Freight Trained by Sarah Curtis Page A

one-night stands by now.  But that was her problem, she wasn't normal.  She was socially stunted.  And the only way to fix that problem was to go out and live a little.  So that's what she needed to do.  She would not only step out of her box but throw the box away.  This move was supposed to be a fresh start at a new life.  And what better way of starting her new life than an adventure with Cole Garrison.  However long or short the adventure may last, she would live the experience to its fullest.
    Mind made up, she thought it best to set her plan in motion quickly.  She knew if she slept on her new resolution, she would probably lose her nerve by morning.  She needed to talk to Cole.
    A knock at her front door startled her out of her musings.  She frowned, it was rather late for a Sunday-night visitor.  She wasn't sure of the exact time, but it was dark so knew it had to be past eight.  The knock came again, this time, louder.  Standing from the couch, she looked down at herself.  She wasn't dressed for company.  After taking a shower, she'd put Cole's T-shirt back on — the silly part of her brain liked the idea of wearing his shirt.  It wasn't overly revealing, covering more skin than the average sundress but the reality was, it was still just a T-shirt. 
    Pushing aside the curtain, she looked out the side window surprised to see a sheriff stood on her front porch.  The overhead light, reflecting off his badge, capturing her attention.  A tingle of apprehension shivered down her spine as she hastily unlocked the dead bolt, and multiple worst case scenarios filtered through her head as she swung the door open.
    "Ma'am."  His voice was a deep rumble, his movements shadowy through the thick mesh of the locked privacy screen door.  He tipped his hat before standing fully erect, hooking his thumbs into his waistband.
    "Is something wrong, Sheriff?"  She stood at a slant, shielding her lower half with the front door.
    "It's deputy, ma'am, Deputy Williams and no, nothing's wrong.  Just doing a drive-by of the area, saw your light on, thought I'd introduce myself.  I'm sure you'll be seeing me around, didn't want to be a stranger."
    Abby breathed out in relief, her heart rate slowing when she realized he wasn't there for some life or death situation.  She needed to start thinking in "small town" mentality.  Of course, people would stop by, introduce themselves, even the local law enforcement.  That was why she'd moved to Jasper Falls, to experience "small town" living and break herself out of her cocoon of shyness.  "Oh... Well, it's nice to meet you, Deputy Williams.  I'm sorry, I would invite you in, but I'm really not dressed for company."
    "I understand, ma'am.  It's late, and this was an unexpected visit."  He slipped a business sized card in the crack of the screen door and jamb.  "Here's the number to the station.  Be sure to call if you need anything."
    "Thank you, I'll be sure to do that."
    "You have a good night, ma'am."  He tipped his hat once more before turning and walking down the porch steps.
    "Good night, Deputy."  She pulled the little white card out of the screen, and tossed it on the side table by the front door without looking at it. 
    Did she think it strange that as she left the house ten minutes later — decked out in a pair of comfy blue jeans and baggy sweatshirt, ready for her talk with Cole — she saw the deputy's car still sitting in front of her house? Yes, yes she did.  Was it stranger that as soon as she descended her porch steps the cruiser made a U-turn and took off down the road out of sight?  Yes, again.  She supposed there could have been a logical explanation.  He was on a phone call.  He was catching up on some paperwork.  But still, she made a mental note to check the locks on all windows and doors before going to bed that night to be on the safe side. 
    It only took a minute to drive to Cole's house.  Not nearly enough time for her to get her