Snowflake Sweethearts

by Turansky, Carrie

  Flashing lights broke through her prayer, and her eyes flew open. A Bellingham police cruiser rolled to a stop behind her car, the red and blue lights pulsing out a warning.

  The fading, late-afternoon light made it difficult to see the officer’s face, but his silhouette showed a man with broad shoulders wearing a uniform hat.

  She hadn’t done anything wrong, but her stomach quivered and she clutched the steering wheel tighter. At least two minutes passed before the officer climbed out of his cruiser and walked up to her car.

  She rolled down her window, looked up at him and forced a small smile.

  He stood at least six feet tall and wore a perfectly pressed black uniform complete with a silver badge and a thick black belt with a holster and gun. He looked down at her with a serious expression. “Afternoon, miss. May I see your license, registration and insurance card?”

  “Oh. Sure.” She reached for her purse and took out her ID with trembling hands. Maybe she had done something wrong. She quickly searched through the glove compartment for the other papers. “I’ve got a flat tire. That’s why I’m stopped here.” She handed him her license, registration and insurance card.

  He nodded and scanned the items, then narrowed his eyes at her license.

  “I’ve got a spare tire and a jack, but one of the lug nuts is stuck, and I couldn’t get the tire off.”

  His dark eyebrows bunched as he shifted his gaze to the front-left tire. “You tried to change it yourself?”

  “Yes.” What was it with men? Didn’t they think a woman could change a tire? It wasn’t that complicated. It just took more strength than she could muster at the moment.

  “Do you have Triple A?”

  “No, but help is on the way.” She held up her cell phone and smiled. “I just made the call.”

  His gaze connected with hers, and a slight smile tipped his lips. “Good. Looks like you’re in a pretty safe place, but I’ll wait with you until your friend arrives. Or is it your husband?”

  “I’m not married.”

  His smile warmed a few more degrees. “Hmm, I’m surprised.”

  Was he actually flirting with her? Her face warmed, and she looked down and bit her lip.

  He cleared his throat and struck a more serious pose. “What’s in those containers?” He nodded toward the back of her car where she’d set her three totes on the pavement.

  “Those are my cooking supplies. I’m a personal chef, and I cook at my clients’ homes, so I have to take my tools with me. Keeping them in my trunk makes a lot more sense than toting them in and out of the house each time I need them, and I had to get out the spare tire, so I thought it would be all right to set those—”

  He held up his hand to stop her rambling. “It’s not a problem. I was just curious.” His smile returned. “My name’s Marcus Fletcher.”

  She swallowed. “It’s nice to meet you, Marcus. I’m Annie Romano, but I guess you already knew that.”

  He glanced at her ID once more. “This license is from Oregon. Do you still live in Portland?”

  “No, I moved back to Fairhaven recently.” She had no idea how long she had to get a Washington license. “I hope that’s not a problem.”

  “No, it’s fine. Just be sure to apply for a Washington license before this one expires. That way you can avoid taking the written test.”

  “Okay, thanks. I’ll take care of it.”

  His appreciative gaze remained on her, and he looked as though he was about to say more, but Alex’s car pulled up and parked in front of hers.

  “Is that your...friend?” Marcus tipped his head toward the burgundy Camry.

  “Yes. That’s Alex Jameson. His grandmother owns Jameson’s bakery. Do you know him?”

  “Nope.”

  Alex climbed out and strode toward them, a worried frown creasing his forehead. He glanced at her, then nodded to Marcus. “Officer.”

  Marcus returned the nod, his expression all business. “You’re here to help Miss Romano?”

  “Yes.” He shifted his gaze to Annie and leaned toward the window. “Are you all right?”

  Her heart did a funny little skip. “I’m fine.”

  He straightened and turned to Marcus. “Thanks for stopping, Officer. I’ll take it from here.”

  The two men locked gazes for a couple seconds.

  Marcus raised his chin. “I’ll wait and be sure she gets back on the road.”

  “It’s not a problem. I’ve changed plenty of tires.”

  Marcus looked him over with a doubtful glance.

  Annie hopped out of the car and stood between them. “Thanks, Marcus. I appreciate you stopping and waiting with me.” She turned to Alex. “The jack and tools are in the trunk.” She motioned toward the back of the car, then walked with him. “Thanks for coming. I hope I didn’t take you away from something important.”

  “No. I was just raking leaves.”

  “I tried it, but I couldn’t quite get the leverage I needed to get the lug nuts off.”

  “I’m glad you called. I don’t like the idea of you out here on the freeway down on your hands and knees, changing a tire.” He took the jack and wrench from the trunk. “Here, hold these while I grab the spare.”

  She took the tools and stepped back as he lifted the tire from the trunk, then she followed him around front.

  Marcus stood by, his arms crossed as Alex knelt, loosened the lug nuts and removed the flat tire. “Let me know if you need a hand,” Marcus added with a slight smile and quick look at Annie.

  “No, I’ve got it.” Alex gave a little grunt as he lifted the spare tire into place on the wheel studs.

  She pressed her lips together to keep her grin inside. Marcus had obviously picked up on Alex’s protective, take-charge attitude.

  “I’ll roll this to the trunk for you.” Marcus pushed the flat tire away before Annie or Alex could object.

  Within five minutes, Alex had the lug nuts tightened on the spare. He lowered the jack and replaced the hubcap, then stood and brushed off his hands. “Okay, Annie, you’re all set.”

  “Thanks. You made that look easy.” She sent Alex a warm smile, then turned to Marcus. “Thanks again, Marcus. It’s nice to know someone is keeping an eye out for stranded drivers.”

  He touched the brim of his hat. “Anytime. Glad to help.” He glanced at Alex and back at her. “You take care now.”

  “We will.” Alex lifted his hand in a gesture that looked more like I’ve got everything under control than a wave.

  Marcus gave his head a slight shake and chuckled as he walked back to his police cruiser.

  Alex’s brows bunched together. “What’s he laughing at?”

  Annie shrugged. “Maybe he just thought it was nice the way you took care of everything for me.”

  Alex huffed. “Yeah, well, I didn’t see him getting down on his knees to do any of the real work.”

  She couldn’t hold back her grin this time.

  Alex’s eyes widened. “What?”

  “Nothing.”

  He looked at the police cruiser and back at her. “So, is he a friend of yours?”

  “No, I just met him.”

  “Then how come you’re calling him Marcus?”

  She blinked a couple times. “Oh, well, he introduced himself, and I just thought—”

  “Annie, come on. That’s not smart.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You shouldn’t be so friendly with a guy you just met.”

  “He’s a policeman, Alex, not a criminal.”

  “Just because he’s a policeman doesn’t mean you should throw caution to the wind.” Alex sounded more irritated than concerned.

  She glanced at Marcus seated in his police cruiser. “He seemed nice enoug
h to me.”

  “Maybe he is, maybe he’s not, but I don’t think any guy should be looking at you like that.”

  “For goodness’ sake, Alex, you sound like an overprotective big brother.”

  “Well, I don’t want him or anybody else taking advantage of you.”

  “No one is taking advantage of me.”

  “Are you going to see him again?”

  She stared at Alex. “Not unless he pulls me over and gives me a ticket.”

  Alex stuffed his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels. “Look, I’m sorry. Maybe it’s none of my business, but I’m just trying to watch out for you.”

  “And why would that be your job?”

  “Because we’re friends.” He ground out the statement as though it was painful to him.

  She turned away, folded her arms protectively across her stomach and watched Marcus pull back onto the road. He nodded and sent her a smile as he passed. She lifted her hand and waved—but the only guy she cared about was Alex, and he seemed put out with her.

  Chapter Eight

  Alex followed Annie up the front steps and into the house. His empty stomach rumbled. He hadn’t eaten in a while, and he felt hungry and out of sorts.

  It was nearly dinnertime, but Annie’s flat tire had delayed things, so they wouldn’t be eating for a while. Maybe he’d grab a snack, retreat to his room and check email while Annie cooked dinner. At least up there he could have some peace and quiet and not have to deal with anything.

  She glanced over at him as she quietly slipped off her jacket, but he looked away and pretended not to notice. He didn’t feel like talking to her. Not now.

  All the way home he’d replayed Annie’s interaction with Officer Marcus. He grimaced and gave his head a slight shake, but he couldn’t shake off the truth. He didn’t like another guy looking at Annie as if she was his favorite dessert. That was the real reason he felt cross, and that irked him even more.

  What was the big deal? He was not dating Annie. He had no claim on her. He stuffed his coat in the closet and shut the door harder than necessary.

  Annie took a step back and sent him a questioning look.

  “Mom, look what I made!” Emma ran toward them through the living room, wearing an Indian headdress that looked as if it had been cut from a brown grocery sack. The paper feathers flapped in the breeze as she waved her hands and danced around with a broad grin wreathing her face.

  “Wow, look at you.” Annie knelt and gave Emma a hug.

  “It’s for Thanksgiving,” Emma said, wiggling out of her mother’s arms.

  “That’s very special. Where did you get that idea?”

  “Irene and Marian showed me.” She pointed toward the kitchen.

  “I see. Well, that was certainly nice of them.”

  “I’m making one for you.” She took her mother’s hand. “And one for Alex.” She held out her other hand to him. “Come and see.”

  His annoyance faded as he grasped Emma’s warm, pudgy fingers and let her pull him toward the kitchen. Annie sent him a tentative smile, and the last of his irritation melted away.

  Gram and her friend Marian Chandler, owner of Bayside Books, sat at the kitchen table with coffee mugs in their hands. The scattered remains of several paper grocery bags littered the table, along with Emma’s collection of brightly colored felt-tip markers and a pair of child’s scissors.

  “Welcome home,” Gram said with a warm smile.

  Annie rested her hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “I’m sorry I was gone so long. Thanks for watching Emma.”

  “Don’t worry. We had a delightful time, didn’t we, sweetie?”

  Emma smiled and bobbed her head. “We had cocoa and popcorn, and then we made Indian hats.”

  Marian chuckled. “I think it’s called a headdress.”

  “I know.” Emma popped the lid off a purple marker and started vigorously coloring another paper feather. “I just forgot for a minute.”

  Gram and Marian exchanged smiles, obviously enjoying Emma’s response.

  “So.” Irene shifted her gaze from Alex to Annie. “Alex came to your rescue and took care of the flat tire?” The slight smile and gleam in his grandmother’s eyes sent a subtle warning through Alex.

  “Yes.” Annie’s cheeks turned a soft pink. She opened the refrigerator and looked inside. “Now I just need to figure out what to do about the tire.”

  Marian set her mug on the table. “Why don’t you go see Brad Fulsome over at T&S Tires? He repaired a tire for me a few months ago, but they also sell new tires if you need one.”

  “Good idea,” Gram added, her face brightening. “Maybe Alex could go with you tomorrow morning. He knows all about things like that.”

  Annie’s eyes flashed. “Oh, no, that’s okay. He already helped me enough today. I’m sure I can figure it out.” She nodded to Marina. “I’ll go to T&S tomorrow and be sure to ask for...what was his name?”

  “Brad Fulsome,” Marian said. “He’s such a nice young man.”

  An image of single, muscular, thirtysomething Brad Fulsome flashed through Alex’s mind, and he quickly shook his head. “I don’t mind going with you.”

  Annie looked at him with wide eyes. “If you’re sure you have time.”

  “It’s not a problem.” He stepped past Annie and took a bottle of water from the refrigerator. As he closed the door, his arm brushed Annie’s, and heat spread through him.

  Their gazes connected for a split second, then he shook it off and looked away.

  Marian and Irene exchanged secretive smiles. Alex pretended not to notice and strode out of the kitchen.

  As he reached the stairs, he realized he’d completely forgotten to get a snack. He huffed out a disgusted breath and kept climbing. It served him right.

  * * *

  Annie hovered over her laptop reviewing the business plan she had been working on for the bakery. There were just a few more sections she needed to fill in, but she’d have to ask Alex for some financial information before she could finish those. That thought made her stomach do a funny little dance, but she quickly squelched her reaction.

  This was business. If she and Alex were going to work together on this project, she needed to keep her feelings under control. That was growing harder every day, but she’d just have to deal with it.

  She scrolled down the page, checking her work and making a few changes. She reached for her cup of tea, took a sip and was surprised to find it was cold. A quick glance at the clock told her it was twelve-fifteen.

  How did it get to be that late? She’d be exhausted tomorrow if she didn’t put her computer away and head to bed soon. Maybe she’d just look over the menu section one more time before she called it a night.

  “Annie?”

  Her heart jumped, and her hand flew to her throat.

  “Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.” Alex padded across the kitchen wearing gray sweatpants and a navy T-shirt. His usually neat brown hair was rumpled and messy, making him look more attractive than ever.

  She doused that thought and wrapped her arms around herself. “I didn’t think anyone was still up.”

  “I was just reading, and I thought I heard something down here. What are you doing up so late?”

  “I’m working on the business plan.”

  He took a glass from the cabinet. “How’s it coming?”

  “Okay.” She debated the wisdom of sharing the plan with him now or waiting until tomorrow.

  “We’ve only got a few more days before the Thanksgiving holiday.”

  She nodded, and her heart constricted. Alex would be leaving for San Francisco in nine days. But she didn’t want to mention that. Somehow not saying it aloud made it seem less threatening.

  “So can I take
a look?”

  “I’m not done yet.”

  “I don’t mind.”

  She hesitated a second more. “All right. But I haven’t filled in some of the sections yet. It still needs a lot of work.”

  “I understand it’s a work in progress.”

  She sat back. Would he like what she’d done, or would he think her ideas were silly and not worth the investment?

  He placed his hand on the kitchen table next to her and leaned over her shoulder, close enough that she could feel his warm breath on her cheek. The scent of evergreens and spice teased her nose. She pulled in a slow, deep breath and swallowed. Oh, my. That made it worse.

  He reached for the track pad and scrolled down the document, his gaze intense as he scanned the photos and read what she’d written.

  She closed her eyes and tried to steady her breathing. He obviously had no idea what being this close to him did to her.

  “This is good.”

  Her eyes flew open, and she blinked up at him.

  “Very good.” His smile spread wider, and charming dimples creased both his cheeks.

  A wave of pleasure flowed through her. “You really like it?”

  He nodded. “Where’d you learn to put together a business proposal like this?”

  “I did one as part of my final project at culinary school. They wanted us to understand the business side of things as well as cooking.”

  “Sounds like a good program.”

  “It was.” At this close range, she couldn’t help noticing the fine lines that fanned out from the corners of his sky-blue eyes, and the dark stubble on his square chin.

  He stilled and gazed down at her, seeming to take in each of her features, his warm expression unchanging.

  Her heartbeat changed to a rapid flutter, and her mouth suddenly felt as dry as a cotton puff.