slim with a bald head and dark skin. When he takes his seat, I look at his eyes and feel like I know him from somewhere.
“Thanks for waiting. I just wanted a chance to talk to before I let Barbie and Kayla out.”
“What were they arrested for?”
He sighs as he shakes his head. “‘Arrested’ is a bit of a dramatic term for making them come down here and tell me what happened. Barbie didn’t have her cell on her so I made her use mine and I don’t have service for shit in this building.” He shakes his head as he leans back. “My daughter Kayla means well and I think she and Barbie may have gotten a little overzealous with Missy.”
“Oh god, what now?”
He waves his hand as if to say it doesn’t matter. “That’s for Barbie to discuss with you later. I personally just wanted to thank you for seeing to the security of Barbie’s store. I know you’re new in town and I appreciate all the extra help I can get right now.”
“She’s my girl, it’s my job to look out for her.”
He nods as if he likes my answer. “Barbie is a good friend to Kayla, and I know that by looking out for one you’re looking out for both.” He sighs again. “Kayla is my only child and it’s just me and her. She’s a bit of a handful sometimes, but she’s all I’ve got.”
“I can understand the feeling. Barbara’s my whole world.”
“I won’t keep you because I know you’re anxious to speak to Barbie, but I just wanted to welcome you to town, and thank you again for securing the store.” He stands and I get up with him. “I’m in desperate need of a new deputy chief if you know anyone. The two guys I have on staff aren’t what I’d call the cream of the crop.”
“I’ll keep that in mind if I think of someone.” I reach out and shake his hand and then he points to the office door where Barbara and Kayla are waiting.
When I open the door, Barbara comes rushing at me and into my arms.
Without thinking I wrap myself around her and breathe in her scent. “How does it feel to be a convicted criminal?”
She leans back with shocked, wide eyes. “They told me they were letting me go.”
“Sorry, babe, they said you’re getting the chair.”
Her shock fades into a scowl as she playfully slaps my chest. “Don’t make fun of me! I was scared.”
“This one does not hold up well on the inside,” Kayla says as she strolls past me. “Can I get a ride?”
“I think there might be someone out front to pick you up,” I offer, and now it’s her turn to look frightened.
“Oh shit. Big guy, gorgeous blue eyes?”
“He was big, yes,” I confirm, and she curses again.
“I’m sneaking out the back. See ya!” she calls and takes off in the opposite direction.
“Is she okay?” I ask Barbara, and she shrugs.
“I don’t know, but I’m dying to find out.”
“Let’s get you home. I want to know what it’s like to make love to a criminal.”
“Shaw!” she squeals when I squeeze her ass and walk back to the front.
When I see the guy still sitting there scowling, there’s something in me that feels bad for him. He doesn’t look aggressive or like he’s angry, just annoyed that he’s being kept waiting and I know that all too well.
“She snuck out the back door,” I offer to him as I walk toward the front door with my arm slung over Barbie’s shoulder.
He sighs and nods like he was expecting it. “Clara,” he calls out to the receptionist, and she looks up. “Chief still got that job open?”
“Yeah.”
He nods and then she tells him to go on back. He raises his chin in thanks as he pushes through the half door.
“You shouldn’t have told him that,” Barbara hisses at me.
“I would hope someone would do the same for me if the roles were reversed.” I lean down and kiss her gently. She melts against me.
“Okay, I’d probably want someone to do that for me too.”
We walk out to the truck and I open the door for her and then help her get up in it. Once she’s buckled up, I get in the other side, resting my hand on her thigh as I drive us back to her place.
“So other than getting arrested, how was your day?” I tease, and she squeezes my hand.
“Good. I had a