Page 67 of Sterling Stone

“Really?” Her brows lift.

“Yep. We have these plastic kid ones we give away. I’ll get you one.”

She tosses a chip at me, and I feign ducking when the chip doesn’t even reach me. I laugh harder.

“You’re mean.”

“Okay, fine. You want to be a sheriff’s deputy.” I shift so I face her better.

“Sure.” She shimmies her shoulders. “Chase the bad guys. Catch the thief.”

I make her hold up her hand like she’s taking an oath. Then I hold out my other hand, like I’m holding a Bible. “Set your hand on mine.”

She sits up straighter, face becoming serious as she lays her small hand in my large palm. With my hand up in the air and hers matching my position, I begin.

“I, state your name . . .”

“I, state your name,” she mimics.

I smirk. “No, really say your name on that part.”

“Oh.” She giggles. “I, Tallulah Alexander . . .”

“Do solemnly swear.”

“Do solemnly swear,” she repeats.

“That I will not . . .”

“That I will not . . .” She tilts her head, looking at me skeptically.

“Chase bad guys.”

“Stone.”

“Attempt to catch thieves.”

“Very funny.”

“Or throw chips at the sheriff.”

She slides her hand against mine, retreating from her swearing in, but I catch her fingers before she fully withdraws from me.

“You’re ridiculous,” she says, still smiling.

“And you’re beautiful.” The compliment slips out before I can stop myself. I’m trying to be patient, giving Taxi the space she needs and the support as well. I don’t want to pressure her in any way, but I cannot help how she takes my breath away.

“You’re pretty, too.” She quietly admits, dropping her gaze to where my fingers still pinch hers.

I use my other hand to cup her chin and tip up her face. “My favorite color is your eyes. Sterling grey.”

Slowly, her mouth curls higher on one side. “Some say they are silver.”

“They’re the prettiest color I’ve ever seen,” I admit. Unique and special.

“My mother was Egyptian. My father Black. People say I have my mother’s eyes.”

I shake my head, sensing she doesn’t like the comparison. “I think you have Taxi eyes.”