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“You were about to.”

Jeremiah brow furrowed. “What am I missing?”

“Nothing.” The word came out of Grady’s mouth a little too fast, and he instantly regretted it.

Willow’s grin widened, and he took a moment to consider how much trouble he’d get into for arresting Jeremiah’s best friend without cause. Probably a lot.

Thankfully, someone Willow knew called to her from farther down the sidewalk. She turned to answer, giving him a chance to look back at Amanda.

This time, she was watching him.

The instant their gazes met, something changed in her expression. The professional concentration she’d worn seconds earlier gave way to a small smile. It wasn’t broad enough to draw anyone’s attention, but he recognized it immediately.

That smile was for him.

He couldn’t help returning it, even as he reminded himself not to stare too long. Anyone watching would see nothing more than two people acknowledging each other from across the street.

But Grady knew better, and for now, that would have to be enough.

At least two of the paparazzi were nearby, their cameras ready. One innocent interaction between the town sheriff and the celebrity they’d been following probably wouldn’t mean anything. A look that lasted too long or a touch that seemed too familiar might.

She seemed to have the same thought. Her gaze flicked toward the spectators before returning to him. She gave the slightest lift of her fingers at her side, subtle enough that no one would notice unless they were looking for it.

He returned the gesture, earning him a brighter smile for just a few seconds. Then someone from the crew called to her, and she turned away, joining the others heading into the Rock Heritage Hat & Boot Co. and disappearing through the door.

Nine damn days. He was beginning to hate the number.

“Sheriff?”

He turned to find a production assistant beside him, a clipboard in hand. “Sorry to bother you, but one of the vehicles that’s supposed to be moved after unloading is still parked in the temporary zone. Is that going to be a problem?”

Duty. Right.

He dealt with the vehicle, then answered a question from one of his deputies about when the temporary traffic restriction could be lifted. By the time everything was handled, Willow, Dale, and Jeremiah had wandered farther down the sidewalk for a better view.

He checked the time and swore under his breath. He’d already been there longer than he’d planned. Paperwork waited at the office, along with several other things he needed to deal with before lunch.

Tossing his half-full coffee cup into a nearby trash can, he headed toward his SUV.

“Leaving already?”

He recognized the voice before he turned around. “I do have a job.”

“Yes, I’ve heard rumors.” Fen’s mouth twitched. “A rugged, manly job. And it’s got its perks, like the kinky handcuffs.” He gestured toward the silver pair hanging from a belt clip at Grady’s waist.

His jaw clenched. “They’re not kinky.”

“Well, they could be. Just add some pink fur.”

Rolling his eyes, he reached for the handle, but Amanda’s assistant stepped into the way before he could open the driver’s door.

He stared at Fen.

Fen stared back.

The silence lasted long enough for suspicion to creep in, which was rarely a good sign with the younger man.

“Something you need?”