The Scotland Yard Exchange Series

by Stephanie Queen

  Then she reminded herself of the unspoken “but” and the lump jumped to her throat again as they walked from the dining room. Nibbles jumped and raced to her as the kitchen door swung closed behind them. With shaking hands, she scooped him up and turned to face her true love, keeping nothing from her face; all her emotions were there in her expression and voice.

  “Meet your new puppy, David. I bought him for you as a house-warming gift. So you wouldn’t be lonely.” She looked up into his eyes and felt tears well. She wasn’t sure what emotions were overwhelming her right now—whether they were happy or sad—but she couldn’t remember ever being so far out on a precipice and waiting.

  “That’s the kindest, most generous thing anyone has ever done for me.” David paused. “Especially under the circumstances.”

  She held her breath waiting for him to continue, wary of there being a “but” to come along and ruin his sentiment.

  “It’s no wonder I’m head over heels in love with you,” he finished. He took the puppy and, holding him between them, he leaned over and kissed her lips with a possessiveness she’d never felt before. She felt her mouth covered and cherished as he sucked her into his.

  Nibbles yelped and slipped to the floor. She leaned into David’s embrace and threw her arms around him to kiss him for all she was worth. She smashed her lips on his, exploring his mouth with urgency, pressing her entire body against his.

  To his credit, he held up well, receiving her determined force against him and meeting her urgency in return in spite of whatever shock he may have initially suffered. But then, with his gentlemanly way, he separated from her and held her face in his hands. She felt lightheaded with dread.

  “As much as I enjoyed that, and needed it, I need to talk to you even more.”

  She stared at him, holding his eyes steady with hers, and waited. There was no way she was going to make any assumptions. She had already put herself out there—in front of everyone, no less. He loved her. Now he had to explain what his “but” was about. The pause seemed interminable.

  “I’ll give you anything you want—including the picket fence and children.” His voice was low and he looked calm, but she could hear that tense sound, almost a wavy quality. She let out her breath but couldn’t speak. She was afraid if she interrupted he’d snap and retreat back to his safe life—risking it fighting crime every day.

  But she managed to croak out one word. “Why?”

  “Because I suddenly realize that the renewed life of crime-fighting that I’m embarking on is really something we created together. I thought it would be sufficient to go back to crime-fighting on my own—but in spite of the official reinstatement of good graces with the Yard and being surrounded by family and friends—my future looks empty without you.” He smiled and put his hands on her face to tilt her chin up. “I’d move to the suburbs if you wanted to.”

  In spite of the tears welling up with her emotions, it felt unreal.

  “What about that minor problem about you fearing for my life if I join you in a future of crime-fighting?” she asked with a clear voice. Then, even though it killed her to do it, she pushed back and separated herself to hear his answer. This was too important. She had to know that he was really ready—like Dan said—to deal with these problems. Because they would have them.

  “I had a conversation with Esther. She’s a very wise woman. We decided I’m too tough a guy not to deal with the challenges.” He pulled her back in and stopped her from asking anything more by kissing her lips in a wildly sensual exploration, where the world shrank down to only their two mouths.

  Whatever worries David had that Grace was still skeptical—and she had a right to be—it all disappeared in the taste of her mouth and the velvety feel of his tongue stroking hers. When he needed to give his hammering heart a rest, he rained kisses on her cheek and jaw and finally her forehead. Then he looked at her sparkling eyes, dewy with unshed tears, and waited for her verdict.

  “I guess I realize that it doesn’t matter after all where I live as long as I’m with you,” she said in a breath. “And having people I love like Mabel nearby—and Pixie and Dan and Esther too—would be wonderful. They’ll all be family—real family.”

  He smiled at her rushed words, but his heart was not settled. In fact, it was in his throat and flopping around mercilessly. There was still one big issue between them and he had to ask.

  “What about children? Wouldn’t you still like to have a family with your own children?” He studied her loving, lovely face and watched her frown. It was more than he could stand, but he stood it, tamping down on the rush of adrenaline that urged him to run the other way.

  “Are you talking about your children?”

  He grinned at her then and literally gritted his teeth to keep from laughing out loud. She was too precious.

  “Who else’s children would I be talking about?” he asked with one arched brow and a corner of his mouth twitching upward.

  Then she laughed and arched her brow back at him, realizing how she sounded.

  “In theory, I could be talking about that young man from the suburbs who Mabel referred to.”

  “No suburban upstart would scare the likes of Boston’s new-century Sherlock.” He swept her in for an enveloping hug that made her tingle. A sense of well-being washed through her entire body, and she could have stood there in his arms forever. She wanted to be in his circle forever.

  “You know I’ll have to be Watson if you’re going to be Sherlock,” she eventually decided to mention—not that she wanted to shake things up. But then again, she’d always be compelled to shake things up. The thought didn’t worry her. She knew he’d handle it.

  “Frankly, I wouldn’t want it any other way. You do have a certain talent—although some would call it luck. I don’t believe in luck.”

  “Oh, you mean like the parking space thing?” She looked up at him to see the puzzled look on his face.

  “What parking space thing?”

  “Never mind.” She burrowed into his warmth and smiled. There’d be plenty of time for him to discover her parking-space talent. She couldn’t wait.

  He loosened his hold and stepped a few inches away from her then. His look was serious. They were still so new together that her heart suddenly pounded at the implications. Until he gave her another look. It was a look that said “You are mine forever. From now on. Period.” And it held such delicious promise that she started feeling a little dizzy.

  “I have a gift for you too, sweetheart.” His smile turned from greedy possession to the most tender and loving look she ever saw. Her hair-trigger emotions caused tears to well up instantly while she watched him reach into his pocket.

  He held a small black square box between them and popped open the lid for her to see.

  “Oh!” She looked from the most exquisite diamond ring she could imagine then up to his dear face and back again. The tears fell streaming down her cheeks even as she laughed with her giddiness. She threw herself into his arms and wanted to stay there forever. “Yes, yes, yes, yes…” she murmured as she kissed his face and his lips and his chin and everywhere. He squeezed her close.

  “Does this mean that you’ve accepted my offer of partnership in crime-fighting? And decorating?”

  She laughed at his teasing and pulled back. He slid the ring on her finger and wiped the remaining stray tears from her face.

  “Does this mean you’re not worried about being an old man with young children?” she teased him back, and he surprised her with a serious look.

  “Children are a serious matter.” He quirked a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I’d prefer if I were ten years younger, but conditions look favorable.”

  She sensed he wanted to be okay with having children and she knew he wasn’t all the way there yet. There was no question that she would take the chance. She’d already made up her mind.

  “Does this mean we should plan a wedding?” she asked with a hint of disbelief in her voice. H
e simply nodded and smiled, and this time it was a completely happy smile with no doubts.

  Mabel appeared in the doorway, and when Grace would have pulled out of their embrace, David held her tight.

  “I couldn’t help overhearing—there’s going to be a wedding?” she said with her brilliant nonchalance.

  Grace laughed at her soon-to-be-real aunt. The thought sent a rush through her. The rest of their friends streamed into the kitchen.

  “How soon are you getting married?” Dan asked as he slapped David on the back and Esther took her in a hug.

  “At my age, I’m wondering if she’ll mind tomorrow,” David said. He gave her a look that said he was half kidding—about the age part—but serious about the getting married tomorrow part. A pool of warmth spread all over her insides in wonderful waves.

  “Lucky day eleven of your whirlwind romance,” Pixie said with her arms folded and a tenuous smile on her face. Grace grabbed her by the hands and pulled her friend into a hug. She wouldn’t have cried if Pixie hadn’t started first.

  After all the congratulating, she went back to the circle of David’s arms and felt his hand on the small of her back where it belonged.

  “I’d love getting married tomorrow—as long as we have a long honeymoon.” She looked up into his smiling eyes.

  “I’m sure that could be arranged. I’ll talk to the Yard and Dan will stave off the need for my immediate services.”

  They both looked at Dan. He gave them a wink.

  “What about the next candidate for the Scotland Yard Exchange Program?” Pixie asked, to Grace’s surprise.

  “As soon as I have a candidate, you’ll be the first to know, Pixie dearest.” David chuckled and tousled her hair while she scowled with skepticism.

  “Then it’s decided? We marry tomorrow?” Grace wondered aloud.

  David nodded his head. And that’s what they did.

  The Hot Shots

  Book 2

  The Scotland Yard Exchange Program Series

  By Stephanie Queen

  The Hot Shots

  Copyright © 2012 Stephanie Queen

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author’s work.

  Praise for Stephanie Queen’s Books

  The Throwbacks

  “Boston comes vividly alive in the first of Queen’s Scotland Yard Exchange Program series. Grace is an engaging heroine with charm, humor and sass. Resplendent in rich detail, laugh-out-loud moments, a fast-paced plot and spellbinding characters, The Throwbacks is a stellar not-to-be-missed standout!”

  —Romantic Times Book Review

  Playing the Game

  “Reading Queen is an absolutely scrumptious experience. Readers will fall in love, get heated, laugh and have an energizing adventure. The story has sublime settings, smooth writing that melds into a well-developed plot and characters who come alive like Pop Rocks and carbonated beverages.”

  —Romantic Times Book Review

  “If you’re a fan of fast paced contemporaries, Playing The Game delivers one heck of a story”

  —Storm Goddess Book Reviews

  “A refreshing and fun romance story that swept my off my feet.”

  —I Just Wanna Sit Here and Read

  Between a Rock and a Mad Woman:

  “Absolutely delightful”

  —RomanticLoveBooks.com

  “I was riveted! The twists, turns, surprises & the love story that resulted were outstanding and I can’t wait to read more”

  —HesperiaLovesBooks.com

  Chapter 1

  “I have a favor to ask,” Grace said from behind her desk, pencil in hand and dimple in place. “I need you to pick up David’s latest recruit from Scotland Yard at Logan Airport and keep him busy for the day. Show him around.”

  Sophia couldn’t stop her usual sarcasm in spite of the fact that Grace was her boss as well as her best friend. This so-called favor made no sense. Even for Grace.

  “Are you serious?” Sophia planted her hands on her hips. “Let me make sure I understand you—there’s no one in the entire Boston Police Department David can ask to do this, so you’re asking me to babysit one of David’s Scotland Yard hot shots on the eve of my possible career breakthrough?”

  Grace nodded. Her big blue eyes were wide and honest. Something was up.

  “That’s crazy talk. Tomorrow’s the shoot for the audition.” Grace had helped set it up, but Sophia felt it was worth mentioning the obvious.

  “Yes. I know.” Grace smiled, then looked back down at her drawing. “And a distraction is exactly what you need to keep your nerves at bay.”

  “What? My nerves are fine.” If her damn voice hadn’t squeaked at that moment, she’d have been more convincing. Something was definitely up. And Sophia would never admit it to Grace, but she did feel a bit edgy—if edginess included nausea, headaches and sleeplessness.

  “I know you.” Grace paused and gave her the serious-yet-loving older-sister type look that she mostly put up with. “This will be good for you and…and I’d really appreciate it.”

  Grace was playing dirty pool now with that appreciation bit, but Sophia still didn’t buy it.

  “And what if I didn’t have time today? Were you going to tear me away from my project?”

  “Actually, yes. I wasn’t going to mention it, but some of the men were complaining about your presence on the set and asked me to have you back off just a smidge.” Grace scrunched her brow. “But don’t worry, honey, they think you’re wonderful. It’s just lately…”

  “Great. That’s great.” Her hands flew into the air. “I’ve got painters and paperhangers and carpenters talking to my boss behind my back.” This was not good. She plunked herself on the edge of Grace’s desk and folded her arms. She tried staring at the stack of fabric samples on the other side of the office so Grace wouldn’t notice if a tear slipped out. Because, damn it, she might be on the brink of crying.

  Grace picked up the box of tissues and handed it to her. “You’ll be all right, Pixie honey. This is the perfect way to get your mind off everything to do with decorating and the design show audition and TV cameras. I’m asking for a one-day, one-shot favor.”

  Grace’s voice sounded a little too sweet, even for her, and “Pixie honey” or no “Pixie honey,” that was cause for suspicion. She blew her nose. Okay, so maybe she needed a break, but she wasn’t convinced that playing tour guide to some British guy fresh off the boat—or rather airline—was the way to go.

  “I’m saving up my vacation time and I don’t think you have the authority to assign me to pick up some random guy at Logan Airport and show him around town while I’m on the clock. We’re in the decorating business.” She remained seated on the edge of Grace’s desk, tossed the balled-up tissue into a basket halfway across the small office, and refolded her arms. “Besides, it doesn’t even sound safe.” She blew the blunt-cut
bangs off her forehead for emphasis.

  Grace looked at her with that smile and said, “He’s from Scotland Yard, honey. Of course it’s safe. It’ll be fun. I don’t know what you’re worried about.” Her face brightened and she added, “You don’t have to use vacation time. Consider it a client recruitment assignment.” Grace went back to the sketch she’d been working on.

  Sophia looked at her best friend and boss with a suspicious squint. What it sounded like to her was another one of Grace’s blind date setups in disguise.

  “You mean a client like David?”

  Grace snapped her head up from her drawing. As it always happened when they talked about David, she got that euphoric, adoring look. Grace was the picture of “in-love” and it took Sophia’s breath away to see it.

  “Wouldn’t that be wonderful if you found someone who could make your life bliss like David and me?” Grace sighed.

  Sophia rolled her eyes. “Of course you’re blissful—you’re a newlywed and you’ve dreamed of married bliss all your life. Me, I’m not that kind of girl.” Sophia would rather be swept off her feet into a wild affair by an Italian movie star. But she kept that thought to herself. No need to suffer another lecture.

  “Whatever you say, Pixie. But I would owe you big if you’d do me and David this favor. All you have to do is pick the guy up at the airport and keep him busy for the rest of the day…until after dinner. David will take him off your hands later this evening. This man wasn’t supposed to officially start with the Boston Police Department—you know, for the Exchange Program with Scotland Yard—for a couple more days. They moved up their initiation, or orientation, or whatever they call it—meeting—to tomorrow morning.” Grace looked at her earnestly this time. “Please, Pixie. Anything you want—name it. How about a bonus vacation day for your dream trip to Tuscany?”