Grand Lake Colorado Series: A Complete Small Town Contemporary Romance Collection

by Alexis Winter

  “Guess I need a time machine so I can go back in time and steal him away from you before you two ever meet. Then this patio will be mine,” I joke.

  “If you build a time machine, you better use it for way better things than getting a patio. I’m talking huge, like creating the internet or something.”

  We both laugh and sip our wine, talking and giggling until the bottle is empty.

  Four

  Bryce

  I stick around the office until seven, when I finally clock out for the night. I’ve figured out the computers for the most part, and I got my office exactly how I want it. I’ve moved the desk and chairs around so that when you walk into my office, I’m sitting right across from the door. I left the filing cabinet where they were, but now they’re no longer behind my desk, and I put up the degrees, licenses, and awards I’ve won over the years. I even stacked the bookcase with books, trophies, and framed pictures. The whole place seems a lot more welcoming now. Hopefully, this makes everyone feel that much more at home when they come into my office with something on their minds.

  I have a mini-fridge packed up at the new house, and I plan on taking it in with me tomorrow to keep my office stocked with water, soda, and juice. I don’t eat much, but I drink like a fish. With all the physical training I do, staying hydrated is the hardest part. I find it easier to do if I keep an abundance of fluids readily available.

  I make the quick drive up the mountain where my new place is and go in and change into my workout clothes before sticking my earbuds in and going for a jog. I jog up the mountain, preferring to take the easy way out on the way back. I jog somewhere around two miles to warm up and then run another two miles.

  I’m surprised to find a small cabin tucked away in the trees, with a pond at the side of it. I didn’t realize anyone lives this high up on the mountain. There’s a big window in the front of the house, and the lights are on inside. I strain my eyes to see a blonde moving about. There’s a silver car in the drive—the same car I saw at The Place and the station today. Nina. She must live here. I can’t believe she lives up here all alone. Or maybe she doesn’t. We didn’t have time to get into personal stuff today, but she didn’t have on a ring. I know that much. But it doesn’t mean she doesn’t have a boyfriend.

  Before, I was hoping she was single so that I might work up the courage to ask her out, but now, I’m hoping she has a man around the house to help with some of the upkeep. There’s smoke billowing out of the chimney pipe in the roof—thick gray smoke, not steam. That means her place is heated by a wood-burning stove or fireplace of some kind. I can’t picture her out here swinging an ax to chop wood. The grass in front of the small porch is overgrown, and so are the weeds around the pond. I wonder if she takes care of this whole place alone or if maybe she hires out a groundskeeper.

  I pull my eyes away when I see her take a seat at a computer. The blue light on the screen lights up her face, giving me a glimpse of her blue eyes shining brightly, her plump lips turned up into a smile. I feel like a creep for watching, so I pick up the pace and double my speed, putting her place behind me. Even though she’s nowhere within my view anymore, it doesn’t stop me from thinking about her.

  I see myself placing my hands on her hips and picking her up with my mouth on hers. I set her on my desk and tug at the button on her shirt that’s been begging to come undone all day. I picture the body she’s hiding under her nice dress suit. Just thinking about it has my dick twitching. This is getting a tad ridiculous. I haven’t been able to think of anything but her since I met her. I know I can’t go there. Why am I torturing myself?

  I push her from my mind, and instead, I focus on the beat of the music, on putting one foot in front of the other as I run and push myself to go faster and faster. My watch beeps at me, and I see that I’ve run four miles up the mountain. I slow to a stop, crack my neck, stretch my arms and legs, and then take off back down the mountain.

  I run down the two miles and then slow to a jog for a mile. The final mile is a walk to cool down. It’s dark when I walk back into the house. I lock the door behind me, take out my earbuds, and go for a shower. My clothes are wet from sweat, and they cling to my body, making them even harder to get off. I toss everything into the corner since I don’t have a hamper in here yet and climb behind the hot water.

  Twenty minutes later, I get out and pull on a pair of sweatpants before heading to the kitchen to prepare something for dinner. I haven’t fully stocked the kitchen yet, but I grabbed a few things from town last night when I arrived. I pull the cast-iron skillet out of the oven and put it on the gas burner to heat up. I spray it down with Pam before tossing in a steak. While it sizzles, I work on steaming some vegetables. I flip the steak a few minutes later and leave the vegetables until the steak is done. Once the steak is done, I plate it up and let it rest, allowing the juices to settle before taking my dinner to the couch.

  My laptop is on the coffee table in front of me, and I open it and play an old movie I had laying around since I don’t have any cable or internet set up yet. After eating, I quickly clean up and head to bed, wanting to beat everyone to the office in the morning.

  In the morning, I swing by the bakery and load up of coffee, donuts, muffins, and scones to take into the break room. As everyone arrives, they all beam and smile when they find a treat waiting for them. Nina is one of the last to arrive, and just like everyone else, she comes straight to the break room for coffee.

  “Morning,” she says, walking in and setting her things on the table to pour a cup of coffee. She picks up the pot, but it’s empty. “Everyone load up on coffee already?” she asks, but I’m too lost in what she’s wearing today to answer.

  She’s wearing a tight black pencil skirt that has a slit up the back, up past her knees. Her white dress shirt fits snug, just like yesterday. It’s tucked into the skirt with a wide belt over it. She’s wearing a blazer, but this one is so tight that I bet she couldn’t button it even if she were paid to. It’s also shorter than a usual blazer. This one ends just below her breasts, giving me the perfect view of that tiny waist of hers. Her blond hair is down today, lying in soft curls across her back. She’s wearing a bit more makeup, but not a lot. Just enough to make those blue eyes shine brighter. Her thick lips are painted a deep red. What gets me, though, are those black-framed glasses. She’s like a dirty librarian fantasy come to life.

  She stares over at me when she realizes I never replied her question.

  “Oh, I brought in coffee and some baked goods for everyone today. Help yourself.” I point at the counter in the corner.

  She turns with a smile. “Look at you schmoozing your way in here.”

  I shrug. “Glasses, huh?”

  She wrinkles her nose as if she hates them. “Yeah, I dropped my last contact this morning and couldn’t find it. I’ll have to order some more. I hate these things. I feel like an old lady.” She laughs as she takes a cup of coffee and a scone.

  “You don’t look like an old lady,” I start but stop myself there. I was going to go on and compare her to a dirty librarian who needs to be punished by the town sheriff, but I manage to catch myself before it came out.

  She smiles as she grabs her things. “That makes two of us,” she says with a grin, walking past me.

  Her scent floats by me, and I can’t help but close my eyes and breathe it in deeply. She smells like a mix of fresh fruit, clean linen, and a hint of smoke—probably from the wood-burning fireplace she has.

  I follow her to her office and lean against the door frame as she sets her things down. She looks up at me with confusion.

  “I bought a house in the mountains, and I was out running last night and noticed your car. You live in that little cabin by the lake?”

  She smiles and nods. “I do.”

  “I noticed your yard needs some upkeep. I’m more than happy to volunteer if you need some help.”

  Her smile falls just a bit, and I wonder if I’ve overstepped. “Thanks, but I like to em
ploy the kids around town to do it. It gives them some money and keeps them out of trouble for a little while. They’re just busy this time of year with all their exams. It’ll get done soon.”

  I nod. “Okay, just wanted to offer.”

  “Thank you for thinking of me.”

  “Oh, hey. I was wondering, what do you do to get internet and cable up there? Everyone I’ve called has practically laughed at me.”

  She grins, making her blue eyes light up. “I’ll send you some links. It’s pricy, but I work with computers, and having the internet is a must.”

  “Thank you. I guess I’ll let you get to work.” I step away from her door and turn and walk back to my own office, wondering if our conversation was weird or if anyone overheard.

  A little while later, I’m sitting at my desk with my attention on the computer when someone knocks on my door. “Yeah?” I ask, finally tearing my eyes from the screen to find one of the guys on the force that I haven’t gotten to know yet.

  “Hi, sir. I hope I’m not interrupting.”

  “Of course not. Come on in and have a seat.” I stand up and shake his hand. “What can I help you with?”

  “Well, sir, I know you said you have an open-door policy and that you want us to talk to you about things.”

  I nod my head as I watch this kid. He couldn’t be any older than twenty or so. He seems nervous.

  “Well, I wanted to come to you and be honest. I’ve been thinking about moving, and I’ve applied to some stations around the state. I listed this as my place of employment and wanted to let you know so that if any of them call, you wouldn’t be caught off guard.”

  “Well, thank you for the heads up. Where are you thinking about moving to?”

  He shrugs and smirks. “Anywhere, really. I was born and raised in this small town. I just want to get out. See what else is out there, you know? I really want to move to the city. You were working in the city, weren’t you?”

  I nod. “I was. But I am the opposite of you. I wanted out of the noise and somewhere a little quieter. The city is…” Immediately, my mind goes back to the night of the shooting.

  Fire. Smoke. Screams. The perp shooting at me. The innocents who were caught in the crossfire screaming, praying, and pleading for help. The sound of the bullet whizzing out of the chamber. Blinding pain.

  “Sir, you were saying?” His voice pulls me from my thoughts.

  “Oh, sorry. I spaced out there. The city is loud, busy. Everything moves fast, much faster than here. The crime rate is a lot higher too, and it is serious stuff. It’s not anything like what you see here. People will run from you. People will shoot at you. You think you’re ready for that?”

  He smiles wide from just hearing about the excitement. “Yes, sir.”

  I nod my head. “I hate for you to leave before we’ve really had a chance to get to know one another, but only you know what’s best for you.”

  “Thank you, sir.” He stands up and shakes my hand before rushing out of my office.

  Five

  Nina

  “Nina, some of the guys and I are going out for lunch. You wanna come?” Claire asks, popping her head into my office.

  “No, thanks. I’m busy, and I packed a lunch. I was just planning on staying here. Thanks, though.” I offer her a smile from over my shoulder.

  “Okay. Will you man the phone while I’m gone?”

  “Sure.”

  Twenty minutes later, I can tell almost everyone has left because the building suddenly gets quiet. Now, everyone can’t leave at once, but I bet there is only one other officer left here, along with the two out on patrol right now. The guys seem to take turns on days we go out. I wonder who got stuck at the station today.

  I push away from my desk to head to the break room. I stop dead in my tracks when I see Bryce standing at the microwave, heating up his lunch. His green eyes bounce up and lock on mine.

  “Oh, I thought I was the only one here. You didn’t want to go to lunch?”

  I shake my head. “No, I went out to eat yesterday, so I packed a lunch today.” I grab my bag out of the fridge and sit at the round table.

  “Well, then, if you don’t mind, I’ll sit and eat with you,” he says, pulling his Hot Pocket out of the microwave and sitting across from me.

  “Sure,” I reply, trying to remember Red’s words. Become his friend. I can do that. I can be friends with anyone. I consider myself a real people person.

  “So, what brought you from the city to this little old town?” I ask, pulling my bowl of salad out of the bag.

  He removes the paper sleeve from his Hot Pocket and sets it aside. “Needed a change of scenery. The city just got too loud, too busy. I thought I’d come here, work a few more years, and then retire here, where I can spend my days hunting and fishing and watching the sunset. What about you? Were you born here?”

  I shake my head. “No. Well, I guess I could’ve been. I don’t really know. My birth mother left me at a hospital when I was born. I was adopted by my parents and lived my whole life in the city.”

  “Oh, wow. Not many people have that kind of backstory. So, what brought you here?”

  “My parents died a few years ago. Home just didn’t have the same feeling, you know?” I pick at my salad, wondering how we got to this conversation already. Usually, it’s months into a friendship before I reveal anything about my past. I guess a part of me feels comfortable talking to him.

  “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “Thanks. It was a couple of years ago now. They were actually killed in that bank bombing. You remember that?” I point my fork at him. If he was a police officer in Denver a few years ago, surely he’d remember. It was all over the news. A group of people decided to rob a bank. They didn’t mean to do so while a cop was in line, but that’s how it turned out. Things went to hell fast, and before anybody knew it, the whole bank exploded when one of the guys got cornered and freaked out. He shot his gun at the cop to try and get away, but he missed, and the bullet went into the wall, right into a gas line.

  He nods but doesn’t meet my eyes. “Remember it? I was working it.”

  “You were?” I ask, my eyes widening. “You weren’t the cop who was in the bank when it started, were you?”

  “No, that was a good buddy of mine. He lost his life that day.”

  “A lot of good people did,” I agree, feeling a sudden strain on the conversation. It’s clear he doesn’t want to talk about this any longer, so I let the conversation fall away to something a little easier. “So, what do you think of our little town anyway?”

  He sits up straight now, his green eyes softening. “I like it. It’s small and quiet. Everyone seems to be friends. They’ve all been very welcoming.” He gives me a small smile.

  I nod. “I figured they would be. Just wait until you meet Mr. Bounty. He retired a few years back. He was the sheriff, and I think he still thinks he is.”

  He lets out a deep laugh. The gesture touches his eyes and makes them practically glow. The sound hits me hard and makes my thighs tighten.

  “I can’t wait to meet him.”

  “Count your blessings that you haven’t yet. I’m sure he’ll be strolling in within the next couple of days. He probably just wants to give you time to settle in before he starts in on you. He expects to be treated like royalty around here. He’ll come in and throw out demands about things he wants to have done with regard to this or that. And if you don’t do them, you’ll never hear the end of it. The last sheriff thought he could take him on, but Mr. Bounty wouldn’t let up. That’s why he eventually transferred. Said he couldn’t take small towns any longer.”

  He’s still smiling, and I’m not sure if it’s because of my story or if it’s because of the way I’ve been rambling on. “I’m up for the challenge.”

  “Good.”

  “So, what made you take this job? I mean, other than the fact that you’re clearly good at it.”

  I shrug one shoulder as I chew a bit of my salad
. “Honestly, I moved here for the town and my secluded cabin up on the mountain. After I found a home, I found a job. Now comes the next step.”

  “And what’s the next step?”

  I press my lips together as I think this over. Do I really want to tell him already? I was hoping to have built a better foundation for our friendship before bringing him into this. I guess we’ll see where it goes. “Have you noticed the number of kids who have been brought in since you’ve been here? I mean, it’s only been a day, but already, three have been arrested.”

  He nods. “I have. I just chalked it up to kids being kids.”

  “Right, that’s exactly what it is. If kids don’t have anything better to do, they’ll cause trouble. And this town is so small, there isn’t much for them to do. So, I want to open a youth center. Someplace where they can go to hang out and have fun. Keep them out of trouble. I’m thinking basketball courts, skate ramps, swimming pool. Along with art, computer, and specialty classes. Tutoring for the SATs, college prep. That kind of thing. I think it would be really good not only for the kids, but for the community. It would add value to the town and draw in teens from neighboring towns, essentially bringing in more money for the whole town.”

  “Wow. Wou’re really passionate about this, aren’t you?”

  I nod once. “I am. And it’s all on me to get it done. I have a mock-up for a website built for it, and I have a ton of sketches of the building and grounds. I’m presenting it to the city council next month.”

  “That’s great, but do you really think this little town is going to pay for all that?”

  I smile up at him. “I have my ways. There’s even the perfect place for it. I think I’d want it to be over on Cherry and Elm. There’s a big brick building there, but it’s falling in and is really an eyesore, not to mention not up to code. It’ll need to be torn down. With that building out of the way, there would be plenty of room for it.”