Broken Resolutions

by Olivia Dade

  Broken Resolutions

  Olivia Dade

  LYRICAL SHINE

  Kensington Publishing Corp.

  www.kensingtonbooks.com

  All copyrighted material within is Attributor Protected.

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Dedication

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  1

  2

  3

  4

  5

  6

  7

  8

  9

  10

  11

  12

  MY RECKLESS VALENTINE

  Copyright Page

  I dedicate this book to my husband and daughter, both of whom love me with the sort of unstinting generosity I’d never thought to receive. Also to CS-W, who guided me back into the arena after fifteen years of absence.

  I appreciate all three of you more than I can say.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  Somehow, I managed to snag an amazing (and amazingly patient) agent, Jessica Alvarez. She took a chance on me when I had almost nothing to offer other than this story. And since then, she has spent countless hours helping me with both my writing craft and my writing career. Thank you. You deserve endless piles of egg-and-cheese sandwiches!

  I am so grateful for the enthusiasm and hard work of my editor, Martin Biro. He and the entire team at Kensington have made the publication process a pleasure.

  The support of my wonderful critique partner and friend, Mia Sosa, means everything to me. I don’t know what I’d have done this past year without you, but I’m pretty sure gnashing of teeth and rending of clothes (not in a sexy way, either) would’ve been involved. Love you, lady.

  Thank you to my fantastic mom, who kick-started my love of romances with that pile of delicious smut inadequately hidden in her closet. Someday, for you, I may write a hero who’s a rancher-firefighter-athlete with a secret baby. Until then, I’m afraid you’re stuck with nerdy librarians.

  To all my friends who read this story in its early days: Thank you. You’re awesome. Jodi, Elizabeth, Tammy, and Barb . . . you’re goddesses among librarians and women.

  I appreciate all the teachers and professors who encouraged my writing over the years and provided me with such excellent examples of strong, smart women (and men). Lynda, Brenda, Janet, Linda, Jeanne, and Chuck—I owe all of you. Big.

  Finally, my thanks to the rest of my family and friends. Without your affection and support, I’d be sitting at my desk, staring at a blank computer screen. Which I still do pretty often, actually. But less often than I would have without you.

  1

  “I can’t host the New Year’s Eve singles event tonight,” Angie said, her voice crackling slightly in Penny’s ear. “My sister thinks she might be in labor. Again. I need to get to the hospital right after my shift.”

  “How many false alarms have there been?”

  “Too many.” Angie sighed. “Remind me never to get pregnant. If I decide to have children, I’ll contact a stork. Or a cabbage patch.”

  “Seems wise.”

  “Yes. But that’s not why I’m calling. I need someone to cover for me tonight.”

  “Then you should call Mary. She’s always looking for extra hours.” Penny held the cell phone next to her ear with one hand and squeezed some ketchup onto her plate with the other. She dipped a fry and popped it into her mouth.

  “You know how flustered Mary gets when she’s working alone. And this is such a big event.” Angie paused. “Penny—”

  She closed her eyes at the pleading sound of Angie’s voice. The other woman was Penny’s dearest friend, as well as her supervisor at the small library branch where they both worked. Penny wanted to help her. Really. But there was no way in hell she was spending her New Year’s Eve at her workplace, especially as the host of this particular event.

  “I know you’re really excited about the singles’ night, Angie,” she said. “And I know we need the money for children’s programs. Believe me, I’ll be grateful to get a larger budget. But I’d be a terrible host for the event. I just don’t see the library as a romantic hotspot. Or how we can connect a singles’ night to our branch’s mission.”

  Penny loved the Battlefield Library. But it was hardly a repository for eligible bachelors. In fact, spotting a handsome, single man there evoked much the same reaction as watching a unicorn canter through the stacks: Awe. Wonder. Confusion. And then, inevitably, he turned out to have a life partner named Raoul or Steve. Or she’d see him listed in the sex offender database. Or he’d spend way too long in the true crime section, emerging sweaty and trembling.

  Which reminded her—Bob had gotten a book in the delivery that morning. She needed to set Murderous Intent: The Most Gruesome Killing Spree Ever Recorded aside for him.

  “I took care of the library-romance connection,” Angie said. “I came up with games and activities that involve books.”

  “Are they bobbing for paperbacks?” Penny asked. “Because I might enjoy watching that.”

  “Nah. I’ve got a few other things in mind. Sexier things.”

  Penny paused with a fry halfway to her mouth. “Angie . . .”

  Just last week, the two women had celebrated the end of Angie’s month-long work probation. The library administration had objected to her display of erotica, especially the big poster at the top. That sign had read “Spanking-New Books” and featured a flesh-colored book cover with a large pink handprint on it. The display had proven very popular. But it probably wasn’t the best example of professional judgment Penny had ever witnessed. She’d tried to warn Angie, but her friend didn’t take advice well. Or at all.

  “Don’t worry,” Angie said dismissively. “It’s all been approved by the Board. Except that one game, Fifty Shades of Dorian Gray. I told them it was all about classic literature, but they couldn’t get past the name.”

  Penny tried a different tack. “You know how much I hate large groups of people. One-on-one, I’m fine. But I can barely get up in front of fifteen toddlers without hyperventilating. Hosting a singles’ night for thirty adults? Forget about it.”

  “I need you,” Angie said.

  “You need to call Mary. It’s New Year’s Eve, and I’m not wearing makeup, a tight dress, or uncomfortable heels. I’m not feeling awkward in a crowd. I’m not worrying about what’s going to happen at midnight. I’m not evaluating whether or not to kiss some guy I barely know. Right now I’m sitting on my couch at home, wearing my pajamas. I’m eating my burger and fries in front of the television. This is basically a dream come true for me. Please don’t ruin it.”

  “That’s the most pathetic dream I’ve ever heard,” Angie muttered.

  “You’re not helping your cause. Plus, this event violates my New Year’s resolution before the New Year even begins.”

  “I know. You want to avoid men for a year. So you can wallow in your loneliness.”

  “No. So I can get my head on straight and stop picking men who lie to me.”

  “Six of one . . .” Angie drawled.

  “I’m about to hang up,” Penny warned her. “Call Mary.”

  “Okay, okay. What can I offer you to make this happen?”

  “Nothing. Have you looked outside recently? The snow is coming down so fast I can’t even see the mailbox at the end of my driveway. Also, did I mention my pajamas? Because I’m totally wearing pajamas.”

  “There must be something,” Angie pleaded.

  Penny thought hard. Yes, there was one thing she wanted even more than a peaceful, man-free New Year’s Eve. “Every Saturday off in January. There’s a pottery class I want to take.”

  “Every Saturday?” Her friend sounded horrified. “But there are storytimes on Sat
urdays. With . . . kids.”

  “Little kids with runny noses and loud voices. Yes, I know. I do that storytime every week.” She paused, a smile spreading across her face. “Well, I guess not every week. After all, you’ll be doing it all of January. Right?”

  Silence. Penny chewed on another fry, figuring she’d just made this a win-win situation. Either she got to enjoy a calm New Year’s Eve or she had four free weekends coming up.

  Finally, Angie spoke again. “Fine. But if those diseased urchins infect me or trash the library, I’m blaming you. You know I’m no good with kids.”

  “I know.” Penny rose from the couch, looking longingly at the rest of her dinner. But if she was going to dress and make it to the library on snow-covered roads before the program started, she had no time to waste. “I’ll be there in about half an hour. Make sure you have all the necessary information and supplies ready. You’ll need to walk me through what’s happening when I arrive.”

  “You drive a hard bargain, Callahan,” Angie said.

  “I know,” she repeated. “I’m quiet, but I’m tough.”

  “What’s this about a pottery class? Are you hoping for some ghost sex?”

  Penny considered the issue as she walked into her bedroom. “I wouldn’t turn it down. I’ll be sure to let you know if I’m having hot woman-on-apparition action while you read stories and sing with the toddlers. Oh, and don’t forget about the crafts.” She grinned.

  Penny heard the background noise fade, as if Angie had moved into their workroom. “During your pottery classes, I’m going to call you and complain about what a bitch you are,” her friend whispered.

  “Go ahead. I won’t be able to hear, since I’ll be covered in clay and screwing a ghost.”

  Angie laughed. “Sounds messy.”

  Penny was about to disconnect when she heard her friend gasp. She waited a moment, but Angie didn’t say anything else.

  “Angie? You all right?” She could hear a deep male voice somewhere in the library. One she didn’t recognize. Was someone hassling her friend?

  “Yes. Very all right,” Angie finally said. “Penny? Wear a nice dress and put on some makeup before you get here. If you’re a little late, I’ll understand.”

  Penny frowned. “All right. If you think I need to.”

  “You do. You definitely do.”

  “I’m not sure why I—” Penny began to say, but Angie had already hung up on her.

  Okay, she thought. I can do this. Sure, it’s a singles event. But I’m the librarian in charge, not a participant. I won’t need to worry about dealing with men on a personal level, so my New Year’s resolution isn’t in danger. I just need to get in, get out, and get home. No problem.

  Okay, Jack thought. I can do this. Sure, it’s a singles event. But I’m Mom’s driver, not a participant. No one will recognize me. I just need to get Mom in, get her out, and get her home. No problem.

  “Thanks for agreeing to drive me tonight,” Brenda said. “You know how much I’m looking forward to the champagne toast at midnight.”

  He shot her a quick smile. “No problem, Mom. Casey’s with her mother this week, so I didn’t need to stay home with her.”

  His daughter meant everything to him. He’d built his world around her, and he missed her terribly whenever she stayed with his ex. But they were sharing custody like civilized adults, and that meant Beth sometimes got Casey for holidays. Like tonight. He’d call his little girl later, right before her bedtime, to say goodnight and wish her a happy New Year. Beth was a good mother, and she kept Casey safe and happy. He didn’t need to worry.

  No, his daughter was not his main concern right now. His mother was.

  He parked his truck in the library parking lot and turned to her. They’d arrived a few minutes early for the event, trying to get there before the roads got too messy. It gave them just enough time to have one last discussion about her plans for the night.

  “Are you sure you don’t want to cancel?” Jack asked Brenda. “The forecast is calling for near-blizzard conditions tonight.”

  “As long as you’re driving, I don’t care about the weather,” she said. “It’s been ten years, Jack. I’m finding a man for New Year’s Eve. And then I’m making him justify his Viagra prescription.”

  Oh, holy Christ. Those were words he never wanted to hear her say again. Ever.

  “Mom, it’s not that I don’t think you should be dating. You should. Dad’s been gone over a decade. But are you certain you want to . . .” His face contorted as he tried to get the next words out.

  “Bump some uglies? Make like a camel and hump? See if I can inspire one of those four-hour erections, like in the commercials?”

  “Yes. That,” he finally choked out.

  “I’m certain,” she said. And Jack had to admit, she looked it. She sat in the truck with perfect poise. Her green eyes met his without difficulty, and her hands didn’t shake as they rested in her lap.

  She knew, just as he did, that Dad wouldn’t begrudge her this idea. His father had adored his wild woman of a wife. Worshipped her from the top of her tousled blonde curls to the tips of her pink-painted toenails. The thought of his vibrant spouse spending the rest of her life alone would have pained him.

  She’d already grieved for years. They both had. But his father was long gone, except in their memories and hearts. Which meant that Jack needed to support Brenda in her venture. To a point. She could be reckless. He didn’t want her getting hurt or making herself vulnerable to a creep. And did she even know about safe sex? God help him, he’d need to find that out.

  “Mom, have you thought about the issue of . . .” He made himself finish the question. “. . . disease?”

  She reached into her purse, and then held her hand high in the air. A lengthy strip of condoms unfolded, the end hitting the center console with a distinct tap. “Costco,” she said. “And I’ve already come up with a safe word. Peanut.”

  “My childhood nickname?” he asked, horrified. “And why would you need a safe word, for Christ’s sake?”

  “The library had this wonderful erotica display, dear. It gave me some ideas.” She frowned. “For some reason, they took it down after a week. I hadn’t even gotten to the ménage-a-trois books. But I talked to the librarian and put some of them on hold.”

  The library. Again. He was beginning to hate the goddamn place. What had happened to the library of his youth, where you read the classics? Where inappropriate behavior resulted in a stern shushing by a woman with her hair scraped into a bun and bifocals on a chain around her neck? Where you wouldn’t read about threesomes and try to find a partner for New Year’s Eve sex?

  Of course, he hadn’t been to the local library for a few years. Too great a chance that someone might recognize him. But it seemed his long absence from the small building was coming to an abrupt end.

  “Okay,” he said with a sigh. “I’ll help you inside. I don’t want you to slip on the snow in those heels.” He took her arm as they crossed the parking lot, making sure she kept her balance. When they reached the front door of the library, he opened it for her. She swept inside with her head held high.

  Lowering the hood of her red wool coat and brushing the snow from its shoulders, Brenda walked toward the desk labeled “Circulation.” The librarians’ chairs sat empty, but the workroom behind them contained a tall blonde laughing on the phone.

  “Sounds messy,” the woman said, and then seemed to sense someone at the desk. She turned around, and her green eyes widened as they met his. An odd expression crossed her face, almost one of... recognition? Did she know him?

  He turned away from her, making sure she didn’t get a good look at his face. This was it, the reason he hadn’t visited the Battlefield Library in years. Librarians knew too much. They read too many news and review articles about bestselling writers, articles that were often accompanied by author photos. Even if a writer made sure his books didn’t feature images of him on the book jackets, an observant pers
on might still recognize him. If he happened to stop by her rural Maryland library, for instance.

  No matter. Once he got his mom settled, he’d head back out the door before the librarian had the chance to see him too clearly.

  “Mom, are you sure you want to do this?” he asked again. “I could drive you back home.”

  Jack looked around. The library had clearly gone all out for this event. Vases filled with flowers sat on several tables, and comfortable chairs and sofas had been pulled into intimate seating arrangements. Platters filled with cheeses, dried fruit, and chocolates filled a large table near the stacks. A large sign urged patrons to reserve their tickets for “TURNING THE PAGE: NEW YEAR, NEW LOVE AT YOUR LIBRARY.” A stock photo on the sign showed a man and woman toasting each other with champagne glasses, party hats perched on their heads. A smaller poster also advertised the event, but with an image of two open books, one slid inside the other in a kind of weird way.

  Wait. Was that one book... mounting the other? What the fuck?

  “I reserved our spots and paid for our tickets,” his mom told him. “We made a commitment, and we’re going to honor it. Especially if that man is staying for the rest of the night.” She nodded toward the back of the library.

  “What do you mean, our sp—” He stopped. “What man?”

  Brenda tilted her head toward a distinguished-looked man with white hair and an athletic build. He stood near the new fiction rack, thumbing through a novel.

  Looks respectable enough. Then again, so do most serial killers, right before they make you put the lotion in the bucket. Shaking that image off, he remembered his original point. “What do you mean by our spot and our tickets?”

  She wouldn’t quite meet his eyes.

  “Mom? What did you do?”

  The blonde came out of the workroom. “Brenda! I’m so happy you two were able to make it tonight. We’ve had a few cancellations, but it should still be a nice crowd.” She turned to him. “And you must be Brenda’s son, Jack. I’m Angie, the branch manager. Happy to meet you.”