“Do you think this asshole has found her?” Jake asks.
“I don’t know. I think it’s entirely possible,” I reply, looking over my shoulder at Lia. She’s still talking to all of the girls, but she seems distracted.
“I wanted to let you both know so you can keep your eyes open. If you notice anyone new in town, I want to know right away,” I say, hands firmly on my hips.
“We’re not back on until Monday, but we’ll spread word to the other deputies. If someone new is in town, we’ll find out,” Maddox says.
“Thanks, guys,” I say.
“Where is she staying tonight?” Jake asks.
“With me. I’m not letting her out of my sight,” I respond.
“Good,” Jake says with a hard slap on my shoulder.
“Let’s get back to our ladies before they start looking for us,” Maddox says with a serious look.
I slide up behind Lia, wrapping my arm firmly around her stomach. She tenses slightly - enough that I almost miss it. I lean down and whisper in her ear, “You are the most beautiful woman here tonight.”
Lia turns and smiles, her cheeks blushing the most adorable shade of pink.
“Come on, everyone. Dinner is ready to be served,” Erin says as she leads us towards a couple of reserved tables in front. I hold out a chair for Lia, placing her next to Josselyn. My parents and Will complete our table, while the others take the next table along with one of Erin’s assistants and her husband.
Joss fills us in on Grant’s latest trick to get out of going to bed, causing the entire table to laugh. The mood is light and everyone appears to be having a good time, but when I look at Lia, she seems lost in her own mind.
“Everything okay?” I whisper, leaning in until my mouth is just a breath away from her ear.
“Fine,” she replies quickly with a small, forced smile. Too quickly.
I reach for her hand under the table and hold her close. Dinner is served a few minutes later. The smoked pork chops, steamed vegetables, and roasted potatoes smell good. I’m flippin’ starving so I can’t wait to dive in.
As dinner progresses, I notice that Lia is pushing more food around her plate than she’s eating. In fact, if I were to piece together all of the small pieces of food on her plate, I’d probably find out that she hasn’t eaten anything. My girl is official freaking me the hell out. I’m worried, and I don’t like it. Not one bit.
After the dinner dishes are cleared from the tables, Erin and Mayor Thorsten make their way to the podium at the front of the room.
“Good evening, fine citizens of Rivers Edge,” Mayor Thorsten begins, earning a large round of applause from the crowd. “Tonight, we are all gathered to raise funds for much-needed improvements to the children’s section of the library. Mrs. Erin Stevens is here and is going to talk a little bit about the expansion. When she’s finished, please remember to dig deep into those pockets of yours and visit the silent auction tables in back. Every little bit helps,” he says with a smile.
Erin steps up as the applause dies down. “Thank you, Mayor, and good evening. When I moved back to Rivers Edge almost two years ago, it was with the sole intention of taking over as librarian here in town. What I found when I returned was so much more,” Erin says and gives Jake a knowing smile. “The library has made several improvements since I took over. We installed many new programs for toddlers, grade schoolers, and teens. We updated all of the computers and started adult computer classes. We have made the slow transition to a digital Dewey Decimal System. And we’ve added evening hours during the school year. Now, our focus is on the children’s section. The chairs are worn and in desperate need of replacing. We want to construct walls and all new easily accessible shelves, giving children their own room to learn and grow. We want the room to be bright and fun and a great place for children to learn. But, in order to do all of that, we have to raise the money. So, from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you for coming this evening and supporting the Rivers Edge Public Library.”
A huge round of applause erupts in the room. “And now, let’s dance,” Erin says with a smile.
Music from the small band begins as couples around the room rise and head towards the dance floor. “Dance with me, beautiful,” I say to Lia before I place I kiss on her bare shoulder.
She doesn’t answer, but turns and stands before me. She’s fucking magnificent in that gown. I take her hand and slowly make my way towards to dance floor. Jake and Erin are already on the floor, spinning and swaying to the music.
“I meant what I said earlier,” I whisper softly into Lia’s ear. I inhale quickly, sucking in all of her sweet scent.