The Officer - Kelli Callahan Page 0,1

who have nothing better to do on a fall day than actively live out American clichés.

"Ehem." I hear a voice behind me and a throat clearing.

Slowly rising and turning, I find myself smack face to face with the very man I've been fantasizing about since I was sixteen years old. God, get a look at him, I think, trying to force myself to look at his eyes and not let my eyes wander anywhere else. I desperately want to let them roam, to take in the delicious sight of him.

"Can I help you?" I ask, giving the Chief my best smile and loving how his full mouth lays in a hard line.

It’s the perfect shape. I wonder how it would feel crushed against mine.

"I need you to move," he says roughly, not sparing me a smile in return. The phrase "hard ass with a good ass" comes to mind as I beam up at him.

"Why, anything for you, officer," I reply with my best southern twang. Stepping aside and gesturing broadly with my slim arms. He only stares at me for a moment, as if he’s deciding whether or not to smile at me or arrest me. I wouldn't mind him using those cuffs on me.

Finally, Sheriff Traverse's mouth twitches in amusement.

"Thank you," he says, watching me for a moment longer before stepping forward and grabbing a revolting box of granola.

Well, I guess no man can be perfect.

"Shouldn't you be in school, Miss Knight?" he asks, his voice rough with concern which has me suppressing a giggle.

"How old do you think I am?" I reply, giving him my sassiest look and crossing my arms. I can't help but smile at him. He's clearly trying to put me in my place, and it's definitely not working.

He turns suddenly, contemplating me, a challenge in his eyes.

"I don't know, Miss Knight," he says coolly. "How old are you?" His strong brow now arched in a sexy challenge.

God, I am a sucker for strong, brooding men.

"I'm eighteen. Legal in case you're wondering." I reply, winking at him. I can't help but grin as I watch his face falter in surprise— the smug jerk.

"You weren't expecting that were you?" I challenge him, proud of myself for my attempt at witty banter.

"No, I wasn't," he whispers, his voice soft, as if he’s fighting for it to return. "Excuse me," he says, nodding his head in a farewell to me.

God, I love that man, I think to myself, enjoying the way his pants hug his ass as he strolls toward the ever-sullen Annie.

Sighing heavily, I turn back to the aisles and begin stacking the empty containers.

Something has the hair on my neck standing as I hear the bell ding, signaling the departure of another happy customer. Turning slowly, I glance over my shoulder. There he is in all his glory, sunlight streaming and glinting off his golden hair. Kenton is watching me too. Isn't that something. The memory of his handsome face, watching me with longing, will stay with me forever.

His blue eyes widen as he sees me looking his way, recognizing that I’m aware of his lingering gaze. His lips part in surprise as he holds my gaze a moment longer, pinning me in place. After a long moment, he turns and steps off the pavement, ducking into his police cruiser.

Well, isn't that interesting. Perfect Sheriff Kenton Traverse is lusting after a young woman twenty years his junior. God, do I love a good sexy age-gap romance. Now that I have his attention, the only question remains: Who should make the first move?

Chapter Two

Kenton

What the hell am I thinking? Lucy Knight is essentially untouchable. Hell, she went to school with my daughter. She was in high school just a couple of months ago. That's weird, right? Scratching my jaw as I drive down the main street. She sure has grown into a fine woman, though. I haven't seen her in a little while. Not since the weather got cold. I have done my best to avoid her after I realized I was developing feelings for her.

I didn't want to be a creep. She is friends with Charlie, so of course, she came over and had sleepover parties and pool parties at the house. I remember one night last summer in particular. Lucy had walked into the kitchen to get a glass of water in the middle of the night. I was awake cleaning my gun at the table. She wore only a thin cotton track tee