

  His body trembles and he cries out. When hot cum hits my upper chest, signaling his release, I take the moment of his pleasure to insert another finger. He pushes against my fingers, hungry to prolong the incredible feeling. Cum continues to shoot at me. Once he’s all wrung out, I slip my fingers out of his ass and grip onto his hips.

  “Guide yourself onto my dick,” I instruct, my head tilted up to see his handsome face. “If it hurts, stop. Go slow.”

  He takes hold of my slick dick and situates himself over it. Slowly, he eases down over the fat crown. Because he’s nice and ready to take me, he glides over my cock, fully seating himself without much resistance.

  “Holy shit,” he rasps out. “Holy shit.”

  I chuckle, my palms roaming up his bare ribs. “Indeed. Now fuck me, Sheriff. I’ve waited so long for this.”

  His gaze swiftly changes from lust to something else. Something that makes my heart skip double time in my chest. He rocks up and down along my shaft, his fingers running through the mess of cum on my chest. His wet fingers make their way to my mouth.

  “Want a taste?”

  I suck on his offered fingers, pinning him with a heated stare. “Mmm.”

  He pulls his fingers out of my mouth, replacing them with his tongue. Our kiss is fervent and needy. I begin meeting his movements as he fucks me, thrusting upward each time. His fingers rip at my hair as he kisses me like I might disappear at any moment.

  I’m not going anywhere.

  My brain tries to remind me that I will leave at some point, but my heart quickly lies to keep this moment pure and untouched by reality. Kissing him and fucking him like this makes me believe we’ll jump whatever hurdles are in our way. Together. Because we’re a couple—a damn good one.

  “Fuck, Jax,” I snarl, my vision going black as my pleasure consumes me. “Fuck.”