How to Land Her Lawman

by Teresa Southwick

  “Coward.” But he grinned. “Okay. Everyone has eaten but you, missy.”

  “Missy? What are you? The food police?” She shrugged. “Sorry. Couldn’t help it.”

  “You’re hilarious,” Will said. “As it happens we’ve been deputized by the bride, who wants you to take a break and eat. She said to tell you it’s selfish on her part. If you don’t keep your strength up the pictures won’t be any good.”

  April laughed. “That sounds like her. But—”

  “I know what you’re going to say. And if you trust me with your camera,” Hank said, “I can fill in. If they’re not good you can work your Photoshop magic on them.”

  She stared lovingly at the camera in her hands, then gave him an apologetic look. “It’s really expensive. Not that I don’t trust you—”

  “But you don’t. I understand.” Hank slid his hands into the pockets of his tuxedo slacks.

  “I have a compromise. There’s an inexpensive point-and-shoot in my equipment bag on that chair in the corner. Would that be okay?”

  “A relief, actually. That one—” he indicated the bulky, impressive apparatus in her hands “—is too much responsibility for a rookie.”

  “Okay, then, it’s settled,” Will said. “I’ll make sure she gets something to eat and you take over photography duties.”

  “Done.” Hank headed over to where she’d pointed out her bag.

  Will put his hand at the small of her back and guided her to a table with one pristine setting left. The other places had wadded-up napkins, half-filled coffee cups and partially eaten slices of wedding cake. He sat her down, then signaled to one of the waitstaff to bring food. Moments later she had a Waldorf salad, petite filet, rice pilaf and asparagus.

  “Looks yummy. I’m starving.” She dug in to the salad, then started working on the rest. Will sat beside her and watched, a bemused look on his face. She chewed a bite of meat, then swallowed and said, “What?”

  “You’re really enjoying that.”

  “You bet. Best food in town here at the lodge.” She ate the vegetable as he continued to stare. He was making her nervous in a sexy, take-me-to-your-bedroom way. So not appropriate right now. “Don’t you have things to do, Mr. Man of Honor?”

  “Yeah. The toast. But Kim wanted everyone fed and relaxed before that and the rest of the traditional stuff. So I don’t have anything right now. Except take care of you.”

  “Babysitting me, you mean.” There was a quiver in her tummy that had nothing to do with food and everything to do with him.

  “It’s a dirty job.” He shrugged. “But someone has to do it.”

  “Wow. Feel the love,” she said wryly.

  In the next moment she wanted those words back. Their plan had evolved in order to avoid that messy L-word complication. No way she wanted to change the rules. But she wished he didn’t look as tempting as sin. So very James Bond-y in his tux. And this being sweet to her just had to stop. None of that was part of their deal.

  “Really, Will, you’re part of the family and should go mingle.”

  “Those were not the orders given to me by the bride. I’m supposed to make sure you eat and have some fun.”

  When the word fun came out of Will’s mouth all kinds of things came to mind, but not one of them would be suitable in a room full of people at a wedding reception.

  She put down her fork. “I have to get back to work.”

  “Dance with me first.” He touched a finger to her mouth when she started to protest. “You should be aware that I’m not taking no for an answer.” When his nephew walked by, Will grabbed him. “Tim, watch April’s camera.”

  “No sweat,” the teen answered.

  Will held out his hand to her and she only hesitated for a moment before she took it. After tugging her to her feet, he led her to the dance floor and slid an arm around her waist before settling her snugly against his big, hard body. There was nowhere on earth she would rather be, April realized, and she needed to savor every second since their time together would be over very soon.

  She slid her arm around his neck and he rested his chin against her temple. In time to the slow song playing, he guided her around the floor and for a few minutes she could pretend they were alone. His heat and strength surrounded her and made a protective cocoon she wanted to stay in forever.

  But when the music ended, so did her quiet moment. The DJ announced that all single ladies, regardless of age, should come out on the dance floor because the bride was going to throw the bouquet.

  “I have to get my camera,” she said.

  Will blocked her exit. “You’re single. Jean Luc doesn’t count.”

  “No, I need to—”

  He took her shoulders and turned her, then gently nudged her toward where Kim was standing with a growing group of females from eight to eighty. “Dad will get these pictures.”

  April moved toward the group and took a spot at the back. As the tradition went, whoever caught the bride’s bouquet would be next to get married. The chances of that happening to her were about as good as a hookup with Jean Luc, she thought.

  The DJ announced last call for the ladies before Kim took her place, turned her back and prepared to toss the flowers over her head. Flashes went off as the guests took pictures. Then the bride lowered her arm and turned toward the group of ladies.

  “I hope everyone will forgive me,” she said. “But I’m going to cheat.” The women parted as Kim walked over to April and stopped. “You’re my BFF. I want this day to be perfect, which by my definition means you have to have this.”

  “But, Kim—”

  “No buts. I can’t control everything. All I can do is make sure you get this. The rest is up to you.” There was a determined look in her friend’s eyes.

  April sighed and took the flowers, then hugged her friend. “Luke’s right. This dress has an impressive circumference.”

  “I’ll take that as a thank-you.”

  “And so much more. I love you, my friend. You’re going to be so happy.”

  “I love you, too. Thanks, and you’re welcome.” Kim pulled away and said, “Now Luke is going to throw the garter.”

  The DJ made the announcement and then the bride sat in a chair with her groom on one knee in front of her. She lifted her impressive skirt just enough for him to find the lacy garter with the powder-blue bow and slide it down her thigh and off. The single guys, including Will, gathered like the women had and the groom turned his back and tossed it over his head into the crowd.

  A young guy beside Will grabbed it, then seemed to realize what he’d done and the ramifications of his athleticism. Horrified, he pushed the lace into Will’s hands as if it were a hot rock.

  “No way, man,” he said, before quickly exiting the area.

  Will walked over to April and studied the bouquet in her hands. “I think any superstition is null and void if the rules are bent to the breaking point.”

  “I’m sure you’re right.”

  “Smile, you two.” Hank was there with her less complicated camera. “I’m the acting official photographer. Ready? Say cheese.”

  Will let his dad snap a couple of photos while they stood side by side. Then he stuffed the garter in his pocket, took April in his arms and bent her back before kissing her soundly. Flashes went off around them, proving this impulsive act did not go unnoticed.

  He met her gaze and his own was hot and bright. “Take that, tradition.”

  “You’re just full of surprises,” she said breathlessly.

  The microphone crackled before the DJ said, “Listen up. The waiters are circulating to make sure everyone has a glass of champagne. It’s time for the toast.”

  “That’s my cue.” Will pulled her upright.

  April caught her breath and watched him head back t
o the bridal table. Pulling herself together with an effort, she retrieved her camera and thanked Tim for his excellent guardianship. Through her lens she watched and recorded Will’s speech.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, I hope you’re having a great time.” There was a round of applause and he smiled. “My sister, Kim, is a remarkable woman. If my mother were here, she’d be extraordinarily proud. The thing is, not just anyone could have talked me into being her man of honor, but she managed it. I’m still not sure how, but I think blackmail and tears were a part of the pitch.” He paused as everyone laughed. “She’s a warm, caring, good person. That’s because of my parents. And then my dad’s guiding hand after our mom died. They taught her to be honorable, courageous and loving.

  “She was raised in this town where folks aren’t just people who interact, but friends and neighbors.” He let his gaze wander over everyone in the room. “So all of you are in some way, a good way, responsible for the amazing woman she is. I propose a toast to my sister, Kim, her new husband, Luke, God help him, my father and all of you who are the heart and soul of Blackwater Lake, where folks bring out the best in each other.”

  April listened to cheers and clapping as she looked at Will. He was relaxed and completely at home. Happy. Whether he realized it or not, he fit in here and his speech could reflect his subconscious desire to make a life in a place where folks brought out the best in each other. Was it possible he could be content in this small town instead of the big city? Content with her?

  Against April’s better judgment, hope sparked to life inside her. With luck it wouldn’t bite her in the butt.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Will knocked on April’s sliding glass door with an elbow since his hands were full of flowers and wine. The sound wasn’t loud, but she was in the kitchen and answered immediately.

  “Hi.” When she noticed the bouquet, there was a pleased, sort of soft expression in her eyes, the one he’d been hoping to see. “For me?”

  “I think I made it clear at the wedding how I feel about carrying flowers. So they’re definitely not for me.” He handed over the cellophane-wrapped blooms.

  “I love daisies. Baby’s breath, and all the red and purple stuff in here I don’t know the names of.” She buried her nose in the blooms and sighed. “They’re beautiful. Thank you, Will.”

  “You’re welcome.” When she tilted her face up he kissed her mouth softly.

  “Come on in.” She stepped back and let him by but there was a puzzled expression on her face. “Why did you bring me flowers?”

  “Because the bouquet Kim gave you is looking kind of—”

  “Sad?” she finished for him.

  “Yeah.”

  “Well, that’s very sweet of you. Don’t let the bad guys in Chicago know about this,” she teased. “You’ll lose tough-guy points in a big way.”

  “I’ll take that risk.” The happy look in her eyes was worth it.

  He looked forward to seeing her every day after work and today was no exception. The wedding had been a couple of days ago, so the chaos was over and so was his excuse for coming to see her. The only one he had was that he wanted to.

  “So why are you here?” she asked.

  Will was beginning to wonder if she could read his mind. He was here because he liked her. She was beautiful, honest and never failed to call him on his crap. That was important and he wasn’t even sure why. But she continued to look at him, waiting for an answer.

  “I’m here hoping you’ll take pity on me and feed me. Dad and Tim went out because there’s no food in the house. Apparently Kim didn’t shop the week before the wedding. Mani, pedi and hair appointments were more important than basic survival rations.”

  April stared at him. “Is that pouting? I think you’re pouting.”

  “It’s your imagination.”

  He stared right back at her and figured he got the better end of the deal. She was wearing khaki shorts and a spaghetti-strapped olive-green knit top that brought out the green in her eyes. Her sun-kissed brown hair was loose around her face and fell past her shoulders. God knew why he thought so, but her bare feet were so damn sexy. Probably should see a shrink about that because the feeling had nothing to do with sex. Okay, maybe a little. But mostly he got a sensation in his gut that drew him to her in a primitive, profound way.

  “I don’t believe you,” she said, calling him on his crap. “The thing is, Kim is married now. She’s going to live in her husband’s house. Buy groceries for him. Someone across the alley is going to have to do the grocery shopping while she’s on her honeymoon and Tim is too young. Not only does he not have a driver’s license, which makes getting the stuff home a problem. But if he was turned loose, your dad would be on a steady diet of chips and Twinkies. Maybe an occasional candy bar with nuts in it just to get some protein. That’s not the kind of food plan his doctor put him on.”

  “Dad’s a big boy. He can shop.”

  “So can you.” There was a sassy look in her eyes just for a second, then it disappeared.

  Will knew the exact moment when she remembered he was leaving in about a week. He hated seeing the sunshine fade from her eyes. The thought of leaving her for good bothered him even more.

  “You’re right,” he said. “I can shop.”

  She nodded and busied herself unwrapping the green cellophane from the flowers. Then she walked over to the cupboard. “I need a vase.”

  There was one on the top shelf, which she couldn’t reach without a step stool. It was the place you put things not often used. Pretty soon what simmered between the two of them would be a top-shelf thing and it seemed like a colossal waste.

  He moved behind her, close enough to feel the heat from her body without touching her. “I’ll get that down for you.”

  “Thanks.”

  It was easy for him to reach up and carefully grab the crystal. “Here you go.”

  She took it from him and looked at the glass, a wistful, sad expression in her eyes. “This was my mother’s.”

  “It’s beautiful.”

  “I love it. Buying this was a splurge for her because there wasn’t a lot of money for something that wasn’t a necessity.” April arranged the long stems in the vase and added water from the tap. “You know she always blamed herself for our splitting up.”

  “Why?”

  “Because she got sick. I just couldn’t go with you to Chicago.”

  “It wasn’t her fault.”

  She nodded. “I could never quite convince her of that, though. Over and over I told her she was my mom. I couldn’t be happy with you if I left her to face being sick alone. Someone had to help her fight the cancer.”

  “I know.” That love and loyalty was one of the qualities he most admired in her. And if he’d waited...

  This time with her in Blackwater Lake had been a do-over, a flash of what might have been. He’d screwed things up with her royally in the past, but she’d forgiven him. And these weeks of their fling were some of the happiest he could remember. In so many ways he felt like a new man.

  She picked up the vase of flowers and put them on the kitchen table, which was already set for two. Meeting his gaze, she smiled. “It would please her to know I’m using the vase she loved enough to blow her budget on. Thanks again for bringing these, Will.”

  “You’re welcome again.” He pointed to the place settings on the table. “I see you were expecting me.”

  “Yeah. You’ve kind of gotten to be a habit.” She shrugged.

  “What are we having for dinner?” He sniffed. “Something smells really good.”

  “Oven-fried chicken, green salad, fruit.” Her eyes sparkled. “And I stopped at Harvest Café and picked up two slices of strawberry cheesecake from their bakery case for dessert.”

  His empty stomach growled, but his
heart was full. Part regret, part reluctance to leave her. When he’d agreed to her plan and a summer fling, it had felt like there was all the time in the world, but now it was nearly up.

  A timer went off and she grabbed the potholder on a hook beside the microwave. After opening the bottom oven, she pulled out a cookie sheet filled with golden brown, sizzling chicken and placed it on the countertop to cool with a wire rack beneath.

  “That looks as good as it smells. Better,” he said.

  She smiled. “I’ll put everything on the table and we can eat.”

  “I’ll open the wine. Apparently I’m channeling your culinary selections because it’s a Chardonnay.”

  “Yum.”

  They worked together and in a few minutes took their usual seats at the table.

  April moved the tall flowers aside. “I can’t see you.”

  “Maybe that’s not such a bad thing.”

  “I disagree.” Her voice was quiet but the expression in her eyes said what she didn’t put into words. She would miss him, too.

  Will remembered what his dad had said about wanting to retire, but he couldn’t or wouldn’t unless Will took over the responsibilities of the job. But that wasn’t the path he’d chosen for himself. No matter how much personal satisfaction he’d felt at making a difference here in Blackwater Lake, coming back meant failure to achieve a goal he’d worked very hard for. As long as he could remember, he’d wanted to be a Chicago PD detective. He’d had stars in his eyes about the job then, but after working it awhile, frustration set in that he couldn’t catch the bad guys or get justice every time. Still...

  He’d already failed at marriage. Failing in his career, too, made him a two-time loser. How was that anything to be proud of?

  He poured some of her homemade oil-and-vinegar dressing on his salad, then mixed it in. Before he could stop himself, the words came out of his mouth. “Are you happy here in Blackwater Lake?”

  Her fork stopped halfway to her mouth and her gaze lifted to his. “Why?”