Page 24 of Draven

I nodded in return, trying to muster a grateful smile despite my disappointment.

Resigned, I turned to leave the office. What a complete waste of my time but I supposed it had to be done.

I stepped out of the sheriff's office and I caught sight of Draven waiting for me, and a smile instantly tugged at my lips.

It was like a ray of sunshine on an otherwise cloudy day. Draven wore a concerned expression as he approached me, probably noticing my disappointed face.

That was one of my faults—I always wore my emotions on my sleeve.

"How did it go?" he asked.

I recounted my conversation with the sheriff, expressing my doubts about any real progress. Anger flashed in Draven's eyes.

"Because Justin Moore's the mayor's son?" Draven asked.

I blinked in surprise.

"Tim mentioned it," he explained.

"Oh, right. Thank you for contacting Tim to bring in my car," I replied, feeling a wave of relief wash over me.

"Not a problem,” Draven said. I was relieved to see the intensity in his gaze fading a little. "Let's grab lunch. How about that sandwich shop nearby?"

"Sounds good to me! They make some killer sandwiches there,” I replied.

"Perfect. Let's head over,” I said.

The thought of riding on Draven's motorcycle again filled me with excitement as we headed to the store.

As expected, it was crowded when we arrived, bustling with people eager for their midday meal.

Draven assured me he'd find us a table while I volunteered to brave the queue and place our order.

Then I remembered I hadn’t asked him what he wanted.

"Hey, Draven, what kind of sandwich do you like?" I asked.

"Hmm, I'm not picky. Surprise me,” he answered.

"Got it. I'll order something tasty for us,” I told him.

As I waited in line, I stole a glance over my shoulder to check on Draven.

To my surprise, he had already secured a table, but what caught my attention more was the space people were deliberately leaving around him.

Draven scowled, clearly discomforted, and yet there was also something adorable about his demeanour. Eventually, I got our food.

"Hope you're hungry,” I said, sliding into the seat opposite his and setting the tray on the table.

"Thanks, Tobias,” he said, grabbing the BLT sandwich on the tray.

"Looks like people are giving you some extra room,” I joked, hoping to lighten the mood.

Draven sighed. "Yeah, seems like it."

"Don't worry about it. Let's enjoy our lunch,” I told him.

Draven turned his gaze fully to me, and my heart skipped a beat at the intensity of his gaze. It felt like we were the only ones there.