Making my way out to the staff parking, I hopped on my scooter and first drove past the local politician's residence .
When I saw no cars or any signs of activity, I headed towards the old white's family estate. I couldn't believe that the Sheryl family had lived in the same town as me all these years, and I'd never encountered her before.
There was no way I wouldn't have remembered a young woman with her striking hair and eyes, regardless of her age.
Honestly, I'd never even met Dan until he returned to take on his current role at the hospital. Their father must have sent them off to private schools their whole lives. Probably didn't want them to witness his questionable dealings.
I'm sure he wanted to conceal the fact that he was notoriously unfaithful.
The local politician had a nasty reputation for being unable to control himself, even though he was married to a woman who couldn't possibly be Sheryl white's mother, unless she had her at five.
I'd also heard he had a problem with prescription medications, but for all I knew, that could just be small-town gossip. Rumors spread like wildfire around here.
When I reached the white's estate, I parked my scooter outside the north wall so no one would spot it or hear me pull up.
Scaling the wall, I made my way towards the house. I'd only ever seen it from a distance.
My family was never invited to any of the charity events or galas held there. We didn't meet a certain standard, so we weren't allowed inside the gates.
Seeing it up close, it looked like a veritable palace, making my nickname for Sheryl, "my Duchess," all the more fitting.
What would the local politician do when he found out I was so deeply concerned for his daughter that I wouldn't let go?
I had a strong feeling things weren't going to be easy after tonight.
When I reached the front of the house, I offered a silent thanks that her car was parked outside in the driveway.
As an added bonus, the door was unlocked. Careless, Duchess. Popping the hood, I disconnected the battery cable, ensuring someone would need a tow right to my friend's garage in the morning.
You can try to avoid me all you like, Duchess, but you'll be seeking me out come morning. Quietly closing the hood, I looked around for Mr. Peterson's luxury car. For all I knew, it was parked in the garage or outside ms Riley's house. How could that have slipped my mind? Peterson had been seeing her since she showed up in town .
Going back to my scooter, I headed to the other side of town and exhaled when I saw Peterson's car parked outside ms Riley's house. Thank goodness.
I didn't want to have to confront Peterson's family directly.
Now I didn't feel so bad about wanting to protect Sheryl.
He didn't deserve her if he was involved with someone like Ms. Riley. There had to be something wrong with him, anyway, if he would so easily dismiss Sheryl.
Glancing at my watch, I saw that it was already two in the morning. I headed back to my friend's shop, deciding to just crash in the apartment upstairs for the night. I wanted to make sure I was there when she showed up in the morning.
When I got up into the apartment, I went over to the bed and flopped back on it. Reaching down, I pulled Sheryl's satin hair tie out of my pocket, then freed my stiff uniform shirt.
I brought the hair tie to my nose and breathed in her scent.
Then I wrapped it around my little eager for action monster and slowly started clenching my fist.
I pictured her regaining her strength and relying on me for support.
Her calm presence would surround me, drawing every ounce of care into my willing efforts. The thought of her needing my assistance overwhelmed me. Even after I had given my all, it did nothing to lessen the fervent need in my heart.
Damn. I was never falling asleep.
Dawn's Arrival
I was sitting at the front desk with my boots propped on the counter, sipping some coffee. I'd given up on sleep and decided to just wait down here, hoping she would come in before the shop opened.
I'd caught up on paperwork, completed the bookkeeping, and checked over all the work being done in the garage.
I had nothing else to do besides sit and wait, and it was agonizing. The need to see her was a palpable, living thing.
About an hour later, the phone rang. It was Alex, the local tow truck operator. He was calling to confirm someone was there to sign for a luxury vehicle, and I grinned from ear to ear when I gave him the okay.
After his call, I started pacing the shop, the anticipation unbearable. I still had at least another hour before anyone showed up for work, and I was hoping to have that hour alone with my Duchess.
After what felt like an eternity, I saw a flash of light, and then I heard the sound of a tow truck pulling in.
I couldn't help my excitement as I stood at the entrance, waiting for them to pull up. I felt a little of the pressure in my chest release when I saw a blonde woman in Alex's passenger seat. I hadn't been sure if she'd come or not, but I was happy she did.
I was also happy Alex was a happily married man with three kids, or I wouldn't have liked her riding alone in a truck with him.
I made my way outside, and I saw her open the truck door and jump out. I felt a deep pull at the sight of her.
She was wearing a simple shirt with jeans and practical shoes.
Her blonde hair was in a messy knot on top of her head, and she didn't have a speck of make-up on.
She looked like she had just woken up, and I suddenly had the urge to put her on the back of my bike and take her to my apartment.
My God, she couldn't be more beautiful than she was right now.
All sweet and unaffected.
Slamming the door of the truck behind her, she strode over to where I was standing.
When she got in front of me, she put her hands on her hips, and it was then I noticed that she was clearly annoyed. It made me smile.