by Moxie North
Opening her eyes after she swallowed, she saw Tanner with his sandwich hanging in midair, halfway to his open mouth. His eyes on her, looking…well, she wasn’t sure. They looked hungry, but not for turkey and cranberry,
“Sorry, it’s really good,” she apologized, blushing.
Tanner had to try and make his brain start functioning again. His mate wasn’t making it easy on him at all.
“Uh, no, sure. I had her throw some cream cheese on it; it’s how I like to eat it. Usually, I make them myself after Thanksgiving,” he said. He wasn’t sure why he told her that, but at least his voice sounded normal.
“Well, I feel like I’ve been starving. So your aunt owns the diner?” She tried to make conversation.
“This town is about as big as a postage stamp. At least half of the town has the last name of Rochon. My father and uncles all started lumber and timber businesses here years ago. Six brothers, plus their wives, plus plenty of kids, and the town filled up. So the main employers here, outside government jobs and the hospital, are all Rochon companies,” Tanner explained.
“You aren’t in timber, though, are you?” Brooke said stating the obvious.
Shaking his head, Tanner glanced down at his sandwich then back up at her. “You know when you grow up surrounded by something? Something that almost everyone else seems to feel is normal, but it never fit you? It never made you excited or excited for the future?”
Brooklyn thought for a split second before responding. “Yes, I do.” She couldn’t give an example, but it was a truth she felt in her soul.
“Well, I worked with my family. I learned the jobs. I never loved it. I wanted to do this,” he said, gesturing to his uniform.
“You always wanted to be a police officer?”
“No, I wanted to join the Marines. But I knew it would break my mother’s heart if I left. So I joined the police academy. Stayed here, close to family,” he explained.
“That makes sense to me. I don’t know why, but I get the feeling of not being what your parents wanted,” she said. Her brain was searching for something that she just couldn’t grab onto. It felt…familiar.
“So, I’m the sheriff. Not a tough job around here. Summers get busy with all the traffic heading into the woods for camping and hiking. I actually spend most of my time settling disputes between neighbors around here.”
Brooke tasted her soup and tried not to moan as the creamy soup slid down her throat. It tasted like a baked potato in a bowl.
“Still sounds nice that you are so involved with your community,” she offered.
“It is. It’s what I really wanted to do with my life. My family finally accepted my choice. It’s not like there aren’t enough Rochons around to fill in any open positions,” he scoffed.
“So are you close with your family?” she asked. She set her plate down, her stomach full and warm.
“You didn’t save any room for dessert?” Tanner asked.
“Maybe in a bit. So how many siblings do you have?” she asked.
“Just two. I have two sisters, both younger. Trinity is in college, and Tabitha is an environmental engineer for the state. Trinity was a surprise for my parents. They thought they were all done.” Tanner chuckled.
“What is your sister studying in college?” she asked.
Tanner finished his food and put his plate down. He stretched his other foot up on the bed and crossed his feet at the ankles.
“I don’t know, underwater basket weaving or something. She’s a bit of a free spirit, my Trin is. I haven’t quite figured her out. I feel more like a dad than a brother sometimes. My dad was way too indulgent with her, so she hasn’t settled down yet,” he said.
“Well, dads should spoil their girls. It gives them goals for their future partners,” Brooke said with a smile.
“I suppose that’s true. Tabby is so focused. She has life plans that are written in stone. She has always been rigid and controlled. I don’t worry about her as much,” Tanner explained.
Brooke could see that he loved his sisters. He really wanted to know that his sisters were going to be okay.
“Wonder if I have any siblings?” Brooke pondered.
Chapter 15
“Your mom didn’t mention anyone but your father. Do you want to give them a call?”
Shaking her head, she said, “I don’t know what I would say. Hi, I don’t know you, how’s life?
Tanner could understand that it wasn’t a comfortable phone call to have. But it may help.
“I think that your parents are very worried. If they heard your voice, they might feel more comfortable in not visiting yet until we get your situation under control.”
“I have a situation that needs to be controlled?”
Tanner realized that maybe this was too much, too soon. “Let’s just say I would feel better if I had all the answers to who Brooklyn Nishi was and how she ended up in Apex, Washington,” Tanner said.
He watched Brooke chew her bottom lip, then she reached for a tub of lip balm on the table. She absentmindedly coated her lips and rubbed them together. It made his dick twitch just watching her.
“How about we call my parents tomorrow? I don’t think I’m up for it today. I really don’t know what to say, and I don’t want to upset them,” she said thoughtfully. Brooke didn’t know if she had a good relationship with her parents or if she was some needy momma’s girl.
“All right, I’ve been in touch with them. Your dad has also called the hospital to check on your care. They will probably wait another day or two,” Tanner said.
Brooke relaxed back against her pillows.
Tanner needed a plan. Everything hinged on her jumpstarting her memories and remembering what happened. He was fighting a phantom until then.
“So, first things first, we need to see if we can get your memory back. I’m going to spend as much time with you as I can working on that. If that’s okay with you, that is?”
Brooke gave him a shy smile. “Of course, I like having you here. So what are we going to talk about?”
“Everything,” he said smiling. Reaching to the end of the bed, he grabbed her duffle and handed it to her. “Try looking through and see if anything looks familiar.”
“Okay,” she said gamely.
Unzipping the bag, Brooke started pulling out the clothes. There was a pair of jeans, not a discount brand but not a budget buster either. A long-sleeved t-shirt in a pretty dark green color, a long gray cable knit cardigan that looked warm and soft. Some socks, oddly all brown, underwear and a bra. Those were a set of light gray with pink trim on them. Pretty, feminine, and embarrassing to see with the sheriff so closely watching her. There was also a toiletries bag which she opened first.
Tanner watched her go through her belongings, looking for any sign that she recognized anything.
Brooke opened the bag and found small containers of shampoo and conditioner in citrus scent. All for curly hair, she saw and smiled. There was body lotion – lemon scent, not magnolia. A deodorant, a razor, toothbrush and toothpaste, which she set aside to use first thing. Like her purse and makeup, these were nice quality but not flashy. They were all brand new, too. This meant the odds that she had picked them up recently were high. Not like she’d packed anything from home.
Glancing up to see Tanner watching her, she gave him a small smile and a head shake. Nothing familiar.
“Here is the knitting that was also in your room,” he said, giving her the canvas tote that said I usually leave this in the car.
Seeing the words she laughed. “Maybe I’m funny or sarcastic?”
“Either would be great,” Tanner said honestly.
“You like sarcastic women?”
“I find that I do. A little attitude from a woman is sexy,” he said.
“What about a lot of attitude?” she teased.
“Oh well, that’s just fucking hot.” He laughed.
Brooke laughed with him. Obviously Sheriff Rochon was crazy. What kind of guy lik
ed a woman that flipped him shit? Maybe one that could handle a real woman, she thought.
Opening the knitting bag, she found a number of skeins and some needles along with instructions on how to make a large scarf like cowl. From the picture and what was already finished, she was working on this as her latest project.
Sitting the bag in her lap, she looked at Tanner. “So….”
“Well let’s see, my favorite color is orange,” he started.
“Orange? I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone pick that color. Not that I’m sure about that, but I’m almost certain that says something about your personality.”
“I just like the orange I see in sunsets. Nothing better than sitting on my porch with an icy drink, watching the sun set.”
“Wow, Sheriff, that was almost poetic,” she said with a laugh.
“You’re gonna keep calling me Sheriff, aren’t you?” He was teasing; it didn’t bother him. He liked the way she said it. Not formal, no – it was personal to her.
“Yes, it seems to fit you somehow. Maybe I’ll save Tanner for when I’m mad at you,” she said. She rolled to her side and wasn’t even aware as her hands dipped into the bag and pulled out the gray yarn and started twirling it around the sticks.
Tanner noticed but didn’t comment. He just kept talking. “I’ll take that. Even though I don’t think I like the idea of you being mad at me, Brooke.”
“Well, maybe not mad, just annoyed. I’ll call you an asshole when I’m mad,” she said, her eyes glinting mischievously.
“Well, I guess you being injured and all, I’ll have to allow it,” he said. “Let’s see, I don’t like movies unless they are more story than action. I’d rather read. My music taste runs the gamut. I like everything but current pop, I honestly just don’t understand what the hell they are talking about. I like meat and potatoes. Occasionally I enjoy a beer or a glass of whiskey. My parents live here in town. They are horribly nosy and gossip incessantly, my father being the worse of the two.”
Brooke smiled at him. She was enjoying just listening to him talk. It made her think of what she might like. Meat and potatoes? No, she was a pasta girl; she could feel it.
“I think I like pasta,” she said, tilting her head at him.
“Pasta for dinner, then,” he said.
“I don’t know if I like movies,” she said, her fingers working the yarn, the needles clicking together.
“Did you see that one with the guy that was alone in the space station?” he said, keeping his eyes off the knitting.
“I did!” she screeched. “I remember! It totally freaked me out how quiet it was outside the space station. Made me feel panicky. I can remember sitting in the theater. I had popcorn,” she said excitedly.
“Good job, Brooke. Now, the real question… butter or no butter?” he asked, leaning forward.
“Butter, lots!” She smiled.
“I’ll have to remember that. I don’t like butter. Gets my fingers all greasy,” he said.
“You taking me to the movies, Sheriff?” she asked.
“Eventually,” he replied.
“Hmph,” she said giving him a look from the corner of her eye. She went back to her knitting as she waited for him to keep talking.
“I have a house here in town. I bought it years ago and restored it. It’s kind of a constant work in progress. It’s old, so there is always something to do. I planted a garden, redid all the landscaping. I’ve been meaning to get chickens,” he said as an afterthought.
“Chickens? Real ones?” She sounded surprised.
“No, the extra crispy kind. Yes, real chickens,” he said mockingly.
“Asshole,” she said under her breath.
“Yup, adorable,” he said with a chuckle.
“Why would you want chickens?”
“Eggs, meat, annoy the neighbors,” he said thoughtfully.
“Should the town cop be annoying his neighbors? Who would they call to file a complaint?” She gave him a look like he hadn’t thought this through.
“Probably the Mayor. He always answers his phone. Doesn’t have anything else do to,” he said with a shrug.
Brooke shook her head at him. “You are a troublemaker.”
“Probably, but this town could use a little excitement,” he said quietly.
“I’m a little worried about what kind of excitement I may be bringing to your town, Sheriff,” she admitted to him. Brooke wasn’t sure just what kind of trouble she was in, but she trusted that Tanner was not overreacting to her situation. He really seemed to care about her staying alive. Which was nice when you thought about it.
“I think that if there is someone looking for you, they have no clue you are in Washington. In fact, I’m pretty sure those that are wanting to find you haven’t left California.
“How can you be so sure?” She let the knitting drop to her lap.
“Because they would have already tracked you here. Nobody comes into this town without being noticed. Everyone knew that you were here; you were the talk of the town.”
“This town really does need some excitement,” she joked. Glancing down at her lap, she stared at her hands then looked up at Tanner in shock.
“I can knit!” she said, her eyes huge and shining.
“Yes, you can. Somewhere in your mind you have the knowledge, and you just tapped into it. A little bit of Brooklyn is back,” he said with a smile.
Chapter 16
“This was me, wasn’t it?” Brooke was staring at her hands in awe, like they belonged to someone else. But clearly she had worked the stitches, made the patterns from memory. It was something to cling to, something to know was really her, not just something about herself that someone had told her. It was a skill that she had learned or taught herself.
“I wonder what you like to knit?” Tanner asked, wanting to keep her talking about the hobby.
“Well, I’m working on a cowl. But now that I know I can do this, I’m thinking you might need a scarf or a hat,” she said, thinking seriously.
“You want to make me something?” Tanner asked. He liked the idea of her wanting to make something for him to wear.
“I do. I owe you,” she said.
Tanner noticed how she phrased those words; he didn’t like the sentiment. “You don’t owe me anything, Brooke. If you want to make me something, I’d be proud to wear it. But you owe me nothing.”
Brooke frowned at him. She wasn’t sure how to take that. It was confusing; he seemed almost offended at the idea that she wanted to repay him in any way. Not that warm and fuzzy knitwear was the normal currency for keeping one from being offed by bad guys.
Not knowing how to salvage the change in the conversation, she decided retreat was her best bet.
“I think I’m going to go take a shower and change my clothes. It will feel good not being in someone else’s gown.” Brooke started to get up off the bed.
“I’m sorry, that came out all wrong. Please, I’m an asshole – seriously, ask around. I just meant that if you wanted to make me something it would be great. But please don’t think that anything I’m doing is so that you are beholden to me. That is not how I want you to think of me.” Tanner quickly tried to fix the situation.
Brooke chewed on her lip and decided she wasn’t ready for him to go, so she sat back down. Tanner spent another hour talking to Brooke, listening to her chat about things she’d seen on TV, what the nurses were gossiping about. She said a number of them had stopped by and said hello to her. By name, Tanner knew they were relatives being snoopy.
Tanner’s phone had been ringing, and he’d checked it a few times. It was an unknown caller, and he let it go to voicemail. He should probably check it, but he didn’t want to leave Brooke. The day was progressing, and he knew that soon he would have to leave her alone again.
He could see her eyes getting droopy and felt bad for keeping her up. His mate needed her rest to recover.
“Hey there, you look like you could use a nap. I need to h
ead back to the station and see if there are any updates from California,” Tanner said, standing up. His bear was roaring for him to sit his ass back down, but Tanner fought him.
“I don’t want you to go, but I am feeling sleepy. You’ll come back and visit?” she asked. Brooke made a split decision that she didn’t really care how needy that made her sound. She liked Tanner and felt better when he was around. She felt whole, settled. Not wanting to decipher just why, she accepted the emotions because it was easier than fighting them at the moment.
“I’ll be back tomorrow; it’s my day off,” he promised.
“What about pasta?” she teased.
“First thing after you get released from Dr. Eddie’s jail, I’ll get you pasta.”
Brooklyn smiled up at him with a dazzling grin, and it melted Tanner’s heart to a puddle. Fuck him, he was so lost in his mate, and it had only been hours since he found her.
“Sleep well, Brooke. I’ll have someone outside your door all night. You have nothing to worry about,” he said. Tanner needed to touch her again. Reaching out his hand, she slipped hers in his, and he squeezed.
“Night, Sheriff,” she said. She was the first to let go.
Tanner gave her a nod and walked out of the room.
Once he was in the hallway, he texted Cage that he was leaving for the night. Cage texted back that Conner was coming over for a few hours, then would be relieved by Wyatt. Cage or Cash would be taking the early morning shift.
After getting that settled, he listened to his voicemails. They were all from Harry Nishi.
Finding an empty waiting room, Tanner sat down and dialed Brooke’s dad.
“Haruto Nishi,” the brusque voice answered.
“Mr. Nishi, this is Sheriff Tanner Rochon. I’m sorry I was unable to take your calls. How can I help you?”
“You listen to me. My daughter is my precious jewel. If you think her mother is scary, you have no idea what I am capable of, Sheriff. I need to know what you are doing to keep my daughter safe. What are you doing that her mother and I couldn’t do? We could fly her out of the country and be done with it. I have family still in Japan. We could be quite happy there,” an angry Harry scolded.
