AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Nathan Kaldwell tipped his hat at Sheriff Anthony Holsteen as he made his way out of the sheriff’s station. “Afternoon, sheriff,” he greeted.
“Have a safe shift,” Anthony told him before picking up the ringing phone.
Nodding, Nathan let himself out of the station as he thought about how their prior sheriff would never have lowered himself to answering the dispatcher phones. That man had been a pompous ass and had considered it beneath him. Anthony, on the other hand, did every task that he expected his deputies under him to do, including cleaning. Nathan respected the hell out of the man for that.
Nathan turned left and began walking around the building. As he made his way to the back alley, he thought about the changes that had taken place over the last year.
The old sheriff had finally retired—forced out, really, from the rumors Nathan had heard. He’d learned that Anthony was the brother of Dixon, one of their newer park rangers. The rangers used some pull with the mayor to get Anthony the sheriff’s position.
Nathan appreciated the change. The first thing Anthony had done was fire Michelle, their long-time front desk receptionist. She’d been a toxic, bigoted woman who’d been blackmailing the prior sheriff. Although, Nathan had never heard what she had on him.
As Nathan paused in the alley behind the building, he took in the back of the buildings and the cars in the parking lots. He spotted Lizzie holding her one-year-old daughter, opening her car door. With a wave, Nathan greeted them, then began moving along the backs of the buildings.
There wasn’t a whole lot of crime in Stone Ridge, and the vibe of the town was relaxed and friendly. Nathan liked it, and he patrolled on foot to keep it that way. There were plenty of tourists who frequented the town to take advantage of the hiking and camping available in the nearby national forest. Seeing a man in uniform strolling through town often stopped problems before they could even start.
Moving swiftly, Nathan made it down the street and turned left onto Main. He peered left and right, seeing the normal flow of people coming and going from the local grocery store, bank, and other establishments. Some people he recognized and some he didn’t.
Nathan headed toward the back alleys once more. Some of the shops on Main Street had apartments over the top of them. They were mostly used by the busy shopkeepers or younger singles moving out on their own for the first time. He liked to make certain everyone’s place was in good repair. Liking to keep busy, Nathan occasionally offered to help if anyone needed assistance with any upkeep.
“Hey, Maddy.” Nathan greeted the older woman who owned the bookshop. The woman was shuffling forward, holding a garbage bag, so he hurried toward her. “Can I help you with that?”
“Oh, thank you, deputy,” Maddy responded, smiling widely. “You’re so kind.”
Taking the bag from her, Nathan returned her smile. “It’s my pleasure,” he told her before crossing to the dumpster.
After disposing of the bag, Nathan turned back and tipped his hat at her. “You have a great day, Maddy,” he told her.
“My granddaughter is coming into town this weekend,” Maddy told him, her blue eyes dancing with mischief. “She’s about your age, and she’s single.” With a girlish giggle, Maddy told him, “I’d be happy to introduce you.”
Nathan did his best to hide his mental wince. “Uh, it’s awfully kind of you to think of me, Maddy, but—” Pausing, he racked his mind for a suitable response and came up with, “Uh, I’m not in a position to pursue a relationship.” Offering Maddy a rakish grin, Nathan spread his arms and quipped, “Work is my mistress and all that.” As he spoke, he began moving away from her.
“You’re not getting any younger, Deputy Nathan,” Maddy told him. Cocking her head, she surprised him by claiming, “I have a grandson, too. Maybe he’d be more to your liking.”
Barking a laugh, Nathan shook his head. “I’ll find my special someone someday,” he told her with a shrug. He’d never hidden the fact that he was bisexual, but he’d never had anyone try to set him up with a guy before. “When the right person comes along, I’ll know.”
“How will you know if you don’t meet new people?” Maddy pressed, staring at him questioningly.
Nathan bit back a sigh, desperately wanting out of the conversation. “Uh, I’d best be getting on with my patrols, Maddy,” he told her, deciding using work as an excuse was best. When Maddy still looked like she would press, Nathan added, “When your granddaughter arrives, I’m sure we’ll cross paths at some point.”
Then Nathan tipped his hat again and began strolling away from her.
Maddy snickered behind him, calling, “Thanks again, deputy.”
Turning his head a little, Nathan nodded once to acknowledge her, but he kept walking. He heard the thud of a closing door and knew she’d returned to her shop. Nathan sighed deeply as he shook his head.
Geez, why do people always try to set others up?
While Nathan occasionally wondered what kind of person he could finally fall for, he’d never met anyone who made him wish for something permanent.
Maybe someday.
Until then, Nathan was content to head into the city every few months to find someone to scratch his itch with.
Nathan was passing behindSpiron’s Bar and Grillwhen movement in the trees to the right caught his attention. Moving closer, he peered between the thick pine foliage. Nathan lifted his brows when he spotted someone straightening from where he stood partially behind a tree.
“Malcolm?” Nathan called, recognizing the shirtless young man. “Malcolm Louvre?”
Malcolm spun, revealing the surprise etched on his features. “Uh, h-hello, deputy.” He quickly fastened the fly of his jeans as a blush stained his tanned cheeks. “Um.” Bending, Malcolm reached into a duffle at his feet and pulled out a shirt. He was clearly at a loss for words.
