Page 94 of The SEAL and the Sheriff

“No,” she agreed, settling into the chair. “It really doesn’t.”

He nodded, trying to shove his brain back into gear. “Can I get you a drink?”

“I’d like that.” She lifted his glass and took a cautious sniff. “I’ll have what you’re having.”

He motioned to the waitress and ordered her drink.

Sarah glanced around. “I’ve never actually been here when I wasn’t arresting someone.”

Hudson laughed. “You arrest people in hotel bars often?”

“Small town.”

His face was solemn. “Occupational hazard.”

The earrings. The dress. Her hair. Sarah Meyer hadn’t done any of that by accident. She’d dressed for dinner. With him. Tonight she’d wanted him to see her.

Fuck.

For years he’d told himself he’d imagined what they’d once been. The thought sank deep and refused to move.

The waitress set Sarah’s bourbon on a coaster between them. “For you.”

“Thanks.” Sarah took a careful sip and immediately fought to keep her face straight.

Hudson didn’t bother hiding his smile.

“Don’t,” she warned.

“I didn’t say anything.”

“You were thinking it very loudly.”

He turned his glass, watching her recover. “You’ve genuinely never had bourbon before?”

“No.” Her smile was crooked. “I don’t know why I ordered it.”

She frowned at the glass as if it had betrayed her, then tried another sip. His attention followed the swallow before common sense dragged it back to her face.

The fire flickered light across her face as she placed her glass back on the coaster.

Silence stretched between them. He’d spent too many years rehearsing what he’d say if he ever got the chance. Now that he had it, he didn’t want to fill the quiet with words. He wanted to watch her not-drink her bourbon in the firelight and commit it to memory in case this was the only night he got.

Sarah traced a fingertip around the rim of her glass. “I spoke to Nora before I went off duty. She’s going to be okay.”

The tension in his chest released a little. One person brought home. One, this time.

“Good,” he said, and meant it more than the word carried.

Sarah eyed him as if she was setting something down. “I’m banning us from talking about work tonight.”

He raised an eyebrow. “You can do that?”

“I’m the sheriff.”

“Pretty sure that’s an abuse of office.”

“Not tonight, it isn’t.”