by Anthology
“I’m freezing,” she said with her teeth chattering. “I can’t sleep.”
He put the gun down and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. Then he tossed back the covers as an open invitation for her to join him. She took one pensive step over the threshold of the room and stopped.
“Come here, before you freeze.” He looked toward the window. “It will be daylight soon. Let’s get what little sleep we can.”
“I don’t know. You and I in the same bed together isn’t a good idea.”
He laid his head back on the pillow. “Suit yourself. I’m exhausted.”
Shivering, she darted to his bed, crawled beneath the covers and scrunched into the fetal position to keep warm.
“Come here,” he said, pulling her against his bare chest. “Let’s be sensible. It’s cold and we’re simply going to use each other’s heat to stay warm.”
She didn’t feel that was the situation at all. She was in Alex’s home, now in his bed. What were the odds nothing was going to happen? With her still shaking, he pulled her tightly against him and her heart did flip-flops inside her chest. As her discomfort increased, so did the warmth.
Maybe this wasn’t such a bad idea, after all.
Alex woke to the furnace working and the light on his bedside clock blinking. The power was back on, but cute little Laura Avery was stuck to him like wallpaper. Both her arms were around his neck, her legs were entwined with his and her face was tucked seductively into the crook of his neck.
Not a bad way to wake up.
Knowing it wasn’t a good idea to linger, he untangled her from his body and stepped into the shower. He dressed quickly and went into the kitchen to make a pot of coffee, only to find he didn’t have any in the cupboard.
Debating on making a coffee run, he decided against it because he didn’t want her to panic if she woke up alone. So he waited for her to come out of the bedroom.
It didn’t take long. Wearing her rumpled clothes, her hair all tangled around her face, she said, “Please say you have coffee.”
“No, fresh out. But if you hurry, we can go to a small shop right down the street. They make delicious pastries as well.”
She looked down at her clothes. “I’m a mess.”
“Just comb your hair. No one will notice and if they do, so what?”
“I don’t have a brush.”
“Feel free to use anything in my bathroom.”
She disappeared, only to return in a matter of a few minutes. Shrugging on her coat, she headed for the door.
“You must be a morning coffee person,” he said with a chuckle.
“I’m an all-day coffee person.”
After driving around several blocks of debris all over the roads, they finally made it to the little neighborhood coffee shop. He could only imagine what the main thoroughfares looked like.
Getting out of the car, Alex and Laura made their way inside. The place was busy, but most people were lined up at the carryout station. They quickly found a table and soon had a piping hot cup of coffee clutched in their hands. He breathed in the rich aroma and moaned. “They make the best coffee.”
“I hope so. I’m in desperate need today.”
“I’m sorry about last night. By the surrounding area, it looks like that storm was pretty bad.”
“I apologize for moving into your bed, but I was so cold.”
“It’s okay,” he said then took a sip of coffee. “If you don’t mind, let’s keep that between us. I rather your father didn’t find out we slept together.”
Lowering her gaze, she winced. “I agree that wouldn’t be a good idea.”
“Well, tonight you get to sleep in your room at your parents’ house.”
As she sipped the morning brew, Laura didn’t look happy.
“I was a little surprised to learn that the elegant, sophisticated and intelligent Laura Avery snores like a buzz saw,” he said.
Instantly her gaze met his flashing blue eyes. “That’s not true.”
He held up his hand. “Scout’s honor.”
“I don’t snore.”
“Yes, you do. I must say the man you marry is going to have a lot to overcome. I’m a pretty sound sleeper, and you woke me up several times. I even tried rolling you over on your side, but it didn’t work.”
Laura’s face felt like she’d been in the sun for hours. It was nice that they could have coffee together in a light mood. Their pastries came, and she leaned toward him. Seeing the glint in his eyes, she realized he was kidding. “That’s a lie, Alex Sanders. I do not snore.”
Shrugging nonchalantly, he rolled his eyes. “Whatever you say. But, I’d warn any man I planned to stay with. A guy has a right to know he’s sleeping next to a diesel engine.”
Her lips tightened and she squinted her eyes. “I’ve never had any complaints before,” she said smugly. “None at all.”
“You sure they were human?”
Angry, she drank her coffee, ate her pastry and glared at him. “You’re mean.”
“Truthful.”
“That’s according to you.”
He laughed. “I’m only teasing.” He propped his chin on his palm. “So, how many complaints have you had?”
Her mouth formed a perfect O and her eyes widened. “That’s a very personal question to ask.”
He shrugged. “Just curious.”
“Well, don’t be. That’s rude.”
Laura had never been asked such a question so bluntly, and it shocked her that Alex would even care. “I’d never expect you to answer a question like that.”
“Good,” he said, putting down his cup. “Because I wouldn’t.”
Tilting her head, Laura glared. “Then why ask me?”
“I’m just in an ornery mood today. You have to forgive me. I didn’t get much sleep.”
“I’d rather punch you.”
He lifted his dark brows and changed the subject. “You like the coffee and pastry?”
“It’s delicious, but not good enough to make me forget how ill-mannered you are.”
Alex leaned back and gave her a crooked, but sexy smile. “Oh, I’m not that bad.”
“Yes, you are.” She shook her head and tsked. “Asking a lady such a question.”
“I only did it because your father has never mentioned you having anyone special.” He leaned closer. “It’s almost like you never date.”
Her chest constricted and her mouth went dry. It wasn’t that she never dated. So far, none of them ever really interested her. And when she forced herself, it ended badly. Really badly.
“Who are you? Dr. Phil? I’ve gone out with all the guys I wanted to. I’m just not into speed dating. And in no hurry for a serious relationship.”
He slowly shook his head. “You don’t feel your biological clock ticking?”
As their cups were being refilled, she waved her hand. “The female species doesn’t do that anymore. Having a family isn’t every career woman’s dream.”
“So, no kids or husband for you?”
“I’m not sure.” She nibbled on her bottom lip and tried not to sound like she was desperate for an excuse not to be married. “I haven’t met the right one yet.”
“Hmm, would you recognize him if you saw him?”
She thought about that for a few minutes. Maybe she wouldn’t because she’d had so many bad experiences. Sneaking a glance at Alex, Laura couldn’t help but wonder if he was the right one.
Sleeping next to him last night had been the most exciting thing she’d done with a man in years and they hadn’t even had sex. Yet, she’d been content to cuddle up next to him.
Inwardly groaning, she looked away. This wasn’t in the cards for her. Her father would have a fit. Alex was so handsome she wondered if he’d eventually wander off to an affair, and just why he wasn’t married.
“Let’s talk about you,” she said, her brows lifted. “No wife and kids in the future?”
A smile stretched his mouth. “There’s nothing I’d l
ike more. I dream of a house full of kids and a wonderful wife who likes to cook.”
Well, that counted her out. No house full of kids for her, and cooking was an art she had no desire to learn. “Have you found someone like that?”
“Not yet, but I will.”
“So, she just has to be willing to reproduce and be Martha Stewart, huh?”
“Not just that. I admire intelligence, a witty personality, a sexy maniac in bed and someone I can grow old with.” He grinned. “Hopefully she won’t snore.”
She sent him a sarcastic smile. “You’re so charming.”
“I know.” He gave her a toothy grin she was sure he knew would only annoy her.
“Shall I get you home?”
She huffed out a breath then rose to her feet. “I guess. I might as well face Father’s wrath and get it over with.”
They stood to leave when suddenly two guys pushed through the door. One held a gun. “Don’t nobody move or they’re dead.”
Alex reached over and pulled her against his side. “Be calm,” he whispered.
She nodded, not wanting to have anything to do with the robbery in progress. She held up her shaking hands. Alex seemed cool and observant.
The men were in their early twenties, one tall, the other shorter. Then it dawned on Laura. Those were the guys. The same ones they’d made out on the mall surveillance camera.
So, they not only stole from people coming out of the malls, they worked the small businesses too. “That’s them.”
“Shh,” Alex hissed.
The shorter man walked up to her, placing his face inches from hers. “What’d you say?”
“Nothing, nothing at all,” she said, shaking her head. Suddenly her knees grew weak with fear.
The robber put his fist in her face and gritted his teeth. “Another word and you’re dead.”
She swallowed the lump in her throat and inched closer to Alex.
“And don’t go thinking your man there can save you, ’cause he can’t.”
“Leave her alone,” Alex said. “She’s just scared.” He looked around. “We all are. Take what you want and leave.”
The taller man who’d ordered the cashier to put the contents of the register in a plastic Walmart bag moved closer. “Don’t go telling us what to do.” He raised the gun. “All you, empty your purses and pockets on the table.”
Several people did as instructed, but when she reached for her purse, Alex stopped her. “Take the money and get out. Leave these people alone.”
The man with the gun stuck it in Alex’s face. “How about I blow your head off?”
“There’s a big difference between waving a gun around and killing someone in cold blood,” Alex said. “Go on, do yourself a favor and leave before someone gets hurt and you end up spending the rest of your life in prison.”
The gunman cocked the weapon. Before he could bring it down to shoot, Laura grabbed the glass sugar dispenser and threw it. She struck the man in the head. He screamed, grabbing his temple. While the robber was distracted, Alex pulled out his weapon and fired twice in the man’s chest. Sliding down, the thief looked surprised that his life was coming to an end.
Alex pointed his gun at the smaller guy who headed toward the door. “Hold it right there and get on the floor.” When the man followed his directions, Alex said. “Someone call 911.”
Chapter 12
Alex stayed and answered the police officers’ questions. He mentioned he’d seen the man lurking around the mall yesterday in hopes they’d check out the cameras.
When they were given permission to leave, Laura grabbed his arm and held on tight. “I can’t say how frightened I was.”
“It all turned out fine and no innocent people were harmed. That’s the result you’re always looking for.”
“Who would’ve thought someone would try to rob a small coffee shop in the middle of the day.”
“Someone who knew the place takes in a lot of cash on a day like this. Do you feel better now?”
She glanced at him. “I don’t understand.”
“You caught the two men who were robbing people at the mall. Wasn’t that your goal?”
“It was, but it’s not exactly how I thought it would happen.” She glanced at him. “Besides, you actually caught them. I was just there having coffee.”
“I don’t know if we would have had the same outcome if you hadn’t smacked him with that sugar dispenser. The way I see it, the bad guy is locked up and the other one is dead. Maybe that’s all you need to say.”
She released him and stepped back. “Lie?” Turning away, she glanced back. “I could never lie to my father and I wouldn’t for this anyway.”
“Okay, so what then?”
“I’m satisfied that I tried my best to find them. Yes, in the end they found me, but I stayed with it and I would be out there right now if this hadn’t happened.”
“And what’s the moral of the story?”
“Never give up.” She walked toward his car. “And if that’s not enough for my father, I have a very prosperous business as an attorney.”
He laughed. “I guess it’s how the day ends that matters.”
As she and Alex headed for her parents’ house, a smile curled the corners of her mouth. She imagined the whopper she could tell her family about her morning. But that wasn’t necessary. The truth was quite compelling.
Pulling to a stop in front of the big two-story Avery house in Colleyville, Laura put her hand on the door handle. “Come inside. I’m sure my father will want to thank you for saving my life.”
“No thanks, we’ll let it pass.”
She leaned over and touched his arm. “You have absolutely nothing to do right now, so come in and spend some time with my family, please.”
He gave her a crooked grin. “You sure you want me?”
She opened the door. “Don’t push your luck.”
Inside the house, the delicious smell of bacon frying and cinnamon rolls in the oven greeted them. She glanced at Alex and said, “We’re just in time for a second breakfast.”
“It’s our lucky day.”
Her father walked out of the living room, the newspaper folded under his arm, a scowl darkening his face. “Just where have you been, young lady?”
On her way to the breakfast room, she said over her shoulder, “I spent the night at Alex’s.”
By the time she entered the room, the girls were all cheering and clapping. Laura frowned and glared at them. “Stop that, now.” She pulled out a chair from the huge table that brought back a flood of happy memories. “You act like I don’t get any action at all.”
Her mother cleared her throat and picked up the coffeepot. “Ladies, we are at the table.”
“I know, but they’re acting like idiots.”
“Us? Who wanted to go hunting down criminals?” Cynthia, who still wore her bunny pajamas, asked. “You had us prowling all over the place.”
Alex stepped into the room, and Bea quickly ran to retrieve another chair.
“We caught the guys,” Laura said.
“No way,” Kandice said. “No way in hell.”
He sat and her mother immediately filled a cup for him then passed a plate of eggs and bacon. “One, unfortunately, is dead, but the other is in police custody.
“What?” her father said gruffly. “You killed someone?”
Jacklyn waved her hand. “You’re so full of it. Nobody here is going to believe crap like that.”
“Girls,” her mother warned.
“Mom, Laura is lying. She didn’t catch anyone. She’s just making it up so we’ll all feel guilty for not going with her,” Madelyn said.
Alex cleared his throat. “Laura is actually telling the truth. Those same men came into the coffee shop we were at this morning and tried to rob the place.”
“Honestly?” Cynthia said. “Oh, I wish I’d been there.”
Jacklyn huffed. “I wish we’d all been there. Then we could’ve seen what happened.
”
“Well,” Laura said. “It should not surprise you that I didn’t singlehandedly bring them to justice, but Alex did.”
“With her help,” he added, pouring cream in his coffee. “She was quite brave.”
“Dear,” her mother said, rubbing Laura’s arm. “You could have been hurt.” She sent her father a scalding glare. “If that would’ve happened there would be trouble in paradise.”
Laura folded her arms on the table. “So what do you think, Father?”
“I think you’re a very foolish girl. You should’ve returned home the instant you realized I was playing a joke on you.”
Gritting her teeth, she glared at her father. “That’s all you have to say?”
Alex patted her on the hand.
“No, it isn’t,” he said, looking up from his plate. “Alex, I’m disappointed you put Laura in such a compromising position. She could’ve been hurt.”
She stared at her father. “So, you blame Alex now?”
“I’m not blaming anyone.”
“I am,” Laura said. “You put all of us in danger. You and crazy Hanna coming in here like an underpaid actress. You should be ashamed of yourself. If you ever pull anything like that again, I won’t come home for the holidays.”
She shoved back her chair and marched out of the room.
Somehow Alex figured it would come to this. Someone was bound to jump up from the table and dash off. One of them always did. Twisted Sisters. Shaking his head, he picked up the dainty cup and took a sip of his coffee. The food held no appeal for him and now he suddenly wanted to leave.
“I apologize, Alex,” Thomas said. “You are not to blame for this.” He gazed at his wife as if she had him by the balls and was squeezing. “I shouldn’t play games with the girls. It’s not my place to test their grit. They’re grown women and I’m leaving it up to them to decide if they want my business.”
“Apology accepted. And Thomas, I think that’s the best move.”
“Now, is everyone happy?” Thomas asked.
The four young women and their mother thought for several minutes, and Alex was sure it was just to watch Thomas squirm.
“I think we’re okay, father,” Madelyn said. “But don’t do it again. It’s not nice.”
