“Three? Why did I never notice there were three handsome giants in this town? I’ve lived here over two years now.”
“Well, you know Dos is in the army, so he’s not around much. Ace, the oldest is the assistant district attorney which keeps him pretty busy. Since I don't remember you as being a lawbreaker, you probably don't have much reason to see him. And Tres,” Copper nodded toward the man her husband was talking to, “is a cop. All three are pretty anti-social to be honest. Other than work and family they don’t get out a lot. Reminds me of someone else I know.”
Before Izzy could comment a shadow fell over the table and Copper started wiggling across the bench seat to pry herself out of the booth. Izzy couldn’t look away as her friend disappeared, eight month pregnancy belly and all, in a hug of mammoth proportions.
“Hey, little sister, it’s good to see you,” the copy of Dos said lifting Copper off the ground. “I bet mom’s giving you two an earful for not making Thanksgiving.”
Izzy saw happiness shine in her friend’s eyes. She could tell Copper loved her new family. Listening to her reply only verified it.
“It’s good to see you, too. And all I have to do is let mom pat my huge tummy and she forgives me anything,” Copper said. “Join us, we just got our food.”
“No, I’m picking up carry out. I don’t want to intrude,” Tres said.
“Oh please, Izzy doesn’t mind, do you, Iz?” Copper asked.
Izzy smiled. What was she supposed to say? No, your brother-in-law is too good looking to sit at my table. “Why would I mind? Please,” she said, motioning to the spot on the bench beside her.
The minute he sat down the walls seemed to close in. His dark presence, long black leather coat, black slacks and boots, and the darkest brown hair she’d ever seen, brought everything else into stark contrast. Izzy felt like all the air around them had been sucked from the room. Not that he sat too close, he didn’t. He barely sat on the edge of the booth seat. Perched would actually be a better description of what he did. Obviously, he believed girls still had cooties. The ridiculous thought helped her relax. Then he turned and pinned her with a pair of the warmest charcoal eyes she’d ever seen.
“Tres Masters,” he said, holding out his hand to her.
“Isadora Jovanovich,” she said. With the touch of his hand warmth replaced the shiver. Two seconds later she felt it flood her face. Dang her pale skin.
“Good heavens, you two sound like a couple of snobs. This is the Last Bite Diner, not Tavern on the Green, though that's closed so I guess it's a poor example of a snobby place,” Copper said.
“Thanks, for embarrassing me even more, Copper,” Izzy grumbled, pulling her hand free of the addicting warmth. If the man had any sense he’d run now before she did something really stupid, like blabber on about those gorgeous eyes of his. When had charcoal become sexy?
When it's hot and sizzling.
Images of those eyes heated by passion filled her vision. The flush now covering her face had nothing to do with embarrassment and everything to do with . . . whoa, girl. Against the rules, she reminded herself. Then she felt the bench dip a bit and realized he was leaning toward her. She glanced at him. A playful look danced in his eyes now drawing her in.
“I think that one was aimed at me. Copper’s always getting on me about being so formal.”
Izzy smiled. “Well, that isn’t usually my problem. The casual atmosphere is one of the reasons I moved out here.” Realizing what a lead that would be for someone to ask about her past, Izzy quickly asked a question. “So, Copper tells me you’re a cop?”
“Detective,” Copper and Dos said at the same time.
Izzy raised both eyebrows in appreciation while Tres Masters rolled his eyes. He didn’t seem to like being the center of attention. She could empathize with that. Maybe he wasn’t like the typical handsome guys she knew from her past. Most of them would have puffed up at the compliment.
“Give it a rest, you two. Remember where we live. It’s not like Braedon is a hot bed of crime. My life is not as exciting as CSI New York.”
The mention of New York definitely put a damper on the conversation for Izzy. It was the last place she wanted to talk about, or think about, or anything. She glanced at her watch and started to slip her arms in her coat. “Oh geez, I forgot, I need to get back to work.”
“Izzy, you haven’t finished your lunch,” Copper said.
“I’ll take it with me,” she said. She scooted across the bench since Tres had stood the moment she said something. When she stood, she reached back to get her purse and the plate. “Bye you two, nice to meet you, Detective,” Izzy said, with a nod. She quickly crossed to the counter without waiting for any responses.
Once on the sidewalk she waved at the trio in the diner before climbing in her car. When she turned the key cold air blasted from the heater. It helped cool her nerves. It also sent a chill over her entire body. She should have parked in the sun so the car would have been warmer. She’d forgotten her gloves again. Placing her hands on the steering wheel made them hurt it was as cold as an icicle.
Izzy tried to remember why she’d moved to this fickle weather state as she backed out and drove down the road shivering. It had been sixty degrees two days ago. Last night the temperature plummeted and they had snow on the ground this morning. Granted in the sun it was beautiful, but in the shade, not so much. It would be much easier to dress appropriately if the seasons would stay in character.
She drove a few miles before pulling into the parking area of a local park. For a few minutes she just sat there with the heater running. It warmed her ankles while the sun coming through the window warmed her head and shoulders. When the car was good and warm she turned off the engine, pushed her seat back, and pulled her ‘to-go’ bag onto her lap. Now this she could handle. Birds and squirrels playing in the trees didn’t ask questions, just provided animated entertainment.
#
Tres tried to hold up his end of the conversation while waiting for his food. It wasn’t easy considering his mind had driven away with Ms. Jovanovich. Then again, maybe he should just go with what was on his mind.
“So what does your friend do?” he asked Copper.
“Izzy’s a tutor. Why? Are you interested?”
Tres shook his head. He kept forgetting Copper was an incurable romantic. She’d joined forces with his mother in pursuit of finding him and Ace wives. “Down, girl. I’m just making conversation.”
“Since when?” his brother asked. “Conversation has never been one of our strengths.”
A grin tugged at Tres’ lips as Copper elbowed Dos. “Don’t tease him. I think it’s great he’s interested in Izzy.”
“Copper,” Tres warned. She shrugged.
“Let’s see, what can I tell you. She moved here about two years ago and started a tutoring business. She’s developed a great client base. Parents love her, kids love her, and teachers love her. She’s really smart and tutors kids from middle school to college in any subject.”
He tried hard to hide the fact he was impressed. Not because of her intelligence, Tres knew plenty of smart women. But he was impressed she was making a living as a tutor. Self-employment wasn’t the easiest way to earn a living. Add to that the fact she had done so in a place unfamiliar to her, during a down economy, and in a less than glamorous profession, who wouldn't be impressed. “She mentioned moving here because it’s so casual. Where did she move from?”
His pretty sister-in-law cocked her head and frowned. She was such a joy to watch. Her emotions clear on her face for everyone to see. She was the total opposite of him and his brothers.
“Hmm. Now that you ask I have to admit I don’t know. I guess we never really talked about it. We met at one of those walking fundraisers for cancer research. She lost her mother to it like I did. Before I knew it, we were fast friends.”
“There’s a shocker,” Tres teased. He knew only too well that Copper never met a stranger. She made friends faster than rabbits multiplied. H
e immediately realized he hadn’t asked about the baby.
“I’m a little surprised to see you two back. Should you be flying when you’re this far along?” he asked. Dos’ arm went around her shoulders. His brother was a born protector.
“I tried to talk her out of it, but you know Copper once she’s made up her mind. She wanted to see mom and the girls one more time before Little Bit is born,” Dos said.
Tres smiled. Little Bit, he liked it. He had to admit, he had smiled more since Copper came into their lives than he had in years. Though he had no intention of joining the ranks of married couples again, he was glad Dos had found someone. His brother had been through hell and deserved some happiness.
His lunch finally arrived. He watched Copper’s eyes grow wide at the size of the bag. At six foot six he could put a lot of food away. Dos, only an inch shorter had health issues that had changed his appetite. Tres didn’t have any such problems.
“Don’t worry. It’s not all for me. My partner’s sandwich is in here, too,” he said standing.
“Yeah, I’m sure Gina’s part takes up maybe a tenth of that bag,” Copper said.
Tres leaned over and kissed her head before squeezing Dos’ shoulder. He knew he would get a call from his mother later about a family get together. His sour mood lately didn't make the loud and cheerful gatherings a comfortable place. But, for Dos he would do anything. “I’ll try and get over to the house tonight for dinner.”
He left the diner and climbed in his truck. Heading back to the station he felt drained. It had nothing to do with fielding Copper’s attempts to play matchmaker. Work was the problem. Right now it was the last place he wanted to be, which was why he had volunteered to come pick up lunch. At least he could get away for a few minutes.
The case in court today, had been long, hard, and personal. Somehow the damned defense attorney kept getting postponements. Granted part of that problem had been the defendant kept firing his attorneys. It had taken more than a year to get to court. He didn't just want it over with for his sake. The victim's young widow needed it over so she could move on. Scraping a hand over his face, he pushed the memories trying to escape back to their black hole.
Sun glinted off a passing car’s chrome making him squint and turn his head. His gaze went to a park on his right. He recognized an old Toyota in the parking lot. Scanning the tables in the area for the driver he didn’t find her. Turning into the second entrance for the lot he pulled in several spots away from the car. Looking out his passenger window, he saw the driver. It seemed Ms. Isadora Jovanovich had told a fib.
Available October 2012
~~~
About the author:
Originally from upstate New York, Sandra now lives in upstate Colorado. She writes primarily romantic suspense. Now and then she dabbles in futuristic romance just to mix things up. She has won several writing awards including the PASIC Book of Your Heart, Sandy’s Suspense/Thriller, and Colorado Romance Writer’s Heart of The Rockies. Not one to rest on laurels Sandra keeps writing new stories. If she doesn’t, her sister sends her a loud email asking what she’s doing and why she hasn’t sent pages for critique. Don't worry. The next book is already in her hands.
Upcoming Titles:
Book 2 in the Masters Men Series:
Her Master Detective
Book 3 in the Masters Men Series:
Her Master of Hearts
Visit my website at:
http://www.sandrakerns.com
Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SSK2CO
Follow me on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/SandraSKernsRomanceAuthor
~~~~~
Continue reading to check out another amazing author,
Annette Brownlee's first novel, Deadly Chaos.
Chapter OneBlack Annie
“This isn't working.”Chaos resisted the urge to throw her pencil across the room. The client wanted a cactus garden combined with a water feature. In Santa Fe the cactus garden made sense. The water feature, not so much. It was proving to be a challenge. Not that she wasn’t used to challenges. She was and she should be happy for the design work. It beat mowing lawns and trimming hedges.
A heavy knock on the door pulled Chaos from her design. The plan was due to the client by the end of the week but she wanted to deliver early. Almost Halloween, her landscaping company was swamped with the winter lawn conditioning and sprinkler blow outs. She’d asked Paolo, her crew leader, to come over after the bar and pick up the design. Another knock – this one harder, heavier, more insistent. “Hold on Paolo, I'm coming.”
Chaos pushed her dining room chair back and headed for her front door. “You’re early,” she said, swinging the door wide open.
“I didn't know you were expecting me.”
Chaos's heart jumped a beat. Damn. It wasn’t Paolo. “The Jerk,” as she’d come to call him, grinned at her. A bear of a man, he reeked of drugstore cologne and whiskey. The neighbor of a landscaping client, The Jerk enjoyed sitting in his driveway and watching her work. It was so creepy she’d started skipping the client’s house and letting her team handle it. And now here he was. In the pale light of her porch, he looked eerily inhuman.
Chaos pulled the door to her trying to reduce the opening and his access to her home. “Um, how did you find my address?” She didn't even remember the guy's name. He’d told her once. She’d intentionally forgotten it as soon as he’d said it. She just knew he was someone she needed to steer clear of. The signals this guy gave off rang loud and clear. She heard them and she trusted her gut on this one.
“I asked Smithy how to find you,” the guy said. He smiled a wide toothy smile but his eyes remained hard.
Chaos didn’t buy his smile for a minute. Smithy, his neighbor, didn’t have her home address. She was unlisted. This meant that this guy was following her. She gripped the door and pushed it closed another few inches.
"I’m busy right now, sir. If you want Ace Landscaping to take care of something for you, please contact Paolo, my crew leader. Here,” with her free hand, she reached into the back pocket of her cutoffs. “His number is on the card,” she said, holding it out for him to take.
He didn't take the card. He just stood there staring at her. Something was definitely wrong with this guy's eyes, she decided. They were as hard as black river stones and just as cold. Every muscle in her body tensed.
“How come you don't come by Smithy's anymore?” he asked, once again flashing her that yellowed toothy smile.
A cool October breeze blew into her home, rustling papers on her table and scattering them to the floor. The wind brought his smell into her home. He reeked of cheap cologne but it wasn’t enough to cover the stench of sweat and whiskey emanating from him. Chaos started to close. She was done with this guy. Warning bells were ringing so loudly in her head she wanted to scream.
“I have other clients to take care of. My crew leader handles the day-to-day lawn care.” It wasn't entirely true but she didn't want to tell this guy that she didn't go to Smithy's anymore because he was always there sitting in his driveway staring at her. The hair on her arms tickled a warning. Her instincts told her to be nice. He was huge, at least six feet tall. If he became violent, there was no way she would be able to defend herself. At five two, she was strong from working outside all day but this guy towered over her and outweighed her by at least a hundred and fifty pounds. “If you want to tell me your name I can have him contact you.”
“It's Bill,” he yelled. Spittle sprayed from his mouth. The scent of whiskey slammed into her face.
“I've told you my name before,” he said, softer this time. He’d put a large, thick palm on her door and while he wasn't pushing it further open he wasn't letting her close it either.
Chaos noticed he had black dirt beneath his fingernails. “Bill,” she said, stressing his name. Her heart hammered like a rabbit on the run. “I'm expecting someone any minute.” She peered to the right where her cell phone sat a few feet away a
nd decided it was too risky to try to grab it. The guy, Bill, would no doubt take the opportunity to push his way in. She stood her ground and blocked his path. “I’d like you to leave.”
With one quick push, he shoved the door open. The powerful movement knocked her off balance. Chaos stumbled backward. It was enough to give him the freedom he needed to enter her home. Bill took a long step through the door and closed it behind him. Her pulse crashing in her ears like ocean waves during a storm, Chaos lunged for her cell phone. She wrapped her fingers around it. Backed against her bookshelves, she flipped it open and pressed nine and one before Bill was on her. She watched in horror as her phone crashed to the floor and skidded under the couch.
She considered screaming, but it would be a futile effort. No one would hear her. Northwest of Santa Fe, her home was off a side road near the Santa Fe National Forest. It was isolated. Her closest neighbor was about half a mile away. She had to accept that she was on her own.
“Bill, you need to leave,” she said, trying to not show fear. Icy fingers clawed at her insides. Caving in to this bully or letting him feel like he had the upper hand would be the end of her. She’d dealt with his kind before. She knew this could get bad fast. She’d seen it happen too many times. Still, she had hope. Maybe she could reason with him, or find a weapon to defend herself. She needed time.
“I'm not leaving until you give me what I came for.”
“I'm not going to do that,” Chaos said shaking her head. She met his eyes and stared at him with all the defiance she could muster. While she couldn’t hold him back, she hoped he’d realize she wasn't going to be easy and worth the fight. Apparently he thought it was worth the fight because he advanced on her. She balled her fists and swung as he got within arm's reach.
Her fist crunched against his jaw. Pain sliced through her fingers, traveled up her wrist and grabbed her by the neck. She’d forgotten how much hitting someone hurt. The blow didn't faze him. He grabbed her by the shoulders and shoved her back, slamming her against the bookshelves behind her. She kicked. The toe of her work boot caught his knee. Bill twisted his meaty fingers into her t-shirt and threw her to the ground. Chaos hit the floor hard. The air rushed from her lungs. She gasped, trying to catch her breath. Bill took advantage. Like a vulture waiting for an injured animal to take its last breath, he was on top of her before she could draw air. Chaos felt the sharp sting of his hand against her face. The smack infuriated her. Kicking and writhing on the floor to get away from him, Bill grabbed one of her long braids and yanked it. Tears filled her eyes. Smiling, he placed one hand on her chest and one hand on her braid, effectively pinning her to the floor. Chaos looked for an escape and found none. She was wedged between her coffee table and her bookshelves with a two hundred and fifty pound man on her. She was screwed.
Her Master Defender (The Masters Men Series) Page 23