Angel's Lake Box Set: Books 1-3 (Angel's Lake Series)

by Jody Holford

  He gave her a smug, self-satisfied grin that she shook her head. “Happy now?” He leaned over her, his nose touching hers. “I am.”

  “And a tad insecure,” she said quietly. She wished she didn’t feel the same, but it was good to know she wasn’t alone. It was likely every eligible woman in town was interested in their handsome sheriff.

  He ran a finger along her cheek, like she was special. “I just don’t like surprises. Or sharing.”

  “Me neither.” Though she’d never thought much about it before him, the thought of another woman cozying up to him turned her stomach. Pushing that thought away, Lucy leaned forward and kissed his lips, quick and light. She did it again when it deepened his smile.

  “Sit back down so you can see this. Tell me what you think and then you can show me how much you only want me. Again.” She winked at him. A laugh rumbled out of his chest. “Damn right.”

  He sat beside her again, a smile on his face and his arm draped around her as he looked at the screen.

  “So, I’m thinking a fundraising charity event. A dinner, an auction, selling some calendars of the town’s best-looking men—created from favors I’m hoping to cash in—and maybe some really awesome door prizes,” she explained in one long breath.

  “A calendar? Of who?”

  “You. Sam. Maybe Bruce. My brother in law, Luke. My dad said he’d do it. Nothing provocative, so you won’t have to hide it from your dad,” she said, poking him in the ribs when he looked too serious.

  “Why would anyone buy a calendar with us in it? I mean, yes, I’m good looking,” he said and laughed at her eye roll before continuing, “but honestly, why would they pay for it?”

  “They’ll pay for it because every calendar they buy gets their name entered in a drawing to win one of the bigger prizes. I told you I have some connections that I’m working on, trying to see if they can donate some big ticket items. A trip to Mexico, for one. A stay in the Four Seasons in New York for another.”

  “You know someone who could offer a trip to Mexico?”

  “Sure. A friend of mine is a travel agent. He books all of my trips. He said he’d arrange it.”

  “A friend?” he waggled his eyebrows comically.

  “For goodness sakes, Alex. Stay focused. Yes, a friend. I have a few of them.”

  “Lucy, these ideas are incredible. I worried about the insurance money being enough, but this is going to make it work either way. I’m not crazy about being in a calendar, but I’ll do it, and most of the guys I know will, too. Tim, he’s the fire chief, will be all over it. I can’t believe you’ve put all of this together already.”

  She could feel herself beaming at him. She didn’t need his praise, or anyone else’s, but it washed over her nicely. His words warmed the cold spot that took up residence in her stomach when she was around her family. The spot that reminded her she didn’t quite fit in; that she wasn’t actually one of them.

  “What are you doing?” she asked when he lifted the laptop, rose from the bed, and put it on the low, walnut-stained dresser. He looked over his shoulder at her and flashed the grin that warmed a lot more than her stomach.

  “Showing you how much I like your ideas. And you,” he laughed, throwing himself back onto the bed and then on top of her. She wasn’t sure how he could make her laugh and need at the same time, but as his mouth closed over hers, she felt a nagging worry that she could get used to it.

  Alex stood near the stage of the community hall and watched as the Aarons sisters charmed and worked the room. Together, they were a triple threat of looks, character, and ambition. Though, he didn’t think any of them would own up to it, which made them that much more special.

  The town hall was full. Lucy had set up a small podium and mic on the stage, which was really just an elevated platform, one step up from the actual floor. Like the rec center had been, the hall was rundown and worn. It had seen countless weddings, sweet sixteen parties, stags and stagettes. The scuffed floor had been danced on, puked on, and cried on. It held as many memories as the high school gym for most of the people raised in Angel’s Lake.

  “Quite the turnout,” Mark said as he strolled over to stand beside Alex. Lucy had been in his bed every night that week, but she went home to her own bed before midnight, like she had a curfew. He wasn’t sure what she’d told her parents, but there was something about standing next to the father of the woman he was sleeping with that made his stomach cramp. There’s no sign on my head that says, ‘I slept with Lucy’.

  “Did you?”

  Alex did a double take, his mouth open. “What?” he finally stammered. “Did you help her with this? You alright, son?”

  “Yes sir. I—uh,” he garbled. “No. This is all Lucy. And Kate, too, I think. Maybe Char?”

  “My three girls. They can do anything. Have to say, I’m surprised to see Lucy step up like this, though. She’s not one for grand gestures that draw in crowds. Bit of a loner. Always has been,” Mark considered. His tone was affectionate, as though he didn’t begrudge his middle daughter but simply accepted what he saw as her.

  “Maybe you underestimate her.”

  Mark turned, hands in his pockets, and kept his gaze level with Alex’s. The stomach cramp crept back in, pushing at his ribs.

  “Maybe I do. Doesn’t seem like she’s surprised you. Mind you, I’ve looked at a woman the way you’re looking at my Lucy. You’re seeing all the good. Which there’s plenty of. But there’s flaws, like with all of us, so you keep looking at her like that, you’re liable to get hurt or be in it for the long haul.”

  “Mark—”

  “No, let me say my piece. Don’t often get to. Lucy’s always halfway across the globe, Kate’s too busy to date, and Char … Well, I liked Luke right from day

  one. Just like I like you. And I’ll keep on liking you as long as you don’t hurt my girl. We tease her about being fickle and on the run, but she’s got a heart in her that I sometimes suspect is bigger than any of ours. So just be careful with it. Even if you figure out it might not be for the long haul.”

  Lucy’s voice came through the tinny PA system, drawing Mark’s attention. Alex stood looking at him for a moment longer. It was the most Lucy’s father had said to him in one conversation. Had he just warned Alex to be gentle with her while telling him she didn’t stay put?

  “Thank you for coming, everyone.” Lucy spoke clearly. She didn’t seem daunted by the audience, the rapt attention, or being up on the stage. Char and Kate flanked her. Lucy was slightly taller than both of them even though she wore flats instead of heels like the other two. Easels were set up behind the three of them, and a projector was shining on the long, white screen at the back of the stage. Her voice took away some of the discomfort her father had caused, and he watched as she shared her ideas for rebuilding the rec center.

  Lucy looked out at the sea of faces and couldn’t really tell who she was reaching with her words.

  “When you leave here tonight, you’ll receive a card with the link to the project’s Facebook page. This will be our way of communicating, but you can also contact Kate or myself if you have any questions. The first fifty people who sign up to offer labor, supplies, money, or time will be entered to win a sixty-inch flat screen TV,” she shared, looking back at the screen to make sure the image of the LG LCD came up properly. She heard a few intakes of breath and some murmuring in the crowd. If her words didn’t pull them in, the TV was a good start.

  “Can you win that if you offer to model for the calendar?” Nick Kramer called out from the back, earning several laughs from the crowd and a swat on the arm from his wife.

  Lucy chuckled and scanned the room. Her eyes locked on Alex’s, and she felt the jolt in her stomach and her chest when he smiled and winked at her. He stood next to her father, which she wondered if she should worry about, but they were both smiling, glasses of punch in their hands.

  “Absolutely, Mr. Kramer,” Lucy laughed. “Kate’s going to tell you how you’ll be giv
ing back to the community by helping.” She moved aside, squeezed her sister’s trembling hand, and stepped beside Char.

  “Look at you. You’ve got quite a way with people,” Char whispered. “Ha. Maybe. Or maybe it’s just an easy room.”

  Kate began to tell the crowd how many different programs would be offered, not only for teens, but also for children, families, and seniors. “Hey,” Lucy whispered, leaning toward Char as Kate continued, “What’s with mom? I couldn’t get her to come tonight.”

  She felt Char stiffen beside her before she looked over. “Mom doesn’t leave the house much. She doesn’t like to go out.” “What’s not much?” Lucy asked, noticing that a few hands went up to ask questions about who would run the programs offered.

  “We hope that different members of the community will participate in teaching and taking the classes, but I’ve also established a rapport with the YMCA in Little Falls. Many of their staff are working toward degrees in education and need volunteer hours,” Kate explained. Char listened to their youngest sister with so much pride, Lucy’s heart missed a step. Char looked back at Lucy, her expression shifting, darkening.

  “I don’t know. Not much. She’s fine. She just…started leaving the house less and less. Leave it alone. You won’t be here long enough for it to bug you,” Char finally whispered. Lucy stepped back as though Char had slapped her, and tears immediately stung her eyes. Char’s face softened and she started to grab Lucy’s arm.

  “I’m sorry. Lucy,” she whispered, but Lucy shook her head and walked off the side of the stage to make sure that the flyers and information cards she had printed were by the door where people could easily grab them as they left. She passed the table where Bean’s Bakery had graciously laid out donated snacks for the evening and made a mental note to enter them in the draw for the television. Alex came up behind her as she straightened the perfect stack of flyers.

  “You okay?” he said quietly, his body crowding in behind her, his breath brushing over her, smoothing out her hurt even though he hadn’t caused it. She blinked quickly several times then turned to him with a smile in place.

  “Of course. It’s a good turnout. I think people will enjoy pitching in once we get started,” she answered, keeping her voice low while Kate finished answering questions.

  “Hmm,” Alex murmured, pushing a strand of Lucy’s hair behind her ear. His eyes watched her. She had spent every evening this week with him and was surprised by how much she enjoyed and looked forward to being with him.

  “I should—”

  He frowned. “Not try to hide things when you’re upset. Not from me. What did Char say?”

  Lucy winced. Of course he had noticed. The man saw everything—if she tried to sneak out of his bed, avoid a conversation, pretend something didn’t bother her when it did … It was like he had a radar.

  “She just said my mom doesn’t leave the house much, and I wondered why. Not a big deal. It’s nothing.”

  He leaned in and kissed her, soft and gentle, like he didn’t mind anyone looking. Still, she didn’t want the attention on them and whatever they were. The town was here tonight to support Kate. She pulled back and smiled at him.

  “I have to go check in with my deputies, finish up some paperwork,” he said, moving with her even as she stepped back. “Okay. Thanks for coming. The town loves you so much that if you support the rec center, they will.”

  “The town is here because they care about your family, Luce. About you.”

  She started to make a caustic remark but noticed that people were starting to mingle and Kate was finished on stage. “Do you want me to come by later?” she asked.

  His smile was wide and warm. And a little bit cocky. All of which, apparently, appealed to her. “Yes. I really and truly do.”

  She laughed and gave him a quick kiss. “Then I’ll see you later.”

  Chapter Nine

  Lucy hadn’t seen her brother-in-law since she had returned home almost two weeks ago. Between organizing the plans for redoing the rec center and jumping into what was suspiciously resembling a relationship, time had suddenly flown by. And she’d really been enjoying every moment. She’d only seen Mia and Carmen a few times at her parents’. It wasn’t enough, but for the first time in forever, she didn’t feel like she had to cram everything in because she was on her way to somewhere else.

  She knocked on the white lacquered door. They had moved since Carmen was born, and she felt a small trickle of shame that she hadn’t even been inside of this home. It was gorgeous—a white, two-story cross between country and colonial with a wide front porch and baby blue shutters. The cement walkway that led to the four-step porch was lined with pretty flowers. Bright blues and yellows mixed perfectly, reminding her that, of the three of them, Char had gotten the green thumb. Lucy considered pulling her camera out, snapping a couple shots of those vibrant petals, just as the door finally opened. Luke Hanson stood there in his jeans and T-shirt, his feet bare, with a slight snarl on his handsome face.

  “Jesus. I thought you were a salesman,” he said, breaking into a happy smile.

  “I’m not Jesus, either, so I hope you’re not disappointed,” Lucy returned, stepping into him. He wrapped his arms around her and squeezed her tight, lifted her off of her feet, and spun her in a half circle. She laughed in delight as he set her down and shut the door.

  “You show up about as often,” he teased, kissed her cheek, and grabbed her camera bag from her.

  Slipping off her shoes by the door, she followed him down a short hallway that led to a kitchen and sitting area. Char was standing at the counter, gripping it with both hands, as Carmen rocked back and forth on her heels, muttering under her breath.

  “Hey,” she said curtly, then turned to look at Luke, “you didn’t pick up peanut butter.”

  He frowned, glanced at Carmen and back at Lucy, his cheeks turning a pale shade of pink. Looking closer, Lucy noted that his dark hair was peppered with some grey around the ears and needed a trim. Char looked half dressed—unless she actually planned on pairing her pretty button-up shirt with the pajama pants she was sporting.

  “I only like peanut butter sandwiches,” Carmen muttered a little louder.

  “Aunt Lucy is here, Carmen. Aren’t you glad to see her?” Luke asked, going over to Carmen and putting his hand on her arm. “I want a peanut butter sandwich,” Carmen replied, not looking at her dad.

  Lucy put her bag on the counter, noting that Mia was sleeping in a bassinet in the sitting area. Curbing the impulse to pick her up, bury her nose in the crook of her tiny little neck, and inhale her, she walked to Carmen. Luke’s lips firmed. He stood and walked to Char.

  “Sorry, babe. I’ll go get some,” he said in a low voice. Lucy tried to focus on the tenderness she heard in his tone and not the stifling amount of tension that had permeated the room.

  “I brought you something,” Lucy told Carmen in a quiet voice. She stopped rocking and looked at Lucy. “Peanut butter?”

  “No. But it sounds like daddy’s got that covered.”

  Carmen stood staring, but not really looking at her, while Luke kissed Char’s cheek and said he’d be back in a few minutes.

  “Do you mind if I go finish getting dressed, Luce?” Char asked. Lucy couldn’t ignore the sound of fatigue lacing her sister’s normally upbeat, solid voice. “Of course not. Go.”

  She waited until Char left then went back to her camera bag and picked it up, moved to the sitting area, took another peek at Mia, and sat in the large recliner closest to the bassinet. She opened her bag and pulled out the photos she had brought for Carmen. Mia made cooi ng noises in her sleep and Lucy’s fingers itched to pick her up. Carmen came to stand beside the chair.

  “What did you bring?” she asked, looking at Lucy with curiosity.

  “I brought you some of the shark pictures I took when I was in Australia.”

  “People think Australia and New Zealand are the same, but they’re not.”

  “No. Th
ey’re not.”

  “Did you go to New Zealand?”

  “No. I was sent to take pictures of the Grey Nurse Shark. When I get sent on an assignment, I usually go where they send me,” Lucy explained, scooting over when Carmen leaned against the chair, looking at the photo album.

  “Sharks are endangered,” Carmen said, running a small finger across one of the photos.

  “Many of them, yes. Why do you like sharks so much?” Lucy asked, handing the book to Carmen. She smiled when Carmen wedged herself into a sitting position beside her on the chair. Mia stirred, made a few snuggling noises, and stretched her wee fists.

  “They’re strong. And powerful. No one wants to be near them because they’re scary, but they’re also beautiful if you just look,” Carmen said after a moment of thought and turned another page. Mia began to whimper in her cradle, and Lucy looked down at Carmen and then ran a hand gently along her springy, dark curls that smelled like baby shampoo. Carmen pulled back, away from Lucy’s touch.

  “You need to pick her up. Make sure you hold her head,” Carmen instructed, without looking up. Lucy smiled and bit back a laugh at the serious instruction. Standing, she leaned over the cradle and picked up Mia, snuggling into her neck and breathing her in, just as she’d been dying to do. Mia’s little fists pushed against her, and she moved her head around like a little chicken pecking at Lucy’s neck. Lucy laughed, making Carmen look up.

  “She’s hungry. You can’t feed her,” Carmen said, turning another page.

  “You look good with a baby snuggled into you like that,” Char said, walking in, her hair damp and her clothing fresh. “Did you shower?”

  “I most certainly did, and it was amazing. Seven and a half uninterrupted minutes of heaven,” Char answered, moving to the fridge. She pulled out some juice, held it up for Lucy in offering, and then poured them both a glass.