Page 73 of Something’s Brewing

Inside Garrett’s truck, Madison found a note on the driver’s seat, addressed to her:

Rest. Relax. I’ll be home by five. I’m looking forward to our date.

She grinned, pressing the note to her chest. Heat curled low in her belly. Oh yes, she was very much looking forward to it too. Maybe even more than she should be.

She started the truck and made her way to the sheriff’s office, parking near the entrance. She wasn’t avoiding City Hall, but still, she scanned the lot. Old instincts didn’t just disappear. Not when someone had already proven they were willing to escalate. Humidity clung to her skin as she hurried inside.

“Madison. How are you, honey? I’m Meg. I’m the dispatcher.”

Meg was shorter than Madison, with short gray hair, dangly earrings, and blue-framed glasses that matched perfectly with her outfit. Her friendly tone made Madison smile. This town really did have a way of wrapping around you before you realized it.

“Nice to meet you, Meg. I’m doing well. Just a few bruises. I’m here to see Nick.”

Meg picked up the phone. “I’ll let him know you’ve arrived.”

“Madison is here to see you,” she said into the phone. She listened for a moment before hanging up. “He’ll be right out. Would you like a beverage?”

“Water would be great.”

Meg handed her a cold bottle. “I keep a fridge under my desk. Sometimes I’m glued to this chair.”

“Understood. I remember days like that.”

“That’s right, Nick said you were in law enforcement.”

Before she could respond, Nick appeared.

“Thanks, Meg,” he said. “Morning, Madison. Let’s talk in my office.”

An hour later, Madison left feeling reassured. Nick had a plan, and she liked plans.

Still, her mind drifted to Garrett, to his mouth, to the way his hands had felt wrapped around her waist while she fell asleep.

Focus, Mitchell.

But even as she told herself that, a small part of her didn’t want to focus. She didn’t want to go back to being the version of herself who kept everything contained.

She pulled into Northern Lights Brewery, anticipation building low in her stomach alongside a flicker of nerves. She’d seen something in Garrett’s eyes this morning. Something steady. Something certain. And though he’d told her to rest and stay home, she wanted to see him anyway. She needed to see him.

When she stepped inside, warmth and the scent of hops wrapped around her. Becca crossed the room and pulled her into a careful hug. “We’re so happy you’re okay, Madi.”

Over Becca’s shoulder, Madison caught sight of Garrett behind the bar, watching her like she was the only person in the room. His head tilted subtly toward his office before he disappeared.

After Madison assured her she was fine, she made her way to Garrett’s office, her pulse jumping. She knocked softly and stepped inside.

Garrett didn’t hesitate. He crossed the room in three long strides and pulled her into his arms. “I’ve been waiting all morning to do this,” he murmured against her hair before pressing a kiss to her forehead.

“Me too.” The words slipped out before she could filter them. Her body melted into his like it had been built to fit there.

Garrett’s hands slid along her waist before he nipped lightly at her earlobe, then her neck, trailing closer to her mouth until they were both chasing air. Her fingers curled into the back of his shirt, holding on like she might float away otherwise. Or fall too fast if she let go.

He backed her toward the door, shut it, locked it, and picked up where he’d left off last night. The kiss wasn’t hesitant this time, and when it was done, they rested their foreheads together, breathless.

“Hi,” Garrett said.

“Hi.” She giggled, the sound surprising even her. When was the last time she’d felt like this? Light. Unguarded and completely off-balance in the best way.

Neither of them moved.