by Beth Carter
Dumbfounded, Alex stepped toward them. “Well, hello. It looks like someone has a new friend.”
“Uh, yeah.” Hope blushed. “Yes, I most certainly do.”
Alex extended her hand toward Tucker. “I’m Alexandra Mitchell, Hope’s friend. Call me Alex.”
“Tucker Jensen. Pleased to meet you. I’ve heard all about you.”
“Really? Wish I could say the same.” Alex studied the burly bearded man who held Hope’s hand. She couldn’t decide if she was jealous, shocked, or happy for Hope.
The stood in an awkward huddle. As the band played “How Forever Feels” by Kenny Chesney, Tucker set his beer by a tree and extended his arm toward Hope. “Care to dance, beautiful?”
Hope handed her beer to Alex. “Do you mind holding this for a minute?”
Alex’s world as she knew it stood still. Hope was obviously dating, Gage was engaged, and she was beginning to hate her job. “My life sucks,” she muttered, as torrential rainfall pelted everyone. She held her wineglass over her head to no avail.
Sawyer wandered over. “What sucks? The rain?”
“That, and my life.” Alex watched as Hope snuggled against Tucker while they danced. “They’ve known each other awhile, I’d say.”
Sawyer followed her gaze. “Who? The guy in overalls?”
“Yep. Him. Do you know him?”
“Nope.” Sawyer sipped his beer. “Do you know her?”
“She’s one of my best friends,” Alex said.
Winking, Sawyer said, “Appears your friend was keepin’ a secret.”
Alex nodded. “A big one at that.” She couldn’t stop watching the happy couple. “I’ve never seen Hope with a man. This is unreal.”
“They seem to fit like your most comfortable sneakers,” Sawyer said. “Want to dance?”
Alex held up Hope’s beer. “I have to hold this.”
He laughed, took the beer, and set it beside a towering maple. “There. Now, would you like to dance?”
Sawyer led Alex to the now-soggy front yard as the band played “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” by Charlie Daniels.
Reaching for her hand, he said, “Do you know how to two step?”
“Do I look like I know how?” Alex turned to leave but stopped cold when she spotted Tucker effortlessly leading Hope around the yard, two-stepping perfectly to the music.
“What the hell?” Alex’s eyes bulged. “Who is this and where is Hope?” She noticed Hope never took her eyes off Tucker. They were clearly in love. After the song ended, Tucker approached the band on the porch, requested a romantic song, and dedicated it to Hope. She leaned into him, as he cradled her in his arms. It was as though no one else was at the damn party.
~ ~ ~
Tucker whispered to Hope, “I’m having fun.” He pulled her close. “I usually like my women a little curvier, but you’ll do.”
Hope leaned back to stare into his face. “Curvier? You’ve got to be kidding. I’m the heavy one among my girlfriends.”
Tucker ran his hand along Hope’s back. “You could do with a few pounds. I like a woman with some meat on her bones. I don’t date skeletons.” Rubbing his round belly, he chuckled. “And I don’t think they’d date me.”
Hope beamed. No one had ever told her she was skinny—or almost skinny. She playfully elbowed him, “After we leave, let’s order a pizza.”
“You’re perfect for me.”
~ ~ ~
Alex glanced upward as thunder boomed. The sky became as dark as Jade’s hair. Rain pelted the guests. Some ran onto the porch, others left for their cars. But Hope and Tucker kept dancing. In the rain. It was as though they didn’t even notice they were becoming drenched.
Cole put his harmonica in his pocket, reached for Cheri’s hand, and they joined in with the other dancing couples, waterlogged clothes and soaked hair be damned. Even Jade and Wyatt danced. Alex had never felt lonelier.
Sawyer turned to Alex. “I think we should join in. They can’t have all the fun.” He led her to the mushy, now-muddy yard as the band played George Strait’s “I Cross My Heart.” Alex shivered from her damp clothes and snuggled against Sawyer in an attempt to get warm.
Sawyer misread her cues, tipped up her chin, and kissed her in the rain. A deep, probing kiss, which she admitted was sorely needed and as sexy as hell. Half-drunk, she returned his kiss. Followed by another. And another. When she came up for air, she noticed everyone seemed to be kissing in the rain while dancing and splashing in the mud. It was as if they were all big kids who had never been outside in a deluge before. After the passionate kiss, Alex pulled back. “Sorry. I—We shouldn’t have done that.”
Sawyer pushed his long, blond hair back with one hand. “Why not?”
“Because I have a boyfriend.”
Stiffening, Sawyer said, “Is he here?”
“No, but he’s a cop.”
Sawyer took a step back and held up both hands. “I’m not messin’ with a cop’s girl.”
Chewing on her bottom lip, Alex said, “I have a backup boyfriend too—or at least I did. I really don’t need three in the mix.”
“A backup boyfriend? That’s new. Can’t say I’ve ever heard that term.” Sawyer’s eyes bore into her. “Is he a cop too?”
“No, he’s a chauffeur in New York City. Actually, he’s Cher—” She caught herself mid-sentence. “He only visits on occasion. Plus, I just found out he’s engaged.”
Alex wiped her wet mouth. “I don’t need to make my life more complicated. Sorry. That was nice, though.” She kissed his cheek, took a step, tripped on a muddy pothole, and fell forward. Sawyer caught her. “Thanks.” She smiled. “I guess I could use another friend, though.”
Sawyer gave a salute. “At your service, ma’am.”
“The ma’am stuff again. All you country boys are so polite.”
He shrugged. “Our mamas taught us well.”
“That they did.” Alex glanced at the party goers still seemingly oblivious to their soaked clothes and muddy shoes. “Hey, I’m going to leave. Will you tell Cheri and Cole thanks for inviting me? I need to get out of here.”
“No problem.” Sawyer ran his calloused hand across his lips. “Thanks for the parting gift.”
Chapter 46
Drenched, Cheri shivered and whispered to Cole, “I’m freezing. I wish everyone would leave.”
Cole glanced at the thinning, soaked crowd and chuckled. “Who knew a monsoon would enhance our party?”
Cheri noticed Tucker and Hope appeared to be leaving, Jade and Alex had already left, and Sawyer was picking up empty red Dixie cups. “Nice of him to help clean up.”
“He’s a good guy.” Cole’s eyebrows shot up. “Did you see him kiss Alex?”
“He did?” Cheri’s mouth fell open. “I missed that. Wow.”
Cole pulled his sopping shirt away from his chest. “I’m not sure it went over well. Alex left right after.”
“She was probably as shocked as me to see Hope and Tucker. Her love life has always been a shambles.”
Shrugging, Cole said, “Maybe she’ll get together with ol’ Saw.”
“Doubtful.” Cheri reached for his hand. “She mentioned she was countried out.” Giggling, she said, “I can’t believe I’ve conformed to this lifestyle easier than my friends.”
Cole pulled her damp body toward his. “Have I told you how sexy you are in a wet shirt? I’ve had trouble keepin’ my hands off you all day. If I hadn’t been so busy with guests—”
She planted a kiss on his mouth before he could finish. “We can do something about that.”
~ ~ ~
After a semi-relaxing evening at home, Suzy held one baby while Ken cuddled the other. She sipped herbal green tea and said, “I think Cole’s party was today. I wonder if an
ything exciting happened.”
Ken jostled Matthew. “If Alex was there, it probably did.” Suzy gazed at the bright-eyed newborn staring up at her. “I’m perfectly content staying home. I don’t miss the parties, do you?”
“Not at all.” Ken rubbed Matthew’s peach fuzz head. “I wouldn’t trade this chaos for the world.”
“It’s a good chaos.” Snuggling Maggie, Suzy said, “Our lives are really different now, aren’t they? I had forgotten how precious and cuddly newborns are. I love their fresh baby smell.”
“Unless—” Ken scrunched up his face.
“I know, I know. Remember, it’s a normal bodily function.” She sighed. “I miss Jon. He and Fernando must be really busy in Italy. He rarely calls anymore.”
“Yeah, he has his own life now, but I know you miss him.” Ken sipped his coffee. “I know Iz is a challenge but I wish she hadn’t gone to Hollywood. I miss her too.”
Suzy adeptly changed Maggie on the couch. The baby kicked her legs, making it difficult to snap her onesie. “Look at our strong little girl.” Suzy cast a worried glance toward Ken. “We’ve got to be careful they don’t roll off the bed when they get older.”
“Roger that.” Holding Matthew, Ken crossed the room and turned on the television. “Would you like some wine with the news, babe? We can at least imbibe.”
“I’m breastfeeding, but my doctor said a glass on occasion won’t hurt.” Suzy brightened. “We can have our own party. Our friends can’t have all the fun. But after you get your news junkie fix, let’s watch a movie.”
“A western?”
Suzy winked. “A romance.”
Chapter 47
Feeling especially lonely after the party at Cole’s which rivaled the rainy romantic scene in The Notebook, Alex poured herself a glass of chardonnay. Any remainder of the nasty moonshine had worn off after the long drive, plus she had treated herself to a much-needed venti Starbucks coffee after reaching civilization.
She prepared a plate of cheese, crackers, hummus, and carrots. At least it’s a healthy dinner. And only one dish to wash. She held her glass in the air. “Cheers,” she said to the wall.
Crossing her legs, she settled on the couch with a psychological thriller. The last thing she wanted to read was a romance. Tony was rarely available, and when he was, Nikki or little Joey always seemed to mar any chance of a so-called date. Her mind swirled as she thought about Hope and Tucker. That was a hell of a bombshell.
She sipped her wine, leaned back, and attempted to relax. Between bites of cheese and carrots, she read a few pages but couldn’t concentrate. Her thoughts raced from one dejection to another. I’m almost 40 and alone. No husband. No kids. Just a job, Coconuts, and my best friends. Of course, that’s a plus in many people’s lives. Still, I want more. I might want that picket fence. Nah. I’m not a picket fence gal.
She closed the book and shut her eyes, remembering her surprise trip to New York City. She and Gage had had such fun on the bustling streets of Manhattan trying different restaurants, seeing iconic sites, and mainly enjoying their time together. She grimaced as she remembered the park bench in Central Park when Gage told her how much she meant to him. And what did I do? I told him I was involved with Tony. The man who never has time for me. Alex stood and paced, wineglass in hand. What was I thinking? I had a great guy admit he had feelings for me. A sweet, handsome guy with a job and no baggage. I threw it all away for a cop who may or may not love me. Hell, I don’t even know if I love him most days.
She blew out her breath and refilled her wine. I can’t blame Gage for not waiting, but shit. Why did he have to get engaged? I thought I was worth waiting for.
Chapter 48
After several days of not hearing from her mother, Cheri called her father who never contacted her. Besides being a workaholic and surrounded by wall-to-wall computers that would make NASA jealous, he was likely having an affair. Cheri knew she was on the back burner, if that.
She called Thomas Van Buren twice and he didn’t pick up. Frustrated, she tried a third time, all five minutes apart.
A gruff voice said, “Hello.”
“Dad, it’s Cheri. How are you?” Tears filled her eyes when she heard his voice. “I haven’t talked to you in . . . forever.” She sniffed. “I miss you.”
His voice softened. “I’m sorry, honey. I know I’m too busy for my own good. I miss you too.”
“Where’s Mom? She hasn’t answered any of my calls. We used to Skype weekly.”
He hesitated for far too long. “She’s probably shopping. You know she loves that French boutique.”
Cheri’s eyes narrowed, even though he couldn’t see her. “You mean Gigi’s Couture?”
Pausing yet again, he said, “You know of it?”
“I’ve been there. With Mom. I was in Paris last year but you—” Her voice broke. “You weren’t available.”
“I’m sorry. These damn board meetings eat up a lot of my time. Speaking of, I need to pack. I have a meeting in Milan tomorrow. When I see your mother, I’ll remind her to call you. Goodbye, Cheri.”
He hung up before she could question him further. Cheri stared at her phone. Dammit. I think he’s lying to his own daughter. This isn’t like either of them. She tossed her phone on the couch, went into the kitchen, and poured a glass of wine.
Chapter 49
While on a lunch break, Alex swiveled her head when she spotted Tony’s car in a Target parking lot. She did a U-turn, surprised to see him in the middle of the day. Her pulse quickened at the thought of his sexy mouth on hers.
As she got closer, she noticed someone in the passenger seat. He wouldn’t put a criminal in the front. Alex pulled beside Tony’s car and hopped out. Grinning, she leaned into his car window. “Hello there, Lt. Montgomery.”
Tony visibly stiffened as a female cop in the passenger seat peeked around him. A gorgeous female cop.
“Hello,” the woman said in a husky, movie starlet voice.
Tony squirmed. “Alex. Meet—”
The female detective reached across Tony, brushing her arm against his chest as she extended her hand. “Detective Bridget Marlowe.”
Alex channeled her best poker face and tried not to react. “Working a case together?”
“Honey, we’re working every case together.” The female cop’s voice rose to a condescending lilt. “We’re partners, as you can plainly see.” She hesitated. “And you are?”
Alex’s jaw tightened. This detective obviously didn’t know Tony dated her, nor that she even existed. Forcing herself to hold her composure, knowing full well cops could see through facades, Alex glared at Det. Marlowe. “I’m Tony’s girlfriend. I realize you’re new but he has surely mentioned me several times.”
“Not once, sugar.”
Alex immediately hated the patronizing, albeit stunning female cop. She noticed Tony gripped the wheel so hard his knuckles had turned white.
Tony stared straight ahead. “We’ve gotta run. Catch you later, Alex.”
The detective put her hand over his. “We have time. I’d like to get to know your little ‘friend’.”
“Girlfriend.” Alex watched for Tony’s reaction. He didn’t say a word as his left eye began to twitch.
Alex let it go. Glancing at her watch, she said, “Look at the time. I’ve got to get back to work.”
Tony flashed his icy blues toward hers. “Later.”
“Maybe, maybe not.” She turned on her heel and hated herself for showing her jealous hand. She didn’t want to give the female cop any indication she was upset. Tears pricked her eyes as she traipsed across the lot. Fishing through her giant purse, she couldn’t find her car keys. Dammit. Of all days to be standing outside my stupid locked car.
Tony’s car pulled alongside hers. His new partner leaned out the window,
grinning like a dope. “Can’t find your keys, sugar? I’m pretty good at picking locks. Let me know if you need my help.”
“I’m fine. They’re in here somewhere.” Alex hoped her face wasn’t as red as her raging insides, as she shouted, “By the way, my name is Alex not ‘Sugar.’ I’ll find my keys. Just go.” She cursed Tony for allowing this to happen and blinked away tears as she continued to rummage through her giant bag.
The buxom fake redhead had her police uniform unbuttoned so far Alex knew it couldn’t possibly be standard issue for a cop. Detective Marlowe turned toward Tony and spoke in a voice loud enough for Alex to hear, “Don’t forget we need to pick Joey up after our shift.”
Alex’s heart fell to her feet. She wanted to outsmart the detective. “Want me to get Joey, Tony? We can have pizza and watch a movie later.”
Tony stared at her with sapphire eyes that used to melt her like a Popsicle in July. “You can’t sign him out after school. Family only.” He hesitated. “But thanks.”
Shit. Score another point for the new cop. Alex locked pleading eyes with Tony. He thankfully got the message and drove off.
Still digging through her bag, she finally found her damn keys, swung the car door open, revved the engine, and drove in the opposite direction in case they were watching. When Alex got to a stoplight, she pulled out her cell and texted Suzy, Hope, and Cheri: Please say you’ll meet me at Coconuts in two hours.
Chapter 50
At Coconuts, Gus brought Alex’s chardonnay as Suzy and Hope arrived with looks of concern.
“What’s up?” Suzy asked.
After the server delivered their drinks, Alex drummed her fingers on the table. “I think Tony and I are on the skids for real this time.”
“Why?” Hope asked. She shot Suzy a glance. “Although that might not be a bad thing.”