Rockstar Baby (Crescent Cove 6)

“Right.” He took my hand and we circumnavigated the stone wall to the road. We both slowed at the flashing lights. “Well, shit.”

I laughed, because honestly, this was our luck.

The sheriff car was pulled up behind Rory’s car.

“Seriously?” Rory’s voice was exasperated. He picked up his pace and dragged me behind him.

The town sheriff climbed out of the car. His usual laid-back uniform shirt and jeans were made a little more formal with a hat against the elements. With it on, the already imposing Jared Brooks seemed just a touch more intense.

Especially when his face tightened. “Problem, folks?”

“No, Sheriff.”

“Did we do anything wrong?” Rory interrupted.

I resisted the urge to hide my head in my hands. “What he means is, we’re sorry, Sheriff Brooks. We were…” Having a make-up session that started with an argument. Like our entire lives.

His gaze dropped to my middle. It wasn’t exactly a secret in town that I was pregnant, but I hadn’t taken out a billboard either. “I don’t have to add another incident of public indecency to your tally, do I?”

Rory stiffened at my side. Evidently, Sheriff Brooks remembered our lovely meeting in the spring. It was kind of surprising since half of Jared’s job consisted of breaking up clinches at the various make-out points around town. The other half was picking up drunk and disorderlies at The Spinning Wheel and traffic stops.

We weren’t exactly a hotbed of crime in Crescent Cove.

Then again, Jared Brooks was best friends with Gina, my coworker. But my shifts at the diner had become less and less as I got the truck ready. I wasn’t sure he’d really seen me in all my popping glory yet.

“Can I get her into the car at least?” Rory asked. “Then you can write your citation.”

The sheriff’s brows rose. “Getting your sweetheart pregnant isn’t a crime in this town. At least not yet.”

Rory wiped his hand down his face. “Right. Apologies. I just wasn’t expecting—”

A loud chime and buzz went off. Immediately, Rory’s hand went to his pocket, but he didn’t go for the phone. When it sounded another series of chimes, he winced. “Sorry.” He reached for it and Jared’s hand slid to his side arm. Rory raised his hands. “Just my phone.”

Sheriff Brooks gave him a bland stare.

The chimes went off again.

“It’s Ian,” he said to me out of the side of his mouth.

“Oh.” At his worried glance, I turned to Jared. Ian and Zoe were due soon. “Oh, that might be something important. Can he check it? Please?”

Jared sighed. “Yeah. Keep your movements slow.”

Rory shook his head. “Not sure you know, but where I come from, we don’t have guns. Not even the coppers.”

“Yes, well, you’re not in England.”

“Ireland,” Rory spat.

I hid a laugh.

The phone sounded another series of tones as Rory pulled it out. “Shit. Shit. Holy shit, it’s time. Oh, God. I promised him I wouldn’t let him be alone for this.”

“Of course, go. Jared can take me back to town.”

“No.”

“No?” The sheriff frowned. “I’m not going to put her in the back of the truck. This time, you have your clothes on. You technically didn’t do anything other than show bad judgment in the rain, Mr. Ferguson.”