Total pages in book: 21
Estimated words: 19554 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 98(@200wpm)___ 78(@250wpm)___ 65(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 19554 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 98(@200wpm)___ 78(@250wpm)___ 65(@300wpm)
I can't help but laugh at the visual. "You've officially turned this place into a guesthouse."
"I'm glad it will work for you," he says with a wink.
I walk over, running my fingers over the warm fabric of the blanket. It's cozy, and the mere sight of it makes me feel welcome and safe. "You're right. I'll take my emergency blanket over jail bars any day."
As I settle in, I cast a sideways glance at him. "So, where are you going to sleep?"
He leans against the arm of the sofa, a sheepish grin creeping onto his face. "Oh, I'll just crash in the recliner over there. It's not as fancy, but it'll do. I've definitely had worse nights."
"Wait, you're not serious," I say, sitting up to give him a more pointed look. "You can't sleep in that creaky old thing while I get the plush treatment. It's not right."
He waves me off like it's nothing. "Trust me, it's no big deal. Besides, I'm sure it will make for a fun story when I tell it to our grandkids years from now."
My breath catches as his words wash over me. I don't have a response, so I lie back and snuggle into the warm blankets. It's still early, and I'm usually a night owl, but the crazy day drained me.
Ashton moves to the recliner, and I try to block out the thoughts racing in my head, but it's hard. It feels utterly absurd to be lying here with the hot deputy a few feet away.
Before I know it, I fall deeply asleep. The next thing I know, I wake up to the smell of coffee. Sitting up, I push my wild hair out of my face and look around. I find the recliner empty and wonder where Ashton went.
Soft morning light filters in through the window. My muscles feel slightly stiff from the awkward sofa, but I can't complain overall. I push my hair from my face and blink, realizing I slept pretty well.
As the sleep starts to wear off, I shift, scanning the room, half-expecting Ashton to be lounging in the recliner, arms draped over the sides, snoring like a chainsaw. But there's no sign of him, just the quiet hum of the old fan above and the comforting stillness of the office.
"Wow, I can't believe I slept like the dead," I mutter to myself, rubbing my eyes. “And I can’t believe everything happening right now.”
As these thoughts swirl in my head, I get up and shuffle over to the window to catch a glimpse outside. Just as I do, the door swings open, and Ashton walks in. My heart does a ridiculous leap when I see him. Then I notice he's carrying a steaming cup of coffee and my thoughts zero in on the black gold.
"Since the shit Dillon makes could take the paint off a car, I went to The Golden Mug to get you a decent cup of coffee," he declares, touching my heart with his thoughtfulness.
I can't suppress the grin creeping across my face as I take in the sight of him—still slightly rumpled from sleep, looking all fresh and put together. "Oh my God, you have no idea how badly I need coffee in the morning," I gush, grabbing the cup eagerly.
"I need at least a cup or two myself, and I can't stomach the battery acid my boss makes." He chuckles, watching as I take a sip, letting the warm liquid flow down my throat and into my veins. "How is it?"
"It's amazing," I reply taking another sip, savoring the moment. The rich flavor helps chase away the last remnants of sleep, making me feel human again.
"I'm glad you like it," he says, rocking back on his heels. "I wasn't sure what your coffee preferences were, so I just went with the sugary espresso. Figured we needed something bold to face the aftermath of yesterday."
"Sugary is definitely the right choice." I take another sip, looking up at him through my lashes. The playful twinkle in his eye is charged with electricity, and I'm tired of fighting the connection brewing between us.
While I drink my coffee, Ashton busies himself with setting up a laptop on the desk across from me. My heart sinks when I realize I'm about to face the online hearing with a grumpy judge. Oof. I might need something a little stronger than coffee.
"What time is my hearing?" I ask, trying to play it cool even though the nerves are clawing at my insides.
"I'll have this ready to go soon. The hearing starts in ten minutes." Ashton finishes setting up the laptop while I fold the covers and put the sheriff’s office back together. "Alright, we're all set. The judge should be connecting soon. You good?"
I grab my coffee, taking a long sip to stall for time. "As good as I can be, considering the circumstances."