Page 54 of Whisk Me Away

I couldn’t help but melt into his embrace. "That's a great idea!" I said a little too excitedly.

Everyone agreed to play, but Mia sent me a weary look. I flashed her my puppy dog eyes, which earned me an eye roll, but she reluctantly agreed to play.

As we gathered around the pool table, Mia and Brock still threw jabs at each other. It was like watching two boxers circling each other in the ring, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

Meanwhile, Aspen seemed to be doing her best to avoid any contact with Brooks. He didn't seem to notice, but it had my mind spinning with curiosity. One day soon, I would get to the bottom of this situation.

As we laughed and joked, celebrating each shot and teasing each other mercilessly, I couldn't help but feel grateful for moments like these. Brant had stuck close to me all night like he couldn’t stand the thought of being away from me. The feeling was definitely mutual. No matter how much time we spent together, I just couldn't seem to get enough. That thought was both terrifying and thrilling.

CHAPTER 36

BRANT

Tourist season had officially begun, and Ashwood Falls was getting crowded. The influx of people was good for our economy, but I couldn't say I loved a large amount of people we didn't know meandering around town. While it caused an uptick in sales for our local shops, it also caused an increase in petty crimes. Nothing super crazy had ever happened in our little town, but tourist season always seemed to bring with it antsy teenagers looking for something fun to do.

My officers and I had been busier in June, July, and August. Every other year, I had looked forward to the increase in calls to the station. I had enjoyed losing myself in work, content to come home at the end of the night just to sleep and head right back to it in the morning.

This year, things had hit a little differently. I hadn't wanted to be so busy I didn't have time to swing by Whisk Me Away. I hadn't wanted to stay at the station until well after the sun went down. I wanted to spend every free minute I had with Karis. I was officially done fighting the constant pull I felt whenever she was around. I could tell that Karis was still hesitant, but I didn't mind. I was a patient man and was willing to wait for her as long as I needed to.

I continued my stroll down Main Street, heading for my new favorite place to be. A smile had tugged at my lips when I had spotted the bright pink awning. I had seen Karis every day for the last few months, yet I had still felt this zing of excitement when I knew she was close.

I had pushed through the front door, taking in the crowded space. It had seemed like the tourist season had been good for this place, and I was glad. Karis deserved all the success in the world. Aspen greeted me with a kind smile from behind the counter.

"What could I get for you this morning, Sheriff?”

"I was actually hoping to pop back and see Karis," I replied, stepping up to the counter.

A look of surprise flashed across Aspen's face.

"You don't know?" Aspen asked cautiously.

Her tone immediately put me on guard.

"Don't know what?" I practically growled. I wasn’t trying to be rude, but Aspen’s words and the look on her face had me worried.

"It's nothing, really. I don't mean to worry you. It's just that Karis called out sick this morning. I figured she would have texted you, is all,” Aspen said, looking nervous, almost as if she wasn’t sure she was supposed to announce that her boss hadn't come in that day.

"I didn't know,” my voice was gravelly. "Thanks, Aspen."

I was already stalking toward the door when I heard Aspen call from over my shoulder. "Of course!"

Regretting my decision to walk, I hurried from the bakery to the station and hopped in my vehicle. Once I was on the road, I pulled out my phone, scrolled until I found Karis’ number, and placed it on speakerphone. I waited, hoping she'd pick up, but it eventually went to voicemail. I hit the end button before I slid my phone back into my pocket and drove faster to the Thompson house.

As their farmhouse came into view, the knot in my stomach tightened. The fact that tourist season started and Whisk Me Away was packed made me think Karis must be really sick. There was no way she’d call out, leaving Aspen to handle the crowds otherwise.

I parked my truck in front of the house, climbed out, and hurried up the front porch steps. When I reached the front door, I raised my knuckles and knocked repeatedly. I took a step back and waited. I wasn’t sure if Eden or Pastor Walter were here but it didn’t matter. I needed to make sure Karis was okay. After a few minutes with no answer, I was about to knock again when the door cracked open.

Karis' beautiful green eyes met mine, and their glossy look broke my heart. It took her a minute to realize who was standing before her. She slowly opened the door wider, leaning on it for support.

"What are you doing here, Brant?" Her voice was low and raspy. She sounded like she'd spent last night singing her heart out at a concert.

"Peach," I looked her over before pulling her into my arms and moving us inside the house so I could close the door. "Let's get you back to bed,” I kept one arm around her shoulders while the other dropped behind her knees as I scooped her into my arms.

"Which way?" I asked softly as she snuggled into my chest. Her body felt abnormally warm, making me wonder if she was running a fever.

Karis stretched her arm out slowly to point to the stairs. I climbed the stairs, holding her tight to keep her from jostling with each step. I followed her silent directions until I found her bedroom. I chuckled to myself as I set her on the bed. It looked like she'd been wrestling with the sheets, each blanket twisted and strewn in different directions. I took a minute to straighten everything out before tucking her in. I notice a stash of medication and a thermometer on her bedside table. I used the thermometer to take her temperature, which confirmed my earlier suspicion.

"Peach, when was the last time you had medication?" I whispered.