NY State Trooper- The Complete Box Set

by Jen Talty

  He punched the gas, making the tires squeal, but didn’t say a word. He slammed on the brakes as he pulled into a parking spot. Once again, she ignored him, getting out and jogging toward the door. “Fine, I quit.” He tossed his hands wide and followed her in.

  Ryan searched the room, when Pat pointed to the back corner. Penny and Chuck sat at a large table with Randy and a blonde.

  Jared followed Ryan to the table feeling like a puppy in tow. He went to pull back her chair, but she beat him to it and had the audacity to glare at him. Why was being a gentleman these days so taboo?

  “Looks like she’s pissed off.” Randy leaned across the table, shoving a beer in front of Jared.

  “I tend to have that effect on women these days.” Jared sipped his beer and scanned his surroundings. “Damn.” He eyed Tom and a few people he didn’t know. Tom was taking a group photo with an expensive looking camera. That guy was nothing but trouble and Jared knew it.

  “Isn’t that the guy you had me run a check on?” Randy asked.

  “One and the same.” He glanced at Ryan, who actually acknowledged him. She nodded, signaling she was aware of Tom. At least she was living up to her end of the bargain and was aware of her surroundings.

  Although the way she twirled her hair with her fingers and acted all sexy certainly didn’t help the situation with Tom, much less Jared’s own insane lust.

  Jared adjusted his seat to check out what was going on behind her. “Oh, hell.” He spotted Lisa at a table with a few women. Thank goodness her back was to him.

  “I’m Tammy,” the blonde next to Randy said, then thrust her hand in front of him.

  “Crap, sorry. Jared, this is my date, Tammy Caulkins, Jared—”

  “Yeah, yeah, nice to meet you, Tammy.”

  “I’ve heard a lot about you,” she said, smiling, practically shoving her breasts forward for him to check out. Not going to happen. He kept his eyes above her neckline.

  “I wouldn’t believe a word of it.” A flash caught his attention. Whipping his head around, he focused on Tom, what he was wearing, and whom he was with. Jared reached out and yanked Ryan’s chair closer. He whispered, “Who’s he with?”

  She leaned into him, pressing her cheek against his. “Some people from work. I knew he might be here.” Her breath was hot against his neck. “He invited me, too.”

  Blinking, he cocked his head. “I should’ve known that.”

  She patted his cheek. “Now you know. Who’s with Lisa?” Without even trying, Ryan was the most radiant woman he’d ever known. She carried herself with such poise and confidence; he pitied the fool who fell in love with her.

  He shook the bad thoughts away. Throwing his arm around her chair, he leaned forward and inhaled her intoxicating scent, then planted a kiss on her nose. “One of them is some chick she hung out with in high school. Bad news. Not sure about the other ones. But they don’t look like the kind of women Mr. Stillman would like his wife socializing with.”

  “She seemed so mature and Stepford-like, when she was at the hotel.”

  “Everything about her has always been an act. I don’t trust her as far as I can spit.”

  “She blamed me for Johnny,” Ryan whispered. “Why would she do that?”

  “I don’t know, babe.” Forgetting about his surroundings, he lost himself in her warmth. “Jealous, I guess.” The pounding of his heart echoed in his ears. His breathing grew labored and the pressure of her hand against his thigh was more than he could manage under the circumstances. Tilting his head, he brushed his lips against hers, thrilled beyond comprehension when she closed her eyes and participated.

  Until a flash interrupted the moment. “What the hell?” Jared blinked, pushing his chair back, wiping his eyes. “Are you nuts?”

  “Sorry. Just wanted to get a picture of Ryan for the company picnic. She’s fairly photogenic, ya know,” Tom said with a phony smile.

  Jared had half a mind to deck the guy right there. “I could arrest you for that.”

  “For taking a picture?” Tom chuckled, but took two steps backward.

  “If the lady doesn’t want her picture taken, it’s an invasion of privacy, and I sure as hell didn’t want my picture taken.” Jared fisted his hands.

  “Jared.” Ryan stood, placing a firm hand on his chest. “Let it go.” The she turned to Tom. “If you need a picture, come by my office in the morning.”

  “Sure.” Tom shrugged, then backed away, heading for the door.

  “I see the two of you are causing quite a stir. Seems you’re living up to your trashy reputation,” Lisa said, standing behind Ryan.

  “Why, you…” Ryan flew around, hand cocked ready to strike.

  “Whoa there, babe. Not worth it.” Jared did his best not to laugh while he grabbed her flying fist. “Can we do something for you, Mrs. Stillman?”

  “I should’ve never come here.” She reached in her purse.

  Jared moved his hand, ready to whip out his gun. He wouldn’t put anything past this woman.

  She pulled out a disposable camera, took a picture, sending the flash right in Ryan’s face. “I’ll ruin you if you do anything to make Lance or myself look bad.” Lisa shoved the camera back into her purse and marched toward the door, never looking back.

  “Okay, folks. Show’s over.” Jared glanced around the room at all the staring faces. “Go back to having a good time.” He pushed Ryan back in her chair, and then sat down himself. “So, why was it so important we meet you here tonight?” Jared lifted his glass in a toast. While his night might have been ruined by too many unanswered questions, that shouldn’t ruin it for everyone else.

  12

  Ryan lifted her glass. If Jared, Mr. Paranoid, could blow this whole thing off, so could she. “Hey, where are you going?” She glanced at Jared.

  “Making sure they left. I’ll be right back.”

  “You shouldn’t go alone.” She grabbed his hand. “I mean, if you think one of them could be dangerous.”

  “Fine.” He rolled his eyes. “Randy?”

  “Yeah, I’m on it.” Randy stood up and walked away with Jared.

  Ryan let out a sigh of relief, then a chuckle. Did she just dictate to Jared? Maybe he acted like a control freak because he could, and people tended to listen to him.

  Stop. She chided herself. Making excuses for the man wouldn’t change him. And regardless, he was moving. End of story.

  She glanced around the restaurant. The familiar bacon and hamburger smell filled her senses. She loved a good cheeseburger, and she planned on having one tonight. Along with cheese fries.

  “You okay?” Penny leaned in, squeezing her thigh. “And what was that all about?”

  “Let’s just say Jared thinks one of them could be behind all the bizarre things that have been happening to me lately.”

  “And what do you think?”

  “I’d prefer not to think about it. Did you tell him?” Ryan lowered her head, keeping her eyes glued to Penny’s.

  “Tell who, what?” Penny tried to look like she didn’t know what Ryan was talking about.

  “To quote my best friend, ‘it’s me you’re talking to.’ “

  Penny pursed her lips and cocked her head. “I’m scared.”

  “You’ve got to tell him.”

  “I know, I know.”

  Just then, Jared and Randy strolled in and took their seats. Jared rested his hand on Ryan’s neck, making small circular motions with his thumb, sending her pulse soaring.

  Chuck clanked his glass as he stood. “I’m not sure why I wanted to do this with all of you around, but here goes nothing.” He got down on bended knee and took Penny’s hand in his.

  Ryan clutched the emerald necklace Jared had given her. A surge of joy, mixed with sadness, trembled inside her body. Penny was about to get it all. Ryan swallowed. She was truly happy for Penny, but part of her wanted to crawl in a hole and hide out for months. Her life would never be so perfect.

  “I love you, Penny. Wi
ll you marry me?” Chuck wiped his eyes, then pulled out a ring from his pocket. His hand shook while he slid the ring on Penny’s finger.

  As if on cue, every female at the table let out an “Aww,” followed by a sniffle.

  Penny just sat there with her mouth gaping open and her chocolate eyes welled with tears.

  “Say something, honey, anything.” He wiggled her hand.

  “You want to marry me?” Penny’s voice cracked.

  “Penny, I’ve been in love with you long before I ever had the courage to ask you for a date. I can’t imagine spending my life with anyone other than you.”

  “You loved me before we started dating?” She blinked.

  He dropped his head to her hand. “Yeah. Will you please answer my question?”

  Penny pulled her hand away and looked at the ring on her finger. “You need to know something first.” She took in a deep breath and leaned over and whispered in Chuck’s ear.

  Chuck fell over onto his butt with a thud. His eyes were wide with shock, but the smile plastered on his face said it all.

  “Did she say no?” Jared whispered in Ryan’s ear.

  “You’re an idiot,” Ryan said.

  “A baby?” Chuck swallowed. “Oh, my.” He blinked a few times, then shifted back to his knees. “The only thing this changes is the reaction my mother’s going to have.”

  “Will it be bad?” Penny asked.

  “Not if you think getting pampered and being treated like a queen for the next nine months is bad.”

  Tears rolled down Penny’s cheeks, taking globs of mascara with them. “I thought you’d be upset.”

  Chuck laughed. “I might be if you don’t answer my question.” He raised a brow. “So?”

  “Yes! Yes! I love you.” Penny cupped his face and gave him a kiss that should only be done in private.

  Everyone just looked the other way for a few moments until Randy cleared his throat. “Let me be the first to congratulate you.” He tossed an ice cube at Chuck. “Now stop that or get a room.”

  “Hey.” Chuck wiped his lips, then sat in his chair, looping a protective arm around the soon-to-be blushing bride.

  “You needed a little cooling off. Your public display of affection bordered on lewd behavior.” Randy chuckled.

  “Oh, please.” Penny admired her ring. “This is beautiful. I love it.”

  “I’m glad,” Chuck whispered. He pressed his lips against her forehead.

  “Let me see it.” Ryan snagged Penny’s hand. “Wow.” Ryan gazed at the sparkling diamond, her heart hammering in her chest. The ring itself was simple, but the round diamond gave off a colorful glow. Perfect.

  “Any morning sickness?” Tammy asked.

  “Not yet.” Penny slipped her free hand under the table, giving Ryan a gentle squeeze. “I haven’t even gone to the doctor yet.”

  “We should do that soon, right?” Chuck’s voice rose.

  “We? I like the sound of that.” Penny’s smile brightened the room.

  Ryan glanced over at Jared. His body was rigid, and his smile forced. He’d never been a big supporter of the happily-ever-after life. Never thought it mixed well with his choice of career. She was sure the baby thing had rubbed him the wrong way, considering the broken condom and all. Anytime anyone got married after the fact, he always assumed the woman had trapped the man.

  “I can’t believe bratty little Pen is going to be a mother. Amazing,” Randy said, snapping Ryan out of her trance.

  “Thanks a lot.” Penny guzzled her water as the waiter brought their appetizers.

  Over the course of the next hour, the topic of conversation consisted of babies and weddings. Jared didn’t say much, and Ryan could feel the tension in his body. But to his credit, he didn’t let anyone else know how uncomfortable the whole thing had to be for him.

  After the bill had been paid, Penny said, “I think I want to go home now.” She held up her finger and admired her new rock. “This is not something I want to celebrate with the likes of you people anymore.”

  “Works for me.” Chuck jumped up from the table. “Thanks for coming, Randy. Don’t stay away so long.”

  “Anything for you, man. Good luck.”

  Ryan turned and watched the happy couple sway their way through the crowd, wiping her own tears from her face.

  “I’m still hungry. Up for sharing some chocolate cake?” Ryan asked Tammy, not wanting to go home just yet.

  “Oh, God. I’d love to.”

  If Ryan had to rate the evening, she’d give it a ten, as long as she kept the focus off herself and on everyone else.

  Randy was working his dream job and doing everything in life he’d set out to do, including getting over a broken heart. Jared laughed and joked with Randy all night and talked about how great this transfer would be for his career. Tammy even piped in about her so-called modeling.

  Ryan forced herself to contribute to the conversation. Waving to her brother, she had to admit it felt good to brag about her life, even if it was incomplete. She wanted more; she wanted it all, and she wanted it with Jared.

  Never going to happen.

  Lightning filled the sky when Ryan took the coat that Jared offered her as they made their way to his car. The moon danced behind light gray clouds, but no rain threatened to fall. A clap of thunder echoed behind the mountains.

  “I love nights like this,” Jared said, sliding his arm under her shirt. His fingers tingled across the small of her back, only adding to the bleakness of her emotions. “Do you think she might have done that on purpose? I mean, she doesn’t seem the type.”

  Ryan glared at him. “I can’t believe you.” She ducked into the sporty BMW.

  “There is such a thing called birth control.” Jared got in, then revved the engine, popping the clutch and peeling out of the parking lot. In seconds the car was safely tucked away in the garage, and they were walking toward the main house.

  “Which can break,” she mumbled.

  “You trying to tell me something?” The kitchen light flickered once before illuminating the room. Jared locked the door before kicking off his boots.

  “No worries.” She swallowed her breath, wishing she could take back her words. Her period wasn’t due for a few days.

  “Good to know.” He rubbed his jaw. “I hope they make it. They do seem like they love each other.”

  “So, you do believe in love.” She closed her eyes. When would she learn?

  “Never said I didn’t.” He stretched and leaned his arm against the doorjamb to the family room, crossing his ankles. “My parents have a great marriage, and they still love each other to the point of being embarrassing.”

  Love would never happen for him. He was too closed off, no matter what anyone, including her, felt for him.

  “They are smitten, aren’t they? I miss having them around. I wish they hadn’t moved so far away.”

  “It was time to join the rest of the retirees. They love Arizona, but they’re still pissed as hell at me for selling this place.”

  Ryan tossed her purse over the kitchen chair before looking at the man standing in her way. She really wanted to go upstairs and settle into a bed that didn’t belong to him. “Have you thought about renting it?”

  “Too much work.” He looked around the room. “Besides, this place needs a family.”

  “So, we believe in family, too.” She bit down on her tongue.

  “Of course I do.” He scowled.

  “But not for yourself.” She took a tentative step toward him, throwing her insecurities to the lake. “Why?”

  He turned his gaze from her and glanced toward the ceiling. “There are a thousand reasons. Mostly because I don’t want to have to answer to anyone. My new job will be dangerous, and I just don’t want to have to think about how what I’m doing might affect someone else.”

  “You’re afraid.”

  He snapped his head and met her eyes with severe coldness.

  “Love doesn’t have to hurt,” s
he whispered, gliding her hand up his muscled chest. “Not everyone dies.”

  “Yes, they do.” He grabbed her wrist. “And love has nothing to do with my decision.” Glaring at her, he pushed her back.

  “Bullshit,” she said boldly. “But you’re right about one thing.” She raised a mocking brow. “That kind of life wouldn’t mix with you.” She turned from him, lifting her mail in her hands.

  “Don’t walk away from this conversation.” His hostile tone startled her, and her mail tumbled to the floor.

  “There’s no conversation. You’ve made your choices.”

  “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

  Filling her lungs, she turned to him. “One has to be willing to put his own heart and insecurities on the line in order to find true love with someone. Not something you’re capable of.”

  His eyes narrowed while his hand rubbed his scruffy face. His inability to come up with a retort told her she had hit the nail on the head.

  She lifted the manila envelope and eyed it suspiciously. It was marked “Fragile, Don’t Bend,” but she hadn’t ordered anything recently. She flipped it over and looked back at the postmark. No return address, but it had been mailed from Lake George.

  A lump formed in her throat, and fear gripped her heart. She chalked it up to damn paranoia and ripped open the envelope. She peered inside, then reached in and pulled out a photograph. “Oh, my God,” she mumbled, staring down at a picture of her and Jared in front of the fireplace in his family room with the words “I’ll get you” scribbled across her face and “He’ll die” over Jared’s.

  A sudden flash of lightning filled the room followed by a loud clap of thunder. She leaped toward Jared, tossing the pictures to the floor.

  “Jesus. What’s gotten into…shit.” His arms circled her body.

  She could feel his body flex with tension as hers trembled out of control. “Why,” she cried. “Why me?”

  He hugged her so tightly she thought she might suffocate. But she didn’t care. If he were to let go, she’d crumble to the floor in a heap of nothing. She struggled to contain her tears as he held her in his strong, comforting arms.