Her favorite part was strolling through the crowd taking candid shots. Catching people in the moment, not posed, where smiles can be faked. Sure, posed shots were fine, but she’d learned over time that true emotion showed when people didn’t think anyone was looking.
She scanned the crowd through her camera lens, the reception now roaring with life. Her dad had bought her her first camera, a simple point-and-shoot, when she was fifteen. Looking at life through a camera lens became second nature to her. She loved how each moment was framed and then captured for good, not just in memory, but on film as well. Her family would sit around on Christmas and go through albums she’d made, all talking and laughing over moments they all remembered, the photos bringing them back to life.
Finding the couple of the day embracing in the corner, Aimee clicked the shutter. A perfect shot of the groom looking down at his bride with adoring eyes, her face glowing up at him.
“Gotcha.” She smiled and looked at the viewfinder. “Not too much touch-up will be needed for that one.”
“Do you always talk to yourself?”
Her older sister and sometimes assistant, Grace, came up to her with a glass of juice in hand. Her light brown hair sat in soft waves on her shoulders and a simple sky-blue dress wrapped around her lean runner’s figure. She looked nothing like the mother of a four-month-old baby. She looked like the movie star she was named after and carried herself in a way that lived up to her name. Aimee would be jealous if she didn’t adore Grace as much as she did.
The three sisters all looked different. Grace had brown hair with a tall, lean build, Tess was petite with blonde hair, and Aimee was athletic with curly red hair. Their dad called them the Three Stooges but treated them as his princesses. He teased that he’d wanted all boys but God knew what he needed, so He gave him three girls and a full head of gray hair.
Her dad also teased about having to pay for three weddings, but since Aimee didn’t see that happening anytime in the near future for her, her dad was off the hook. At least for one wedding.
Dane’s face popped into her mind.
“You okay?” Grace asked.
“Yeah, why?” Aimee lifted her camera again and clicked the shutter.
“You just gave quite the heavy sigh, little sister.”
“I did not.” She kept the camera to her face, if only to hide the blush she knew was coming.
“And now you’re blushing…”
Crud!
“Come on, Aim. You can’t keep anything from me. I’m your sister.”
Aimee let her camera hang from the strap around her neck and faced her sister. It felt more like a firing squad, but Grace was right. She never could hide anything from either one of her sisters. Good thing Tess was still on her honeymoon.
“Do you remember Ben’s best man?”
“Yeah. Dane something or other. Tall, dark, and handsome. How could I forget?” She took a sip of her juice and waggled her eyebrows.
“Hey! You’re married.”
“Happily, sister. But not dead. Go on.”
“Well, I’ve seen him a few times since the wedding and…”
“Oooh, I like this. You’re dating Ben’s best friend?”
“No, not dating. We’ve just seen each other a few times. And he kissed me.” Aimee lifted the camera again and snagged a shot of the bride hugging her father. Perfect.
“Wow. Okay. But that’s a good thing, right? Your sigh sounded kind of…sad.”
A waiter floated by them, scooping Grace’s empty glass from her hand and placing it on his tray.
“Can I get you ladies anything?”
“No thank you,” Aimee answered.
He nodded and moved on.
“Is there a problem? I mean, I liked Dane. At least from what I could tell the few times I saw him.” She shrugged “And he’s Ben’s best friend. That’s a good endorsement, right?”
“There’s not a problem. I mean, he is great. But...”
Aimee looked down and scuffed her sandal-clad toe along the ground. As much as she loved to wear heels, they weren’t the right attire for a photographer running around a wedding all day.
“Hey, sis. I know you. You think you’re the problem, but you’re not.” She lifted Aimee’s chin so she could see her eyes. “I don’t get it. You’re confident about everything in life except when it comes to men. Why do you think someone couldn’t love you, just as you are?”
Aimee shrugged but said nothing.
Grace looked out at the crowd, now dancing to the song “YMCA.” It was that point in the reception where champagne kicked in and goofy songs came out of the woodwork.
“I won’t butt in on this…yet. I’m your big sister and it’s my God-given right to do so at any time. But Dane’s a fool if he lets you get away.”
Aimee laughed. “I appreciate it, Grace. But there’s nothing to worry about at this point. It was one kiss.” Well, two if she counted the one at the wedding. “It probably means nothing.”
She raised her camera once more and got back to work. Only now her mind was split between focusing on her work and praying what happened between her and Dane meant more than nothing. A whole lot more.
***
With tender care, Aimee took apart her equipment and placed it in various camera bags.
“You need help to the car?” Grace asked. She sat on a bench next to Aimee, her strappy heels discarded on the ground. She rubbed her foot. “Why do I keep thinking this will get easier each time I wear these?”
“I’ve told you to wear comfortable shoes when you help me. It’s a long day on your feet.”
Grace dismissed her comment with a wave. “Yeah, yeah. You don’t have an infant at home who makes you feel like nothing more than a carrier and a milk truck. I like helping you because I get to wear girl clothes and be human for a day.”
Aimee smiled at her sister. “You’re a great mom, Grace. That kid is lucky to have you.”
“Thanks, sis. And I know.” She winked at Aimee. “You good? I need to get back to said cutie pie and his gorgeous father.”
Aimee busied herself with her equipment as a wave of envy hit. Grace did have a gorgeous husband and adorable baby. Things Aimee would love to have someday herself.
“There you go with the sighing. You must really have it bad for Dane.”
Aimee laughed. “Sorry.” Dane’s comment flashed through her mind. She was always apologizing. And for what?
“Okay, now I can see smoke coming out your ears. I’m going to leave you alone with your thoughts…and your sighs.” Grace scooped up her shoes and purse and stood. Giving Aimee a quick hug and kiss on the cheek, she left her alone in the garden.
Aimee plopped down on the bench Grace had vacated. Why was she always apologizing? And was she really jealous of her own sister? She was truly happy for her—for both her sisters. They’d found men who loved God and cherished them. Besides, they were all raised as independent, confident women, not needing a man in their lives to make them feel worthwhile. So what was her deal? She wasn’t the type to fantasize about a cute house with a white picket fence and 2.5 kids. Her life was full. Content.
But then Dane Scott came along with his kisses and rocked her world sideways. Maybe it wasn’t the need to have a man in her life that changed. Maybe it was the desire to have a certain man in her life, one who caused actual visions of a future to dance in her head.
“You’ve gotta snap out of this, Jansenn.” She shook her head and stood. Gathering her bags and car keys, she followed the path from the garden around the main building where the reception was held. Her head down, she watched her step, careful not to trip with all her equipment in hand.
As she approached her car, shattered glass glittered on the asphalt under the parking lights. Everything around her switched to slow motion as her heart rate accelerated. Every single window of her VW Bug was smashed in, glass everywhere. The convertible top looked like a large cat had used it as a scratching post. She made an effort to scre
am but no sound came out, shock keeping her mouth wide open and her body stone still.
Get away. Just get away. Her gut hollered in her ears.
She turned and ran for the building. She’d parked on the side, in the employee parking lot, mainly because that entrance was easier to get to while carrying all her stuff. Only a few cars sprinkled the parking lot, all of them untouched. Her precious baby the only one damaged.
Panic turned to anger as she crossed the threshold that led to the kitchen. Two employees moved around putting away dishes, the clanging filling the empty room like gunshots. Aimee stood in the doorway, chest heaving, trying to control her breath.
“Someone broke into my car!” She’d screamed the words, hadn’t she? But the two workers simply stared at her. Nobody moved.
Okay. So. They weren’t going to be any help. She dumped her gear in the corner of the kitchen and dug in her purse for her cell phone, dialing Torie.
It rang and rang. “Come on, come on. Pick up!”
Torie’s voice came through the line, stoic and serious. “Crap! Voice mail.”
Aimee ended the call and stared at her phone. Without hesitation, she dialed Dane. He answered after one ring.
“Scott.”
His voice through the phone calmed her breathing. “Oh, thank God! Dane, someone trashed my car. My beautiful car.” The phone shook in her hand against her ear.
“Where are you?”
“I’m at the Ocean View restaurant. I was photographing a wedding and when I left I found my car all wrecked, the windows bashed in…”
He cut her off. “I’m on my way. Stay there. Stay inside. Don’t go near your car.”
“Okay. I’m in the kitchen. It’s the only room left open, I think.”
“Great. Stay put.”
She ended the call and sank down in a chair next to her stuff. Her breathing was more regular now but she couldn’t stop shaking. Anger bubbled up, replacing the fear that had initially hit her. Why would someone mess with her car? She curled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them, protecting herself from the sense of violation that threatened to overwhelm her. Between anger and adrenaline, her body fought exhaustion. It had been a long day as it was, and now it was looking to become a whole lot longer.
***
Dane pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant knowing full well he’d broken quite a few traffic laws to get there fast. One perk of being a cop. No one would ticket him. And God help anyone who tried. Nothing was keeping him from getting to Aimee.
He spotted her car and parked near it, avoiding the broken glass all around. Someone had done a number to it for sure. He did a quick sweep of the area then went inside. He opened the door to the kitchen and looked around.
He found her curled up in a ball in a chair in the corner. She looked afraid and alone. And pissed off too. A deadly combination. After how they’d left each other last, he wasn’t sure where they stood. Would she want him to hold her close and comfort her, which was what he desired most? Or would she need space? She answered for him when she looked up and in one swift motion ran into his arms.
Okay. This worked for him.
He rubbed her back and soaked in the scent of her hair now tickling his chin. Strawberry.
“Shhh. It’s okay.”
Her body relaxed against his and he braced himself for tears. Instead, she stepped back, her hands on his biceps and looked into his eyes. Not a tear in sight, her eyes were round and vibrant, fear and anger battling within their emerald depths.
“Thank you so much for coming. I tried Torie but she didn’t answer.”
Hmm, he was her second call. Okay. He’d tackle that punch to the ego later. He was with her now, and that’s what mattered.
“Sure. Are you okay?” He cupped her cheek with his hand and bent down to look at her straight on.
She put one hand over his, the other still on his arm. “Yes. I’m fine. I wasn’t near the car when it happened. I found it when I went to leave.”
He nodded and pulled her to him again, needing for himself the reassurance she really was okay. Physically, anyway.
Gravel crunched outside, another car pulling into the lot. Aimee tensed in his arms but didn’t move.
“It’s okay. I called a friend at the station when I got your call. He’s here to take a look with me.”
She looked up at him, still wrapped in his arms, her hands gripping the front of his shirt. “But the police don’t really do much on calls like this. That’s why I called you.”
He hoped that wasn’t the only reason she’d called him, but he didn’t ask. He wasn’t sure he wanted to know the answer.
He chuckled. “I forgot you live with a cop. You probably know protocol better than I do.”
She pushed back from his arms and shrugged, a smile toying with one corner of her mouth.
“You okay enough to take a look?”
She nodded and took a step towards the door. “Yes. I’m sure it will only piss me off again though.”
“I don’t doubt that.”
He held the door open for her, and they greeted Lance as he stepped from his police vehicle. Lance tossed a look over Aimee’s head, wordlessly asking if she was okay. Dane nodded.
They let Lance do most of the work, assessing the damage and asking Aimee questions.
“I just can’t believe anyone could do this to Dottie!” Aimee stomped her foot and yelled. Her hair blew in the breeze, a wildfire framing her face. Man, she was beautiful.
Dane shook his head clear. “Wait. What? Who’s Dottie?”
“My car.” She looked at him as if he had two heads.
“You name your car?”
“Of course I do. Don’t you?”
She looked at him so honest to God serious, he had to bite his tongue not to laugh.
“Um. No.”
She turned to Lance for help. “Sorry, ma’am. I’ve never named a car. But my sister does.” He winked at her and went back to work.
Crossing her arms, Aimee sent Dane a look that said, “See? It’s perfectly normal.”
But there was nothing normal about this woman who stood next to him, a mix of feisty and soft he had no clue what to do with. He feared she’d already stolen his heart, but damned if he knew what to do about it.
Chapter 10
“You really didn’t need to give me a ride home.”
Dane glanced at Aimee in the passenger seat, bending his head down to eyeball her. There were a million stars and a tipsy quarter moon over the whitecaps of the coastline.
“Fine. Okay. But really. My sister could’ve come to get me.”
“Would you rather have had your sister get you?”
Without answering, she looked out the window. Her fingers toyed with the handle of her purse in her lap.
No answer was good enough for him. Not only did he want to take her home to protect her, he found himself more and more needing to be with her. When his feelings had moved from want to need, he had no clue. And seeing her car mangled brought out the caveman in him. It made him want to beat the tar out of someone, take her to a cave, and guard her forever.
He shook his head. What was happening to him? He couldn’t let a woman close. Not again. Unfortunately, he feared he already had. He stole a glance at Aimee. Her hair blew in the breeze from the open window of his truck. Back at the parking lot, she’d paced and talked to herself, more angry than afraid. He’d let her blow off steam, amused at how worked up she was. She was cute when she was angry. Well, as long as the anger wasn’t pointed at him.
He wasn’t amused at why she was angry though. Aimee was convinced some drunk moron decided to go at her car like a mountain lion, but Dane knew better. His gut told him this was some sort of warning. She’d seen Marcos’s face. That alone could make the guy twitchy. And when thugs like Marcos twitched, it was bad news.
Dane parked along the curb in front of Aimee’s house. He turned off the truck and came around to help her out, grabbing h
er equipment and following her to the door. She opened it and he followed her inside, placing her stuff inside the entryway.
“Can I get you some coffee or something?”
“That sounds great, thanks.”
Aimee flipped off her sandals and tossed them by the door. Padding into the kitchen she asked over her shoulder, “I think I only have leaded. Is that okay?”
Dane followed her into the kitchen, appreciating the view of her hips swaying beneath her skirt as she went. He blinked. “Um. Sure. Whatever.”
In the kitchen, Aimee reached for a mug in the cupboard over the sink while Dane took a seat on a stool at the counter.
“I know it’s not safe to assume things, but since Torie drinks leaded coffee nonstop, I figure it’s a cop thing.”
He smiled. “That’s a safe assumption. I think it’s part of the job. We can sleep anytime, anywhere, and we can stay up for days. Caffeine is a requirement.”
She popped a K-Cup into the Keurig machine and hit brew. Grabbing a glass from the same cupboard as the mug, she added ice and poured tea from a pitcher inside the refrigerator. She took a long sip, licked her lips and sighed, closing her eyes. “Nectar of the gods. I’m a tea-a-holic myself. I like coffee okay, but give me an iced tea and I’m yours forever.”
Dane shifted in his seat, his mind still back on her rosy lips and heavy sigh. Nectar of the gods was right, and the goddess before him had him mesmerized. It was getting painfully warm on his side of the counter and it had nothing to do with the temperature of the room.
She continued talking as she moved around the kitchen, oblivious to his suffering. “And I like hot tea okay, but it has to be super, duper cold out for me to enjoy that. That’s when I like coffee.” The coffee machine hissed, signaling the brewing process was finished. “I bet you take your coffee black as well, right?”
“Actually a bit of sugar would be great if you have it.”
Her eyebrows lifted. “Hmmm, a sweet tooth man, I see.”
He shrugged. “Maybe a little.”
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