Page 102 of Guarded Deputy

My phone rings, and I sigh when I see Lizzy’s name on the screen. I hit the side button and ignore the call. I’m in no condition to talk to her. My mood will scare her away, and another person who’s left me will be added to the list.

I scrub a hand down my face. I only saw my dad once after he left us. I was a teen. He was with another woman and didn’t see me, but it was enough to realize he moved on with his life, forgetting all about us.

The last thing I need is that man to re-enter my life. What would Brooke think? I don’t know about her, but I’d hate Walker to meet him, get close. If I can prevent him from living with the disappointment like what we went through, I will.

When my phone rings again, I reach for it and answer the call.

“Hello?” My voice comes out gruffer than I mean for it to.

“Hi.” Lizzy’s voice is soft. “Sorry, is this a bad time?”

“No, what’s going on?” I pull over when I get a chance and put my car in park. I can’t drive and have a conversation right now. My mind’s all over the place.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, Murphy. I’d be better if you were with me.”

She giggles, and I imagine her shaking her head. The sound helps me relax, and I lean my head against the headrest and close my eyes.

“Well, I was calling to see if you’re free tonight.” Her voice holds a hint of teasing that makes me want to rush to her place and kiss her.

“Do you need a brave man to remove another lizard?” I joke.

“Thankfully, no. I should’ve rented an apartment in the top floor to make it harder for those devils to enter my apartment.”

I laugh at her comment, stretching my neck to ease the tension there.

“What were you thinking for tonight?” I ask.

“My friends invited us out. They’re going for drinks at Sips and Beats.”

“Does that mean I get to dance with you?” It’s exactly what I was thinking about earlier. Getting her in my arms is the perfect remedy to the shit my father makes me feel.

“Maaaybe.”

“I’ll take that maybe as a, ‘Yes, Mr. Hot Deputy.’” I smile.

This woman is exactly what I need. She’s my solace on dark days. My joy when I feel like life is spinning out of control.

“Don’t forget packing.”

I laugh at her comment. “I’ll pick you up. Is nine okay?” It’ll give me time to talk to Brooke about daddy dearest.

“That’s perfect. Are you better? I could tell you weren’t okay when you answered the phone.”

“I’m good, Murphy. Talking to you makes everything better.” It’s the truth.

“You’re making me swoon, Mr. Hot Deputy.”

“Good.” I put my phone on the loudspeaker and start driving home. “Remember that when I ask for a dance tonight.”

“You know I’ll save all my dance moves for you. Just be warned, they can be a bit awkward and jerky, especially if Luke Bryan comes on.”

“Luke Bryan?”

“Yeah, his music just gets me excited. If only my dance skills were up to par.” She sighs.

Chuckling, I vow to ask the bar to play Luke Bryan so I can witness this.