Page 3

"I'm doing a lot of things I'm not supposed to do right now," he mutters mostly under his breath and starts the car.

Gannon pulls us back onto the road, headed toward town; the vibration of the patrol car does little to soothe my nerves. I take a deep breath and remind myself this is just another one of life's bizarre detours. My eyes drift to the dreary landscape outside, a blur of cows in fields and scattered farmhouses. Who would've thought my venture into small-town life would start like this?

Breaking the silence, Deputy Gannon turns slightly, casting me a curious glance. "So, Emily, what brings you to Silver Spoon Falls? Just passing through or planning to stick around for the long haul?"

I blink, caught off guard by his conversational tone. "Uh, are we supposed to be chatting like this? Kinda feels like a weird time for small talk."

He chuckles, the sound warm and comforting in the otherwise tense atmosphere. "There's no rule against having a conversation, even with the arresting officer. Besides, it's a bit of a drive back."

I consider this, my initial hesitation fading under his easy charm. "I just moved here from Houston to open a mobile dog grooming salon. I was supposed to pick up a few supplies to organize my van today."

His head tilts slightly, eyebrows drawing together in a look that screams confusion. "Mobile dog grooming?"

"Yep, you heard right," I respond, rolling my eyes at having to explain my business plan. "There's a huge demand for mobile pet groomers. People love the convenience of having someone come to their home instead of dragging a reluctant pooch across town."

His brows lift in mild disbelief, a look I've seen one too many times since announcing this plan to my friends. "What made you decide to open your business in Silver Spoon Falls?"

"There isn't another mobile dog grooming business in town," I reply, leaning in to emphasize my point. "And the residents here go from upper middle class to unbelievably wealthy. The exact type of customers who will pay a little more for the convenience of getting their spoiled pooches groomed in their driveways." Great. Now, I sound like a walking advertisement for mobile grooming.

"I guess that makes sense." He sounds skeptical but interested, which motivates me to launch into my full sales pitch.

"You'd be surprised," I explain animatedly. "It's one of the fastest-growing business markets. More people have pets now than ever before, and they treat them like family. Plus, by going mobile, I save busy people time and stress. It's not just a haircut; it's a spa treatment on wheels."

"Sounds… unique," he admits, glancing back at me, the skepticism replaced by intrigue. "Have you ever worked at a mobile grooming salon?"

"I've worked for Paws and Tails Grooming in Houston for the last two years to save enough money to open my own business." It hasn't been easy, but I've finally come up with the down payment on my business.

"How did you like it?" He seems genuinely curious, which motivates me to continue explaining.

"I loved it!" I say, flashing him a grin, forgetting for a moment that I'm currently under arrest. "From poodles who think they're lions to Chihuahuas who need anger management classes, it's never boring, trust me."

He nods, a small smile playing on his lips, and I suddenly wonder if his lips are as soft as they appear. "I have a feeling Silver Spoon Falls might be in for a surprise with you around."

I laugh, shocked by how easy it is to talk to him despite the legal nonsense hanging over my head. "Yeah, well, I figured a small town might need a little shaking up. Plus, someone's gotta show these country pups what a real salon day feels like," I tease.

"I have a spoiled rotten, five-year-old English Bulldog named Edna who thinks I live to cater to her. I'll have to hire you to come by and give her a good bath and nail trim."

"Edna?" I snort. I've heard some crazy names, but this one might just take the cake.

"She came with the name." Deputy Gannon shrugs, explaining, "When my elderly neighbor lost his wife, he bought a puppy and named her after his wife. He didn't last long without the love of his life, and I couldn't let the puppy go to the pound." Melted. My freaking heart turns to mush at the sad yet sweet story. "So, she's been with me ever since."

"I can't wait to meet her. I'll make sure to put Edna on my schedule once I get paroled."

"Don't worry, gorgeous, I'll make sure you're paroled quickly." His words instantly soothe my worries and scare me a little bit. I'm not sure my heart can handle it if he turns out to be a good guy. I’m in so much trouble.

Chapter 3

Ashton

Fuck. I should’ve gone with my first instinct and let Emily go with just a warning before I ran her license. Once the warrants came back, my hands were tied and I had to bring her in. Now, we’ll have to straighten this shit out before I can get her alone.

I guide Emily through the front door of the small sheriff's office, feeling the weight of each step. The place is slightly outdated with the faint smell of old coffee lingering in the air, and I’m regretting we have to spend our first day together here.

Emily's handling this all with surprising grace, especially given the circumstances. I lead her into one of the empty conference rooms, try to give her a reassuring nod, and say, "Hang tight. I'll be right back." She flops down into a seat, looking more like she's waiting.

Stepping out of the room, I run into Sheriff Dillon, who's leaning against his office door with a smirk on his face. He immediately narrows his eyes, sizing me up. "Gannon," he starts, his voice low and measured, "why isn't the suspect you just arrested for a warrant out of Houston in cuffs or being processed?"

I wonder if my boss is ready for the bombshell I'm about to drop. "Guess who's the latest goddamn victim of the Silver Spoon Falls water," I say, pointing at my chest.