Page 121 of Guarded Deputy

“Only for you.” He winks.

“Well, of course. That’s why I saidmy.” I lift my brows.

His phone pings, and he grabs it from his pocket.

“Sorry, let me make sure it isn’t Brooke.”

I nod and plate our food while he checks his phone. I’m so happy he opened up to me and told me what was happening. I can sympathize with him. I’m not sure what trauma I’d have if my dad had abandoned us. My dad’s choice to stay with us was stripped from him, but Nate’s dad consciously made that decision. My heart hurts for the three of them. I can’t imagine Walker’s reaction.

“You’ve gotta be kidding me.”

“What happened?” I look at Nate.

He turns his phone around, and I read a message from his dad.

Unknown Number: I owe some people money and they’re looking for me. I need to leave the country. This will be the last you hear from me. I’m sorry. It was this or get killed. They don’t know about you, I made sure of that. You’re safe.

“Wow.” All I can think about is that I’m happy these people don’t know his dad had kids. If they came for them as revenge, I’d kill someone.

“Well, that’s over.” He pockets his phone.

“How does that make you feel?” I chew on my lip.

“Like I can heal and move on with the woman I love.”

“I like the sound of that. And if you let me, I’d love to help you overcome this.”

“I’m done shutting you out, Murphy.” He comes around the counter and wraps his arms around my waist.

My grin breaks free. I wrap my arms around his neck and lean up on my toes, pressing my lips to his.

“I like the sound of that, Mr. Hot Deputy.

“Don’t forget ‘Packing.’” He winks, and I giggle, kissing him as if I had all the time in the world.

Chapter 33

Lizzy

Ijumpwhenmydoor swings open and then closes. Looking over my shoulder from the board where I’m writing the day’s agenda, I see Nate stalking toward me with a Frappuccino.

“Uh, hi?” I lift my brows.

“Hey, Murphy. I brought you some coffee.” He winks, and my face splits into a smile.

“Thanks, babe.”

He places it on top of the low bookshelf by the board, wraps his hands around my thighs, and picks me up.

“Whoa.” My legs go around his waist and my hands hold on to his shoulders.

Nate smirks, carrying me to my desk and setting me down. He stands between my legs and cups my face. My hands go to his hair, holding him close. He inches back to glance up at me, and I sigh happily, closing my eyes to breathe him in.

His hands skim up my knees, pushing my dress up a bit. My eyes snap open, and I find his full of desire.

“Someone can come in. We’re at work,” I whisper-hiss.

My eyes move from his hands on my thighs to his face. When he squeezes my legs, my breath catches. I wish we were back at my place.