Taming Her Past - Protecting Her Future: BBW Erotic Romance (Hearts of Heroes Book 2) (5 page)

I laugh. It feels good to laugh. I’m relaxed like I haven’t been for a long time. Maybe coming here wasn’t such a bad idea after all.

“Down to the gritty. Vacation, huh?”

And there starts the ranting. Rob sits back quietly and just lets me vent my spleen. Relaxation gone completely. I think I set a new record for the most times saying ‘Its bullshit’ in one conversation. Soon I am cut off by Sofie yelling that dinner’s ready.

Finding our places at the set table, I have to hand it to her designing skills. She knows how to set an image.

“Thank you for dinner, Sofie, it looks great,” I say, remembering my manners.

We dig in. Damn she can cook.

Halfway done, Sofie clinks her silverware down onto her plate and watches me silently. Not able to stand the scrutiny any longer, I put my own fork down.

“Yes?” I ask.

“Who is she?” she asks point-blank.

Fuck! How did she see that?

“Excuse me?”

I can play this off.

“I wasn’t sure if it was a she that’s bugging you but with that reaction? I’m sure it’s a female now. So. Who is she?”

A glance over to Rob has my gut tighten. He’s no help. Gulping down the rest of my wine I fortify myself.

“Her name’s Harmony. There is no story. She’s off limits. The end. Don’t dig into this, Sofie.” There, maybe that will work.

“The end, huh? If that is all there is to it then why are you tied up in knots?”

Shit.

“I’m not over her. I’m pissed at the time off.”

“Bullshit.” This from Rob. What side is he on anyway? I give him a good glare before Sofie clears her throat and my attention is back on her.

“I agree, bullshit. You’re tense, angry, and more so than usual. It’s not all about the job, though I do concede some of it is, but stop lying to us. Rob said you wanted to see if I knew anyone to hook you up with. I’m not going to do that if you’re hung up on someone. Especially if that someone is just right for you. So. Spill.” Her full on professional persona has taken over and I’m done for. There’s no harm in telling them right?

“All right.” I give. Stop the harassment. “Her name is Harmony Saint-Marks.” A grunt from Rob has me nod my head. “Yeah, sound familiar? We’ve always been cross with each other, okay, more than cross. She rubs me wrong and it’s the same with her. But today,” I scrub my hands down my face and groan, “Today we had a run-in at the station. Ended in a broom closet with me in between her thighs and her biting my neck. If it wasn’t for her phone going off we would have finished it right then and there.”

“I don’t see the problem. You want her, she wants you, obviously, so what’s the problem?” Sofie asks me. Before I could answer, Rob did it for me.

“Harmony Saint-Marks is the adopted daughter of Police Chief Marks. His boss’s daughter.”

I nod. Sofie shrugs.

“Not seein’ the problem, boys. She’s a grown ass woman. If what is true of the Chief, he will let her live her life.”

“It’s not that easy, Sofie,” I say. Surely it’s not.

“Okay, Luc.” Sofie gives in. She stands up and starts clearing the dishes from the table. Rob and I help and offer to wash up. My tense shoulders start to relax at her dropping the subject. Normally she’s like a dog with a bone, but I guess she is letting it go. Thank God.

I leave a few hours later with Sofie’s, “See you in a couple days for the BBQ,” still ringing in my ears.

Harmony…

After one crappy night, with crappy sleep, it is only natural for my day to start crappy. Within five minutes of sitting down at my desk, my lip decided to grow a hole the size of Texas and now my cream colored blouse sports a magnificent coffee stain. Just peachy.

The last day before my vacation and it’s turning into a doozy. TGIF never sounded so good this morning. Now I’m ready for Saturday. I talked to Bronnie last night and she couldn’t come over until Saturday afternoon so I had all night tonight to plan. If I can just make it through the day. Why did I come in today again? Should have made the request for starting yesterday. Blah.

Finally finding the missing files I lost after the coffee fiasco, I get to work. Having absorbed myself, hours pass by. A quick rapping on my desk has me pulling away from the computer. A stunning, perfectly quaffed brunette stands before me.

“Can I help you?” I ask completely professional.

“Oh you’re gorgeous.”

Hum what?

“I’m sorry, do I know you?” I ask.

Her smile, if possible, grows wider and she thrusts her hand out to me.

“Sofie Whitlaw. We have never met personally so I thought to reconcile that mistake.”

I stand, shaking her hand in my own fierce grip.

“Nice to meet you.” I motion to the empty chair in front of me and sit my own self down. “So is this just an introduction or can I help you with something in particular, Mrs. Whitlaw?” And side question,
how have you heard of me?

“I’ll answer the question in your eyes before we get down to the dirty,” she says as she laughs. “My husband works with the LFD. He knows your father. I just wanted to include another woman into my circle of friends. Well two, you and your sister. I have had the pleasure of meeting her once, but it has been awhile.”

“Okay.” This woman is a whirlwind. I like her. Also being a guarded person I’m still wary. Just out of the blue like this? Something just doesn’t feel right, but her emphatic smile starts to put me at ease.

“Now. My friend has just gone on leave for a bit and we have all missed him considerably. So I had a wonderful idea for a BBQ. Do you like BBQ, Harmony?”

Her friend? Leave? BBQ?

“Um, yes. I like BBQ’s.”

“Wonderful! It’s tonight around six. Here are my numbers and address, it’s going to be so much fun! Don’t even think of bringing something, I have it all covered.” She tosses a piece of paper down onto my desk and with a happy wave, she is gone. Just like that.

What just happened?

Did I say yes?

With a shrug I decide to go with it. It will be my happy vacation kickoff. Meet new people. Eat some good—hopefully—food. Have fun. No need to worry or stress. I will be able to leave whenever I want. Um, I’ll just do some Googling before I go.

Wow. This woman is impressive, and looks to be completely on the up and up. Strange though. For her to be so well known and popular, you would think she would be living in the city. Why stay here in Liberty? Well, the only way I’ll find out is to go and ask. I’ve never been one to be afraid to ask questions, why start now?

Sighing out in relief as I walk out the office doors, I make my way to my car. I love my cute little Hyundai. Powder blue and perfect. With the air conditioner on full blast, I drive home to change. Not showing up in this outfit, no way.

At home in my one bedroom apartment, I strip off my dirty work clothes and toss them into the hamper. Pulling on a pair of black capris, I top it with a lime green tank top with an aqua see thru t-shirt over it. I didn’t ask what the dress code was but surely it’s not too dressy. But then again, I’ve been to ‘BBQ’s’ that were a social event. I really hope this isn’t one of those. Please, just grilled meat and beer. Maybe some potato salad. I could really go for some right now.

With my hair clipped back from my face I climb back into my car and input Sofie’s address into the GPS. Directions only take me seven minutes away to a cute little cul-de-sac. Cars line the street and jam into a driveway three houses down. No need to use my directions any more, pretty sure that’s the place.

Parking behind the last car, well giant truck, I start walking up to the house. Music coming from the back, I relax a little further. Upbeat country music, has to be a good sign.

“You made it!” Sofie squeals as she walks through a wooden door in the fence.

How did she hear me?

“Yeah. It’s the start of my vacation so your invite came at the perfect time.” I smile at her.

Her hand grabs mine and I’m soon being dragged behind her walking back through the gate. “Come on. Let’s go start introducing you around. There’s bound to be some people you know already though.”

Not likely. I don’t know many people outside of work
, I think to myself.

Over twenty people litter the backyard as she shows me around. I like to pride myself in remembering names but damn. It’s not coming easy to me. Most of the people here are firefighters with Rob. A lot, and I mean
a lot
, of good looking men surround me. My self-consciousness starts to flair up until Sofie pulls me in front of a trio. Two wildly different but completely attractive men surround a largely pregnant woman.

“Harmony, this is my bestie, Cait Kavanah and her husbands, Roman and Alex. My peeps, this is Harmony.”

“Hello,” I answer, pushing my hand out. I couldn’t have heard her right,
right
? Husbands…as in plural?

“So nice to meet you, Harmony,” Cait says, shaking my hand before passing it to first Alex then a daunting Roman.

“Likewise,” I say, wanting to keep the conversation going. Cait seems like a really nice person. “How far along are you, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Oh no, not at all. I’m about ready to pop! Very ready to hold my little boy.”

“Congratulations,” I say with a smile. It is nice to see a baby being born into a wanted family.

“So what do you do for a livin’?” Alex with a sweet drawl asks me. Loving it.

“I’m a social worker. I specialize in adoptions.”

“Now that’s a great job,” Cait compliments. I can’t help the blush at the two men’s nods.

“How is it you’re able to finagle two men? I can’t even get a handle on one,” I say laughing, then realize my very rude questioning. I hate being in uncharted waters, dammit.

Thankful the tension is broken by Roman’s laughter and I see Cait’s eyes light up looking up at him. Wow. The love is indescribable.

“I have my ways. Me and Sofe can teach you,” she answers, laughing.

“Now I see why you’ve got our Luc tied up into knots,” Alex laughs.

I freeze. I can feel the blood drain from my face. Luc? Oh no, please not him, not here.

All three seem to catch my shock at his name and a thud sounds from Cait’s hand as she hits Alex in the gut. It would be funny if I wasn’t reeling. Tied up in knots? Luccas? Over me?! No, has to be someone else.

“You don’t mean Luc—”

“Oh come on, Harm, more people to meet,” Sofie interrupts, narrowing her eyes at Alex.

Getting out of ear range, I tug my arm back. Sofie looks back at me, shocked, before pulling her features.

“What am I really here for?”

“Okay, we’re cutting the crap. You dig him as much as he digs you. I’m tired of his head being up his ass. I love the big lug, he’s family. I know I just met you, but I like you and think we all would get on fine. He needs a good, strong woman—you’re it. He knows this but doesn’t want to step over an arbitrary line. I’m erasing the line because I think you’re just as miserable.”

“I’m not miserable,” I mutter. God she’s so right. But. “Why are you jumping to me? Have you taken a good look at that man? He probably has women all over him and I will not be a notch, for anyone.”

“Honey, they call him ‘The Monk’ at the station for a reason,” she whispers.

The Monk? Like as in…? No way.

“Luc!” Cait yells, waving to something behind me.

Oh shit.

“Game face time,” Sofie pipes in.

Oh Jesus.

I barely move, trying not to attract attention and watch the man of my fantasies, dirty and sweet, saunter over and kiss the everlovin’ daylights out of Cait.

What?

Two almost roars pierce the air and Luc jumps away, dodging punches from Alex and Roman. Does he have a death wish or something?

“It’s good to see you too, Cait!” his deep voice booms, still trying to escape death.

“You don’t touch her,” growls out an enraged Roman.

“I’m gunna beat you to a pulp, Ariea,” snaps out Alex.

“Gotta catch me first, Baby Face!” Luc laughs out before turning to run and freezes in place. Our eyes lock and an ‘Oh shit’ expression covers his face before he’s slammed to the ground.

This is not going to end well. I wonder if I could sneak away?

“Oh for the love of…” Sofie mutters before signaling over to a giant manning the grill and going over to the rolling men on the grass. One trying to punch, the other avoiding it at all costs.

“Enough!” the giant booms.

Everyone stops.

With the men standing and dusting off, Luc pats Alex’s back in a friendly man way. “I was just funning.”

Sofie hits Luc upside the head and I can’t stop the giggle that erupts. All eyes are on me now.

Uh-oh.

I cover my mouth and look wide-eyed at Luc.

He turns to Sofie. “What is she doing here?”