SHIFT EXCHANGE

Chapter 22

The rest of the shift was complete torture.

Kara refused to elaborate on what her plans were, no matter how much Jake prodded or teased. He didn't want to assume anything, that could be dangerous, but his imagination ran rampant with hope.

As the sun rose in the east, they returned to the sheriff's office so that he could complete his report. He tried desperately to focus on the screen before him, but it was a battle. His mind kept diverting to her laugh, coming from the other room as Deputy Moller entertained her with wild stories of his younger days.

It seemed like a millennia before he completed his report and prepared to go home. The briefing room was full of deputies. His finishing up loose ends to go home, day shift preparing for their day.

Kara was surrounded by a group of men all smiling and laughing as she related the events of the night. Her face was shining, her smile was bright as she waved her hands and gestured animatedly. He could see why they were all enthralled.

He strolled into the throng of people. "I'm going to go talk to my relief and then I'll walk you to your car."

She looked up and fixed her sparkling eyes on him. "Of course. I wanted to talk to you about something before I headed home. I'll wait right here."

His heart sunk a little. Maybe she'd decided she just wanted to go home alone. Women had a right to change plans. He straightened up; there was no way he was going to pout like a child.

Ten minutes later he returned. The shift office was empty. Kara sat in the same place playing with her phone.

"Ready?" She put her phone in her pocket and smiled at him.

"Of course." They walked through the building and out in to the parking lot.

He stood awkwardly by her car waiting for her to talk.

"So are you going to follow me home?" Her car beeped as she pushed the fob and disengaged the lock.

He had to keep the smile from engulfing his face. "I thought you had something to talk to me about? I thought you'd changed your mind?"

"Nope, but I could hardly say that I'd just be sitting around waiting for you to be done in front of the rest of the sheriff's office now could I?" She rolled her eyes and lightly punched him in the arm.

The smile broke free of his willpower and spread from one ear to the other. "Ya. I guess that makes sense." He rubbed the nape of his neck underneath his cap. "I was pretty heartbroken there for a moment."

"Silly Sergeant Mahon," She teased. "I will meet you at my house." She sent him another tantalizing, side glance before sliding behind the wheel and starting the engine. He stood staring after her as she backed away and threw him a small wave.

Jake blew out all the breath in his lungs. Dear lord that girl knew how to drive him crazy. He took another breath before turning and strolling to vehicle. As much are he wanted to be speed off right in her tire tracks he needed to take a minute.

He felt like he had as a seventeen year old ball of hormones, driving out to the woods with his first serious girlfriend, hoping she was going to let him make it past third base.

If he didn't settle down he was going to embarrass himself just like he had that night. Only Kara was a woman, and probably a bit more experienced in the proper duration of events than Loralee had been.

Jake climbed into the SUV and pulled out of the parking lot. Even if all she wanted to do was make out, he'd be more than willing to kiss and touch anywhere she allowed. That woman inspired fantasies in his head that only an 18 year old could purchase if they were on video.