style="font-size:15px;"> “Listen to yourself. How have you had so much success with girls? I don’t get it.” Jess bashed her head with her fist. “Dad, you need to do something. Go back there now and talk to her before Josh arrives.”
Tyler pulled up outside his mother’s house. “Look, I appreciate your interest in all this, but I can’t have a relationship with Brenna just because you like her.”
“You like her, too. You love her.”
“I love her as a friend.”
“Really? Then why have you been acting weird ever since she moved in? Why are you so angry she’s going on a date with Josh? If you were really just her ‘friend,’ you’d be pleased for her.”
Tyler opened his mouth and closed it again. He stared at the door of his mother’s house, framed by tiny lights and winter greenery.
Christmas.
Family.
Brenna wanted all that, he knew she did.
“We don’t want the same things.”
“How do you know? Did you ever ask her?”
“I’m not good for women.”
“Maybe it depends on the woman. And how you behave is your choice. You two are driving me crazy. ‘For never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo.’ Shakespeare had obviously never met you and Brenna.” Jess opened the door and jumped out, dragging her bag with her. “See you tomorrow, Dad. Try not to be a jerk.”
“Wait. Jess, I want to talk to you about—”
“Good night. ‘A thousand times good night.’ That’s Shakespeare, although why Juliet says it a thousand times, I don’t know. Probably because Romeo wasn’t listening the first time. Men should wake up and pay attention.”
The door slammed.
Tyler flinched.
So much for open communication.
Maybe Jess was right. Maybe he should go back and ask Brenna straight out why she was dating the chief of police.
She’d tell him she’d always had feelings for Josh, and that would be the end of it.
He drove back as fast as he dared and pulled up outside Lake House behind Josh’s cruiser.
Relieved Jess wasn’t still sitting next to him, he cursed fluently and then strode into his house.
The sound of laughter told him that whatever her reasons were for dating Josh, she wasn’t under duress.
There hadn’t been a trace of a smile on her face when he’d been talking to her earlier.
Tyler managed what he hoped was an approximation of a civil smile. “Josh! That weather must be keeping you busy.” But not busy enough, he thought savagely, because you’re in my house with your hands on my—
My what?
My woman?
Brenna wasn’t his woman and never would be.
“Nothing we haven’t handled before.” Josh gave him an easy smile, and if he was aware of any tension in the atmosphere then he gave no sign of it. Out of uniform he looked younger, more relaxed.
Tyler guessed most women would find him handsome. He knew plenty who were interested. Including Brenna, it would seem.
He glanced at her but for once found her impossible to read.
Josh was looking at her, too. “You look incredible.”
“Really?” Her face brightened, and Tyler wished he’d been the one to pay her the compliment.
She did look incredible, something he’d been trying really hard not to notice.
“Can I get you that sweater, Bren?”
Josh reached out to help her with her coat. “She won’t need it. Car’s heated, and I have plenty of spare layers in case of emergencies. You might want to wear snow boots to walk to the car, though, Bren. Shame to ruin those pretty shoes. Unless you want me to carry you?”
Tyler seethed. “She’s better off walking. You might slip. And if you have any problems with the roads, you can call me.”
Josh looked at him steadily. “I’m pretty good at walking, and I think I can handle the roads, but thanks for the offer.”
“If it’s too much trouble to bring her home, call and I’ll come and get her. Doesn’t matter how late.”
“When I take a woman on a date, I see her home.”
A red mist formed across Tyler’s vision. “She—”
“Tyler!” Brenna’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “Don’t let us hold you up. I’m sure you have things to do. Have a good evening.”
A good evening? How the hell was he supposed to have a good evening, knowing she was with Josh?
He waited for the door to close and then groped his way to the den and reached for the whiskey bottle.
“SO WE’VE BEEN seen by at least three of the biggest gossips in the place,” Josh said mildly, “which should ensure your mom knows you’re telling the truth about dating other people.” He broke off as a woman approached their table. “What can I do for you, Mrs. Cook?”
“Sorry to bother you when you’re not on duty, Chief—” she nodded pointedly to Brenna “—I was wondering if you’re going to be running that women’s self-defense class again.”
“You need to speak to Officer Marsh,” Josh said easily. “He keeps a waiting list. He’ll contact you when a new class is planned. Probably in the spring.”
“And you don’t think I’m too old to join?”
“No, ma’am.” Josh gave her a warm smile that had Mrs. Cook beaming in return.
“Well, I’m sorry for disturbing you. You two have a nice evening now. And that dress is just perfect on you, Brenna. You look like a picture.” She walked away, bumped into a table and Brenna grinned.
“Well, Chief. It seems you have yet another admirer. So you don’t drug them or use handcuffs, you just smile at them?”
“If only it were that easy.”
He was so patient, she thought. He had time for everyone. Tyler was unapologetically imperfect whereas Josh was perfect for her in every way, and she was being ridiculous. She
