Hayride’s lips twitch, and then he nods. “Understood, sir.”
“Call me Hank.”
Hayride’s phone rings, and he checks the screen. “I’ve got to take this. My apologies.”
As he leaves, I turn to my dad. “Hayden is a good guy, Dad. The best. He’s been there for me during all of this mess. I’ve never met anyone so tough and kind at the same time. I would have been lost without his help. But it’s more than that,” I rush on, “Hayden cares about me. He’s taking the time to learn who I am. I’ve never met a guy like him.”
“Shit.” My dad takes a big gulp of coffee. “You like him. A lot.”
“I do.”
Maybe my father can tell my heart is already invested because it is. I don’t think he knows we’ve already slept together, but even if he does, I’m not a little girl anymore.
As a grown woman, I make my choices and live with the consequences.
“You moving to Raven’s Crest?”
“I don’t know yet. That depends.”
Hayride joins us, sliding next to me as I say those words. “Depends on what? Me? Your choice, Natalya, but if my opinion matters, I want you to stay in town.”
“You do?”
He grasps my chin, brushing his mouth over mine. It’s a quick, chaste kiss, but also intentional. It shows my father that he cares. “Never say anything I don’t mean.”
Warmth spreads into my chest because I know he’s telling the truth.
Our breakfast arrives, and we eat. Dad engages us both in conversation, which I appreciate. He’s taking an interest in a biker because his daughter likes him. It says a lot about my father’s character. He never judges people by appearance, but he does hold them to their words and actions.
Hayride’s phone vibrates with an incoming text as he reaches for the bill. “I got it. Boomer, the sheriff, is ready to start the search. We should head out.”
My dad doesn’t argue as he slides out of his seat. “I’m ready.”
I loop my arm through my dad’s as we walk out of the diner, hoping that we find my brother and he’s still alive.
Hayride presses a quick kiss to my cheek. “Ride with your dad. We’re meeting at the pavilion.”
“Okay. See you soon.”
I get a smile and a wink in response.
Chapter 9 Hayride
“Boomer has got this shit on lock.”
I turn at the sound of Charon’s voice. “Heisthe sheriff.”
“Yeah, well, it can’t be easy to sort through all the red tape and bullshit to organize fifty townspeople, a biker club, deputies, and the visiting family from out of town.”
He’s got a point. “True.” I wonder why he’s here. Charon doesn’t usually show up unless there’s a body.
Shit.
“Did someone call you in?”
“No. Calm down. I’m not here for my expertise.”
I snort at that. It’s not exactly a skill most people would boast about.
