Page 22 of Flawless

“Just one week ago I never could have imagined I’d meet a man who would turn my world upside down. I didn’t think a guy like that existed. But he does. And I found him. Now, what am I supposed to do with him? Because he’s got me walking around in a lust-induced stupor, forgetting all about the things that mattered most to me before I met him.

I want to be with him. All. The. Time. And that’s crazy to even think about, because I don’t do clingy. And I don’t like guys who do either. Except it doesn’t feel that way with him. It just feels right. When he makes love to me, it feels right. When I fall asleep in his arms, it feels right. When he looks at me, like he’s been waiting for me just like I’ve been waiting for him, it feels right.

So, I still don’t know what I’m supposed to do with him. But I’ve got some wild ideas.”

“Girl.” My voice was rough with emotion when I said, “I don’t even know what to say to that, except, I do know what to do with you. Everything.”

She giggled. “I want you to do everything… to me, with me, for me. Because it might take a really, really long time for me to get my fill of you, Sheriff. So, I hope you haven’t got any plans for the foreseeable future.”

“Oh, I’ve got plans. And they all revolve around you.”

Chapter Nine

Cameron

The next morning, I was in my office, trying to focus on work, when my ex came strolling through the door like she had a right to be here.

“Get out of here, Kelly. I’ve got work to do.”

She held her phone up, flashing a picture of me making out with Rylee at the bar. “What the hell is this?”

I barely glanced at it before I said, “What does it look like? It’s a photo of me kissing a gorgeous woman, after she stepped off stage.”

Her eyes flashed with anger before she slammed her phone down on my desk. “How could you? She’s—” She stabbed a finger in the direction of her phone. “Too young for you! Too… wild! Too reckless! You’ve got a reputation to consider. You can’t be doing things like that, with women like her!”

I glared at her, clenching my jaw. “Pretty sure I can do whatever I want, with whoever I want. There’s no law against sleeping with a woman⁠—”

She gasped, flattening her hand against her heaving chest. “You slept with her? You can’t be serious.” She shook her head. “I know you’re just saying this to get back at me. You wouldn’t do that. It’s just because I had that little fling with Smyth, and you’re trying to hurt me⁠—”

“Kelly, read my lips.” I pointed at my mouth. “I don’t care about you, and I don’t care about Smyth. Do whatever you want with him.”

“I don’t want him! I want you! But you’re too damn stubborn to give me another chance. You really think your new girlfriend is so pure and innocent? You think she won’t cheat on you when she’s on the road? Women like that⁠—”

“Get. Out.” No way would I let her stand here and shit-talk Rylee, who had more character and integrity than she would ever have.

She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. “Defend her all you want. I know women like that.”

“Women like what, Kelly?” I didn’t know why I was even engaging her, except that she’d roused my protect-Rylee-instincts. “Women who are strong? Women who are honest? Women who have character and integrity and talent and work ethic…? I could go on and on listing Rylee’s attributes, but I don’t have any more time to waste on you. So kindly get out of my office. I have work to do.”

I’d already wasted enough time that morning with my deputies, all demanding details about my relationship with Rylee. I swear, the sheriff’s office was worse than the local high school sometimes, with all the gossip circulating.

Her gaze drifted to the photo I’d just framed of me and Rylee. It was one we’d taken at the farmer’s market. She was sitting on my lap, in the back of a pick-up truck, with her arms around my neck, kissing my cheek, and it summed up the way we were both feeling that day. Happy. Hopeful. And totally into each other.

“I don’t believe this.” She rolled her eyes so hard I was surprised they didn’t get stuck. “Are you really going to flaunt your relationship with that⁠—”

I held my finger up. “Be careful what you say about her.”

She huffed. “With that… little attention monger? Can’t you see she’s just using you to give her career a boost?”

I laughed, shaking my head. “Her career doesn’t need a boost. She’s doin’ just fine on her own.”

“Grow up, you’re Eden’s brother. Of course, hooking up with you would further her career.”

“Pretty sure her close friendship with my sister and Austin would further her career more, but whatever.” I let her stew on that, since my sister had never been her biggest fan. “If you’re done weighing in on my love life, you can leave.”

“Your love life?” she shrieked. “Are you telling me you’re in love with this… child… now?”

“God, you’re giving me a headache.” I rubbed the bridge of my nose. “Either you leave voluntarily or I’ll have one of my deputies escort you out.”