Sheriff Daddy’s Dreamy Little by Jess Winters

CHAPTER FOUR

 

 

 

 

 

JOSH

When I woke up the next day, Eva was gone. I searched the whole house, which was quite a feat since it was two floors and a backyard that led out to the forest. My house was no mansion, but it was of decent size.

When she was nowhere to be found, I decided to drive back to her house to check in on her. Perhaps she’d gone to grab a few more things she needed.

But when I pulled my car up to the driveway, I found it empty.

Concerned for her safety, I knew only one other spot to look before contacting the other deputies for backup. I returned to the original scene of the crime. In other words, I returned to the restaurant she used to work at.

Sure enough, when I pulled up, I saw Eva on the back porch, pouring a margarita pitcher for a group of college sorority girls. She smiled when she saw me before quickly flitting her attention back to the table.

I decided I’d meet her inside, I didn’t want to accidentally make a scene in front of the other guests.

“Hey, you,” she said when she saw me.

So that answered my first question, which was, what are we?

“Hi, baby girl,” I said, planting a kiss on her cheek.

Eva beamed. I felt my heart fill with joy. Ever since I heard her calling me Daddy the other night, I hadn’t been able to get her off my mind.

“What are you doing back here?” I asked.

Eva had managed to steal a moment away from her tables, who seemed like they were all happily eating and talking.

“I wanted to make you happy, Daddy. I thought you might be proud of me if I went back to work.”

“Eva, I’m already proud at you. You’re a hard worker and a sweet person who’s clearly dealing with a lot. But I don’t think this job is right for you.”

She sighed, cleaning out a particularly water-stained wine glass.

“I don’t know, maybe you’re right,” she said glumly.

“Does it feel good to be back? What did your manager say?”

“He told me I could only come back if I promised not to make a huge and dramatic mess out of things. Whatever that means.”

“Doesn’t your manager know it was your crappy ex-boyfriend who made a mess out of things?”

She shrugged, continuing to clean the glass.

Suddenly, someone exited the back room in a clean, pressed shirt and a perfect blue tie. It was clearly her manager, and he looked like a prick. How had I not seen him before?

“Hi,” he said, nodding at me. “Eva, your guests outside need you.”

“I just refilled their drinks, I can’t serve them again until they finish their entrees,” she explained.

“We were in the middle of talking,” I said, trying to cut in.

Suddenly, her manager seemed to recall who I was. Perhaps we’d crossed paths and I hadn’t remembered his face. Either that or he was just another citizen who’d seen me around town in my squad car.

I decided I didn’t like the guy, but I didn’t want to make a scene for Eva.

“Officer Josh Stahl,” he said, clearing his throat. “Is Eva in some sort of trouble?”

Eva snickered and her manager grew cross.

“What did I just say about your guests? Are you really going to defy me again, and in a man of duty no less?”

“I’m not defying you—” she protested.

“You’re lucky I gave you a second chance. Especially considering the fact that you don’t deserve this job.”

“Hey,” I said, cutting in. “Eva, I think you should come with me. You don’t have to put up with this shit anymore. I meant what I said last night. I like you Eva, a lot.”

She looked at me, on the brink of tears once more. I wouldn’t let her cry in front of her terrible manager.

“Please come with me, Eva. We can make a life together, just you and me. You don’t need scumbags like him telling you what to do.”

I held my hand out to her. Without hesitating a beat, she placed her small hand in mine and let me lead her out of the bar.

“I better not see you back here again!” called out her manager.

“Good, we’re not coming back ever,” I said. Then to Eva, I told her I was sorry for speaking for her.

“No way Daddy, you came in to save me. You’re like my knight in shining armor. I can’t believe how lucky I am to have met you.”

“Well, I can’t believe how lucky I am that I get to be with you. You do want to be together, don’t you?” I asked.

It wasn’t that I had any doubt in my mind, but I wanted to confirm Eva was with me. In all honesty, I wanted to hear her say it.

She stopped walking and gazed up at me. Then she nodded.

“Of course. I want to be with you so badly…it’s all I can think about.”

I leaned in and kissed her. Screw everyone in the restaurant, they could watch us for all I cared. They wouldn’t dare be cruel to Eva ever again, not on my watch.

“Let’s go home, then. I’m so glad you’re out of that place.”

She nodded. “Me too, thank you again for getting me out of there. And for last night.”

I’d almost forgotten about Steve. What a creep, showing up at her house like that.

“Steve is a prick,” I muttered, holding the car door open for her.

She giggled as she got in. “Steve is an asshole!” she exclaimed.

“Baby girl, watch your mouth or else you’re going to get punished.”

“What if I want to be punished, Daddy?”

She giggled when I blushed. My incredulous look quickly turned into laughter.

“Well, then you’re going to get what’s coming to you,” I teased.

“Yes, please,” she replied, coy as ever.