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I crossed my arms over my chest, hating that I couldn’t immediately trust him. After Jeff’s deceit, I wondered if I’d ever trust my instincts again. “I don’t mean to sound ungrateful, but how do I know you are who you say you are?”
His perfect lips curved into a big smile, and he tilted his head in an acknowledging nod.
I glanced in my rearview mirror, noticing his police car. In all likelihood, he was exactly who he seemed. And he wouldn’t be doing his job if he let someone in need walk away instead of helping them.
He pulled out his badge to prove who he was. “If you’d like, you could listen to me radio in your location. Would that help?”
I nodded. “Thank you so much. I can’t believe how stupid I am for letting this all happen.” I grabbed my purse and messenger bag from the passenger seat. I rolled the window up and took my car key out of the ignition—not that it was doing anything. I opened my door to find Officer Bennett waiting patiently with his hand extended. His eyes were hidden behind his sunglasses, but the corner of his lips twitched in a friendly smile, and I accepted his help.
He squeezed my hand before holding out his other one. “Let me take your bag for you.”
“You’re not going to run off with it now, are you?” I half joked. He was still a stranger, and I was in the middle of nowhere.
A chuckle escaped his lips, almost too quiet for anyone to hear. If there had been any other sounds besides the birds chirping in the distance, I would have missed it.
Officer Bennett walked me to the passenger side of his patrol SUV and opened the door. I climbed in, and he nestled my bag on the floorboard by my feet before carefully closing me in and walking around to the driver’s side.
He slipped inside the vehicle and fumbled with his radio.
“121 to communications.” His deep voice echoed in the small space.
“121, go ahead,” a woman responded on the radio.
“It’s a 10-8 at this location. I’m 10-42.” Officer Bennett finished the call.
“What brings you to King’s Ranch?” he asked once he clicked off his radio. There was something about him that had a calming effect.
“I’m visiting some friends. Blake and Grace Henderson. Do you know them? They told me this town was small, but I don’t know if everyone really knows everyone like the saying goes.”
Officer Bennett smiled. “Yes, I know them.” His eyebrows knitted together. “Do they know you’re coming?”
“It’s a bit of a surprise. They keep asking me to visit them, and I just happened to have some extra time at the end of a previous trip. So I thought, why not?” My forced smile slipped. I was a terrible liar.
“Why don’t we call them and let them know I’m bringing you over?” he suggested.
The corners of my lips dropped. “I can’t. The stupid thing hasn’t worked for hours, or I would have called them to come get me.” I shook my phone at him.
“That’s okay. I’ll call them. Only some carriers provide service all the way out here.” Officer Bennett pulled out his cell and dialed a number. The Bluetooth in the SUV picked up the call, and Blake’s voice rang through the speakers.
“Hey, Duke. What’s up?”
“Hey, Blake. I picked up a woman on the side of the road. She says her name is Abbey and she was on her way to see you.”
“Abbey? Are you sure that was her name?” Blake’s voice lowered a few octaves.
“Blake. It’s me, Abbey,” I answered when Officer Bennett—Duke—gave me a questioning look. Duke was a good name for Officer Sexypants.
“Oh my God. Abbey, what are you doing here? You didn’t tell me you were coming,” Her voice rose in pitch. It was the tone she used when she was worried.
“It’s a long story, but I thought I’d surprise you and Grace.”
“I wish you would have told us. Grace and I are away at a horse show. We’re on our way back, but we won’t be there until tomorrow afternoon.” Regret coated her words.
“Oh, okay.” I couldn’t keep the disappointment out of mine. I really needed her and Grace right now. A rustling came through the phone and I glanced over at Duke, my brow creased in confusion. He shrugged his shoulder. Muffled voices came through, but not well enough to make out.
Without either of my friends home, I should get Duke to drop me off in town and find a cheap hotel to stay in. It would also give me a chance to find someone to get gas to my car, so I could drive it the rest of the way to the ranch.
“Sorry, I had to put you on speaker. You can stay at my house until we get in. Duke can show you where it is. You’ll have to sleep on the couch since the guest room is being turned into a nursery, but Gavin will be there, and Travis should be home soon. Duke, if you’re not too busy, could you introduce Abbey to everyone?” Blake asked.
