Shadows at Sunset: Sunset Trilogy ~ Book 1 by Tonya Royston Page A

all week to see you, but it’s been so busy that I haven’t had a chance until today. How’s it going since you came back to work?”
    “The first few days were a little crazy. Everyone was asking a lot of questions about Ryder, but it seems to have finally calmed down. I think people are actually starting to forget about it.”
    “I doubt they’ve forgotten.”
    “Okay, maybe not. But at least it’s starting to be old news. They’re moving on to new town gossip, like what it will be like once Deputy McKay leaves and the new deputy takes over,” I teased.
    He played along. “Yes, that could be scary.”
    “And it’s only what, about two weeks away?”
    “A little less than that. He’s working through Labor Day weekend and then he’ll be gone. I think he said something about taking a month to go fishing up at some lake in Maine.”
    “That doesn’t surprise me. So are you ready to be on your own?”
    “I won’t be completely on my own. Your dad will be here. But it’s not my first law enforcement job, so no one has to worry. The town will still be safe.”
    “That’s good to know,” I said with a soft laugh. As an awkward moment of silence came between us, I reached into my apron for a pen and notepad. I couldn’t forget that I had a job to do. After all, he probably wasn’t here just to talk. “What can I get for you?”
    “I’m not sure. What’s good?”
    “Everything. Most people come for the pizza, but we also have salads, subs, and pasta. What are you in the mood for?”
    “Nothing in particular. What’s your favorite?”
    “The pizza with the hand-tossed crust. I hear it’s as good as pizza from New York, but I wouldn’t know because I’ve never been there.”
    “Then I’ll have to go with that. Two slices of pepperoni and a Coke.”
    I scribbled his order on my notepad as if I could forget it. “Got it. I’ll get your order placed and be right back with your Coke.”
    “Thanks, Laken.” He smiled warmly, that same smile he had flashed the other night on the patio, and my heart glowed.
    I turned and approached the counter that separated the dining area from the kitchen, wondering if he was watching me. After placing his order, I poured a fountain Coke into a red plastic cup. As I slid a straw into my pocket, I looked across the room at Noah. He was the only customer in the restaurant at the moment, just the way I liked it. I started to make my way back to him with his drink, hoping that we’d have a little more time to talk. But before I reached his table, the glass door opened, signaled by the chiming bell that hung from the handle, and Marlena strutted in.
    I stopped dead in my tracks, my smile quickly fading to a frown. She looked like a fashion model in her designer jeans and tall black boots. A tight red sweater outlined her perfect curves, leaving nothing to the imagination. Her platinum blonde hair cascaded down her back in perfect curls, not a hair out of place. Determination was set deep in her blue eyes as she walked directly over to Noah. I had no doubt that he was the only reason she was here.
    “Hi, Noah,” she said, her red painted lips curling into a flirty smile. She sat down beside him without waiting for an invitation. “You’ve been a difficult man to find this week. Where have you been hiding?”
    Noah rolled his eyes, looking annoyed. “Hello, Marlena. I’ve been around. Perhaps you weren’t looking hard enough.” He avoided her gaze, his eyes wandering to me.
    Suppressing a big smile, I started walking toward him again. As I reached the table and set his Coke down in front of him, Marlena responded, “Oh, I wasn’t looking. I figured I’d run into you sooner or later.” A lock of her long hair fell over her shoulder as she leaned in his direction. She casually flipped it behind her.
    “Thank you, Laken,” Noah said, ignoring Marlena.
    “You’re welcome. Marlena, can I get you something?” I asked politely.
    Without as much as a glance my