by Tawna Fenske
“A great guy,” Amber says. “Three years ago, he worked this case where a girl got kidnapped over in Portland, but the bad guy brought her through here on his way to California.”
Jade picks up the thread of the story and runs with it. “Cops in six counties were after the guy, and a lot of them were chasing their tails. It was Austin who thought to dig into the suspect’s background to discover the guy had an ex-girlfriend out in Prineville. Then he tracked down the ex’s brother, and then the brother’s best friend, and eventually found the guy sleeping in a barn with his victim handcuffed to him.”
“Wow,” I say, simultaneously impressed and uneasy. “He sounds…thorough.”
“He is.” Amber grins. “But something tells me you’re interested in more than his cop skills.”
“True story.” I’m echoing Jade’s words earlier, something I read about once in a book on making friends and forging relationships.
I’d like to pretend it was part of my curriculum for public relations professionals, but I read it when I was fifteen and friendless and desperately wishing to connect with someone. Anyone.
Something about the way Jade studies me over the rim of her mug tells me she knows what I’m wondering about. There’s a telepathic connection between women who had trouble fitting in as girls, and I sensed it the first day I met Jade.
“He wasn’t one of the bullies,” she says softly. “If that’s what you’re wondering. Austin was never one of the guys who made my life hell in school.”
“I’m glad.” Gladder than she probably realizes, though I suppose I could have guessed this about Austin. “So why hasn’t one of the local girls snapped him up?”
“They’ve tried,” Amber says. “He’s dated quite a bit and even seemed serious for a few months with Chelsea from the cupcake shop.”
“This was before she had the baby,” Jade says. “Don’t worry, he’s not the daddy. The kid’s father is long gone.”
“Chelsea is a single mom?” I file this information in the back of my head, curious how I never heard this before. I’m usually pretty astute with my info gathering.
“It’s one of those scandals locals don’t gossip about much since it involves a kid,” Amber says. “Small town folks are chatty, but we draw the line somewhere.”
I’m dying to ask more but figure I’m better off respecting the rule about avoiding kid-related gossip. Besides, I’m more interested in Austin.
Leave it to Jade to read my mind. “So are you still committed to your no-cops dating rule, or are you softening on that?” she asks.
“And what is it with the rule, anyway?” Amber pipes up before I can answer the first question. “If you don’t mind me asking.”
I do mind a little. But I can’t show up here hoping to bond with potential girlfriends and not share at least a little bit about myself. I don’t need to read friend-making manuals to know that. “It’s just a personality thing, I guess.”
There, that’s something.
It’s true, too, though the sisters’ faces suggest they’re expecting more. I spin my mug on the counter and try to come up with more. “You know how sometimes you just don’t mesh with certain kinds of people?”
Amber lifts an eyebrow. “I’m no expert, but you seem to be meshing just fine with Austin,” she says. “Meshing being a euphemism for—”
“I know what you mean,” Jade says, slugging her sister in the shoulder before Amber can finish that thought. “Brandon’s a Marine. He works for the recruitment center now, but he was still active duty when we got together. There’s a certain personality that goes with that, and I wasn’t sure I could handle that.”
“You’re handling it pretty well now.” Amber’s still smirking, but at least it’s directed at Jade now. “But you like a guy who’s all rigid and alpha,” she says. “Maybe that’s not Bree’s thing.”
“Oh, it is.” The words slip out in a wispy, high voice I barely recognize as my own. I’m picturing Austin’s fingers between my legs, his touch commanding and in charge.
God, that was hot.
“Now we’re making you blush.” Jade shakes her head at Amber and shoves a plate of bacon at her. “Put this on the table. We’re just about ready to eat.”
Amber rolls her eyes but takes the platter and trudges obediently to the dining room table. Jade watches her for a second, then looks at me and lowers her voice.
“She’s bad with the teasing sometimes, but I hope you know you can come to us with anything,” she murmurs. “Either of us, anytime. If you need to talk.”
I swallow hard, surprised by the swell of emotion bubbling up my throat. “Thank you,” I whisper, digging my fingernails into my knee under the bar. “I appreciate that.”
More than she knows.
But the fact that there’s still a whole lot she doesn’t know has me pressing my lips together, hoping I don’t slip and say too much.
Amber returns to the kitchen and grabs the basket of muffins off the counter. “Seriously, though, Austin’s a great guy,” she says. “Kind to kids and animals, smart as hell, really driven career-wise. Do you know how rare it is to be a contender for police chief at his age?”
I shake my head, even though I Googled this the other night. An ambitious cop would normally follow the path from police academy to patrol officer and through the ranks from sergeant to middle management positions like lieutenant and then captain. But Austin’s advanced degree, along with the fact that he’s racked up every award and accolade in the books, has put him on the fast track to being the big man in charge.
Despite my cop aversion, that’s kind of a turn-on.
Amber brushes past me, her dark hair brushing my arm. “From what I hear, he’s pretty much a shoo-in as chief as long as he doesn’t do anything dumb in the next year or two.”
Jade laughs and scoops up a basket of muffins. “Like that’s an issue,” she says. “The guy keeps his nose so clean it glows. He could lead a sleigh team of reindeer on a foggy night.”
Amber rolls her eyes. “Spoken like a lunatic reindeer rancher.”
I force a smile, even though something inside me just crumpled into a tight paper ball and combusted. What the hell am I doing thinking I could start something with a guy like Austin? A guy with a bright future and a moral compass so strong it’s practically a force of nature.
I can’t screw that up for him.
I need to just keep my hands to myself and all my stupid skeletons crammed tight in the closet where they belong. Where they can’t harm anyone, especially Austin.
As I stand up and make my way to the table, I say a little prayer I’m strong enough to do that.
Chapter 9
AUSTIN
It’s been two days since I’ve heard from Bree. Two days since I felt her breath on my neck and watched her eyes darken with yearning. Two days since I felt her clenching slick and tight around my fingers.
I know I should play it cool. A smart guy wouldn’t text more than twice or leave more than one voicemail saying as casually as possible what a great time he had and that he’s hoping to do it again.
But I’m not cool or even all that smart, which is how I find myself volunteering to drive Aunt Gen out to Ponderosa Ranch on Monday afternoon for her meeting with Bree.
“It really is breathtaking, isn’t it?” Gen says.
I’m still thinking about Bree, so I start nodding before I realize she’s looking at the mountains. “The views are great,” I say. “They went to a lot of trouble to make sure all the dining tables are angled so everyone gets the mountain view eye candy.”
She looks at me like she knows I was totally quoting Bree, but she refrains from commenting. Instead, she pulls out her phone and clicks off a couple pictures of the massive Ponderosa Luxury Ranch Resort sign with the resort logo spelled out in cast iron curlicue.
“The attention to detail is exquisite,” she says. “I can think of at least three clients who’d swoon over the chance to have that kind of backdrop
in their wedding photos.”
“Beautiful,” I agree, distracted again. Bree steps out onto the paver walkway in front of the lodge. She’s wearing a fitted gray skirt and a red shirt that’s drapey and soft and shows just the faintest hint of the curves hidden beneath.
I’ve had my hands on those.
The idea flits through my head with a chest-thumping pride, but I push it aside as I pull into a parking space. Bree strides toward my truck, barely hiding the flash of alarm in her eyes when she realizes I’ve accompanied Aunt Gen.
“Don’t worry,” I assure her as I swing myself out of the truck. “I promise I’m not crashing your meeting. Just taking you up on your offer.”
“Offer?”
I open the door to let Virginia come bounding out. Bree’s face lights up with joy, and I feel only slightly guilty about using my dog to warm the heart of a woman who seems less than excited about seeing me.
“Oh,” she says, stooping down to scratch Virginia’s ears. “You’re here to test-drive the dog park. It’s nice to see you again, good girl!”
“It’s lovely to see you again, too, dear.” Genevieve gives Bree a wry wink as she walks around the truck to stand beside her. “You weren’t exaggerating one bit. It’s absolutely stunning out here.”
“I’m excited to give you a tour.” Bree stands and smooths her hands down the front of her skirt. “Would you like to start with the spa?”
“Whatever you think is best.”
“Let’s get some fresh cucumber water or maybe a glass of champagne so we have something to drink while we make the rounds.”
The two of them disappear into the lodge, leaving Virginia and me standing at the edge of the parking area. I glance down to see my dog looking vaguely disappointed. “You and me both, girl.”
“Dog park’s that way.”
The gruff voice comes from behind, and I pivot to see Mark standing at the edge of the lodge. How much of that did he just see?
“Doing some wood cutting?” I manage as Mark stands there looking vaguely menacing with an axe.
He doesn’t respond, which means axe murdering isn’t out of the question. He doesn’t smile or say anything but does give a low grunt. “That’s a good lookin’ dog you’ve got there.”
“Thanks. She’s part coyote.”
Mark leans the axe against the lodge, then bends to scratch her ears. I try to think of something else to say. “Thanks for putting out Bree’s fire the other night. She felt awful about leaving that candle.”
“We all have shitty judgment sometimes.”
He’s looking at the dog and not me, but I sense there’s more to that remark than idle chit-chat.
“True enough,” I agree. “Let he who’s never been a dumbass cast the first stone.”
He straightens up and looks me dead in the eye. “Isn’t that sort of your job, though? Casting stones?”
“Not really.” I try not to let my surprise show as I consider the odd turn in conversation. “I’m a cop, not a judge. I enforce the laws, but I don’t make them. Or even question them.”
Mark says nothing to that, but the intensity of his expression has me wanting to look away. I don’t, though. It’s not my first time staring down a guy who’s sizing me up. Or who’s intent on making me blink first, which I absolutely won’t do.
Virginia barks sharply, and we break eye contact at the same time.
“Look, Mark,” I say. “I know you’re protective of your sister. I’ve got sisters, too, so I know how it is.”
“You do.” It’s halfway between a question and a statement, and I wonder if he’s testing me.
“I know no one’s ever good enough for them, and God knows I’ve tried to run off plenty of guys I thought didn’t have their best interest at heart,” I say. “I just want you to know my intentions are good. I like Bree. I like her a lot, and I want to keep getting to know her.”
He studies me for a long time, and I try to avoid looking like a guy who had a hand up Bree’s skirt forty-eight hours ago. Finally, Mark nods like he’s just run a scan on my brainwaves and made a determination. God knows what it is.
“There’s a basket of tennis balls next to the dog park gate,” he says. “Help yourself.”
He turns and walks away.
“I’ll email you a couple of custom menus to give you a sense of what we can do.” Sean Bracelyn—Bree’s famous chef brother—is talking to Aunt Gen in front of the lodge when I stroll up with a tired dog on my heels.
Sean looks up and waves, and my aunt follows suit. “Austin, I was wondering where you’d disappeared to,” she says. “This place is amazing.”
“Wait ‘til you see the reindeer ranch next door.” Sean grins. “Not that I’m an unbiased party, but I think it’ll give you a cool look at the other side of the coin.”
Aunt Gen smiles back, picking up on the hint of a love story. Her favorite thing, which is what makes her TV show so popular. “That’s right, Bree mentioned you’re engaged to one of the sisters,” Genevieve says. “Amber, right?”
“Not engaged.” Sean smiles. “Yet.” The guy looks downright ecstatic, and I can’t help liking him. He’s clearly nuts about the pretty brunette next door, and it’s cool that he wears it on his sleeve.
“I’m visiting Amber’s ranch next,” Gen says. “I can’t wait to meet her.”
“I’m happy to drive you if you want.” Sean looks at me. “I’m headed there anyway to see Amber. It’s no trouble at all.”
“I accept,” Gen says before I can open my mouth. My aunt pats me on the cheek like I’m six years old, even though she has to stretch up to do it. “Go see that girl of yours. Bree’s in her office.”
She wanders off with Sean before I can say anything about Bree not being my girl. Not officially, anyway. Or did she say something else to Gen? The thought makes my dumb heart swell, even though I know it’s not true. The fact that she hasn’t returned my calls seems like a good indication of where her head is at, though I can’t help thinking about where my hand was just a few nights ago. Didn’t that mean something?
I glance down at my dog like she might have the answers. Virginia looks at me and yawns, then curls into a donut shape next to the big water feature beside the front door.
“Stay right here, girl,” I tell her unnecessarily. It would take a backhoe to move her from this cozy nap spot.
I wipe the tennis ball dust onto my jeans and head through the massive doors of the lodge. Turning left at the lobby, I move toward Bree’s office. I hesitate when I hear her voice.
“We’ve got them doing the couples’ massage class tomorrow morning at our day spa,” she’s saying. “I’ll see about getting them out on a few day trips. I’ve heard about some hot springs that aren’t too far from here. Maybe some hikes or something.”
There’s some more murmuring, and I wonder if I should retreat back to the lobby to wait for her there instead of eavesdropping like a creeper. But then she’s saying her goodbyes, and I hear the clatter of her phone on her desk.
“You can come in, Austin.”
I move toward her door, wondering if she sensed my presence or something cheesy like that.
She stands and points to the wall beside the door. “Mirror,” she says with a smile. “Mark put it up after I complained I couldn’t see who was hanging around in the lobby.”
Her smile makes my chest feel like someone’s set off one of those fizzy bath bombs my sisters always buy each other for Christmas, and yes, I did try the one they gave me last year. “How’d things go with my aunt?”
“Great.” Bree stays standing, so I do the same, wondering if she wants to make a hasty exit. “She seemed really excited about the ballroom, which is perfect for huge, formal events,” she continues. “Sean did a little taste test for her with some of his best wedding food, and she seemed to really like that.”
“I’m not surprised,” I tell her. “The stuff you served at the grand opening was incredible.”
“I’ll tell
him you said so.” Her green eyes are flashing, and I love seeing her this excited. “I don’t want to count my chickens too soon or anything, but I’m hopeful,” she says. “Genevieve thinks it would make a great segment for the week they’re devoting to Pacific Northwest wedding venues.”
“That’s awesome. Congratulations.”
“Thanks.” Bree clasps her hands in front of her like a kid who’s been told not to grab anything in the candy store. “And thanks for introducing me to her.” She nibbles the edge of her lip, and I wonder what’s on her mind.
I don’t have to wonder long.
“Thanks for uh—the other night.” She looks down at her hands, and her cheeks get another shade pinker. Magenta or fuchsia or whatever the hell you call that pretty shade of dark pink.
It’s all I can do to stop myself from reaching for her. “You don’t have to thank me. Touching you wasn’t exactly community service.”
She looks up, and my breath catches in my throat. Maybe I shouldn’t have said that. Sounded too eager or whatever.
“I didn’t mean for that to happen,” she says slowly. “But I’m glad it did.”
Wait, what?
“Really?”
The smile she gives me is oddly shy. “I know I shouldn’t be, and I was all set to tell you we probably shouldn’t do it again,” she says. “But then you show up in that blue shirt that matches your eyes, and you’ve got your adorable dog and your sweet aunt, and you’re doing the whole Officer Velvet Voice thing, and the next thing I know—”
“Officer Velvet Voice?”
“Right,” she says, biting her lip again. “It’s your normal voice, I guess. It’s sort of irresistible.”
“Thanks. I think.” I still can’t figure out what’s going on here.
“I know I’ve been giving you sort of mixed signals, but I’m figuring this stuff out as I go along.” She gives me a shaky smile and tucks a curl behind one ear. “I’m hot for you. Obviously. But I’m not quite sure what to do about it.”
This vulnerable side to Bree, it’s something I haven’t seen before. It’s ridiculously sexy, and I’m fighting like hell to keep from reaching for her. “So can I see you again sometime?”