by Ring, Ginger
Ryan rested his elbows on his knees and rubbed his chin. He couldn’t blame the kid for trying to help his mom, but sneaking out to work on a school night was definitely not the right way. He took a deep breath and leaned back in his chair.
“What if you’d been killed? Your mother would have been devastated. It’s not safe being out after dark on a bike, especially this time of year.”
“It was stupid, I know, but after I got caught shoplifting a few years ago I can’t get a job to save my life.”
“It’s tough losing a parent.” Ryan knew. He’d lost both on the same day and he’d been younger than Tyler at the time. The bouts of shoplifting and skipping school had probably been a product of the grief. It could have been so much worse. At least Tyler had stayed away from drugs and the gangs that had been here before the Caponellis took residence. “Here’s what we’re going to do. Let me see if we can get you into some kind of work program. Maybe there’s something you can do at the station.”
“Yes. I’ll do anything. Sweep floors, take out the trash,” Tyler offered.
“I can’t promise anything, but I want you to promise me something.” Ryan stared him straight in the eye.
Tyler nodded. “Yes, sir.”
“No more sneaking out at night. Your mom has enough on her mind.”
“I promise.”
The chair legs squeaked as he stood up and slid it back toward the wall. Ryan placed a hand on the guardrail of the bed. “Rest up. If you need a ride home in the morning, give me a call.” He pulled a card out of his pocket and set it on the table next to the bed.
“Thanks, I appreciate it, but my mom said she’d be back here in the morning. She had to go back to work.”
“Where’s she at now?”
Tyler told him about the late-night diner she waitressed at.
“I’ll stop by and let her know I’ll bring you home. We don’t want her falling asleep and getting into an accident herself. Call me before they let you out.”
Ryan tapped the card on the night stand and started for the door. “Get some sleep and I’ll see what kind of work I can find for you.”
“I’ll do anything and I’ll work hard.” Tyler sat up in the bed too quickly and put his hand to his head again.
“We’ll talk about that when you are better. Now, get some rest.”
“I will.”
Ryan turned off the light and left the room. He covered his yawn with his hand as he wandered down the empty hospital hall. A night nurse smiled as he walked by. The evening sure hadn’t turned out as planned. That was for damn sure.
Cold, brisk air gave him a burst of energy as he exited the hospital. The automatic sliding doors closed fast as if fighting to keep the heat in place. Days like this made him feel old. Just a little over thirty years old and he was still going home alone.
Ryan hoped he could keep his promise to Tyler. It would be like pulling teeth to get employers to take a chance on a youngster with a checkered past. He could have turned out the same way. His mother and father had died tragically. There was no one there when Ryan returned home after school. Hours passed and it was dark by the time his uncle knocked on the door to tell him neither parent would be coming home again. Ever. He felt like a zombie as he packed up his things and followed Uncle Patrick out the door. It was then that he’d transferred schools and ended up in the private academy with Roman and Valentina. It was crazy how a few minutes, sometimes seconds, could change your entire life.
The truck’s heater kicked in instantly. Ryan took the long way home, stopping in at the diner to assure Tyler’s mom that he was resting fine and that he would bring him home in the morning. She protested at first but the woman was clearly exhausted and finally agreed. He then detoured past the bar he’d been at earlier. Remembering the kiss he’d shared with Valentina had him adjusting the temperature in the cab to cool. She was the one bright spot in his day, until her brother showed up and dimmed things. The prick. Not that he blamed him. If he had a sister, he’d be as watchful as Roman.
He’d not been making much headway with Valentina but he planned to make it up to her sometime soon. Ryan slowed and took a turn around the parking lot. Her truck was nowhere in sight. A chuckle escaped his lips thinking of her in that huge truck. He’d dropped off a squad car for an oil change just as she was driving out and the mechanic mentioned that the long-legged brunette just bought it. It wasn’t any bigger than his but it surprised the hell out of him. She surprised the hell out of him. Pausing before turning into the street, he cursed and headed for the place he’d heard she’d moved to, or was moving to. It was a small town so he knew she’d been staying with her brother and Madison. It felt a bit stalkerish but he wanted to make sure the woman got home safe. He wanted all the residents of Lake Genoa to get home safe.
In mere minutes he cruised down her street and spotted her truck parked in the driveway of an old Victorian home. The lights were on and he spied her slim figure walk by the window. It took all he had not to stop and scold her for keeping her shades open at night and to double check that she’d locked her doors, but he’d probably come across as a peeping Tom. Knowing her brother, the place probably already had a kick-ass security system and was being monitored twenty-four seven.
He’d always thought of Valentina as being sheltered, a rich princess in a tower. Ryan had taken an oath to protect and serve, but at this moment in time, the only one he most wanted to save from harm was the one out of reach.
Chapter Eight
Valentina
Valentina yawned and rubbed her eyes as she studied her new office. It was nicely decorated in earth tones and a few lakeside photos dotted the walls. All she needed was the shingle with her name on it outside the door and she would be open for business. That sign was supposed to be on the door by the end of the day. It was a nice surprise when Madison greeted her first thing in the morning with treats from the Java Shop.
“That was fun last night.” Madison sipped her latte and stuffed the last bite of a chocolate pastry in her mouth. They sat on opposite sides of her desk, still empty of paperwork and files.
“You sure are chipper today. How do you do it? It’s like you’re going nonstop all the time and you don’t look a bit worse for wear.” If there was a secret, she wanted to be let in on it.
“It’s just love.” Madison’s cheeks flushed. “I know it’s corny, but ever since I’ve been with Roman, I wake up with a smile on my face each day.”
Valentina rolled her eyes. “Ugh, you didn’t grow up with him tormenting you every day and hiding your dolls. What a pest.”
Her lovesick companion just laughed. “No, but I bet he never let anyone else torment you.”
“You are correct on that one.” Val took a long sip from her coffee and set the cup on the table. “You know it’s not always going to be that way. Right?”
“Of course. That’s why marriage vows include the phrase for better or for worse.”
“You know what I mean.” Her sister-in-law knew she’d married into a mafia family but had no idea what it was like to grow up in one.
“Yes, I do know.” Madison sobered. “I’ve witnessed more violence since I’ve known Roman than I have in my entire lifetime. But it was Roman who protected me and kept me and others safe. He also promised to move the family to more legit businesses and I believe him. It will take time, and I know to not ask any questions that I don’t want to know the answers to.”
“That’s a start.” Valentina frowned.
“What’s wrong, girl?”
“I guess I just see everyone living their dreams, falling in love, reaching their goals.” Her gaze wondered to the window.
“It looks to me like you are living your dream and reaching your goals.” Madison leaned forward. “We’re sitting in your new office. As soon as the sign is on the door, the place will be booming.”
“I think I’m just worried about failing.” Valentina turned in her chair.
“If you are worry about
failing, you’ll never do anything. I’m amazed at all you’ve done. You have no idea how much of a loser I feel like sometimes when I think of all you’ve accomplished. It’s amazing.” Madison was singing her praises
Valentina’s cheeks flushed with the tribute. “Are you kidding me?”
“No. How many people your age have both a law office and a place like Firenza?”
Val shrugged and slumped back in her chair. It was a lot, but if it weren’t for her family, she wouldn’t have half of the things she had. It had been their money that had afforded her to do the things she’d done.
“But I don’t think that is what has you in a funk. You want our handsome law enforcement officer for yourself, and don’t try and deny it.”
“So what if I do? He doesn’t want me.” She took another sip of her latte.
“How do you know?” Madison stood up and walked around the room as she talked. “I think you are both so uptight about what everyone thinks that you don’t know what you want.” Truer words could not have been spoken.
“Our family—” Val started, but was interrupted.
“I have a feeling that no matter who you pick for your man, Roman and your father are going to hate him.” She stopped in front of the desk and placed her hands on her hips. “That said, I think Officer Ryan is the only one with enough balls to stand up to both of them. And if you like him as much as I think you do, you’d better go get him before someone else does.”
“I just don’t know.” There was a knot in her gut.
“For a lawyer, you sure don’t put up much of a fight.”
“I’m a damn good fighter. I’m just not good as this dating stuff.”
“Is anyone? Geez, girl. Do you like him?” Madison challenged.
“Yes.” She lifted one shoulder and dropped it. “He’s good looking.”
“And?”
“He has a job and seems to care about people.”
“And?”
“And I have no idea what to do about it.”
“I do.”
“What, walk over and ask him out?”
“No, but you could get to know him first. Looks are fine but you have to have something to back that up.”
Of course looks faded, but it was his drive to always do what was right that appealed to her. After being in a family that always seemed to be on the wrong side of the law, someone on the right side was a step in the right direction.
“I agree, but I feel like I made a mess of everything the other night, not to mention big brother stepping in and threatening him.”
“I don’t think Ryan seemed too upset. I think he would have stayed if he hadn’t gotten that phone call. It had to have been important for him to leave.” Her sister-in-law crossed her arms over her chest and was quiet. After a few seconds, her face lit up. “I know. I know what you could do.”
“What?” Valentina would take any suggestions she could get. After all, Madison had snagged one of the most sought after and richest bachelors around.
“I ran into Danny the other day and she mentioned a new program they were starting at the station. It’s for troubled kids and kids who just needed some direction. A type of work program to give them experience. You could go down to the station and sign your law office up. Just think, you could get someone to help around here. Make coffee, file papers, things like that.” She stopped and made a sweeping motion with her hand. “Well, when you have some work.”
A work program? Her chair creaked as she leaned back. That was a good idea to have someone here in case she had to leave. She would eventually need help. “I like it.”
Madison rounded the desk and gave Val’s chair a push. She was nothing if not subtle. “Go down there before you chicken out.”
Grabbing her purse, Valentina got to her feet. “Let’s go.”
“Oh, hell no. You are doing this on your own.”
“Okay.” She tossed both of their empty coffee cups in the trash. “Well, can I at least give you a ride somewhere?”
They walked out the door and she spied Arlo leaning against one of Roman’s black SUVs. “I forgot your ride is already here. Hi, Arlo.” She waved and he nodded.
“Good luck, Val. My only advice is if it is meant to be, it will be.” Madison gave her a shoulder a quick squeeze.
“What’s meant to be?” her brother’s, and now Madison’s, bodyguard asked as he opened the vehicle door.
“I’m trying to find Val a man,” Maddy explained.
Arlo rolled his eyes. “Heaven help the poor man,” he grumbled under his breath.
“What?” That hurt. Valentina pouted.
“I didn’t mean it that way. You know I love ya like a sister, but you know what it’s like with your brother and father. Have you ever even gone on a date?”
Val stopped and turned bright red. “Yes, a couple times, in fact.”
“What?” Madison gasped. “You’re joking, right?”
“There wasn’t much time for fun.” Never had she felt so stupid and she narrowed her eyes at Arlo, who whispered an apology.
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean it that way.” Madison touched her arm. “You’ll be fine. He’s a good man. I know it.”
Confidence gone, Val hugged her goodbye and stepped back to the sidewalk. Shutting the door, Arlo stepped to her side. “For what it’s worth, the man who will be able to stand up to your family will be the one I respect to stand by your side.” He patted her shoulder before rounding the vehicle. Tears threatened. Arlo was a good man and just as single as she was, but like he said, they were like brother and sister. He started the SUV and the pair disappeared down the street.
A cool breeze caressed her cheek and Valentina hugged her sweater tighter. Soon, she wouldn’t be able to be outside without a coat. The thought of spending another cold winter alone stiffened her resolve to find that special someone. Whether going to the local police department today would fix that problem remained to be seen. At least she was doing something good and hopefully help out a youth who needed direction.
She may have cursed her family at times but she had always been taken care of and protected. Not everyone was that lucky.
Ryan
Ryan eyed the box of donuts in the breakroom with caution. They looked good but it was hard to tell how long they’d been there. Using his better judgement, he just poured some coffee that was probably passed its freshness date as well. What it lacked in taste it made up for in temperature.
The hot liquid seemed to burn its way down his throat and his cheeks heated. It did the trick to clear the cobwebs in his brain. His usually quiet town was getting busy. In just a few short days there was a young woman’s death, Tyler’s accident, and, of course, the return of Valentina Caponelli. What was he thinking kissing her? She was trouble. It wasn’t her fault but it was guilt by association. Still, it was worth it. The coffee warmed his belly, or was it his thoughts of a certain beauty from Chicago.
Walking out of the room, he thought he must be dreaming. Valentina was talking to Danny at the front desk. If Roman was standing with her, it would be a strong bet that she was there to file a sexual harassment charge for manhandling her in a parking lot, but she was by herself. She was also smiling, a beautiful, heart stopping smile. Her lips were full and soft. That he remembered and would never forget. He leaned to rest a shoulder against the wall, but quickly recovered after realizing he was a lot farther away than he thought. Except for some coffee spotting the floor, there was no damage done. Ryan quickly grabbed some napkins from the breakroom.
Mess cleaned up, he was ready to go say hi to Valentina, but she was gone.
“Hi, Ry,” Danny greeted as she walked by.
“Hi.” He grabbed her arm. “Uh, hey, Danny, got a sec?”
“Yeah, what’s up? At least you are.” She laughed. “I saw you almost wipe out. What the hell was that about?”
“Nothing. I slipped.” He tried to brush it away. “Say, was that Miss Caponelli you were talking to?”
He rubbed his forehead. “Not sure what you mean.”
“Yes, you do. Of course it was her. Damn, if you want to date her, just go ask her,” she teased.
“I. Don’t. Date.” Saying it one word at a time wasn’t fooling anyone but he tried. “I just wanted to know why she was here.”
A fist came out of nowhere and hit him in the arm. “You know what, Donavan? You’re a dumbass.”
“Oww! What the hell, Danny?” He rubbed the sore spot. Not only did she swear worse than any man, she hit harder.
“I don’t know the reasoning behind why you don’t want to date, but in the right light you aren’t half bad to look at. Do yourself, and the rest of us, a favor and go ask her out. You don’t want to end up alone. You remember old man Halverson. Don’t ya?”
How could he forget? That was a bad day, to say the least. John Halverson and his brother had been bachelors for years and lived on the edge of town. A few years ago, John’s brother died, leaving him home alone, just him and his old Collie dog. One day they got a call at the station from Halverson’s mailman. The box at the end of his driveway was full and the man’s car hadn’t moved in a week.
Ryan and Danny drove out to see what was going on. They could tell as soon as they looked in the window that the man was dead and had been for at least a week. It was a sad case. The poor dog was starved half to death and wouldn’t let anyone near his master. To this day it still brought a tear to his eye.
“I don’t want to end up like John.” It choked him up just to speak about it.
“Then don’t.” She pointed a finger in his face. “I like dicks, not chicks, and even I think she’s hot. I could tell Valentina was looking around too. Like she was hoping to catch sight of you.”
“You think so?” It would be easier if he knew she felt the same way but their time together the other night had been a disaster. “What was she doing here anyway?”