Chapter Sixty: — BLADE JOGGED THE few blocks back to the sheriff’s office. He couldn’t believe a short elf of a woman had him off his game. It wasn’t like him. He could usually read the signals. Since his college days, he’d always considered himself easygoing where women were concerned. He’d never chased one, or run from one, for that matter. In fact, they’d usually been the ones to suggest hooking up. He liked to keep it casual and easy. Always tall girls, usually blondes. Then, after college, he seemed into strong women with high-powered careers. No long-term plans, no getting too involved in each other’s lives. No lovers with baggage. No fights when it was over. No cats! He was honest. Straightforward. Dakota didn’t seem to appreciate that. The ground under him when she was near was

