Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 50527 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 253(@200wpm)___ 202(@250wpm)___ 168(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50527 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 253(@200wpm)___ 202(@250wpm)___ 168(@300wpm)
What I didn’t bank on was Kindred roping my sweet girl into her shenanigans. Sheriff Hudson stands in front of me. I already sent the security guard that got doused in glitter to go clean himself up. I’m glad I had two more on the girls as a precautionary measure. I knew I would need more than one if Kindred was involved. I also want a handful for tonight's party.
“I know Steve didn’t report being glittered,” I tell Sheriff Hudson. “Maybe I pay him to be glittered.”
“You’ve been hanging out with Kindred too much.” As always, Sheriff Hudson’s face gives nothing away, but that sounded like an accusation.
“She works for me. So yeah, she’s around,” I remind him, not that he needs it. I'm paying a whole lot more attention to all the things happening in this town. That’s saying a lot because I already did. But one thing is clear: Sheriff Hudson wants Kindred. And Kindred wants to throttle him.
Sheriff Hudson appears to be losing all the battles when it comes to her, but I don't think he'll lose the war. I can tell he’s a man that’s not easily deterred.
"I'm not one for town gossip, but often it's got a bit of truth to it or stems from something."
"All right." I check the time. "I don't mean to be an asshole—"
"Are you sure about that, Mayor Hollis?"
No.
"I've got shit to do and things to handle."
"One of those things better not be handling Kindred." He is staking a claim.
"Why would you think that? Everyone knows Candy and I are together." I plan to make it fully clear tonight to everyone.
"Your mother—" Oh, fuck me.
"What did she do?" She would be tangled up in this. In that I have no doubt.
"First, she said something about an engagement and Kindred." Right. How had I forgotten about that stupid-ass plan?
I bet my mother couldn’t wait to light the match to ignite a spark under the sheriff’s and Kindred’s asses. That woman always has her nose in something. Her intentions are good, though.
It feels like a million days ago that I hatched that stupid plan. When in reality, Candy has only been here a few weeks. That’s how easily she fits into my life; it's because she was meant to. I never believed in that shit before now, but I’ll eat my words happily.
“That was a miscommunication. Kindred and I have never been more than friends. You know this. She is friends with everyone in this town,” I point out. “Well, maybe not everyone.” I give him a pointed look.
I see a tic form in his jaw. I’m sure he’s itching to smash my skull in. I’d be the same way, but I would never be in that position to begin with. I locked Candy to me quickly.
“Besides, why do you care?” I push.
Hell, it’s not Kindred I have been spending too much time with. It’s my mother if I’m wrapping myself in this, but I do feel protective over Kindred. She can give as good as she gets, but she feels deeply too. She’s New Hope’s town sweetheart for a reason.
“I have my reasons.”
“If you say so, but know there will be more than the locals at the party this evening.” My mom and I both invited people in from the city. I’m sure a lot of them are already en route. It's not a short drive, but I know they’ll all have drivers. “It’s not me you have to worry about when it comes to Kindred.”
The sheriff fists his hands at his sides. That last comment was uncalled for, but he doesn’t get to come into my house and act like a dick. Even though I one thousand percent get where he’s coming from. I would be doing the same if it were Candy.
“Why don’t we strike a deal? I’ll subtly imply to people, especially of the male gender, that Kindred is taken, and you help me out with something as well. What do you say? I watch your back, and you watch mine?”
“Have you seen Kindred?” Not sure where this is going, but maybe the sheriff has lost his mind. These things happen when it comes to your woman. I learned that rather quickly, so I humor him.
“Yes, and?”
“Make sure you imply it to everyone. I don't care about the gender.”
"All right." I bite back a laugh, but again, I get it. When you're in love, it's difficult to wrap your mind around not everyone wanting the person you're obsessed with. If you want them so badly, you're sure others do too.
I have caught myself being jealous of Kindred getting to hang out with Candy a few times. Especially when Kindred can get one of those soft giggles from her or they have an inside joke I'm not allowed in on. But I keep it in check. Candy is putting down roots here, and the more of them that snag hold of her, the more she'll feel grounded. I want that so badly for her.