“Dad, I want to go back to school,” Brie said as they sat down at a table in the far back of the restaurant. It was her dad’s personal table as far as she could figure as it was the same one they ate at every time they came to this restaurant.
His eyebrow arched, and he leaned back and folded his arms across his chest. “I see. And what do you think you would like to study this time? Shopping? Jewelry making?”
Brie knew she deserved that; she had been too flighty in the past, but she needed to let him know this time really was different. “No, Dad, I want to go to school to study nutrition.”
“Why? You don’t need to go on a diet, Brie. You look fine just the way you are.”
Brie took a deep breath. She had practiced what she was going to say at her apartment, but she hoped her father would listen. “No, it’s not about me. I met a guy this last week…”
He leaned forward interrupting her, “Oh, so this is about a guy.”
“No, Dad, if you would just listen. I met this guy who is unlike anyone I’ve met before, and he took me to the children’s hospital. He delivers toys to the kids there when he can. I almost couldn’t go in because of what happened to mom, but I’m glad I did. You should have seen these kids’ faces when they saw Jesse. I’d like to do something like he does, some donation or something, but it got me thinking too. I really want to study nutrition and see if I can use food to help cure diseases like cancer.”
“Brie, I’m not sure food can cure cancer.”
“Dad, I’ve done research. They are finding that certain foods and certain diets can help slow diseases and even reverse their effects. I want to help. I could work at the hospital or maybe a clinic and help people.”
Her father leaned back again and narrowed his eyes at her. “Where is this coming from, Brie? I love you, but you haven’t thought much about anyone but yourself for years.”
Brie sighed and dropped her eyes to the table. “I know, Dad, but then I met Jesse and you made me get a job. I saw how the other half lives, and I don’t want to work at the coffee place for the rest of my life. This would allow me to get a better paying job. One I love. And isn’t that what you always said? That I should do something I love?”
Her father chuckled and ran a hand across his strong chin. Brie had the same chin though hers thankfully was a little smaller and more feminine looking. “I’ll help you pay for college on two conditions.”
“What are they?” Brie clasped her hands together and bit the inside of her lip to keep her enthusiasm from bubbling out before she heard the conditions.
“One, I want you to keep working at the coffee shop. I know it’s not your dream job, but it will give you a resume which you’ll need when you get out of college.”
Brie sighed, but she had expected he would want her to continue working. And while being a barista wasn’t that fantastic, the hours weren’t bad and would allow her to go to school. Plus, he hadn’t stipulated a minimum number of hours she needed to work each week. “Okay, what’s the second condition?”
“I’d like to meet this man who has so greatly affected my daughter.”
Brie’s face broke into a grin. That one would be easy to comply with. “I’ll be happy to introduce you, but I have to warn you, he’s SWAT, so his schedule is a little challenging.”
“We will make it work.”
Their food arrived then, and the two enjoyed a wonderful meal and the nicest conversation Brie could remember having with her father in a long time.
10
Jesse arrived at Brie’s apartment at six pm on the dot. Thankfully, there had been no calls at work, and the men had been able to relax a little. Jesse had even gotten to spend a little time with Bugsy before driving to Brie’s. A rarity in his job.
He often felt sorry for the dog. Jesse had gotten him when he first moved to New York as he had wanted company. After joining SWAT, his time had dwindled, and Bugsy spent a lot of time alone. He paid for a dog walker a few days a week, but he knew it wasn’t the same. Still, he couldn’t bear the thought of giving up Bugsy. The dog was still his companion when he was home, and Jesse wasn’t sure he would stay in SWAT forever.
Jesse pressed the doorbell and a moment later, Brie opened the door. Her soft pink sweater brought out a sparkle in her blue eyes and matched the color of her lip gloss.
“You are punctual, aren’t you?” Brie asked with a laugh.
Jesse smiled back. He liked her laugh. It reminded him of the triangle he was forced to play in third grade. Back then, everyone took turns on different instruments. Jesse loved the xylophones and the drums, but he had never enjoyed playing the triangle. It just hadn’t seemed very important. However, he had always loved the sound, and Brie’s laugh was light and tinkly like the triangle.
“I try. It’s sort of a requirement for the job. You ready?”
“I am, but I have to warn you, I’m pretty good at skating. It was the one sport my father put me in that I actually enjoyed until it became too much work.” She rolled her eyes and shook her head. “I really was spoiled.”
“Well, I grew up in the mountains of Montana. Believe me, I had plenty of practice skating. In fact, I was on our ice hockey team in high school.” He had played a lot of sports in high school, but boxing and hockey had been his favorites.
“Game on then.” She grabbed a bag and closed the door behind her. Jesse took her free hand, enjoying the feel of her smaller hand in his and led the way to the elevator.
Twenty minutes later, they arrived at the rink. He had hoped if they came right around dinner time that it wouldn’t be crowded, but it seemed several other couples had the same idea. They had to wait for a bench to clear before they could sit and lace up their skates.
Jesse felt like a stalker as they waited between two benches. When the couple to the left stood, he and Brie swooped in and secured the bench, giggling like school kids who were breaking the rules. They took off their shoes and laced up their skates, then found a place to leave their street shoes.
Jesse took her hand as they stepped onto the ice. It took him a minute to reacquaint his legs to the feel of ice beneath them, but soon it came flooding back. Brie must have had the same issue as she clung to his arm the first lap around, but by the second, she was skating confidently. A few times, she even let go to skate ahead of him and perform a fancy spin or jump. He smiled as he watched her. With her blond hair flying out around her, she looked like an angel, and Jesse felt himself falling for her.
Brie laughed as she spun and glanced back at Jesse. There was something about him that she found endearing. So much so that she knew she needed to tell him about the bet. But she didn’t want to ruin the evening. Surely, it could wait a little longer.
She skated back to him and grabbed his hand again. Her nose was cold from the chilly air, and she knew her cheeks were flushed pink as well. “I’m hungry. Do you want to get a hot dog? I know of a great stand around here.”
“A hot dog?” He chuckled. “I kind of thought you’d be…” he paused as if searching for the right words.
“A food snob?” she asked.
A pink blush colored his cheeks and she knew that was exactly what he had been thinking. “I wasn’t going to say it like that, more like a refined palette.”
“I have one of those,” she said as they skated back to where they had placed their shoes, “but I also grew up with just my dad for most of my life. He used to take me to ball games and buy me hot dogs.”
Jesse’s eyes lit up. “Oh yeah, who’s your favorite team?”
“Well, I’ve always been partial to football, so I guess the Patriots.”
Jesse tsked and shook his head. “You live in New York and you aren’t a Giants fan? I don’t know if we can still be friends.”
Brie swatted his arm though she knew he was kidding. He caught her hand and pulled her to his chest. Brie’s breath stilled, and she smiled up at him. She liked the soft copper stubble that colored his cheeks and the gold flecks in his hazel ey
es. His gaze held hers just a moment before he leaned down and kissed her. Heat flared across her lips and traveled through her body. She’d never felt such a connection with anyone before.
“Okay, I guess we can still be friends,” Jesse said when he pulled back. The teasing glint still sparkled in his eyes.
“Oh good, so glad you agree.” The two took their shoes to an empty bench and changed back into their regular footwear. Then Brie led the way out of the rink and to one of her favorite street vendors.
Hot dogs were not her normal fare as they weren’t very healthy, but every once in a while, she just got a craving for a loaded dog. She recognized her favorite vendor as they approached. “Hey, Charlie, how’s business been?”
“Not too bad, you know how it goes.” Charlie had a thick New York accent and always wore a derby atop his head.
“Well, how about a little more business? Do you have a loaded hot dog for my friend Jesse and I?”
“Of course, anything for you, Ms. Brie.” He loaded up two hot dogs and handed them over in exchange for the money Brie pulled out.
“I could have bought my own dog,” Jesse whispered as they wandered over to a nearby table.
“I know, but it was my treat. You’ve been so sweet to me.”
“I’m just glad the guys convinced me to give you a chance. I honestly thought it had to be a joke that you liked me. I’m not typically the ones girls flock over. That’s usually Brendan.”
Brie’s eyes dropped to her lap. There was no way she could tell him about the bet now. Even worse, she’d have to keep Ariel away from Jesse or her friend might let it slip that she too had wanted Brendan at first.
“Well, I’m glad you gave me a chance too.”
A comfortable silence fell between them as they finished their hot dogs, and then they walked back to Jesse’s truck.
“Can I show you something?” he asked as he opened the door for her.
“Sure. I’d like that.” The sun had set while they were skating, and only tiny streaks of pink still lit the sky at the horizon. Brie was sure the stars were beginning to emerge, but with all the lights in the city, it was impossible to see them.
She buckled her seatbelt as he climbed in the driver’s side and started the truck. He headed away from the city lights and she wondered where they were going.
Half an hour later, they were on the outskirts of the city, away from all the lights. Brie had never seen it so dark. Jesse pulled the truck over and opened her door.
“What are we doing out here?” Brie hoped she hadn’t misjudged him now that she was in the middle of nowhere in the dark with him.
“I thought you might like to see some stars. It’s not quite the same way I grew up seeing them in Montana, but it’s pretty close.” He lowered the tailgate to the truck and then grabbed a blanket from the cab and spread it out in the truck bed. He dropped the second blanket in the bed and held out his hand to her. “Come on.”
She took it and climbed into the bed beside him. He propped up some rope to make a makeshift pillow and opened his arm. Brie curled up against his chest and looked up. Then she gasped. The stars lit up the sky like tiny diamonds. “It’s so beautiful. Is this how it looked in Montana?
Jesse chuckled. “Not quite. It was even more impressive back where I grew up. There were fewer lights around.”
“That must have been an amazing sight.”
“It was, but not as beautiful as you.” He brushed her hair behind her ear and placed his lips on hers. Brie’s pulse doubled, and a reckless feeling flooded her veins. Before anything more could happen, Jesse pulled back.
“Sorry, I can’t let it go any further. I want to, but I want to be married first, the way God intended it.”
Brie blinked. “You mean you’ve never…” she didn’t know how to finish the statement without a serious blush taking over.
“I didn’t say that. I wasn’t always a Christ follower and I made a lot of mistakes when I was younger. I’m trying to make fewer now.”
Brie thought about that. She hadn’t considered her past a mistake, but the more she revisited it, the more it made sense. After her last relationship ended, she had felt used and had wished she hadn’t let it get as far as she had. Maybe there was something to waiting until there was a commitment.
“I admire that about you.” She snuggled into his arms once again. “Most guys I’ve known have only been after the prize.”
He squeezed her shoulder. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m after the prize. I just want the forever one rather than the short-term one.”
Brie smiled and shook her head slightly. If Jesus was what made Jesse so different, she was beginning to think she wanted Him too.
11
“What do you mean you can’t go out? It’s been three weeks, Brie. Three weeks since we’ve hung out.”
Brie sighed and pinched her nose. She knew she hadn’t been spending as much time with Ariel, but she had gotten accepted into the nutrition program at the local college and was spending a few nights a week in class. Brie generally spent the other evenings with Jesse when he was off work or researching when he wasn’t. And work filled her days.
Besides, after everything that had happened in the last three weeks, she didn’t feel she had as much in common with Ariel any more. Her father still hadn’t reinstated her credit cards so shopping trips were out of the question. And honestly, she didn’t feel the need to go shopping anyway. She felt the need to purge some of her items. She worked nearly every morning, something Ariel had no concept of, and she had committed her life to Christ, so parties no longer held any meaning for her.
“I know, Ariel, and I’m so sorry, but I’ve got work and school and Jesse…”
“I knew this was about Jesse,” Ariel seethed, cutting her off. “I should never have suggested the bet. I thought you would have a little fun, but he’s changed you. Now, you’re no fun at all.”
“I’m fun. Just in a different way. Look, you want to hang out with me? Come to church with me tomorrow.” Brie glanced at her watch. She was going to have to cut this short as her break was almost over.
“Church? Are you listening to yourself? Who are you?”
“Ariel, I have to get back to work, but I would like to see you. I get off at four if you want to get together before you go out tonight.”
“Yeah, we’ll see.” The phone went dead in Brie’s ear, and she shook her head and pushed the phone back in her pocket.
“Everything okay?” Matt asked as he entered the break room.
“Yeah, just my friend. She doesn’t like the changes I’ve made recently.”
“Well, I have to say you have proved a model employee. I was a little worried when I first hired you, but you have definitely improved since you’ve been here.”
“Thank you, Matt. I appreciate you giving me a chance. I better get back to work now. Break’s over.” She flashed a small wave and headed back to the counter. Matt was nice, but as they were about the same age, she didn’t want to give him any suggestion she might be interested.
As she took her position behind the counter again, Brie thought about her conversation with Ariel. Was she going to lose her best friend?
Jesse whistled as he packed up his gear for the night. It had been another nice day with no crazy calls and no shots fired at them.
“You seem pretty happy. Things going well with Brie then?”
Jesse turned to Brendan who had entered the locker room behind him. “Yes, things are going better than I could have hoped. I’m glad you convinced me to give her a shot.”
Brendan’s face fell, and he rubbed his chin. “Yeah, don’t go thanking me just yet. Her friend Ariel is at the front desk asking to talk to you.”
“Me? What for?” Jesse had heard Brie talk about Ariel, but he’d never met her. What on earth could she want to talk to him about?
Brendan shrugged. “I’d rather she tell you herself.”
Trepidation seized Jesse as he slung his bag over his sho
ulder and headed for the front door. Was something wrong with Brie? Had she decided he wasn’t rich enough for her? That seemed unlikely, but it was a fear he couldn’t get out of his head.
He pushed open the door to the foyer, and a dark-haired girl looked up. She was thin and pretty, and she oozed money. Jesse did not miss her designer shoes as she stood and clacked his direction nor was he oblivious to the expensive bag slung over her shoulder.
“Ariel? I’m Jesse. What can I do for you?” He extended his hand towards her, but she ignored it.
“I know who you are, but I have some information you don’t know. Brie is playing you. See, we made a bet. She was bored and wanted to have a little fun, so I bet her she couldn’t get a guy to propose to her after a month. You were the target, and my brother Kade was the prize. If she could get you to propose, I’d set her up on a date with my brother.”
Anger and disbelief filled Jesse, and a vice-grip feeling squeezed his heart. Could Brie do such a thing? He had found it odd she would want him over Brendan or Carter, but he didn’t think she would do such a thing. Had she been pretending the last few weeks then? “Why are you telling me this now?”
“Because I want my friend back. She spends all her free time with you. I guess she is having a hard time convincing you to propose. So, I don’t care about the bet anymore. I’ll set her up with Kade whether or not you propose. At least then I’ll see her more.” She tilted her head at him as if making sure her words were sinking in.
Jesse shook his head, but he couldn’t find the words.
“You couldn’t honestly believe she’d want a commoner. Brie comes from money, and you could never support her the way she’s used to, but Kade is a famous actor. He has the money to support her lifestyle.”
“I see. Well, thank you for letting me know.” Jesse felt deflated. He had opened his heart to Brie even after his own hesitations. He should have known to trust his gut.
“You’re welcome.” She flashed a smile, but to Jesse it seemed more malicious than endearing.
Lawfully Pursued (Christian Opposites Attract Romance): A SWAT Lawkeeper Romance Page 7
