How to Land Her Lawman (5 page)

Will had forgotten how life was in a small town. Everyone watched what was going on and talked about it. At least Kim was talking to
him
and not someone at the Grizzly Bear Diner, which was ground zero for rumor spreading.

“So,” he said narrowing his gaze on her, “your summer job while you're not teaching high school is doing covert surveillance for the CIA?”

“There are times when teaching teens feels like doing covert surveillance. It's not easy to stay one step ahead of those kids.” There was a sly look in her eyes. “Speaking of steps, we were talking about you and April running together. What's up with that?”

“She runs. I run.” He was having a little trouble concentrating after his naked woman remark, except April was the woman he was picturing naked. Okay, so he was a pig. He was a guy. He could own that. Because April had looked pretty spectacular in those tight black pants she'd worn. That spandex stuff hugged every curve and left little to the imagination, just enough that he wanted to take them off her and see everything. But that was pretty stupid, right? The two of them had their shot and he blew it. “I saw her in the alley before she started her run, so we went together.”

His sister said something that sounded like, “Good for her,” but Will couldn't be sure. “Afterwards she invited me in for coffee and a muffin.”

“Is that what you crazy kids are calling it now?” There was a suggestive note in Kim's voice.

“There is no ‘it.' We're friends. I guess.”

“What does that mean?”

“I don't know.” Will dragged his fingers through his hair. “It's just— When I made the decision to come back to Blackwater Lake for the summer, I knew I'd see her. When you suggested I make sure the first time was private, I knew you were right. And—”

“What?”

“I was ready for it. I was prepared to deal with her anger. Possibly resentment. Hostility. Even hurt. I was braced for attitude whatever form it would take. That's something I'm trained to handle. After all, I'm Chicago PD.”

Kim's forehead wrinkled. “What's your point?”

“My point is that I wasn't prepared for her to be friendly. She was a little resentful that first time I went over to her shop. But since then she's been—”

“What?”

“I don't know. So sweet my teeth are getting cavities.”

“You've seen her a lot, then?” Kim looked like she was working hard at acting innocent.

“She brought over a casserole. Then asked for my help taking pictures of the graduating seniors passing the power torch to the incoming class. Before you say anything, I was working crowd control.”

“Making sure no one had sex,” she clarified.

He nodded. “We got a drink after. Her idea. Then we did our run together and had coffee.”

“I still don't get the problem.” Kim didn't look puzzled as much as a little self-satisfied. “It's all peace and serenity with your ex-girlfriend. Most guys would be ecstatic. Why are you complaining?”

“I'm not. Just the opposite.”

“So, what is the opposite of complaining?” She tapped a finger to her lips. “Praise. Go into rapture over—”

“No one is going into rapture over anyone,” he scoffed. “But she's acting pretty cool.”

“You should have been more appreciative of what you had before sleeping with that woman.”

“The only person you ever call
that woman
is my ex-wife, Brittany.”

“Yeah. Her. And I bet she spells her name with an
i
at the end and the dot over it is heart shaped.”

“Let me guess. You don't like her.” Will knew exactly how his sister felt about his ex. She'd made it clear the first time they met.

Now Kim made a face that looked as if she'd taken a bite out of a sour lemon. “I never liked her.”

“And I should have listened to you.”

“It's very big of you to admit I was right, Will. I never thought the day would come when I'd hear you say those words. Although I was always aware that you felt like that.”

“Don't let it go to your head. For what it's worth, on the divorce papers she spelled her name with a
y
and I assume that's the legal way. She wouldn't have slowed the process down by getting cute with spelling. She couldn't wait to be the ex Mrs. Fletcher.”

“Don't tell me.” Sarcasm was wrapped around every word. “She had her hooks into another guy. Probably seeing him before you two separated.”

Although he had a whole lot of suspicion, Will had no independent facts to confirm it. All he said was, “Probably.”

“You're well rid of her, Will.” She put her hand on his arm. “Please don't let one bad experience make you gun-shy about a relationship. After all, look at me.”

“What about you?”

“I'm the poster girl for what not to do. Pregnant at seventeen and abandoned by the father.”

“This isn't getting even, sis, but I never liked that guy.”

“Okay. And I didn't listen to you. We need to work on that.” She sighed. “But, my point is that I didn't close myself off from love and now there's Luke.”

“You're a lucky girl.” But this had to be said. “For the record, I'm a detective. I can track that jerk down if you want to get back child support out of him.”

“Sweet of you, but no. Someday Tim might want to meet him or the jerk might want to see his son and if it feels right I wouldn't stop it. But if the guy asked my son for a kidney, he'd have to go through me.” A fierce, protective, maternal expression settled on her face. “As of now I don't ever want anything from him. Things worked out for the best. Tim is a great kid.”

“You'll get no argument from me.”

Guilt, but no pushback. Not being there for her was one more thing to add to his list of sins. Will had gone ahead with his career and hadn't been around to support her. That kid of hers, his nephew, was terrific, because he had a terrific mom and a grandfather who was devoted to him.

Her face went soft as all teasing disappeared. “I keep wondering when he's going to show interest in the opposite sex.”

“He might not show it yet, especially to his mom, but I guarantee you there's already interest.”

Horror widened her eyes. “Should I talk to him about safe sex? I don't want him to make the same mistake I did and for sure I'd phrase it better than that because I don't for one minute consider him a mistake. He's a blessing. But I would much rather not have him be a father before he's out of high school. Or college, for that matter.”

“Is there a health class in the high school curriculum?”

“Yes, but I'm his mom. I feel as if I should have a conversation with him. Shouldn't that come from me?”

“He won't want to hear it from his mom.”

“Voice of experience?”

“Not exactly. Dad said something to me and I still didn't want to hear it. That's just the way boys are.” He met her gaze. “So, no one special for him yet?”

“He's only fourteen. Too young to date.”

“I can talk to him about this if you want.” Maybe make up for not being around when he should have been.

“Would you?” She hugged him. “Let him know I'm willing to have a conversation about anything he wants, but didn't want to embarrass him. And tell him that—”

“I'll let you write out the talk on five-by-seven cards if that would make you more comfortable,” he teased.

She laughed. “No. Just make sure he's ready for anything when he starts dating. It's important for him, but he also has to protect any young woman he might be with.”

“I'll make sure he understands.” He cleared his throat. “Speaking of dates... April said she'll be taking pictures at the wedding.”

“Yeah. She's the best. Even if I decide to have it in the backyard.”

He ignored her little flare-up of nerves. “Is she seeing anyone?”

“She sees a lot of people. After all she has a business and works with the public—”

“I meant is she dating anyone?”

“Of course,” Kim said. “She's really pretty and a lot of fun. Guys ask her out all the time. And there's this one. Jean Luc. He's a same-time-next-year ski instructor who's here every winter.”

That information was more unsettling than Will had expected. The idea of her with another guy really bugged him. That was something of a surprise, even more than her being friendly.

“So no one right now?” he asked.

“Not that I know of.” Again Kim had that overly innocent thing going on. “Why?”

“She tells you everything. What do you think about me asking her to dinner?”

Kim stood and looked down at him, possibly with pity in her eyes. “She's probably not interested, but you've got nothing to lose by asking.”

“Okay, then.”

“Now that I've let off steam, there are lists to make and stuff to plan.” She started out of the room. “Good talk, Will.”

“Yeah.”

Maybe.

But he couldn't shake the feeling that Kim was wrong—and he had a lot to lose if April said no.

Chapter Five

A
pril put the Back in an Hour sign in her shop window and locked the door. She glanced across the street for a possible Will sighting and was disappointed when she didn't see him. It hadn't been her habit to do that before he came back to town and she wondered how long after he went back to Chicago before she stopped.

That was concerning but fell into the question-for-another-day category. Right now she was going to see Kim. Her friend had called, announced she had some important news and insisted April meet her for lunch at the Harvest Café. Whatever she had to say, it needed to be shared in person and Kim had appointments all afternoon to deal with wedding stuff. Since they both had to eat, it was a two birds, one stone situation. Good thing all was quiet at the Photography Shop.

The café was two blocks away, so she turned right and curiosity made her pick up the pace. She couldn't imagine what was so important that Kim had to call an emergency meeting. Hopefully there wasn't anything wrong.

Main Street was busy with tourists window shopping and leisurely strolling the downtown area. When the new resort was completed with its hotel, condos and retail space, foot traffic would increase and she would have to think about hiring someone part-time. It was an exciting thought.

Almost as exciting as having Will in her kitchen discussing the fact that he thought other guys liked her figure, which, in translation, meant he'd at least noticed and approved. He'd asked more than one question about an old boyfriend and sounded just the slightest bit jealous. That was good. For the plan.

Except that was the thing. After she'd “accidentally” run into Will, the plan never entered her mind again when she was with him. She behaved naturally and enjoyed hanging out with him. No flirting. No skullduggery or underhandedness. Just friendly and fun. She was no actress and trying to be one made her uncomfortable.

She crossed the street with the Grizzly Bear Diner on the corner. It specialized in burgers and sandwiches. After that she passed Tanya's Treasures, a gift and souvenir shop that was now under new ownership. Tanya had moved to Southern California to be with a man, a tourist, she'd met here in town. Way to go, Tanya.

Next door to the gift shop was Potter's Ice Cream Parlor and then the Harvest Café, both owned by Maggie Potter and her business partner, Lucy Bishop.

April nearly ran into another passerby while drooling over the pictures of ice cream sundaes and fighting the urge to go in. Who needed a healthy lunch? But she could still hear her mother's voice in her head—dessert after you finish your dinner. It made her feel as if her mom was still with her.

She walked into the café, which was full of people sitting at the counter and tables scattered around the open room. The decor was country cozy and done in fall shades, with flowered tablecloths and color-coordinated napkins in gold, green and rust. A shelf high on the wall held a copper teakettle, tin pitcher, pottery bowls and dried flowers. The women of Blackwater Lake loved this place and dragged their significant others in frequently.

In fact, just inside the door, Maggie was there with Sloan Holden.

“Hi, April.” Maggie was a pretty, brown-eyed brunette who now had a ginormous diamond on her left ring finger. “Have you met Sloan?”

“Yes,” he answered for her. “Liam and I were in the Photography Shop looking at cameras. It's nice to see you again.” He was a tall, handsome man. And nice.

“You, too.” His son was about ten or eleven, April recalled, a polite, curious and funny kid. That said a lot for the dad's parenting skills.

“Kim Fletcher told me you're taking the pictures at her wedding in August. When Sloan and I started talking about setting a date for our wedding he mentioned the photos he saw in your shop.” Maggie looked up at him and smiled. “We both want you to handle the photography for ours.”

He nodded. “The wedding pictures I saw were really stunning, an excellent representation of your work.”

“Thank you,” she said. “I'd love to. When you pick a date let me know so I can block it off on my calendar.”

“Will do.” Sloan looked at his bride-to-be. “I hate to leave, but work is waiting.”

“Me, too.” She stood on tiptoe and kissed him. “I'm glad you came in for lunch. See you at home.”

“Can't wait.” Tenderly, he ran a finger over her cheek. “Bye. Nice to see you again, April.”

“You, too.”

The two of them watched him leave and April wanted to sigh right along with Maggie. She'd been a widow with a young daughter for several years before Sloan rented a room at her bed-and-breakfast. The two fell in love and now they were getting married. She'd gotten a second chance at happiness, and who didn't love a happy ending?

April was only human and couldn't help just the tiniest bit of envy that crept in. She'd fallen in love once upon a time. But a happy ending? Not so much.

Maggie snapped out of it and looked at her. “You're meeting Kim Fletcher, right? She's already here. That table back in the far corner.”

April spotted her friend who gave her a wave. “Thanks, Maggie. And let me know about that wedding date.”

“Will do.”

She picked her way through the full tables, then sat down across from her friend. “Hi.”

“Hey, kiddo. Glad you could meet me.”

“You said it was important. Is your dad okay?”

“The doctor says he's doing great.”

“Will told me.” She remembered the look on his face when he'd relayed what the doctor had said. There was something going on with him and his dad, but he'd changed the subject. Still, that had been a couple days ago. “Has there been a setback in Hank's recovery?”

“Not if he knows what's good for him,” Kim said fiercely. “And I make sure he does.”

“No kidding. You're bossy in the best possible way.”

“That's what Luke says.”

April hoped there wasn't a hiccup in the relationship and that was the reason for this meeting. “How is your guy?”

“My guy,” her friend said dreamily. “Makes me want to burst into song. But don't worry. I know my limitations. No one wants to hear that.”

“I think you have a lovely voice,” April said loyally.

“That's why I love you.” Kim turned serious. “And speaking of love...”

“Oh, God. Who else is engaged?” Not that April didn't like a romance as much as the next person, but this town was swimming in it.

“What does that mean?”

“Let me recap.” April held up her fingers to count off the couples. “You and Luke. Maggie and Sloan, who just asked me to take pictures at their wedding. His cousin Burke and Sydney McKnight. Her father, Tom, married the mayor. Then there's Cabot Dixon and Katrina Scott, the runaway bride. They're all recently married or engaged. It's an epidemic. Or something in the water.”

No, scratch the last one. If that were the case, April wouldn't feel like a slacker.

“Don't worry, sweetie. Your time will come. The biggest problem you'll have is who's going to take pictures at your wedding since you won't be able to do it yourself, what with being the bride and all.”

“You don't have to say that, Kim. I don't need a man in order to be fulfilled.” That was true, but she'd loved being in love. “I have my business. In fact I'm thinking of hiring someone part-time.”

“That's wonderful. But you don't have to choose between the two. A woman can have a career and a relationship.”

April had no doubt that was true except she'd all but given up hope of having both in her life. And that was okay. She'd gone along with this plan in order to have closure. “You didn't call me here for a pep talk. What's up?”

“I'm pretty sure my brother is going to ask you out.” Kim waited for a reaction and when one wasn't forthcoming, she looked a little disappointed. “I expected a screech. A smile. Something.”

April's heart skipped and stuttered, but the other woman couldn't see that. “How do you know this?”

Before Kim could answer, their waitress appeared. “Welcome to the Harvest Café. What can I get for you ladies?”

“We're kind of in a hurry. I really hate to do that to you,” Kim said. “But I have appointments and April has to get back to work. So, I'd like an iced tea and the cranberry Cobb salad.”

“Make it two.” April handed over her menu.

“Coming right up.”

“Okay,” April said when the young woman was gone. “How do you know he's going to ask me out?”

“He told me. Practically.”

“What does that mean?” This felt a lot like junior high, but April couldn't seem to shut off the need for details.

“He was asking questions. Like are you dating anyone. And I said of course you were since you're gorgeous and smart.” Kim took a breath. “Then he put a finer point on it and wanted to know if you were exclusive with anyone, so I told him about Jean Luc, your winter-ski-instructor-lover. Same-time-next-year sort of thing.”

“There is no Jean Luc.”

“He doesn't know that.” Kim's grin was wicked. “He didn't look happy.”

Was it wrong, April wondered, that inside she was pumping her arm in a gesture of triumph? “Then what?”

“He asked what I thought about him inviting you to dinner.”

“And you said?” April held her breath.

“I told him you probably wouldn't be interested, but he had nothing to lose by asking.”

“You didn't.” Of course she was interested.

“Yes, I did. You don't have to thank me.”

“Good, because I wasn't planning to. What if I am interested?”

“Of course you are. That's what this plan is all about in the first place.” Kim stopped when the waitress brought a tray with their salads and drinks, then set everything on the table.

“Anything else I can get you?”

“Just the check,” Kim said.

“You got it.”

April picked up her fork. “So you don't really know if he's going to ask.”

“Oh, he is,” her friend said confidently. “And when he does, you need to play hard to get.”

“Wait a minute. Isn't this the goal?”

“Well, sleeping with him is the goal, but this is a start. But it shouldn't be too easy. Not only would that make him suspicious, men never appreciate anything they didn't have to work for.” Kim took a bite of her salad.

“I don't know,” April said. “And I already asked him to go for a drink after he helped me out.”

“That doesn't count. And this way you'll keep him guessing. Trust me, sweetie. The end will be much more satisfying if you string him along just a little.”

“Look, Kim, you know me better than anyone. You know I don't play games.” She pushed the greens topped with dried cranberry, egg, bacon, blue cheese crumbles and avocado around the bowl. “The thing is I want to go out with him. Pretending makes me uncomfortable. Don't you think it's time to just be up front with Will?”

“Absolutely not.” Kim gave her a don't-you-dare look. “Remember why you're doing this in the first place. If you play this my way, everyone in Blackwater Lake will be talking about you and Will.”

“But we had our chance and it wasn't meant to be,” April protested.

“Did I say anything about my brother proposing?” She shook her head. “I did not. This is all about you moving on. That's going to happen when you get a chance to tell Will that you're not into him. Do you trust me, April?”

“Of course I do. You're the sister I never had. I know you wouldn't steer me wrong.”

“Darn straight.” Kim smiled. “This is going to work. I just know it.”

April hoped she was right. She wanted to put Will Fletcher behind her before he went back to Chicago and put Blackwater Lake behind him.

* * *

Will had forgotten what a Blackwater Lake Fourth of July was like.

The shops in town were dripping with red, white and blue decorations. American flags flew on lampposts and residences. There had been a morning parade on Main Street with horses, cars, wagons and kids from elementary to high school. The town fire engine was the finale. Every parade entry was decorated for Independence Day and prizes were awarded for the most artistic, innovative and patriotic. Mayor Goodson-McKnight had picked the winners.

About two o'clock folks started showing up at the park for games of touch football, soccer and water balloon tosses that got fairly rowdy in a wet way. People staked a claim to the park tables by the built-in barbecues, where the town council and volunteers grilled hamburgers and hot dogs.

Blankets and chairs were spread out and arranged under trees as a break from the sun, also keeping in mind the best vantage point for the upcoming fireworks display put on by the fire department. That would happen in about an hour. The whole scene was like a long, cold beer for the small-town patriotic soul.

Being on duty here was, well, a walk in the park compared to a shift in Chicago on this holiday.

Will had seen April turn up everywhere with a camera hanging around her neck and a pocket-sized notebook in her hands. She was alternately taking pictures and getting names of the folks she'd snapped to document the festivities for the
Blackwater Lake
Gazette
.

She was the picture of patriotism in her denim shorts, red-and-white-striped spaghetti-strapped top, hair pulled back in a perky ponytail. And he found himself on the alert, constantly watching for those particular denim shorts and top. Her shapely, tanned legs tied him in knots, especially because he remembered how good it felt to have them wrapped around his waist while he was buried deep inside her.

Will snapped his attention back to his job and picked his way through tables, blankets and toddlers, watching for any potential trouble that could mar the celebration. Then he heard his name and recognized Cabot Dixon, a local rancher who also ran a kids' summer camp.