Ten
Sam scanned the booths at the art fair, looking for Nicole. Of course, this being Serendipity, he didn’t get far before someone in his family stopped him.
“I didn’t think you liked art!” Erin nudged him with her hip.
He glanced over to find her holding his niece, dressed in a pink frilly tank top dress and a floppy hat to protect her fair skin from the sun.
He smiled and held out his hands. “Come to your uncle, baby girl.”
Erin handed him her bundle and Sam settled his niece in his arms. “Did you miss your uncle Sam?” he asked, kissing her soft cheek.
He was rewarded with a baby gurgle and blowing bubbles.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” He shifted Angel in his arms. “So where’s your other half?” he asked his sister.
She frowned. “Cole’s away for the weekend. An important job,” she said. “He tries to assign the out-of-town security installations, but sometimes they request him.”
He caught the hint of wistfulness in her tone. “Can I take you for dinner?” he asked. “Help pass the time?”
She squeezed his arm. “You’re a good brother. But Sunday will be here soon enough. I don’t want to put a crimp into your social life.”
He rolled his eyes. “I always have time for you. And if I didn’t, I’d make time.”
Erin smiled. “I’m fine. Go find Nicole.”
“How do you know that’s who I’m here for?”
Erin merely stared at him, holding out her arms. “Who else would bring you to an art show?”
With his cheeks burning at being so obvious, Sam placed his niece back in her mother’s arms. “Have you seen her?” he asked.
Erin nodded. “Her booth is at the far end of the street.” She pointed farther down than he’d gotten so far.
“Thanks. I’ll see you later.”
He turned and started to work his way through the crowds once more, when a hand grabbed his shoulder and spun him around.
“Hey!” Instinct had Sam reaching for his holster as he came face-to-face with Tyler Stanton. “Jesus Christ. Didn’t anyone ever tell you not to sneak up on a cop?”
“We need to talk,” Tyler said.
Sam was not in the mood to deal with the other man. “Not now.”
“It’s about Nicole.”
Sam stiffened. “When is it not, Stanton?” It was time he got rid of this a*shole once and for all.
“This time is different.” Stanton stood way too close, his posture straight, his attitude determined. “Look, I’m not here to win her back. I know better. She’s interested in you, not me. But I need her to come back home for her own good.”
Sam shook his head, knowing he’d never understand this guy without a detailed road map. “Explain.”
“Nicole’s in danger.”
With those words, he caught Sam’s attention. Sam eyed the other man warily. “Talk to me.”
Tyler drew a deep breath. “Before I came here I found out my father has been taking money from the Russian mob and running it through our investment business,” he said, his voice low. “He thinks Nicole overheard him talking to his accountant and knows enough to put him in jail and give the feds a good lead on his so-called investors.”
Sam closed his eyes and swore. He’d never imagined her secrets were this big.
“And I just saw the owner of the biggest art gallery in L.A. and one of his associates standing near Nicole’s booth. He’s one of my father’s Russian investors, and I can guarantee you he’s not here to find the newest artist in your small town.”
Sam stared at the man standing in front of him, disbelief and rage filling him as he put together everything Stanton wasn’t saying. “Your f*cking father sent him after Nicole?”
“I don’t know for sure. But by the time I extricated myself from Macy so I could find out, he was gone. And so was Nicole.”
Extricated himself. This son of a bitch with his expensive clothes and fancy words was going to be the death of him, Sam thought, shoving Stanton away.
“You’d better hope I find her, and when I do? She’d better be in one piece.”
Main Street in town had been shut down to traffic, and along the route, artists had set up stands and easels showcasing their work. Trisha from Cuppa Café was sharing the long booth at the end of the street with Nicole and Aunt Lulu, where she sold iced coffee, sodas, and bottled water. The day was hot and they almost always had a line for the drinks as well as the pastries by Nicole and mini cakes by Aunt Lulu.
Nicole had made sure to have a wide variety for people to sample in order to entice many palates. And she’d kept her audience in mind, including parents who’d brought their kids for a day outdoors. As a result, some of her more popular items included the fried apple fritters and chocolate caramel doughnut holes. Of course, the churros and cream puffs were big hits too.
The morning passed quickly and Nicole was riding a high from the response to her baked goods. When she added the general welcome she’d received from just about everyone who stopped by her booth, she was feeling not only like she belonged in Serendipity, but optimistic about the success of their soon-to-be-opened bake shop.
The only thing that could make the day better would be seeing Sam. He’d promised to stop by but had texted her to say he’d been delayed by a call from the station and said he’d find her later.
After the long morning on her feet, she took advantage of a lull in the crowd and turned things over to Aunt Lulu while she treated herself to a much-needed break. It was the first time she’d had a chance to check out the art fair, and she found herself impressed with the talent on display. The general look of the fair was similar to the street fairs in Manhattan, with a warmer feel because the people were so friendly.
She didn’t want to leave Aunt Lulu alone for much longer, but before returning to work, she decided to take a quick bathroom trip. Joe’s wife, Annie, had stopped by the booth earlier and told her to feel free to come around back and use the bar’s office restroom.
Anything to avoid the long lines at the shops, Nicole thought, and she cut down the alley leading to the back of the stores on Main.
She was almost at the back lot when a male voice spoke to her. “Excuse me?”
“Yes?” She turned and looked up at a handsome man with blond hair and a severe expression.
“Didn’t I see you at the bakery booth earlier?” he asked.
“Yes. I’m running it with my partner, Lulu Donovan. Did you taste something you liked?” she asked hopefully.
So many people had come back for seconds or to inquire whether she’d be carrying the various items she’d prepared once she opened the store.
But this man didn’t answer, merely studied her intently.
In the wake of his long silence, she grew increasingly uncomfortable. She didn’t like being alone in the alleyway with a stranger who’d stopped her but was less than chatty.
“I enjoyed the cream puffs,” he said at last.
“Well, I’ll definitely be making those a staple in our new place. I hope you’ll come try them again. If you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to get back to the booth.”
She’d stepped around him when he spoke again. “You’re Nicole Farnsworth, yes? You used to be engaged to Tyler Stanton.” He didn’t ask.
He knew.
Every warning instinct Nicole had told her to flee, but he held her there with that hard stare.
“You should get back together with your fiancé,” he told her. “If you’re smart and don’t want—”
“Nicole!”
Sam’s voice interrupted the man, and she gratefully turned toward the sound.
“I’ve been looking everywhere for you!” He came toward her from the direction of the parking lot, reaching her with quick, deliberate strides.
Her heart was racing so fast her chest hurt. She glanced back to see that the stranger had disappeared.
Relieved beyond words, she threw herself into Sam’s arms.
As he enfolded her in his strong embrace, she realized she was trembling.
“Who was that guy you were talking to?” Sam asked.
She swallowed hard. “I don’t know. He approached me in the alley. At first I thought it was about the bakery, but he knew who I was. He knew about Tyler.”
Sam’s hold on her tightened. “Call your ex. Tell him to meet us at your place now.”
Nicole pushed out of his arms. “No! I can’t do that. I have to work the booth. Besides, why—” Her voice trailed off as she looked into the eyes of one very pissed-off man.
“That guy who cornered you? He’s a Russian art dealer,” Sam informed her.
“Oh my God.” Nicole’s knees went weak, and Sam bolstered her with an arm around her waist.
“You and Stanton have p-ssyfooted around each other long enough. And whatever you two are hiding? I want that information too or I can’t keep you safe.”
Nicole’s breath caught in her throat. “You know? Tyler knows?” She couldn’t begin to process how or why or even when either man had found out.
“I don’t know nearly enough,” Sam muttered. “But I’m going to find out. Now grab your phone and call him.”
Normally Nicole would balk at taking orders, but her old life was closing in on her and at that moment, she accepted that she didn’t have a choice.
As per Sam’s instructions, Nicole called Aunt Lulu and explained she had a family emergency and wouldn’t be able to make it back to the booth. She was riddled with guilt over not being able to help for the rest of the afternoon or with the cleanup, but Aunt Lulu claimed that was what family was for and she’d have plenty of hands to pitch in. She wished Nicole well, and Nicole promised to keep in touch.
Sam stewed the entire ride back to Nicole’s, and she didn’t offer anything in the way of conversation. Until she knew how this whole situation happened—how Sam came to be involved, and what exactly Tyler knew about . . . everything, Nicole wasn’t talking. She still had her own family’s knowledge or lack thereof to worry about too. Not to mention what she’d do now that the Russians were definitely involved. She grew dizzy just trying to figure out all the angles and implications.
They finally arrived at her house, and Tyler pulled up in his Porsche a short time later.
Sam’s scowl deepened. “Could he be any more conspicuous?” he muttered.
Nicole knew better than to answer.
They settled in separate corners of the living room, Nicole on the charming floral sofa the Browns had left behind, Tyler on a solid cream club chair, while Sam leaned against the wall, arms folded across his chest.
“I don’t understand what’s going on today.” Nicole spoke first.
Tyler met Sam’s gaze.
“Tell her,” Sam said, issuing a direct order in a tone she’d never heard from him until this afternoon.
Her ex-fiancé rose to his feet. “I’m not here to win you back. Well, I was, but not because that’s what I wanted.”
Nicole narrowed her gaze. “It never did make sense to me that you’d chase after me after I ended things. And once you saw there was someone else . . .” She shook her head. “It made no sense,” she repeated.
He shoved his hands into his pants pockets. “When you broke up with me, I was floored. I admit I didn’t see it coming, but I accepted it.”
Sam took in Tyler’s words, and Nicole knew he was putting himself in Tyler’s position because he had been there when his fiancé ended things the morning they were to get married. She hated that either man had to go through this awkward reliving of events.
“Then why come to town?” Nicole asked.
“The same afternoon you ended things, my father called me to his office. He was in a panic. Afraid you’d overheard certain information about his business dealings and could destroy him if you went to the police.” Tyler’s gaze shifted from Sam—the cop now in the equation—to Nicole. “Did you overhear them?”
Her breath coming in stuttered spurts, she managed a nod.
To Sam, it was obvious Nicole was thrown. Not to mention in over her head. Sam wanted to walk across the room and pull her into his arms, but he needed a clear head to untangle this mess and find a way out for them both. He couldn’t do that if he let his feelings for Nicole get in the way of thinking like a cop.
Sam stared at the other man. “Let me guess. Daddy sent you after Nicole to win her back? Why? Because he didn’t think she’d turn him in if you two were still engaged?” Sam looked at Tyler with disgust, wondering what kind of man ceded to his father’s bidding. Especially once he realized he was into something illegal.
Tyler ran a hand over his perfectly cut hair. “Because he thought he’d have more control over her if she was still my mother’s campaign manager and my future wife, and if she was more invested in the family dynamic again.”
Nicole sucked in a startled breath. “Why didn’t you just come to me? You could have asked me what I did—or didn’t—know.”
“You could have done the same thing,” Tyler shot back.
Sam held up one hand. “You first.” He turned to Tyler. “Why not talk to her?”
“I’d think that would be obvious. Because if she didn’t know, I’d be putting her in danger by telling her.”
“But I did know. And I’ve been torn up with guilt, wondering if you knew, how you could let it go on. And if you didn’t, same answer you just gave. Your mother’s campaign is partially funded by the firm. That’s illegal money and would taint her so badly she’d have to step down and not run again. Then there’s my father. I had to decide what I thought he knew—if I could destroy his firm, his livelihood, and everything that’s important to my parents. I might not like them much, but they’re my family. And speaking of family, what about Victoria?” she asked, her voice rising along with her obvious distress. “Who would take responsibility for her once she gets out if my father ends up in jail?” She turned to Sam. “Don’t you see? There’s more at stake than just my morality.”
Tears shimmered in her eyes, and the sight hit Sam in the gut.
Sympathy flashed in Tyler’s expression. “Well, I just found out too. And I have many of the same questions you do.”
“Nice mess,” Sam muttered. “Do you think your father sent those men to hurt Nicole?”
Tyler shook his head, then stopped himself and shrugged. “I hope not. I want to believe he intended to make a statement to me, to get me to step things up. I have to believe that hurting Nicole is a line my father wouldn’t cross. Threaten to, maybe, but not cross.”
“What if they don’t have any such boundaries?” Sam asked, meaning the Russians.
“I’m hoping they don’t know everything, that they’re just doing my father a favor,” Tyler muttered.
Nicole wrapped her arms around her waist, and Tyler swore. “I have to go home and find out what my father told them,” he said.
“What about my father?” Nicole asked.
“I’ll see what I can uncover.”
Sam nodded. “That’s the right place to start.”
Tyler inclined his head. “But I have to talk to Macy before I go. I can’t just disappear without an explanation,” he said, not meeting Nicole’s gaze.
Sam wasn’t surprised that Tyler had feelings of some kind for Macy Donovan. He’d seen Macy’s interest and Tyler had quickly fallen in line, from changing his style of dress to following her around town.
But he’d been sent here to corral Nicole into going home with him, and he stood to watch his father go to prison while the family business he was due to take over was destroyed by greed. Sam didn’t envy Tyler. But his only concern was Nicole.
“Tyler, don’t you dare hurt Macy,” Nicole said. “You have commitments in New York, and she’s not a city girl who can slip into the role of society wife.”
“Like you did?” Tyler asked, unable to hide his obvious hurt.
Sam swallowed a groan, knowing exactly how Stanton felt being dumped by the woman he thought he’d spend the rest of his life with.
Nicole’s eyes softened in sympathy. “I’m sorry. But I ended things as soon as I realized I wouldn’t be happy. I didn’t lead you on. And I just don’t want you to set Macy up for a fall by making her believe she has a chance with you when all you want or can give her is a fling.”
Tyler straightened his shoulders. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but my love life is none of your business. Not anymore.”
Sam had to admit, he liked these two at odds much more than Tyler chasing after her.
“Before you go, leave me names,” Sam instructed Tyler. “I want to have Mike run a check on these Russian guys. Meanwhile, head home and try to get a handle on things there. I’m taking Nicole out of town for the rest of the weekend. I want the Russians gone and Serendipity back to people I know and recognize before we return.” He pinned Nicole with his gaze, daring her to argue with him.
To his amazement, she didn’t.
Apparently, having the mob show up in town had scared her into easy cooperation. That would help for now. Sam didn’t have any delusions that she’d keep following his directions, especially when he informed her that their next step had to involve the authorities. His brother, Mike, or Cole and his contacts, Sam wasn’t sure which yet. First step was keeping Nicole out of sight until the festival ended and strangers left town. After that? All bets were off because he’d do anything to keep her safe.
Sam waited until Tyler left and he had Nicole alone before changing the focus of the conversation to them. She sat in the club chair her ex had vacated, her entire body stiff. He wasn’t sure if she was upset about the Russians being in town today or the fact that he was still vibrating with anger. If she were smart, she’d go with the latter.
Although they’d agreed on casual, he was still hurt over the fact that she’d kept all this inside her from the minute they’d hooked up. He was a cop. Didn’t she think he could help her? Protect her?
“How—”
“I wanted to tell you,” she said, cutting off his question.
He flexed his fingers, his tension still high. “Then why didn’t you?”
She rose from the chair and walked over. He couldn’t tear his gaze from the long legs protruding from her white lace skirt. “You’re a cop.”
He raised his eyebrows. “My point exactly. Who better to look out for you? To help you figure out what to do?”
She braced her hands on his waist, and his frustration began to recede at her soft touch. He didn’t understand his reaction, but he focused on her face and her sincere expression.
“Because you’re a cop, I assumed you’d have to report whatever I told you about illegal activity. I didn’t want to put you in a compromising position. Now you’re there anyway.” She shook her head and looked away. “How did you find out?”
“You were looking out for me?” he asked, addressing the most important part of what was racing through his mind, first.
“Don’t sound so shocked.”
She pulled away and walked back toward the fireplace, staring at the photos on the mantel. Sam looked over her shoulder. Pictures of Nicole and her twin through the years. None of her parents. No friends. Obviously she didn’t extend herself to others easily. Yet she’d done so with him.
And she’d taken him off guard with her admission. He was so used to looking out for others—by profession and by family code—he wasn’t used to being on the receiving end of someone putting him first. And it humbled him that she’d think of him when her entire life was imploding.
But that didn’t change the facts. “Look, you weren’t far off,” he started to explain to her. “I do have to act on the information but not without a plan. Not without coordinating with you. We can spend the next few days implementing a strategy, but to do that, I need to pull in some people.”
“But—”
He held up one hand. “People I trust. Like my brother, who has contacts in Manhattan, and my brother-in-law Cole.”
“He hates me,” she blurted out.
Sam shook his head. “No, he’s just a tough nut to crack. Once you get to know him better, you’ll see what I mean.”
“Maybe hate is the wrong word. But he equates me with Victoria. I’m not so sure he’ll want to go out on a limb to help me.”
Sam crossed the space dividing them and pulled her back into his arms. “When it came down to it, you helped Erin. You can be damned sure I’ll remind Cole of that fact. Not that I think he’s forgotten. He’s just wary.”
“Well, I can understand that.” She let out a sigh. “You really trust them not to automatically turn my father or Tyler’s over to the police?”
He tilted her chin up and brushed his thumb over her cheek. “Those two? I’d trust with my life. And yours.” Leaning down, he did what he’d been dying to do since she flung herself away from danger and into his arms.
He pressed his lips over hers. He meant the gesture to comfort both her and himself, but the fire between them sparked immediately. She licked her tongue over his lips, and his cock jerked in response. He gripped her waist, digging his fingers into the soft indentation, and held on, kissing her like he’d been starving for days.
And he had. He’d had no time to get together, no nights burying himself deep. Just the memory of sliding into her without a condom and losing every bit of sanity he had left.
Then today, Tyler telling him she was in danger and the sight of the menacing Russian looming close to her in the dark alley. His fingertips bit harder into her waist at the thought, and she moaned, shaking his composure.
He wanted nothing more than to sink into her body, but his sense of responsibility made his bigger, more level head prevail and he forced himself to push her away.
“What?” She looked up at him with desire-filled eyes.
“There’ll be plenty of time for that once I get you out of town,” he said gruffly. Because it was his turn to look after her.