This Time for Keeps

by Rochelle Alers

  “I’ve never thought of myself in that way,” he admitted.

  “Well, you should, Captain America,” Nicole teased. “And the next time you look for a girlfriend, you should pick one who has a life of her own.”

  “Are you applying for the position? Because you do have a life—and no doubt a very busy one.”

  “I’m sorry, but I have to disqualify myself.”

  “Why, Nikki?”

  “Because I can’t be here for the long run.”

  “Do you place an expiration date on all your relationships?”

  “No. Just this one if we were to begin dating each other.”

  Fletcher’s grin was so wide he was certain Nicole could see his molars. “I’m not opposed to a relationship of short duration, if you’re amenable.”

  Nicole stared straight ahead. “It really wouldn’t bother you if we broke up after four or five months?”

  “I’m not going to say it wouldn’t bother me, because when I date a woman, I’m usually all in. But in this case you’re the one in the driver’s seat.”

  “Okay,” she said after what appeared to be an interminable pause. “I’ll see you whenever I can, because of Daniel and Luke, but I want to warn you that when it comes time for me to leave The Falls, I want a clean break.”

  He resisted the urge to pump his fist in victory. He hadn’t expected Nicole to agree to date him, and he was willing to accept whatever time they would have together.

  Fletcher signaled and turned off onto the local road leading to the Wolf Den. He managed to find one of the few remaining spaces in the parking lot, shut down the engine and raised the convertible’s top. Unbuckling his seat belt, he leaned over and brushed his mouth across Nicole’s parted lips. Her intake of breath indicated he’d shocked her.

  “You’ve got yourself a deal,” he whispered. Fletcher got out of the Corvette and came around to help Nicole out. Holding on to her hand, he led her around to the front door to the eating establishment with the reputation of serving some of the best barbecue in the county.

  Chapter Six

  Nicole wondered if she had been caught in a trap of her own choosing when she walked into the Den with Fletcher’s arm around her waist. Once her eyes adjusted to coming out of the brilliant sunlight, she saw a small crowd of men and a few women in military paraphernalia staring at her.

  “Oorah!” echoed throughout the restaurant as fellow marines greeted her, some with first bumps and others with salutes.

  “What can I get the captain?” shouted one of the two bartenders serving drinks to those standing two-deep at the bar.

  Fletcher pulled Nicole closer. “What’s your poison?”

  She smiled up at him. He had removed his sunglasses and she found herself drowning in the amber orbs. “Whatever beer is on tap.” Nicole preferred wine, but the occasion called for beer and other spirits.

  Fletcher held up two fingers. “Two beers, and put them on my tab.”

  It had been a long time since Nicole had been inside the legendary pub/sports bar, as the familiar aromas of barbecue and smoked meats wafted to her nostrils. Most young people waited patiently to reach legal drinking age to visit the Wolf Den, because it was the only business in The Falls with a liquor license. The owners were vigilant and had a no-nonsense policy about serving alcohol to minors. They checked IDs of everyone under thirty and that included military personnel.

  She’d rarely hung out with other students and when she had it was at Ruthie’s—a family-style restaurant with an all-you-can-eat buffet.

  Fletcher pressed his mouth to her ear. “Let me see if I can find a table before I bring you your beer and put in an order before the kitchen gets too busy.” She followed him as he shouldered his way through the throng of men and women excitedly talking to one another and loudly greeting newcomers. Fletcher found an empty booth and seated her. He winked at her. “Don’t run away. I’ll be right back.”

  Nicole stared at his broad shoulders under the black T-shirt as he walked. She had no intention of running away now that she’d agreed to go out with him. She knew their relationship would not be traditional in nature because of her schedule and the responsibility of caring for her nephews. The only time she and Fletcher would be able to see each other alone would be the weekends the boys stayed with their grandparents. She had laid the ground rules for their relationship and hopefully Fletcher would not attempt to break or thwart them.

  It had been more than a year since she had had anything that resembled a social life. Joining the other associates for dinner, or going to a local club after a hectic workweek to let off a little steam, had been the extent of what passed as fun. One of the partners had asked her out under the guise he’d wanted to discuss her future with the firm, but Nicole had seen through his subterfuge when he’d reached across the table to hold her hand. Not only was he her boss, he was also married, and she’d had no intention of carrying on an affair with a married man.

  Dating Fletcher was safe. He was part owner in a family business, and now that he’d purchased a house, he planned to spend the rest of his life in Wickham Falls. Like in many small towns, one’s reputation was valued above all else. Besmirching a good reputation usually led to ostracism and exclusion. She’d realized this when he’d talked about not wanting to become an unwed father.

  Well, she mused, she wasn’t ready to start a family of her own when her life was still in flux. Although she’d paid the maintenance fee on her condo six months in advance and was solvent, she still had to look for a position with another Miami law firm. Once she’d revealed to her parents that she wanted to follow in their steps and become a lawyer, Nicole had teased her father that she did not want to begin her career as a prosecutor as he had, but preferred working in a firm.

  “I didn’t expect to see you here, Captain Campos.”

  Nicole’s head popped up when she heard a deep, familiar voice. She half rose from her seat and smiled at a tall, slender man with refined features in a face the color of polished mahogany. “I thought I’d surprise everyone and show up, Major Adams.” Former active army for a decade, the dentist was now a reservist. Three years her senior, Dwight and her brother, Reggie, had always been thick as thieves. Both friends had married local girls, but Dwight’s marriage had ended after less than three years when his wife opposed him setting up a practice in The Falls.

  Dwight sat opposite her. “Are you here alone?”

  She shook her head. “No. I came with Fletcher Austen.”

  Dwight’s inky black eyebrows shot up. “You and Fletcher?”

  Nicole nodded, smiling. “Yes. Me and Fletcher.” Now that she had agreed to date him, she was willing to openly acknowledge that she and Fletcher were a couple. She couldn’t tell by Dwight’s impassive expression how he felt about his best friend’s sister.

  “How’s Reggie doing?”

  “I’m not sure. The treatment center has very strict rules about outside contact until he completes his first three months.”

  Dwight ran a hand over his shaved scalp. “I really miss hanging out with my buddy during the off-season.”

  Nicole flashed a small smile. “Once he completes treatment and comes home, you guys will pick up where you left off.”

  “Did your brother tell you that I’ve volunteered to be his sponsor once he completes treatment?”

  Nicole nodded. “He did mention it.”

  She knew her parents wanted their son to move to Florida and had offered to look after their grandchildren until Reggie was able to secure a position with a local college. Whether in The Falls or in Miami, her brother would have the safety net needed to keep his new life on track.

  “Hey, Doc, what’s up?” Fletcher said as he placed two mugs of frothy beer on the table.

  Dwight stood and gave Fletcher a strong embrace. “I was just keeping your girlfriend occupied to stop some
of these knuckleheads from hitting on her.”

  Fletcher rested a hand on Dwight’s shoulder. “Thanks, man.”

  The dentist winked at Nicole. “I’ll see you again when you bring your nephews in for their next checkup.”

  “Of course.” Nicole had taken the boys in for a checkup and cleaning in June. Their upcoming appointment was scheduled a week before Christmas.

  * * *

  Fletcher waited for Dwight to walk away and then sat opposite Nicole. “Were dudes trying to hit on you?”

  “No. Dwight is just pulling your leg.”

  “That’s good, because I don’t want to have to turn the Den out when I thump some dude for disrespecting my lady.”

  “If you start a barroom fight, I’ll never talk to you again,” Nicole said.

  Fletcher chuckled. “I was just pulling your leg,” he countered, smiling. “I hope you don’t mind that I ordered ribs, chicken and brisket with a couple of sides.”

  She waved a hand. “You don’t have to ask. All I had this morning was a cup of coffee and a slice of peanut-buttered toast because I knew I was coming here.”

  Fletcher touched his mug to Nicole’s. “If all I had was coffee and toast for breakfast, I’d be as hangry as a bear coming out of hibernation.” He glanced up when he saw the waitress with a tray on her shoulder coming their way. “I think our food is here.”

  “Yo, Austen,” someone called out. “How did you get your order before the rest of us?”

  Smiling, Fletcher pointed to Nicole. “Rank does have its privileges.”

  The young, freckle-faced corporal stood at attention and executed a snappy salute. “Sorry about that, Captain.”

  Nicole returned the salute and bit back a grin. “I’m glad I came because I like the fact that officers and noncoms can fraternize without the threat of facing a court-martial.”

  Slumping back in the booth, Fletcher stared at Nicole over the rim of his mug as he took a long swallow. Suddenly he recalled their conversation about her being in love with a man that wasn’t an officer and wondered if Nicole was a woman who was willing to sacrifice love in lieu of a career.

  “That can only happen in a civilian setting,” he said as the waitress set out mouthwatering platters and bowls filled with meat and veggies.

  “May I serve you?” Fletcher asked Nicole.

  “Please.”

  He’d just filled a plate for Nicole with barbecued ribs, slices of fork-tender brisket, black-eyed peas and potato salad when Seth Collier sat next to him. “I’m sorry to intrude on you good folks but, Fletcher, I’d like to ask you something.”

  Fletcher stared at the sheriff of Wickham Falls. He’d exchanged his official uniform for a USMC sweatshirt. “Ask away.”

  “I know you work for your father, but would you be willing to work one night a week as an on-call EMT? We’re down one man who tripped over his kid’s bike and broke his foot. The other two are working twelve-hour shifts to cover for him until he returns. But they’re complaining about needing at least one night off a week. I’m only asking you because of your medical training.”

  “Won’t I have to be certified as an EMT?” Fletcher asked.

  “You’re trained in first-response trauma medicine, which makes you qualified to fill in for Charlie Robinson. His orthopedist predicts he should be medically clear to return to work in another month. I’ve talked to the mayor and town council about this and they’ve given their approval—if you decide to do it.”

  Fletcher drummed his fingers on the table. He was slightly annoyed that Seth had approached him in front of other people, putting him on the spot. He wasn’t a certified EMT, but his prior military training and duties had included operating a combat laboratory to treat emergency and trauma patients.

  He had always heard and said folks in The Falls always looked out for one another, and now he was being asked to step up and help out. “It’s only for one day a week?”

  Seth nodded. “One day for eight hours. You’d have to be available for the graveyard shift—ten to six the next morning.”

  Fletcher stared at Nicole, who met his eyes. Once a week meant sleeping at the barracks behind the police station. “It can’t be weekends.”

  “You can pick any night of the week that fits into your schedule. You’ll be directly linked to the 9-1-1 operator.”

  “Wednesday.” It was the first day he’d thought of.

  Seth exhaled. “Thanks, buddy. The clerk in the treasurer’s office will complete the paperwork and I’ll bring it out to the garage for you to sign so they can put you on the payroll.”

  Nicole’s eyebrows lifted when she stared at him across the table.

  “What?” Fletcher asked Nicole in a low tone once Seth got up and walked away. “Do you think I’m a glutton for punishment for offering to fill in for the injured EMT?” he asked as she continued to stare at him.

  “No, Fletcher,” Nicole said after what seemed an interminable pause. “Weren’t you the one to remind me that folks in The Falls look out for one another?”

  * * *

  After she’d left The Falls to attend college, each time she returned she saw it in a new light. Nicole thought of it as stuck in time. That if she wanted Starbucks or fast food, she had to get in her car and drive to strip malls off the interstate. When she’d asked her mother if it had been difficult for her to adjust to living in a small town after she’d grown up in Washington, DC, Elizabeth had admitted that because she’d fallen in love and married Andrew Campos, she’d been willing to follow him anywhere.

  Nicole had never professed openly that she would never live in Wickham Falls again, because life was just that unpredictable. She could not have imagined her brother succumbing to drug addiction when he’d had a no-tolerance policy with his players. And she’d had no way of knowing she would have to walk away from her position as an associate with one of Miami’s leading law firms to become a caregiver for her brother’s children.

  Fletcher smiled, the dimple in his right cheek deepening with the gesture. “So, you approve?”

  She gave him a long, penetrating stare. “Do you really need my approval, Fletcher?”

  “I’d like to think I do.”

  “Why?”

  His smile widened. “Because if we’re going to date, then it’s important we be in agreement when it comes to most situations. Whether you realize it or not, we’re a team.”

  Nicole picked up her knife and fork, smiling. “Yay, team!”

  Fletcher winked at her. “Hooah!”

  She cut into a slice of brisket and put it in her mouth, moaning under her breath as the perfectly smoked meat melted on her tongue. Then she chewed and swallowed a mouthful of potato salad. “The Den should be listed as one of the best barbecue places in the country.”

  Fletcher bit into a fall-off-the-bone rib. “That’s what we don’t need. Once a place is spotlighted on one of the food channels as the best of, we won’t be able to get in because of a flood of tourists.”

  “I didn’t think about that,” she admitted.

  Fletcher pointed to her mug. “Do you want another beer?”

  She had drunk half of it. “No, thank you.”

  Picking up his mug, he drained it and then stood. “I think I’m going to get another beer.”

  Nicole stared at his retreating figure as he walked to the bar. With his gorgeous face and magnificent body, she was certain women were not reticent or even shy when attempting to get him to notice them.

  She glanced up when a shadow fell across the table. “Hi, Aiden.”

  Aiden Gibson took the seat Fletcher had vacated. The former navy SEAL removed a black bandanna to reveal cropped blond hair. Aiden had served their country with distinction before returning to The Falls to work alongside his uncle as the Wolf Den’s pit master. Tiny lines fanned out around his blue-green eyes when he
smiled.

  “How long has it been since you graced us with your presence, Captain Campos?”

  “Much too long, Chief Petty Officer Gibson.”

  Aiden’s smile faded. “You didn’t have to send a note thanking us for donating to Reggie’s boys’ college fund.”

  Her brother and Aiden had been teammates on the football team and it had been Aiden who’d set up a GoFundMe page for her nephews’ college educations. She’d made it point to mail thank-you cards to everyone who’d donated, no matter how minimal the amount.

  “Yes, I did, Aiden. The Camposes and Clarkes are truly overwhelmed by the generosity shown by your family and everyone else in The Falls and Mineral Springs.”

  “As they say, we folks take care of our own.” He covered his head with the bandanna. “I’d better get back to the kitchen before my uncle starts yelling for me.” He rose. “Now that you’re back, don’t be a stranger.”

  Nicole nodded. “I won’t.”

  Fletcher returned and set a frosty mug on the table. “After we leave here, would you like to come with me to see what I did to Owen Hutchinson’s place?”

  “I’d love to.” She paused. “There’s something else I’d like to do.”

  He angled his head. “What’s that?”

  “Drive your Blue Flame Special.”

  Fletcher went completely still as if suddenly impaled by a sharp object. “You want to drive my car?”

  Bracing her elbow on the table, Nicole rested her chin on her fist. “Yes. I. Do,” she said, stressing each word as if he had a problem understanding her.

  He held up both hands at the same time he shook his head. “I can’t, Nikki.”

  “And why not, Fletcher? Are you afraid I’ll strip the gears?”

  “No, it’s not that.”

  “Then what is it? If I can fly a Blackhawk gunship, I should be able to drive an itty-bitty car.”