The Sheriff's Plus One - Marquita Valentine Page 0,1

I show up, people will notice that I’m alone, and then they’ll remember why.” Then he’d have to relive this humiliating day all over again.

He couldn’t remember a time when he actually hated someone he used to love, but this was pretty damn close.

“Not if I go with you,” Molly declared. “You can count on me being your Plus One to infinity… or until you get another girlfriend.”

Yeah, he knew he had a reputation for women liking him, but he was a one-woman type of guy, not a serial dater. “I’m putting women on the no-go list for at least the next year.” He sliced his gaze to Molly as she brushed back a blonde curl. “Present company excluded.”

“I’m your best friend. That’s a category unto itself.” She rose to her feet. “I think I’ve had enough of the June air and judging by the beads of sweat running down your face, so have you.” She held out her hand. “Let’s go inside and cool off.”

He eyed her delicate fingers. “Do we have any food left in the reception hall?” Liz’s parents were just as stunned as he’d been, and out of the goodness of their hearts or maybe out of feeling sorry for him, fed everyone who’d stuck around after the wedding that wasn’t.

“I managed to keep your brothers from swarming the buffet table.”

“You’re an amazing woman, Molly Parrish.” He took her hand in his and stood. Even in her heels, he towered over her. “I guess when you’re Tinkerbelle sized, you have to have a Hulk-sized personality, huh?”

She arched a brow. “I haven’t been Tinkerbelle-sized since my freshman year of high school. I’m a respectable five feet five. As for my personality, I’m regular-sized in that too.”

He knew better—Molly could command an entire room with a look, or a friendly smile. Archer gently squeezed her hand. “Thank you.”

Molly smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “That’s what best friends are for.”

Chapter 1

Archer knocked on Molly’s door, even though he knew she’d already heard his truck pull into the driveway. “I’m ready when you are,” he yelled at the door. “I’ll wait for you out here.”

Man, he did not want to do this. Spending time with Molly didn’t bother him, but having to act like nothing was wrong at this party was going to wear on him. He wasn’t the type to wear his heart on his sleeve, but he didn’t live a lie either.

The door opened suddenly, Molly standing in there with a pretty smile on her face. Her blonde hair was caught up in a high ponytail, and she wore a red and white checked shirt with dark blue jean shorts to match the theme of the Independence Day party. “No need. I’m ready now.”

“You look nice.”

Her smile widened. “This old thing—thanks!” She grabbed a large bag and slung it over her shoulder, then moved to close and lock the door. He stepped back, wondering what she was carrying. “You look nice, too.”

Grunting, he rubbed his jaw. “Shaved is all.”

She eyed him. “You have to shave for work.”

“I can have a beard.”

“Oh, it’s going to be like that today.” She brushed past him and lightly jogged down the front porch steps. “Let’s go, grumpy.”

“I’m not—” Except he was completely grumpy. He had every right to be. It had been less than a month since he was jilted at the altar.

Molly spun around, the scent of her perfume hitting him. She always smelled nice. “You can acknowledge your need to be grumpy while not taking it out on me. Or you can go for door number two and skip the party altogether. We can go to the lake and have a picnic instead.”

Shit. Was she a mind-reader? “I’m expected to be there.”

Molly’s face turned sympathetic. “I don’t think anyone would mind if you didn’t show up. Of course, they’d miss you, but our friends would understand.”

“Like hell, they’d understand,” he snapped, then grimaced. “Sorry.” He shook his head, looking around the front yard that Molly kept neat as a pin. “Flowerbeds look good. How long did they take you to get going?”

“Thank you. About—oh no, you don’t. I won’t be distracted, Archer Kincaid. Make a decision—go to the lake and be happy or go to the party and be grumpy.”

They both knew she really meant miserable, but dammit, he couldn’t not show up. “Can’t let her win, Molly. Can’t let everyone know how…” He smashed his lips together.

“Then we go to the party, and I’ll run interference. Our