Southern Spice (Southern Desires Series Book 1) by Jeannette Winters

left early . . . as usual. Pulling her new cell phone out of her back pocket she called the sheriff’s office and asked for him.
    “Sheriff Bullard here.”
    “Good morning, this is Casey Collins.”
    “Howdy, ma’am. Don’t tell me Derrick is giving you trouble already because I’ll be happy to come and straighten him out for you,” he teased.
    No, I’m the problem here. “No, everything is fine, but I really need to be in town to complete my assignment here. Would there be any place I can set up and stay for the next two days? I believe I’ll be done by then.”
    “Most of the town’s electricity is back on. But as you know several have lost their homes, so they are staying either at the hotel or with families that can take them in. There are three beds available, but the accommodation isn’t usually what people are looking for.”
    Anything is better than here. “I’m sure it will be fine.”
    Jack laughed. “You sure about that? It’s not known for privacy but comes with three square meals a day.” Laughing again even harder. “Yep, the vacancies are in the jail cells.”
    “I’ll take it,” she said quickly. Too quickly. That sounded so desperate. Surely that would make him suspicious. Crap. Casey rolled her eyes. Even on the phone I can’t pull off being a tough ass.
    “Ma’am, what’s going on?” he asked in an official tone.
    She couldn’t tell him what, but a lie would only cause more issues at this point. “It’s become awkward being here. I would prefer being in town. If you can’t accommodate me, then I will call my office so they can find someone who can.” There was no way in hell she would have called as it would’ve meant providing an explanation she couldn’t give.
    “One of my deputies is in your area. I’ll have him stop by in about thirty minutes. If you want a ride, have your things ready, and he’ll pick you up then. You’re welcome to stay here as long as needed.”
    “I’ll be waiting.”
    She quickly gathered her laptop, printer, and the official forms that had arrived yesterday. Some of it hadn’t even been opened, making it convenient. Casey wanted to get out before Derrick returned. It was going to be difficult enough to explain her actions yesterday in a note, never mind what it would be like face to face.
    When everything was packed in boxes and by the door, Casey realized she had placed all the box of pens and forms she usually gave out when meeting with people at the bottom of one of the boxes. She didn’t want to start searching her bags, so she looked around his house for some paper to leave him a note. There was nothing. Not even a pen out of place. Not what I would expect from a bachelor pad. He must have someone cleanup after him. She knew there must be something to write on in his office. Opening the door, she turned on the light and noticed the room was as clutter-free as the rest of the house. Not one item out of place on his desk. Nothing looked lived in at all. More like a tomb. Is this why he’s never here?
    Casey walked over to his desk and opened the top drawer. Bingo.
    Pulling out a piece of paper and pen she also noticed a framed picture. She squeezed her eyes shut trying to convince herself to shut the drawer without looking. It didn’t work. Casey pulled the frame out. If there was any doubt about whose clothes she was wearing before, it vanished. Penny was tall, curvy, and absolutely stunning. The little girl was the spitting image of her mother. They looked so happy. I wish I had the words to ease your pain, Derrick. A loss like this would be more than I could bear.
    The only thing I can do to show I care is to leave.
    Casey put the photo back in the drawer and closed it. The purpose for coming in here was to leave a note, not to snoop into his private life more than she already had. The one warning he had given her was to stay out. But somehow she found herself ignoring his request, and that was unforgivable. Even if he