Forty and Free: A Sweet Romance Series Bundle - Books 1 - 4

by Blake, Lillianna

  “Okay, okay.” Sasha sighed. “But mark my words, if you don’t start being a bit more accepting of others, you’re going to end up with five cats.”

  “I don’t like cats.”

  “You will in a few more years, trust me.”

  Angela rolled her eyes.

  “Sure, we’ll pretend it never happened.” Sasha pointed to a pile of dishes. “Interesting pieces there. I’m going to take a look at who made them.”

  “Okay. I see some decorative things over there I want to look at.”

  As Angela walked toward the pile of decorations she felt her phone buzz in her pocket. She pulled it out to see that it was a text alert from her security company. “What is this?” She dialed the company and ended up with an answering service. She frowned and looked at the text alert again. It described a potential break-in at the shop. “It could be a false alarm.”

  “What could be a false alarm?” Sasha joined her.

  “I got an alert from my security company that someone might have tried to break into my shop.”

  “You’d better check on that. It could be real.”

  “I guess you’re right.” Angela frowned. “So much for treasure hunting.”

  “Don’t worry, we’ll make up for it another time—go make sure it’s nothing to worry about.”

  Angela headed to the shop. The closer she got to it the more anxious she became. What if someone really had broken in?

  She parked in front. From the street, nothing looked out of the ordinary, but as she approached the front door she noticed something that made her heart race. The door she locked tight when she’d closed up was a few inches open.

  Her eyes widened as she walked toward it. With each step a single thought came to mind. Was the burglar still inside? She paused just outside the door and pulled out her phone. What good was a security system if all it did was send her a text? With no one available to answer her call, she only had one choice—to call the police herself.

  As she dialed, she tried to see through the dark windows. She didn’t see any movement, but that didn’t mean that someone wasn’t hiding.

  Once she’d summoned the police she decided to walk around the back of the shop. She wanted to see if any of the windows or the back door showed evidence of being forced open. As she crept through the dark alley that ran the length of the rear of the store, her fear started to get the best of her. Every shadow cast by the building appeared to take the shape of a man. By the time she reached the back door, sweat was dripping down her back. She reached for the handle.

  “Freeze!”

  The shout from behind her made her jump. She turned to see the barrel of a gun pointed in her direction. Without hesitation she raised her hands into the air, noticing the voice had been coming from a police officer.

  “I’m the owner!”

  “Back away from the door.”

  Her heart slammed against her chest as the gun was still pointed at her. She did as the officer instructed and backed away from the door.

  “I own the shop. I’m the one that called the police.”

  “Turn around and put your hands on top of your head.”

  She closed her eyes and willed herself not to argue with the man. Just when she was going to turn, another voice—this one familiar—shattered the quiet of the alley.

  “What are you doing? Put your gun down!”

  Chapter 12

  When the call came over the radio, Ryan almost ignored it after he knew a fellow officer was on his way. Ryan knew it was Angela’s shop. It was easy to find out information about people as a police officer. He was also well aware that he was likely the last person she’d want to see, but he needed to be sure that she was okay.

  When he arrived, the other patrol car was already at the scene. He noticed no one out front, so he walked around behind the building. There he saw an officer with his weapon aimed at Angela, who had her hands raised high in the air.

  “Lower your weapon!” Ryan demanded.

  “That’s against protocol. I need to confirm her identity first.”

  “It’s confirmed, alright? I know her.” Ryan glowered at the officer. “Put it down or I’ll make sure you never wear a badge again.”

  “Take it easy.” The officer frowned and lowered his gun.

  “Angela, it’s okay.” Ryan looked down the alley at her. Even in the dim setting, she was beautiful. He ignored the stirring in the pit of his stomach and walked toward her. “You can put your hands down.”

  “Are you sure?” She stared at him for a moment then lowered her hands.

  “It was for his safety. For all he knew you could have been the person who’d broken in.”

  “Right.” She nodded and looked past him at the other officer to make sure his gun was holstered. “I guess you’ve come to my rescue for a second time.”

  “I’m a bit surprised that you called the police, considering.”

  She shoved her hands into her pockets and watched as the other officer entered the shop. “I don’t want to argue. I’ve invested everything I have in that shop.”

  Before he could convince himself not to, Ryan touched her shoulder. It was meant as a gesture of comfort, but the moment he touched her, that subtle stir in his stomach became a fire that traveled throughout his body. He drew his hand back fast as she turned back to face him. He noticed the way her gaze lingered on his uniform.

  “Are you sure you locked the place up?”

  “Yes, of course I did.”

  “Hey, everyone forgets sometimes.”

  “Not me, not this time. This is my dream. I wouldn’t risk it by not locking the place up.”

  “Okay, I believe you.” He looked toward the shop with some concern. “Come around front with me. I want to make sure that you’re safe.”

  “I’m fine.”

  He reached out and grasped her elbow with a firm touch. “It’s better if you’re out front.”

  “I said I’m fine.” She met his eyes with such heat that he released her elbow.

  “Angela, if there’s anyone inside, there could be gunfire. I’m thinking of your safety.”

  “You don’t need to do that.”

  He sighed and brushed his fingertips across his forehead. “So now I’m the enemy?”

  “I just want to know that my shop is okay.”

  He wanted to argue the point, but the other officer stepped out of the shop. “It’s all clear. Ma’am, you’re going to have to check through everything and see if anything is missing. Do you have security cameras?”

  “No, not yet. I didn’t think I needed them.”

  “Do you have any idea who might have broken in? Is anyone upset with you? A disgruntled customer?”

  “I just opened. I don’t know how anyone could be upset with me already. I didn’t notice anything unusual around the shop.”

  “Alright, I’m going to get the paperwork. I’ll be right back.”

  “You should check things out as soon as possible. I can go inside with you if you want,” said Ryan.

  “Do you think it could have been the mugger?”

  “He’s still locked up.” He shook his head.

  “I don’t know.” She reached up and shielded her eyes. “I just don’t know how all of this can be happening.”

  “Angela, it seems overwhelming now, but it’s going to be okay.”

  “You don’t know that. You can’t know that. Everything was perfect, and now—” A gasp stole her last words.

  He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close.

  “Don’t.” She protested, but she didn’t pull away.

  He tightened his grasp and spoke just beside her ear.

  “This is a moment, Angela. It’s going to pass, just like every other. Tomorrow morning, everything will be right with the world again, and you can go back to hating me.”

  She burrowed her face against his shoulder, and in the process grazed just the corner of her lips along the skin of his neck.

 
; A shock wave coursed through him that drowned out the sound of the officer’s voice.

  “I’ve got the paperwork.”

  Ryan grimaced and tried to resist cursing at the officer. The man was just doing his job, but his timing was awful. He loosened his grasp on Angela but kept one arm around her shoulder.

  “I’ll take her through it.”

  “I was the officer on the scene.”

  “You’ll get the credit. I’ll handle it.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Are you going to question me?” Ryan shot him a look. “How long have you been on the job?”

  “Alright, alright.” The younger man backed away from him. “I’ll be out front if you need me.”

  “Great.” He turned back to Angela and looked into her eyes. “I’m going to get you through this, okay?”

  “Why?” She stared at him. “After the way I treated you, why would you want to help me?”

  “I just do, Angela. I’m sorry if that doesn’t make sense to you. Honestly, it doesn’t make much sense to me either. But I’m not going anywhere until I’m sure that you’re okay.”

  “Then I’m okay.”

  “I’m not going anywhere until that’s not a lie.”

  He waited for her to tell him to go, but she didn’t. Instead, she turned and stepped inside the shop.

  He followed right behind her, more confused than ever.

  Chapter 13

  Ryan’s arms around her were the most foreign and beautiful thing that Angela had experienced in a long time. When he pulled away, she wanted to draw him back and keep him close to her for as long as possible. But she didn’t. She knew better. Once more he was there when she was vulnerable, and that played tricks on her mind.

  As she made her way through the shop, she noticed nothing out of place. In fact, not even a vase was broken. She popped open the register and the usual fifty dollars in cash was all there.

  “I don’t understand. Why would someone break in and take nothing?”

  “Maybe something scared them off.” Ryan lingered near the front counter.

  Every time she looked in his direction, his uniform was a shock to her. The dark blue shirt tucked snugly into his straight black pants showed off every subtle ridge of muscle. The badge he wore caught the light from the lamps that hung low from the ceiling. The sight of the gun on his hip was enough to make her heart pound faster.

  Sure, she’d encountered plenty of police officers over her lifetime, but she’d had very few direct run-ins. Aside from the one event that had changed her view of police officers permanently, she’d barely gotten more than a speeding ticket. But that one event was enough to prove to her that a man with a gun was just that—a man with a gun, regardless of what clothes he wore.

  “I guess all that matters is that everything is fine.”

  “What about any extra keys? Anything like that missing?”

  “Hmm.” She looked through her keys. “No, everything seems to be here.”

  “Then I guess whoever it was took off before they ever got inside. You were lucky. Might want to think about putting in cameras and maybe a better alarm system.”

  Angela leaned against the counter beside him and looked over the interior of the shop. “It’s creepy to think that a stranger might have been prowling around in here.”

  “You’ve done a beautiful job with the place.” He cleared his throat. “I can fill out the paperwork, if you just want to sign it.” He pointed to the line on the paper for her to sign.

  “Sure.” She reached for the pen he offered her. As her fingertips brushed across his skin, she did her best to ignore the warmth that fluttered through her. With a sharp motion she signed her name on the line.

  “I guess you guys came out here for nothing.”

  “It wasn’t nothing. You did the right thing by calling.” He met her eyes. “I’m glad I had the chance to see you again.”

  “You are?”

  “Are you?” He smiled.

  “Yes.” Angela returned his smile. “I’m glad you were here.”

  “Maybe we got off on the wrong foot. I’d still like to know more about you, Angela.”

  She lowered her eyes and considered his words. “As friends?”

  “If that’s what you want. Is it?” He searched her eyes.

  “Yes.”

  “A few friends of mine are going bowling this weekend. Want to join us?”

  “Are they all cops too?”

  “Oh yes, I’ll have you surrounded.” He laughed and shook his head. “No, they’re not. I try to keep my work life and home life as separate as I can. The group I bowl with are neighbors.”

  “That sounds nice. I enjoy bowling.”

  “That surprises me.”

  “Why?”

  “I don’t know.” He paused and blushed a little. “You seem a bit delicate.”

  “Delicate?” She laughed. “Oh, you really don’t know me. Just wait until I show you my game.”

  “Okay, I’ll take that as a challenge. So tomorrow at nine?”

  “Sure. I’ll be closed up by then.”

  “And I’ll be off shift.”

  “Good.” She smiled with relief.

  “So you don’t want me to show up in my uniform?”

  She stared at him, uncertain how to answer.

  His eyes narrowed and his lips tensed. Then he broke into a grin. “I’m just kidding. Relax.”

  “Oh, yes, funny.” She laughed and turned back to the cash register. “I’d better call the alarm company and let them know everything is fine.”

  “Tomorrow?” Ryan waited until she turned back to look at him, then smiled.

  “Tomorrow.” She nodded.

  As he left the shop she wondered if she’d be able to maintain things just as friends. The truth was, he sparked a desire in her for much more. Still, she wasn’t ready for it, and he certainly wasn’t the right person for her. So why did she put herself in such an awkward position again?

  “Because I can’t resist.” She sighed and looked over the shop again.

  Instead of leaving she decided to spend a little time working on the gift baskets that she needed to fill. Once she finished, she started a new one. At first she wasn’t sure what it would be for. Then as she began adding in certain items she knew. It was a thank-you basket for Ryan—just a friendly token of appreciation.

  That’s what she told herself anyway.

  Chapter 14

  Ryan glanced at his watch.

  “Ryan, you’re giving me a complex. Are you timing my gutter balls or something?” His buddy picked up a black bowling ball and held it in front of him as he looked at Ryan.

  “No, sorry, Joey. I invited someone to join us, but I guess she’s not coming.”

  “Struck out again, huh?” Joey smirked. “Give it up, man. Bachelor life is the good life anyway.”

  “Easy for you to say, you’re thirty-five.”

  “So?”

  “Just talk to me when you hit forty.”

  “I’ll be doing the same thing I’m doing now.”

  “Rolling gutter balls?”

  “Doing my own thing. No rules, no pressure. Why would you want it any other way?”

  “Because some of us know that the love of a good woman is the stuff of heaven.” A short man with a well-rounded stomach pointed to the lane. “Are you going to bowl or not?”

  “You’re just happy because your wife can cook.” Joey rolled his eyes.

  “What is this, the twenties?” Ryan laughed. “I can cook just fine for myself.”

  Their friend said, “I’m happy because she gave me beautiful babies, and she still calls me her Adonis.”

  “Oh, when is she scheduled for that cataract surgery, Manny?” Joey laughed and strode off to bowl.

  “Whatever. Let him think what he wants.” Manny shrugged. “Don’t give up trying, Ryan. You’ll find a woman who is looking for the same.”

  “I guess.” Ryan glanced at his watch again.r />
  The problem was not finding a woman. He was fit, had a decent job, and he didn’t have too much baggage. The problem was that it wasn’t just any woman he wanted. It was Angela.

  He looked at his phone and considered texting her. Maybe she forgot? When he saw his own reflection in the screen he scowled. He’d never acted with such desperation before. He was about to shove his phone back into his pocket when it buzzed.

  Sorry, I got caught up in an order. Will be there soon.

  A mixture of relief and anticipation rippled through him. “Hey, Cassie.” He looked up at his friend as she was about to pick up her bowling ball.

  “What’s up?” She brushed a strand of her short black hair behind her ear.

  “I’ve got a friend joining us tonight. I’m hoping she won’t be scared off by all the testosterone.”

  “You mean you want me to be nice?” Cassie arched a perfectly penciled brow. “You know that’s not my thing.”

  “Don’t worry, it’s not her thing either.”

  “What’s the deal then? Are you interested in her?”

  “I’m not sure yet. Neither is she—we’re just getting to know one another.”

  “I see. Okay, I can handle that. I’ll do my best to keep Joey away from her too.” Cassie laughed.

  “Good plan.”

  As he waited for Angela to arrive he wondered if his attraction to her might have waned. Maybe given time and space, the connection would lessen and he’d be able to breathe again without thinking of her beside him.

  When she walked through the door of the bowling alley, all that hope disappeared as he was instantly swept away by the force of his desire. He swallowed hard and looked away to hide the desperation in his eyes.

  “Hi, Ryan.” Her voice summoned his attention, but he didn’t look up at her.

  “Hey. There’s time left, just grab a ball and I’ll introduce you.”

  “Great.” She stood near him for another moment, maybe waiting for something.

  He fiddled with the keyboard and added her name to the list of players. Angela didn’t fit, so he shortened it to Angie.

  Angie—even her nickname sounds perfect to me. He clenched his jaw and reminded himself to keep his composure. He was far too old to be acting so ridiculous.

  “Who is that?” Joey nudged him with his elbow.