Page 14 of Broken Boundaries

I suck in a breath at Brooks’s insult. I’ve never heard anyone talk to an officer like that and not get in even more trouble. But unexpectedly, Donovan laughs. “Somebody’s gotta do it.”

Donovan’s eyes shift to me as if he just realized I’m standing here. “Well, hello there. I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure of meeting you yet. I’m Sheriff Donovan Lewis.”

“I’m Aspen, Brooks’s new assistant.”

“Yep. And we’re just leaving,” Brooks announces, placing his hand on my lower back to usher me toward the door. “Watch where your eyes go, Sheriff. She’s also my son’s girlfriend.”

Donovan chuckles, making me wonder where his eyes went and how I missed it. “Alright, but if you ever need anything, Aspen, you have my number.”

“Do I?” I murmur.

“He means nine-one-one. He’s an idiot,” Brooks explains.

“Oh my god. He’s kind of young to be a sheriff, isn’t he?” He can’t be much older than Zach.

Brooks sighs. “Blue Haven is a small town. Not many people want to police people they’ve known all their lives. Donovan’s grandfather was the sheriff. He trained Donovan so when he finally retired, Donovan was easily voted in.”

“Ah.” So, small towns are weird. Got it.

Brooks leads me to his truck. It’s a little easier for me to get up this time since I’ve done it once already. Once we’re settled and he’s backing out of his spot, I say, “Well, that was an interesting trip into town.”

Brooks chuckles again and glances briefly in my direction, his dark eyes amused. “Yeah, I’ll bet. A lot different from Atlanta, huh?”

“That’s for sure. Thanks for letting me tag along, though. It’s nice to see the town. I’m still getting used to it.”

“Zach hasn’t shown you around?” he asks, letting one hand hang loosely over the steering wheel as he drives. I’m not sure what it is about that, but I have to look away.

“Um, not really. We’ve been to the store, and we had dinner with his mom at Roadside, but that’s about it.”

He huffs a laugh. “Oh yeah, how’s Lacey doin’?”

Bitter. Rude. But I don’t say those things. “She seems fine. I think she’s glad Zach is home.”

He cocks his eyebrow. “She tell you you shouldn’t be workin’ for me?”

“Not in so many words…”

“Yeah, I’m sure.”

“Do you guys not get along?” It’s obvious they don’t get along, but that seemed like a better question than diving straight into their drama when it’s really none of my business.

“You could say that. She’s still mad about things that happened over twenty years ago. We both made a lot of mistakes when we were younger. If she wants to take out her anger on me, that’s fine. She gave me my son, and I’m grateful for that.”

This family has such a confusing dynamic. I’ve yet to figure out why Zach doesn’t like his dad. Everything I’ve seen so far, which, granted, isn’t much, indicates that Brooks has been a very present father. He’s willing to do almost anything for his son. I don’t think Zach realizes how lucky he is.

“What about your folks? They get along?” Brooks asks, changing the subject.

“Uh. No, not exactly. I don’t know my dad, and I haven’t seen my mom in years, so…”

“Ah, jeez. Sorry. You mentioned your grandma the other day. I’m an idiot. Forgive me.”

“It’s alright. It’s a normal question to ask. I just unfortunately don’t have a normal family.”

He nods, but doesn’t say anything else until we’re pulling into the parking lot of the ranch. “Well, I’m glad Lacey didn’t turn you off of workin’ here. I know it’s only been a few days, but you’re going to be a strong asset to our team.”

“Thank you. I appreciate that.” I’m also glad I took this job. As much as I didn’t want to get the job because of who I am to the boss, I’m glad I didn’t let that get in the way. From what I can tell, no one treats me any differently because of it. “I’ve got to go relieve Jazz. She has a cabin to clean or something.”

He chuckles. “Yeah, watch out for that girl. She’s trouble.” But the smile on his face makes me believe it’s not a real warning.