Lost in Italy (54 page)

“Wow. This is quite the facility.”

“The pool and hot tub are beyond the workout room,” Lexie informed him. “I check the chemical levels every day, so you don’t have to worry about that.”

Jordan strode forward to look through the glass. Even from across the exercise room, the glimpse of water on the other side beckoned his sore body. And a soak in the hot tub sounded like pure heaven. He rolled his shoulders, imagined the jets kneading his aching muscles, and bit back a groan.

“Why’d David stop renting this place out?” He hooked his thumbs in his jeans pockets as he ambled over toward the computers. A flat screen monitor, printer, digital camera and docking station graced each desk. David Barnes had provided deluxe amenities for the guests that used to fill this place, but now it all sat idle.

He realized Lexie had yet to answer his question and turned. She stood by the bank of windows overlooking the lake, her back to him, but he knew she was aware of his scrutiny by the way she shifted her weight from one foot to the other.

“You’ll have to ask David that,” she said.

Well, that answered part of his question. It had something to do with her, but her clipped tone conveyed her unwillingness to talk about it. Yeah, he’d have to ask David, then. He was suddenly very curious, because though a lot of her life story had been in the paper, the last twelve years remained a mystery. How did someone as well known as she’d been just disappear?

She turned abruptly and limped toward the door. “I’ve got work to do up at the house so you can lock up when you’re done. I’ll see you at breakfast.”

He didn’t want her to leave, but could hardly ask her to stay and talk, no matter how much he’d enjoyed the last couple hours. Shoving his hands in his pockets and biting his tongue, he turned to face the workout room and the pool beyond when she reached for the door. The water beckoned once more.

Lexie’s sudden gasp spun him back around. She stood with a hand on her chest and the door open. Jordan found himself staring into the piercing blue gaze of the sheriff.

“Lawson, you scared me,” Lexie exclaimed.

The lawman’s gaze delivered a steady accusation at Jordan. “Sorry, Lex. I’m here on official police business.”

Chapter 7

Lexie’s pulse lurched. She glanced back at Jordan, anxiety churning in her stomach from Lawson’s grave statement. Jordan didn’t back down from Lawson’s stare, but his gaze did flick to hers for a split second. Then he stepped forward, lips twisted in a sarcastic sneer.

“Harry called you, didn’t he?”

Harry?
Lexie thought.

Lawson voiced the question out loud. “Who’s Harry?”

Jordan shrugged, hands still in his pockets. “That guy who owns Oleson’s. All I did was park on the street and get a couple hours sleep. That against the law?”

“You mean Tom Oleson?”

“Tom, Dick, Harry…pick one, any one will do,” Jordan muttered.

“I’m not sure what you’re talking about,” Lawson said, “but no one called me.”

“Then what the hell do you want?”

Lexie shifted her weight from her right leg. It was going to rain again tonight, and the increasing dampness in the air, along with her tension, made the damaged muscles ache like the devil. Her anxiety raised another notch with the realization the two men were now squared off, her in between. Jordan had pulled his hands from his pockets to clench his fists at his sides.

Lawson cast Lexie a glance. “I think it may be best if we all sit down and talk.”

His right hand rested on his hip, near his gun, and his clipped tone raised goose bumps on her arms. Something was seriously wrong.

“Let’s go up to the house,” she suggested, hoping to diffuse the situation. “I’ll make some coffee.”

Lawson stood aside with a nod at Jordan. “You first.”

Lexie saw the muscles in Jordan’s jaw bunch tight. Sensing he was close to an explosion, she quickly stepped past Lawson to lead the way.

“Damn it, Lex—”

She kept walking despite Lawson’s angry protest. She heard them following and, too late, thought about Jordan walking behind her, watching her. He’d commented on her uneven stride yesterday…would he notice it was worse again today?

She tried not to think about it, but felt her body grow warm with the thought of his brown gaze lingering on her backside. A silent groan of self-annoyance rumbled through her head. The man hadn’t shown an inkling of interest beyond his fumbled words at dinner, yet she constantly found her thoughts and gaze wandering to him throughout the day. It had to stop.

She misjudged her stride at the steps to the house and ended up with her right leg stepping first, straining to bear her weight. To relieve some of the pressure from the burning, weakened muscles, she made a desperate grab for the railing. A firm, warm grip on her left forearm steadied and assisted her up the stairs.

Jordan met her gaze briefly, but said not a word as they took the next step together. Heat engulfed her, a combination of embarrassment for her weak leg and awareness of his touch.

“
Let her go.
” Lawson’s command whipped at their backs. 
Jordan
’s hold tightened and Lexie halted.

“It’s—” she began.

“Back off,”
Jordan
snapped over his shoulder.

The unmistakable sound the sheriff drawing his gun froze Lexie and Jordan in their tracks.

“I said, don’t touch her,” Lawson snarled.  “Let her go and step away.”

Lexie gripped the rail and nodded up at
Jordan
.  He released her arm, but when he started to turn around, Lawson barked an order to remain facing forward, keep his hands where he could see them, and move forward.

The hair on the back of Lexie’s neck tingled as she faced Lawson and saw his furious expression.  “What is going on?”

“We’ll talk inside.”

She folded her arms and leaned a hip against the railing, easing her weight off her right leg.  “Tell me now.”

He glanced in her direction, then focused back on Jordan, who’d turned his head toward Lexie and eyed Lawson over his shoulder.

“That reporter, Craig Thompson, was murdered last night.”

~~~~

Mistletoe Rules
~ a Christmas anthology

Winner of Wisconsin Romance Writer’s 2010 Write Touch Readers’ Award

Available at
Amazon
Fall 2012

Christmas recipe for love—combine a matchmaking Santa, lots of mistletoe, one iron-clad rule, fated hearts; mix and stir.  The Riley siblings don’t stand a chance.

Mistletoe Mischief
: Christmas in July at the zoo is the last place single parents Eric Riley and Marissa Wilder expect to find love. Thanks to some mistletoe mischief in the form of their two young daughters and Santa, they discover Mistletoe Rules were not made to be broken
.

Mistletoe Magic
: Major Mark Riley plays Court Jester to Janelle Walsh's Snow Queen at the Christmas Parade and is instantly captivated by the cute redhead whose grandpa just happens to be Santa. When Mark learns she's the tenant he evicted from his newly purchased property, it's going to take a little bit of Santa's mistletoe magic to save their romance.

Mistletoe Match-up
: When Lisa Riley comes home for Mark's Christmas Eve wedding, her high school rivalry with Janelle's cousin, Derek Walsh, picks up right where it left off, only this time Derek's got the upper hand. Santa bides his time as they battle it out because he's waited a whole year for this mistletoe match-up.

***What reviewers are saying:

Night Owl Reviewer Top Pick  “This is the perfect anthology that mixes lots of mistletoe, plenty of passion and one jolly old man – Santa himself – and produces three fantastic stories to sink your teeth into!”  ~ Diana Coyle

Long and Short Romance Reviews ~ Best Book  “Each story has a clearly-defined nicely-developed plot and distinct, well-rounded characters. This is the best e-book I’ve read in a while and an absolutely delightful Christmas treat.” ~ Water Lily

Dragonfly Dreams
~ a Christmas novella

Jake Coburn’s antique shop is barely surviving, so the last thing he should do is buy costume jewelry at a price that won’t turn much profit. Then again, it’s Christmas, and he hasn’t been able to say no to Loral Evans since the first time she entered his shop almost a year ago.

Loral’s mother is a cancer survivor, and much as they don’t want to sell their family heirlooms, surgery and prescriptions aren’t cheap. Jake’s offer of one thousand dollars for a dragonfly brooch that Loral knows is fake stings her pride, especially since he knows she can’t afford to walk away.

Selling the brooch, which is more than it appears, turns out to be a blessing in disguise. During a season of giving, Loral learns there’s a big difference between pride and dignity, and Jake’s determination to do the right thing brings rewards beyond what either of them ever dreamed of.

***What reviewers are saying:

Got Romance Holiday Reviews~ 5 Stars ~ “I sincerely adored this story. Dragonfly Dreams smacks of Gift of the Magi while remaining original, heartwarming, and honestly lovely. Dragonfly Dreams sucked me in and held me from start to finish. Jake is sweet, kind, and noble – everything a true romantic hero should be. Loral, on the other hand, is tough yet vulnerable and adorable – the perfect heroine. I give this the highest rank because I would read it again and again.”~ Becca

Night Owl Reviewer Top Pick ~ “Ms. Netzel penned a remarkable ending that totally surprised me and she masterfully tied all the loose ends up for each one of her characters. This is a charming tale that blended strength, hope and love into one fantastic story.” ~ Diana Coyle

If Tombstones Could Talk
~ a paranormal novella

History aficionado Melanie Sparks takes a walking tour of the cemetery in her new Colorado town and learns more about one of the past residents than she ever could've imagined. The story behind Andrew Lindeman's tragic death during the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush in 1859 triggers dreams in which she relives his last moments. She’s drawn closer to the handsome ghost while she resolves to clear his tarnished name. A passionate kiss sets his spirit free, but will Melanie lose her heart for good?

***What reviewers are saying:

Romance Junkies:  “IF TOMBSTONES COULD TALK is sweet, sensual and one of the most romantic stories I've ever read. This story had an incredible storyline that kept me intrigued until the very end. The ending brought tears to my eyes, which doesn't happen very often.” ~ Amanda

Fallen Angel Reviews ~ 5 Angels ~ “The plot was brilliant and well played out. I enjoyed every aspect of the story; I only wish it were longer. The ended left me smiling and happy.” ~ Becky