by Lori King
“Damn straight. That woman needs a drink right now. It looks like her only friend in the world is lying on that operating table.”
Colby nodded. “I think you’re right. You’re a good woman, Elizabeth.”
She winked up at him. “In more ways than one, I hope?”
He groaned and rested his forehead on hers. “Woman, you can’t tease a man like that.”
Batting her eyelashes innocently, she shrugged. “I’m not teasing. Just letting you know my door,” she paused taking a deep breath, “and bed are still open to you.”
His eyes darkened, and for a moment she thought he was going to kiss her there in broad daylight. “Do you work tomorrow?”
She shook her head slowly, and his nostrils flared.
“I get off at seven. I’ll be at your place by eight-thirty. I just need to check on Mama before I come over,” he promised, rubbing his thumb across her lips rather than his mouth.
“I’ll leave a light on and make sure the bed is warm.” She slid into her waiting car and left him standing on the sidewalk, watching her drive off. It was going to be tough keeping this thing between them clear of entanglements, but she was definitely enjoying herself.
* * *
To Colby’s surprise, Elizabeth wasn’t alone when he knocked on her door at eight-thirty the next morning. Her father stood behind her smiling as she let Colby into the house.
“Deputy Bricker, you remember Reverend Grimes, right?” Elizabeth asked, with a nervous smile.
“Of course, Reverend. It’s nice to see you again.” Colby responded politely, holding his hand out in greeting. James Grimes took it and gave it a firm shake.
“Call me James, son. It’s good to see you too. I’d love to see more of you, say on Sunday mornings in a church pew?”
Colby flushed, and shrugged, “Sorry, but you’ll have to discuss that with my boss. Bran seems to think keeping the town safe is more important than saving souls.”
The two men laughed, and Colby felt Elizabeth’s tension ease. He was curious why she was on edge, until her father spoke.
“Well, I figured it was time for me to introduce myself to my daughter’s young man since she didn’t seem willing to do it. Rachael and I would like to have you over to the house for dinner when you two have time.” James wasn’t subtle, and Colby immediately shot a look to Elizabeth. He could make a serious misstep if he wasn’t careful.
She looked slightly green in the gills, but she gave him a shaky smile. It was probably better to keep his response vague. “Of course, sir. That would be great. I’ll talk with Bethie and see what we can work out.”
“Wonderful. I’ll leave you two alone now. I have a sermon to write.” James kissed his daughter’s cheek and shook Colby’s hand again before leaving.
When Elizabeth shut the door behind him, she looked visibly shaken. “Sorry about that. I didn’t know he was coming, and there wasn’t a nice way to make him leave.”
Colby took her by the shoulders and drew her in for a hug. “Hey, no worries, baby. It’s all good. I liked your mom and dad when I was a kid; I’m sure they haven’t changed all that much.”
“Did Chinook make it through the night?” she asked nervously, lifting her head up from his chest. He couldn’t resist her sweet pout, so he kissed her before answering.
“I’m not sure. He was still stable last I heard, but that was around four or so. Luke was going to update Bran this morning. I thought you were going to keep the bed warm?”
She reached for his belt buckle. “I couldn’t sleep, so I got up and baked bread and cleaned house. It will warm up fast with two of us in it.”
They left a clothing trail as they went, and Colby let all thoughts of Elizabeth’s family vanish from his mind. His one and only concern was keeping Elizabeth satisfied so she never wanted to leave his arms.
6
A few days later, Elizabeth was still avoiding discussing her father’s invitation to dinner, but she had a feeling Colby wouldn’t wait much longer. When he finally came through the diner doors at nearly nine am, Elizabeth hurried to finish clearing the table so she could go to him. She’d never seen him look so tired.
“Hey deputy, you’re getting off late today,” she said as she slid a glass of water in front of him. There was no need for a menu. After all this time, he knew it backward and forward.
“Morning, Bethie. Can I just get an egg sandwich? Something quick. You get off at nine, right?” he asked.
“Yeah, is everything okay?” Her fingers itched to reach out and brush the frown line on his forehead. She’d much rather see his sexy dimple.
Colby shook his head. “Just been a rough night. I was hoping I could follow you home and spend some time with you today.”
She nodded. “I’d like that. I’ll get your sandwich and see about finishing up.”
Leaving him, she hurried to do as promised, all the while wondering what could have stolen his smile. As a law enforcement officer, he walked into danger every day in some way. She knew there was a lot more to his job than she knew, but she’d never seen him so despondent before. Maybe it had nothing to do with his job? Maybe it was about his mom?
Her heart clenched in her chest and the moment Necee put Colby’s plate in the window, she was there to grab it. Hurrying back to him she slid into the booth opposite him. “Is your mom okay?”
Colby’s eyes widened. “As far as I know, why? What did you hear?”
“Oh, nothing. I just thought…I mean, you said it was a rough night, and you looked so upset. Sorry, my mind went there, and I was concerned.”
His whole body relaxed and he shook his head, “No, in fact, I got a reprieve today because Mama has a doctor’s appointment in Minot. Abby took the day off to take her.”
“So, if it’s not your mom, then what happened? What’s got you looking like Charlie Bucket handing over his ever-lasting gobstopper?” she teased, plucking a fried potato off his plate and popping it into her mouth.
He took a bite of his sandwich and chewed before answering. “They found a body on the sheriff’s property last night just as I went on the clock.”
The potato Elizabeth had just eaten threatened to come back up. “Oh, my God. Another one?”
He nodded, and Elizabeth knew it was the same circumstances as the last one. Just a month or so a body had been discovered in Elliot McEntire’s barn, minus the victim’s head. It was later delivered to the Crawley Creek ranch.
“I’m so sorry, Colby. I can’t imagine how you’re feeling after seeing that.” She reached out and took his hand, oblivious to the other people in the restaurant. She had to console him as a friend.
“Yeah, well, you can understand why I’d like to distance myself from everything work-related. I was hoping you might know a good way to distract me.” His dimple flashed slightly as he winked at her.
Blushing, she nodded. “Oh, I might have an idea or two. Eat your breakfast. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
She stood, and he pulled her closer with their linked hands. For a moment, she was afraid he was going to kiss her then and there. Then she’d have to explain their agreement to everyone she worked with so they didn’t get the wrong idea and start planning a wedding or something stupid. Instead of kissing her, Colby just gave her a quick, one-armed hug.
“Thanks, Bethie. I don’t know what I’d do without you in my life.”
Uncomfortable by his obviously growing emotional attachment, she patted his head and playfully said, “Probably eat a lot of Pop-Tarts.”
His laughter followed her into the kitchen, and she couldn’t get it out of her head as she finished her work. It was a beautiful sound, and she loved knowing she was the reason, especially as upset as he’d been when he’d walked through the door. So what did that say about her own emotional attachments?
Brushing the soul searching aside for another time and place, she rushed back to Colby’s side. He’d finished his food, and he was casually watching the people in the restauran
t, back to the wall, one arm on the back of the booth, and one leg on the seat. He looked big and bad and tempting in his deputy’s uniform, and she got a brilliant idea.
“All finished. Here’s your ticket. I just need to grab my purse and clock out.”
His smile filled her soul with warmth, and the look of pure desire in his eyes made her insides quiver. “Perfect. Now that I’ve met my need for food, I find I have another, more powerful need.”
Giggling, she collected her bag and met him in the parking lot. He rose over her and her small car, and she smiled as he held her door open. “Why thank you, deputy. You know, I was going to make a report, but I haven’t had a chance. Do you think you could check on a disturbance for me?”
Confusion clouded his gaze until he caught on to her playful smile and batting eyelashes. “I’d be happy to, ma’am. Just tell me what the problem is.
“It seems there’s a very upset woman over at the house on Monroe Street. It’s the yellow one out back behind the parsonage. Do you know it? I’m sure you do. Smart man like you who grew up around here. Anyway, I think she might need to spend some time in handcuffs to settle her down.”
His nod was completely serious, but his eyes registered his amusement at her flirty game. “That happens on occasion. I’ll make sure I have my cuffs and check it out.” He tipped his hat as she climbed into her car, and she blew him a kiss and drove off as he hurried to his truck. Excitement rushed through her body, and she broke the speed limit trying to reach the house to give herself some extra time to prep before he got there.
* * *
Colby wasn’t exactly sure what Elizabeth was up to, but he liked this sexy, playful side of her. They’d just started crossing into a few of the kinkier things he liked in bed, but he’d never imagined her for a role-playing kind of girl. His cock thickened in his pants as he imagined finally getting her in a pair of cuffs. Damn, having her at his mercy while he feasted on her body was going to be fucking phenomenal.
He took his time, and as he pulled into the drive, he forced himself to act as professional as possible. His hat on his head, cuffs on his belt, gun in the holster, and deputy swagger were all on point as he rang her doorbell.
He could hear her scuffle, and he bit the inside of his cheek to hold back a grin. After a moment of silence, he knocked and announced, “Sheriff’s Department. We’ve had a complaint. Anyone home?”
Silence again, and he hesitated. Maybe she wasn’t ready for him, or maybe she’d changed her mind about the game. Reaching for the knob, he was relieved when it opened easily. The door swung open to reveal her small living room was completely empty.
“Sheriff’s Department coming in,” he called out as if he were on a real call. He considered his next move and decided to proceed into the house as if he were working—minus his gun. No need to scare her.
Her kitchen was empty, and although he could hear her in the bedroom, he made a show of searching the small house. When he reached the bedroom door, he eyeballed its hinges. It was a hollow core door, so if he kicked it in it would splinter and possibly pull the doorframe down. Not cool or sexy. Using the doorknob, he slammed the door open hard against the wall.
Elizabeth stood in front of him in a purple silk robe that barely cleared her crotch and a pair of the sexiest purple heels he’d ever seen in his life.
“Holy fuck,” he muttered before he remembered their game. “Ma’am, there’s been a complaint about a disturbance.”
“Who complained, deputy? I’ve been home alone all night.” She fluttered her eyelashes and licked her lips as her fingers danced at the edge of her robe.
“I’m afraid that’s classified information, ma’am. I’ll have to pat you down to check for weapons before I search the premises.” She giggled softly as he approached and turned her to face the wall. His cock nearly exploded when he realized she faced the floor length mirror that hung on her wall. He’d be able to see her every reaction as he touched her.
“I don’t see what the fuss is all about, deputy. I’ve done nothing wrong…yet. Are you going to arrest me?”
His eyes met hers in the mirror, and he knew the moment she registered their position. “That all depends on how well you cooperate, ma’am. Hands on the wall, please.”
She placed her hands on either side of the mirror and arched her back, lifting her perfect ass into the air. “Like this?”
“Perfect. Do you have any weapons on you?” he asked, as he started at her shoulders and slid his hands down her arms lightly. Goosebumps rose on her skin, and she shivered.
“Of course not. Do I look dangerous to you?”
Ignoring her question he brought his hands up the inside of her arms and down her sides, making sure his touch grew firmer along the side swells of her breasts. He reached around to cup them, squeezing until she gasped and her firm nipples dug into his hands. She groaned when he released her tits and moved down her stomach and around until her hips filled his hands. Pausing to give them a quick squeeze before moving lower he hissed, “Damn, Venus de Milo aren’t you, ma’am.”
Her full thighs filled his palms, and he enjoyed the little squirm she did when he tickled the backs of her knees before slowly easing up her inner thighs. She pouted when he stopped just short of the V between her legs and moved to her ass cheeks instead, massaging and spreading them through the silk material.
“You lied to me, ma’am,” he growled against her ear. “This is a dangerous weapon back here. It weakens men to the point of incoherency. I’m going to have to place you under arrest.”
“Arrest?” She shook her head, her body playing along even as her eyes glinted with pleasure at his compliment. “Oh, no, Deputy. I’ve done nothing wrong. You can’t arrest me. I won’t go along with this.”
She jerked to a stand and went to scamper away, but his reflexes were fast. With very little trouble, he had both of her arms locked tightly behind her waist, her breasts jutting into the air as she panted with excitement and adrenaline. He instinctively tugged the cuffs from the pouch on his belt and snapped them loosely over her wrists.
“I might be convinced to offer you a plea bargain,” he taunted, nipping the curve of her neck and breaking character. “What can you offer in return, ma’am?”
“Honest, Deputy, I’d do anything to avoid jail.” The lust in her green eyes made his head spin, and he reached down to adjust his cock in his slacks.
“Anything, huh?” One quick tug had her spinning to face him. “On your knees.”
He held her elbow as she sank awkwardly to the floor, still wearing her fuck-me heels. Those were hot as hell, and so was the robe that now hung open about three inches, exposing the perfect runway from her breastbone to her pussy.
“Suck my cock,” he growled, releasing his belt and fly so his erection popped free. “Make it good, and I’ll consider letting you go.”
Elizabeth licked the tip of his cock playfully before she managed to get her mouth around it. Without the use of her hands, it wasn’t as smooth as her normal blowjobs, but she managed to bob her face up and down several times before he cupped the back of her head to assist.
He paused and met her eyes, indulging in the glorious moment that was his woman on her knees, mouth full of his cock. It was a fantasy come to life, and he was damn sure going to jack off to the visual later.
Breaking character once again, he stroked his thumb over her cheek. “If it’s too much, say the word, Bethie.” She winked at him, mouth stuffed full and closed her eyes as she went back to sucking.
With firm hands, he held her head still and fucked her mouth. His hips thrust forward and backward, filling the tight ring of her lips. The faster his movements, the tighter she held him until he pressed her a little too far and she let out a whimper of protest. Releasing her, he stepped back.
“You okay, baby?”
She nodded, and smiled widely. “That’s quite the weapon you’re packing, Deputy.”
Relieved she wasn’t hurt or upset with his rou
ghness, he nodded. “Damn straight, ma’am. Since you weren’t able to alleviate the pressure with your mouth, I think I’m going to have to find another method of punishment.”
Lifting her up, he spun her back to her original position facing the mirror. She swayed on her heels for a moment. He took the opportunity to pull her ass back against his groin, sliding his damp cock against the silky soft fabric barely covering her. He was going to buy her a pair of those shoes in every damn color because they lifted her to the perfect height. He barely even had to bend his knees to put her where he wanted.
“But, Deputy, I did what you asked. I should be a free woman now.” The tone of her voice had dropped an octave, but there was no heat in her protest anymore. She wanted this as much as he did.
“Quiet now, it won’t do you any good to confess your crimes, ma’am. I already know you’re guilty. Just stay quiet and take your punishment.” Using his strength to his advantage, he looped one arm around her waist for support and gripped his cock with his other hand. Lining them up took a moment, but once he had the position right, he straightened his knees and buried himself into her waiting pussy.
“Oh, my God!” she gasped, her arms tugging at the handcuffs as she wriggled awkwardly. Without the use of her hands, she was completely at his mercy. Their position left her vulnerable to anything he wanted.
Thrusting again, he had one arm around her waist and the other just across the top of her breasts. Her robe hung off one shoulder, and it bounced in the reflection of the mirror with each thrust. Her eyes were parted slightly, and her mouth was open in a gasp. She looked like a fallen angel sent to steal his soul.
“Colby, please!” she whimpered, tossing her golden-brown hair as her desire grew.
“Open your eyes, baby. Look at how gorgeous you are.”
Her green eyes flashed with pleasure at his praise and then drifted down to where her legs were spread and his balls were slapping against her. He felt her pussy clench, and he groaned.
