Sassy Ever After: Kiss My Sass (Kindle Worlds Novella) by Serena Pettus Read Free Book Online

danger.
    “Benson, is that you?”
    Ashe turned in time to see one of the deputies strolling over, the other remaining by the car.
    “Hey Calvin. How are things going?”
    “Good, good. Especially now that your friend finally caught that little prick,” he said, jerking his thumb in the direction of the police car, before extending his hand to Luke. “You can really run, man.”
    “Thanks,” Luke said, giving Calvin’s hand a quick shake before he started placing bags into the SUV.
    “We’ve been after that jackal for weeks. He’s a slippery one, but we’re pretty sure he was the only one in the area. No loyalty amongst thieves, you know?”
    Jackal? What an odd thing to call him, she thought. Ashe didn’t miss the look that passed between the three men before a light bulb seemed to go off for Calvin.
    “I’m so sorry, I’m being very rude here. I’m deputy Calvin. You must be the young lady he tried to rob. At least you had Speedy over here to run him down and get your belongings back.” He extended his hand, offering her a card. “If you could swing by the station for a statement, that would be great.”
    “I’m Ashe. I’ll be happy to help any way I can. Would tomorrow be okay? I don’t live in town and I’d really like to just get home right now.”
    “That’s perfectly fine. Just ask for me when you do stop by and we’ll get through as quickly as possible,” he assured her, wiggling his fingers at a very drowsy Lilly.
    “Thanks.” She heard the back hatch of her SUV close and realized they’d already loaded everything up. “I really appreciate your help guys.”
    Luke looked back through the window at the large amount of merchandise inside. “I wish you’d agree to let us help you unload this. You don’t need to hurt yourself, especially with a little one to take care of.”
    Damn it, he was right. Well, how bad could they be if the deputy was so friendly with them? “I really am glad that you two came along when you did, and I guess you’re not raving psychos or pervs if you’re friends with a cop.” And there went her damn mouth again. “Okay, that may have come out wrong.”
    To her dismay, all three men were laughing. Hell, at least they’re not offended.
    Benson was the first to recover. “Sweetheart, my mother would beat my head to mush if I ever disrespected a woman.”
    “Mine too,” Luke agreed. “Besides, I like a woman with a little spunk,” he winked.
    Was he flirting?
    “Well, I have sass and ass in spades,” she retorted.
    “Not a thing wrong with that.”
    If she wasn’t mistaken, the way he was looking over her curves left her thinking he liked what he saw. And her body was certainly reacting to him as well, if only she could figure out what it was about him that affected her this way. Sure, he was hot, but it was like some part of her deep down wanted to be closer to him.
    Benson cleared his throat and Ashe felt her cheeks heat. “How about we get going? I’d hate for your groceries to start thawing.”
    “Absolutely. I’m just outside of town, if you want to follow?”
    “Lead the way. We’ll be right behind you,” Benson promised.
    Ashe carefully strapped a sleeping Lilly into her car seat before lifting it from the cart and setting it back into the base. With any luck she’d continue to nap long enough for Ashe to at least get her food put away.
    Pulling out of the parking lot, she noticed two things. First off, Benson drove a huge truck. Second, they’d left the store with nothing. That begged the question, what were they doing there?
    Reaching into her purse, she palmed the small can of pepper spray tucked inside an inner pocket. She had a feeling everything would be fine, but with her daughter to think about too, she had to be careful with who she trusted.
    Turning onto the long driveway to her house, Ashe slowed down so as not to wake Lilly with all the turns through the trees, thankful that her parents had paved it instead of leaving it as