Tri-Tip (Grade-A Beefcakes 3)

“Leave Parker Drew alone, Mark,” Liam continued. “Her personal life is just that, personal. She’s more qualified for the role of sheriff than either of us. If Raines was lucky, she’d put her name in.”

My cell vibrated and I glanced at the screen. Pam, the dispatcher, knew to send me a text if something was important, but not a true emergency. For that, my radio on my hip would beep.

* * *

Pam: Poe was picked up. You should come to the station.

* * *

I read the short message twice. My heart skipped a beat. What had Poe done?

I stood then, my focus on the meeting completely shot and I had no time for Beirstad. “Thanks, Liam. It’s nice to hear you say that. Your dad was a good role model to follow.” I looked to the council at the front of the room. “Mr. Mayor, if I’m no longer needed, I’ll let you finish your meeting and get back to work.”

The mayor nodded and I peeked at Mrs. Duke. She looked a mix of furious and thoughtful. I had no doubt she wanted to say something to Mark, but was too much the lady to do so.

“You don’t have anything to say for yourself? For your actions?” Mark asked me, shaking his head slightly as if scolding a toddler.

“All this meeting has done, Mark, is share your actions,” I replied. I refused to stoop to his level, to get in a dialogue with him. That was what he wanted, but I had nothing to say. I had no reason to speak at all. “They speak louder than anything I could say.”

I nodded to the council and turned. There, leaning against the back wall just inside the door were Kemp and Gus. Sittin

g between them was Honey. Her tongue was hanging out and she looked like she was smiling at me.

God, Gus and Kemp looked good. Big, brawny, even sexy. Cowboys through and through. I ached for them, wanted to walk up to them, have them pull me into their arms and never let go. I was used to dealing with little shits like Mark. But I didn’t have to do it alone. I didn’t want to. But there was something missing. Someone.

Poe.

And he was in my jail.

14

PARKER

* * *

I stopped once we were on the sidewalk in front of the library. The sun had just set and the air was cooler, and I felt a hint of fall. Momma had joined us and was leaning down and petting Honey behind her ear. The dog had her eyes closed as if she were in heaven.

“I finally meet the new dog. And the new men,” Momma said. “Well, Gus. You’re not all that new, are you?”

Gus laughed. “Old and new. Good to see you again, Ms. Drew,” he replied, taking her hand and leaning down to buss her cheek.

“This is Kemp,” I said, settling a hand on his forearm. His skin was warm beneath my palm and the muscles there were corded, reminding me of how powerful and intense he was.

“Ma’am,” he replied in his panty-melting deep voice, offering her a smile and a nod. Well, it melted my panties at least.

“You’re missing one,” Momma stated.

“Yes, we’re going to go meet up with Poe now,” I offered. I wasn’t going to tell her he was in jail. While I was missing him, I wasn’t sure if it would be a permanent thing or not.

“Why don’t you join us for Sunday dinner?” Gus asked. “It’s a Duke family thing and my turn to host.”

Momma smiled. “That would be great.” She looked between the three of us. “I’ll get the address from Parker.”

“Let me walk you to your car,” Kemp offered.

She held up her hand. “No need. It’s right there.” She pointed down the street and I saw her sedan only four cars away.

I gave her a hug and she walked off. Surprisingly, Honey followed. Mom stopped and looked down, then back at us. Honey looked up at her with adoration.