“I’m not! I prefer dogs, but cat purrs are more satisfying than a dog snoring.”
He chuckles and turns the keyboard my way.
“Wait, what was that supposed to mean? Do I look like a spinster living with a million cats?”
“Go on and enter your information. I’ll give you a moment.” He walks away with a smirk.
“I’m no spinster!” I call out.
“Lizzy.” Uncle Roy walks into the lobby with a smile.
“Oh, hey, Sheriff.” I salute him, which he hates. “Sorry about that.” I grimace and look at the screen.
“Is everything okay? And knock-off the Sheriff talk. I’m going to retire from Sheriff, and you’re still going to be saluting me.”
My uncle is like a second father to me. The way my mom can be tense and nervous about little things, he’s the calming sibling, talking her off the ledge. Their younger brother, my Uncle Mark, is the laid-back, brush-things-off guy.
I giggle and shake my head. “It’s too fun. Everything’s okay. I, uh, needed to pay a ticket. How’s Aunt Natalie?” I switch topics so he doesn’t linger on the ticket.
“She’s great.”
“I’m happy to hear that.”
“What’d you get a ticket for?” Uncle Roy arches a brow, clearly not distracted by my change in topics.
“Did you say cricket? I didn’t catch any.” I smile sweetly.
“Wise-crack.” He shakes his head. “Pay that ticket, or I’ll have to charge you for internet use.”
“Oh, please.” I scoff playfully. “The county pays for it, not you, and it’s unlimited. I could play hours of Solitaire on it and not rack up costs.”
“Get to it.” He tilts his chin toward the computer as Nate comes back out.
“Aye, aye, Captain. I mean, Sheriff.” I salute him.
“Watch it, Scout, you’re in my territory.” He arches a brow and smiles as he goes back toward his office.
“Scout? Do you know him well?” Nate widens his stance, standing in front of me with his arms crossed.
Curiosity swims in his eyes, and I really shouldn’t notice how cute his confused face is. This big and intimidating man seeming doubtful is not good for my heart health.
“You could say that.” I shrug. Everyone in town knows I’m the sheriff’s niece, but it’s kind of nice for someone to be unaware of that connection.
“You seemed like you knew each other well.” His eyebrows climb on his forehead.
“Were you spying on us?” I smile knowingly.
“Of course not.” His jaw ticks.
“Aw, you’re a closet nosy-body. It’s okay. Your secret’s safe with me.” I wink and turn to the screen.
Who am I? Did I just flirt with him? I was clear when I told myself I don’t have time for dating.
Nate clears his throat, shifting on his feet.
“He’s not your father, right?” Nate’s eyebrows furrow.
“Worse. He’s my godfather,” I say in what’s supposed to be an intimidating deep voice, but Nate misses it because he shakes his head.