“How did you hear?” Apparently doing his job was only going to get him grief. First, from Sue. Now his mother.
“Your brother, the good one, showed me how to set up an alert.” His mother sniffed. “The Lincoln newspaper put up a post and I got an email. Can you even imagine? An email to tell me my son had saved a whole bunch of kids from a drug dealer.”
He’d argue with her description, but she’d always done that. Every good thing he or his brothers had ever done had become heroic. Every boy should have a mother like his.
“It didn’t seem to be that big a deal. I was doing the job. Sorry, Mom.”
She sighed. “That’s the problem with all four of you. It’s just a job. Being a cop’s wife or mother has one giant perk and that’s being so proud of the job you do. Besides, if you don’t tell me, I worry.”
“Don’t you worry anyway?” He’d never seen it, but maybe that was due to the combination of his mother’s upbeat personality and the far from keen observational powers of teenage boys.
“Of course I worry. I didn’t sleep through the night until you boys were adults. If anything had happened to your father, we would have been devastated. And you have no idea how many times during the day I say a quick prayer for all of my boys.”
Ashamed that he’d never considered her fears, Max asked, “Do you ever regret it? Marrying a cop?”
His mother’s surprised laugh caught him off guard. “Are you kidding me? All the time. But enough to make one single change to anything in this life if I got the chance? No way. Your father had some stiff competition and an uphill battle to convince me to take him on, but I promise you, every single minute since has been worth it.”
Max was relieved at her confirmation. “I’m glad. If I can manage it, I might be bringing a friend to the Fourth of July bash. Showing her a happy cop’s wife could go a long way to helping me with my own uphill battle.”
“Her!” His mother’s happy shriek made him yank the phone away from his ear.
When he put it back to say goodbye, his father said, “She’s dancing. I wanted you to know that. And the woman has moves.”
Max squeezed his eyes shut. Hearing his father discuss his mother’s moves might be the worst thing that happened all week.
“How’d you do it? Convince her to take a gamble on a cop?”
“Well, now…” His father cleared his throat. “You don’t need all the particulars.”
Max braced a hand over his stomach, pretty sure the particulars might reference his father’s moves.
“Show her you’ll make every minute count. The future’s uncertain for all of us. Be the guy that makes today so good she’ll have no regrets.” His father sighed. “Also, it doesn’t hurt if you’re a good kisser.”
“We’ve got to go,” his mother sang into the phone. “Your father’s giving me the look.”
“Eew.” Max shook his head. “I’ll talk to you later.”
His father was laughing when Max hung up. He tossed his phone in the grass and folded his arms under his head.
“The ‘no cops’ policy. This week’s excitement. It’s all coming together for me,” Jack murmured. “Nothing but a woman can cause a black mood like yours. Glad I’m immune.”
“Three weeks. I’ll take the exam in three weeks. I’ve already wasted a week chasing Sue.” Max refused to look at Jack. “Every time I’m in the office, she’s on the phone. The woman should have one implanted. Oh, except when I call her. Then she’s unavailable. How does she know it’s me?”
Jack didn’t answer but Max could imagine the amused smirk on his face.
“If she’d stand still, I’d…” If he knew how to finish the sentence, he’d have already done it.
“She can’t escape you at the party. What’s your plan?” Jack asked as he eased up to lean against the fieldhouse.
“Make every minute count.” Showing Sue what she’d miss, what they’d both miss, if she let her fears win was his only hope.
~*~
Max Holt was killing her. Slowly. Ever since he and Jack had arrived, all he’d done was help. He’d moved the table she was struggling to get out the door. Then he’d cleaned the grill and set up the plates and cups for her. He’d filled the coolers with the ice Ryan and Lindy had brought.
Dodging him had worked until he’d pulled her aside to say, “I’ve missed you.”
Since she knew exactly how that felt, he didn’t need to say much more. It had been the longest, slowest, grayest week she could remember.
“If you’d ever once answered your phone, I would have told you I learned something from that bust.” Max had glanced over his shoulders as a loud crowd came in. “Good cops know why they’re doing the job. It’s more than pride. When I was under the bleachers, you were there with me. Thinking of you and all the things I wanted to do with you made me safer, smarter.” When the shop teacher clapped him on the back, Max grunted. “Think on that.”
She’d been speechless for so long that the crowd had already moved to the backyard by the time she shook off the stupor.
It was a lot to consider, but most important? Not once had he kissed her.
If they passed, he brushed her shoulder or his hand might linger as he took something out of her hands.
But those lips? Nowhere near hers.
And the crick in her neck she’d gotten from being on pretend phone calls every time she sensed he was near was getting worse from all the searching for him she was doing.
“Now that’s cute.” Lindy sighed. “I have to admit, Ryan’s it for me, but there’s no way he could rock the Kiss the Cook apron like that.”
Sue didn’t even have to ask.
Max was doing his best adorkable chef impression behind the grill. His eyes met hers and he blinked innocently as he straightened the apron, his tan, muscled arms especially delicious in the sunshine.
He wasn’t going to kiss her. She was going to have to do the kissing.
At this point in their relationship, they’d come full circle, but if she changed direction to pursue him again, he was going to have both arms out to catch her.
Letting a man like that go would be criminally insane.
So much symbolized by a single goofy apron and perfect biceps.
“Everybody have something to drink?” Sue muttered as she darted through the crowd of teachers gathered in her backyard, pointing at each red cup and running through the list of hostess duties in her head. Lindy would handle the food tables. She’d do everything else.
“Cute dress, Sue.” Mari had planted herself in front of one of the fans stirring air under the big shade tree that had sold Sue on the house. In her head, she could see a tire swing dangling from the lowest limb.
Sue ran a hand down the red-and-white gingham sundress that had originally looked like a failed home economics experiment from three decades ago. Shortening it, hemming it, and adding a blue ribbon around the waist made it perfectly patriotic picnic attire. Also, one of a kind. “Thanks, Mari.” Sue swung her braid over her shoulder. “Is the lemonade okay?” She bent closer. “If you’ll distract Lindy and Max, I’ll spruce it up.”
“No way you’ll get it past Max. He hasn’t taken his eyes off you.” Mari whistled silently. “Has your policy changed?”
Before she could give some kinds of fluffy, distracting answer, Lindy cleared her throat. “If I could have everyone’s attention. The Three Wise Men say the steaks are almost ready.” Lindy cleared her throat loudly again and a few people turned to face her, but the rest of the teachers who were nearly as giddy as the students at the approach of summer vacation continued to talk.
Sue picked up the air horn she’d hidden for such an occasion and let out one sharp blast. Lindy jumped and so did everyone who’d been caught off guard. “Hey, it worked.” Sue set the horn down and raised both hands as she backed away.
Lindy glared at Ryan who was coughing suspiciously. “Thank you, Sue. I wanted to make a short speech enjoying this holiday without forgetting a
ll the sacrifices made by the men and women who serve in our country’s military and all the people who love them.” Lindy paused to raise an eyebrow at Sue. “Then I planned to express my appreciation for Sue’s invitation to her lovely home and thank you all for your hard work this year. Instead, I’m going to go sit and wait for my ears to stop ringing.”
A few people clapped.
“Before we eat,” Sue said as she crossed over to where Max was standing, “I’d like to clear up one thing. Most of you have probably already heard and discussed my ‘no cops’ policy.” Then she turned to face the crowd. “I’m prepared to amend that policy to this. I’m all about cooks, all the time. Actually, one cook. All the time.” She nodded over at the lunch ladies. “I’m talking about Max.”
Sue watched Max’s eyebrows inch up, a strong reaction, but it was unclear whether it was a good one of a bad one. Then she launched herself at him, certain he wouldn’t let her fall.
He was chuckling when she pressed her lips against his. A very good sign. At first, she thought the earth was moving under her feet, but Max squeezed her tightly against him and carried her around the side of the house without taking his lips off hers.
They were both breathless when he collapsed against the siding.
“After your party was over, I was going to suggest you meet my folks, the happy couple who have zero regrets after decades and sons who are cops. I asked my mother for advice. I was going to be patient, let you come around slowly.” Max frowned. “You and your drama blew my heartfelt gesture out of the water.”
The thought and care he’d put into understanding her fears made tears sting the end of her nose.
“Tough guy with a soft center.” Sue pressed her forehead against his shoulder. “My weakness, obviously. This week, trying to pretend you were a stranger, was miserable. I think I understand how choosing to live with the fear can make me happier than I ever imagined.”
She ran her hand down his arm. “Plus, these muscles in that apron? My body is hot and bothered and so confused.”
Max ran a thumb under the edge of her dress. “So patriotic and strange and sexy as hell. I know exactly how your body feels.”
“Yeah, you do.” Sue winked and pressed a kiss against his lips. “How soon can we get rid of everyone?”
They both turned to see that Jack had abandoned the grill completely while Ryan and Lindy were engaged a serious case of close talking. Food was the last thing on their minds.
“If I don’t go back soon, the grill will char every single bit of that steak.” Max sniffed. “Party could be over real quick.”
“We might have to call a fireman.” Sue blinked innocently. “I know a couple. I should have invited them, just for fun.”
Max’s expression didn’t change, but he braced his arms against the siding to box her in.
“Have I told you I’m seriously into cooks now? Firemen are so last week.” This feeling of being in absolutely the right place with the right person made her want to laugh and twirl and shout.
“Cooks. Right.” Max’s wicked smile would never get old. “That’s one lucky guy.”
A Note from the Author
Thank you for spending some time with Max and Sue. I love the strong, silent type and the women who tame them. Ryan and Lindy’s story is the first book of this series, Least Likely to Fall in Love. When they were teenagers at Lincoln High, he was the bully. At their second meeting, everything changes and he needs her help with his teenage daughter. And if you’re curious about what’s coming next for football coach Jack Ford, look for Least Likely to Marry a Millionaire, coming this fall. I’m already laughing to myself at his story.
I also write sweet contemporary romance for Harlequin Heartwarming (A Minute on the Lips, The Bluebird Bet, Winner Takes All, and Heart’s Refuge) and I have a fun, sexy light paranormal that’s a mashup of two of my favorite television shows, Leverage and Warehouse 13, called Greek Gods Bearing Gifts out now.
If you have a chance, I’d love to hear your thoughts on any of these stories. Your reviews matter, and I appreciate every one. Social media is my preferred form of procrastination, so you can track me down at Facebook (www.facebook.com/CherylHarperRomance) and Twitter (@CherylHarperBks). My website (http://CherylHarperBooks.com) has information on my newsletter (giveaways, lots and lots!) and all my books.
My Favorite What If
Lyssa Layne
Copyright © 2015 by:
Lyssa Layne
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.
This book was built at IndieWrites.com. Visit us on Facebook.
Acknowledgements
A huge shoutout and thank you to my beta readers: Jill Blake, Kelley Kidder, K.S. Thomas, and Rachelle Ayala. As always, much appreciation to the wonderful Melissa Keir for her amazing formatting skills, Tami Adams of Magic of Books Promotions for your awesome proofreading, and Linda Kage from Kage Cover Designs for the beautiful cover. To my lovers of Lyssa Layne, the absolute best readers in the world, thank you for urging me to write faster and keep your Kindle full.
Prologue
“Look at that smile! I never thought the day would come that you’d be headed to the altar… without me,” my best friend and former back-up, Jules Rossi, comments as her fingers loop the pastel pink and mint green fabric of my tie around itself. Jules and I had promised each other that if neither of us were married by the time she turned thirty, we’d get hitched and call it good, but that was before we met our significant others.
Shaking my head where the permanent smile resides, I laugh as I watch her fingers work. “Just wait until you and Bentley make the walk, Jules. You won’t be able to wipe the smile off your face either.”
She laughs as she finishes up. “I’m glad you’ve found someone who completes you, Jacob,” Jules comments, calling me by my first name. I’ve known Jules for almost twenty years and the tone of her voice lets me know that she’s on the verge of crying.
Looking away before I begin to tear up as well, I glance in the mirror to inspect her handiwork. In two hours, I’m marrying the most wonderful woman I’ve ever met. Caroline and I haven’t even known each other a year, but she’s the one. From the moment I laid eyes on her, I knew I wanted her to be mine forever, no other woman will ever measure up to my sweet Caroline. I honestly didn’t think she’d accept my proposal six months ago, but when she did, it only confirmed that she was just as crazy for me and we were meant to be.
“Nice work, Jules.” I lean down and kiss her forehead to show my appreciation.
Behind us, the door opens and we both look over my shoulder to see who it is. Jules’ fiancé, Bentley Ladner, is standing in the doorway. Bentley’s typically a pretty laid-back kind of guy, but his face is emotionless and his shoulders are tense as he motions for Jules to come into the hallway. I hope he’s not getting cold feet about their upcoming nuptials. Once I get back from my honeymoon, I’ll have to sit down and chat with him, make sure he’s not going to break Jules’ heart.
Jules pats my chest as she walks by and closes the door behind her. I turn to her brother and my best friend, J.P. ,and my other groomsman, Doug. My fingers run down the length of the tie and I grin even bigger. “So, what do you think?”
Doug reaches in his jacket and pulls out a flask. Unscrewing the cap, he holds up the container and toasts, “To the last man standing.”
True, out of the three of us men, I’m the last one to get married. Kind of insane how we all met on our high school football team, helped J.P. raise Jules after their parents died, and now the three of us are all married, J.P. with a kid and I’m sure Doug and his wife will be starting their family soon, too.
Doug takes a swig from the flask and passes it to J.P. who holds it high in the air. “To love,” J.P. acknowledges and takes a drink himself before passing it to me.
My cheeks are starting to hurt fro
m all the smiling and I haven’t even seen my bride yet. I don’t care though. In my entire life, I have never been happier about what the future has in store. Holding the flask above my shoulder, I add, “And to the sexiest bride today!”
The guys agree and slap me on the back while we all laugh. I take a long pull from the flask and wipe my lips. The door opens and Jules walks back in. Bentley is right behind her, his hand on her back. The second the two of them walk in the room, the whole atmosphere changes. Something’s not right. If Bentley so much as hurt her feelings...
The corners of my mouth drop before I ask, “What’s wrong?” I glare at Bentley, but his eyes don’t meet mine.
Jules takes a few steps toward me, nervously glancing at her brother and Doug before she reaches me and takes my hands. Avoiding my eyes just like Bentley is, she stares at the ground. An eerie feeling comes over me as my heart starts to beat faster and I repeat myself. “Julianna, what’s wrong?”
Finally, she looks up at me, tears already falling down her cheeks. “Smitty, Caroline’s not coming,” she whispers.
I peer over at J.P. then Doug, who both look equally as shocked as I am. Quickly, I reach into my pocket and pull out my phone. One missed call—Sweet Caroline, just as she’d entered it in my phone the night we met. I’m on autopilot as my fingers dial my voicemail. Behind me, I can hear Bentley whispering to the guys and Jules’ hand is on my back, rubbing across my shoulders and trying to keep me calm.
Finally, after fumbling through all the prompts, the most unsettling message hits my ears. When the voicemail ends, I hurl my phone across the room. Breaking it into tiny pieces, I drop to the couch in front of me and Jules’ wraps her arms around me while whispering how sorry she is.
My body trembles and I can feel warm tears on my skin, but I can’t comprehend any of this. There’s just one thought I can grasp. My sweet Caroline isn’t coming. Today is not going to be the best day of my life.
Book Boyfriends Cafe Summer Lovin' Anthology 2015 Page 198