Reclaiming Love Read online

  The crowd of about two hundred broke into enthusiastic applause as he made his way to the podium, shaking the mayor’s hand. He extended his hand to Julia, but saw she’d already moved away, into the crowd, her expression unreadable.

  ******

  Julia regretted her bet with Calypso the minute she walked into the room and spotted Adam in his uniform, filling it out better than any man should.

  He’d always been handsome. Now, his taut muscles, tall stature, and magnetic presence, which had always drawn people to him, made Adam drop-dead gorgeous. She’d sucked in a nervous breath, wishing she could make a quick retreat before anyone noticed her leaving.

  Instead, she scanned the room, noticing her father with a group of other men, his eyes on her. He excused himself, moving across the room in her direction as a hand touched her arm.

  “Good afternoon, Julia. Looks like you had the distinct honor of introducing someone you know quite well.”

  She turned to see Tom Harten holding out a glass of wine and stifled a groan. “Hello, Tom. Yes, it was an honor.” She turned again toward her father, who had been delayed by another conversation.

  “It must be hard for you.”

  She shot a puzzled look at him. “What?”

  “Having to introduce Adam after what he did.” Tom shoved a hand in his pocket and took a sip of wine, his cocky expression turning Julia’s stomach.

  “Oh, that. It’s not hard at all. It’s been, what? Nine…ten years I believe. I never even think of it.” She swallowed her wine and the lie in a big gulp, setting the empty glass on a tray. “Excuse me. I need to speak with my father.”

  Selena already stood by their father’s side when Julia joined the small group.

  “Is Joannie with you?” she asked, referring to their step-mother.

  He’d married three times. His first wife followed her lover to San Francisco when Julia and Selena were young. His second wife died giving birth to Calypso. Joannie had been a nurse in the delivery room, offered to help with resources for the distraught father, and over time, became a quiet, calming force to a man too immersed in his work and grief to have the slightest idea how to handle three young daughters—one an infant. They’d married within a year and Joannie had presented him with two more girls—twins, Danielle and Lily, who were now in their final stages of college.

  “She’s in Boise visiting your sisters.”

  “I thought they were coming home for the summer. What happened?” She accepted another glass of wine from a server and took a sip, glancing over the rim at Adam, hoping he didn’t notice her watching him.

  “They both got jobs a couple of weeks ago. Danielle’s working at a bakery near campus, and Lily is giving riding lessons and helping exercise horses at the ranch where she boards Buddy. Looks like I’ll have to drive to Boise to see them. He’ll do a great job.”

  “Who?”

  “Adam. I believe the police chief job is the right fit for him.” Joshua leaned over, giving her a kiss on the cheek along with a knowing smile. “Sounds like he’s about done.”

  Now, less than five minutes later, she listened to Adam finish his remarks before turning the crowd’s attention back to the mayor. Time’s up, she thought, her heart pounding, as she faced the fact she’d have to find something to talk about with Adam.

  ~~~~~

  Chapter Six

  Adam milled around, waiting for Julia to finish a conversation with another of the council members. He knew all except one, a woman who moved to Peregrine Bay a few years before, didn’t like the way the city was run, and won an open seat vacated by a long-time local.

  From what he knew, she tended to be the one dissenting vote on most issues and was already making noises about running against the mayor in the next election. Good luck with that, Adam thought as he grabbed another beer from a passing server.

  Julia had come up to him within minutes of the program’s end, asking about his parents, his house, when he’d move in, and if he planned to hire more officers. He’d hardly get an answer out before she’d toss out another question. After a while, she left to speak with Calypso, then got hung up in the crowd. He was definitely ready to leave for their private discussion.

  “How are you holding up?” Selena asked, stopping next to him.

  “With this? No problem. I’ve done a number of community events. The difference is, most weren’t attended by people who’ve known me most of my life.” Adam nodded toward Julia. “Looks like she’s going to be tied up for a while.”

  “Why? Do you need to speak with her?”

  “We made plans to meet for coffee after the reception. Talk about some…things.”

  “Things, huh? Well…I wish you luck.” Selena touched his arm, the look she gave him sincere.

  He looked past Selena, his stomach twisting in knots, as Joshua Kerrigan walked toward them. This would be the first time he’d spoken to the elder Kerrigan since he’d tried to garner his help getting Julia back a few months after the breakup. He’d turned him down flat.

  “Thought I’d come over and congratulate you, Adam. I’m certain you’ll do an excellent job.” He held out his hand, eyeing the man who’d been like a son to him before stunning everyone with his surprise announcement to Julia. “Must be odd being back home after all this time.”

  “In a way, yes. It’s interesting to see how many people returned after college.”

  “It’s a good town to raise a family. The hardest part is keeping up with the growth—schools, medical, fire stations, and police.” Joshua knew the exact number of officers on the force, the total budget, arrest rate, and personal complications of most of the police staff. As one of the wealthiest citizens in the area, he made it a point to keep up with everything impacting Peregrine Bay. He’d also been the one to recommend Adam be considered for the chief position—an involvement he’d agreed to as long as his name remained confidential.

  “I understand you’re on the city’s budget committee.” Adam finished the last of his beer and set the glass aside.

  “Along with a couple of council members, the mayor, and chief accountant. Let me know if you ever want to talk department numbers.”

  “Thank you, I’d appreciate getting together when you have time.” Adam turned to see Julia moving in their direction as Joshua held out a business card.

  “Here’s my office number. Set something up with my assistant whenever you’re ready.”

  “I think it went quite well,” Julia said as she stopped beside her father. “And it was a great turnout. Seems everyone wants to see the old hometown hero.” She cast an amused, yet dispassionate look at Adam, before glancing at her watch. “I’m beat.”

  “Hey, Dad. I hear you’re bacheloring it tonight. How about taking me to dinner?” Selena linked an arm through her father’s, casting a conspiratorial wink at Adam.

  “I’d love to. You two are welcome to join us,” Joshua said.

  Julia’s eyes darted between her father and Adam, trying to decide what to say, not wanting to lie.

  “Thank you, Mr. Kerrigan, but I have plans. It was good to see you again.” Adam held up the card. “I’ll set up a time to meet.” He nodded to Selena, then Julia and walked out the door, heading toward his truck.

  “I have plans, also. How about another time?”

  “Of course, Julia. Just let me know. Ready?” he asked Selena.

  She watched them leave before taking a side door, trying to avoid any prying eyes. Even though meeting with Adam wasn’t a secret, a small town had a way of circulating stories that grew with each telling. She spotted him sitting in his truck.

  “How private do you want this?” she asked through the open window.

  “Wherever you’re comfortable.”

  “There aren’t many options on Sunday,” she said, more to herself, thinking through their choices. “How about a new coffee shop north of here on the eastern edge? It’s about ten minutes away.”

  “I’ll follow you.”

 
She pulled onto the road which circled the lake, telling herself to breathe in an attempt to settle her raging heart. The nervous sensations at being alone with him after all these years would pass after a few minutes with him, she was certain of it. They’d order coffee, say their peace, and be on their way—within thirty minutes, tops.

  All these years she’d thought of him, wondering if he enjoyed his work as a detective, if he’d met someone, fallen in love. She’d kept up with his career, been glad he’d done so well after being unable follow his dream into the major leagues.

  After long days at work, she’d often pour a glass of wine and lounge in a chair, wishing she could reclaim the past, especially the way their Christmas Eve breakup turned out. By the time she realized how emotional her reaction to his request had been, it was too late. Pride overtaking common sense, she’d let him leave and never permitted another meeting.

  For over four years she’d wallowed in her own misery, blaming him for everything from bad grades to lousy dates. One day she woke up, called her father, taken a few days away from her master’s program, and driven to Peregrine Bay. They’d sat for the longest time, he letting her spill every detail of that night, and she listening to his wise input. She returned to school with a better understanding of what Adam had tried to do—a decision she’d been totally unprepared to accept at nineteen.

  To her surprise, Joshua Kerrigan had agreed with Adam’s decision, although he disapproved of the way it played out. He wanted to see his oldest daughter date others, meet new people, and make certain a life with Adam was the right choice. He’d said if the two of them were meant to be together, it would happen, and encouraged her to reach out to Adam, see if they could at least reclaim their friendship.

  She’d mustered her courage, found a friend of a friend who had Adam’s number, and called. What she hadn’t anticipated was the female voice at the other end of the line. The woman told her Adam hadn’t come home from his shift. The way she’d said home led Julia to believe he’d moved on, had a new life, and a new woman. Of course he would after four years. She hadn’t left her name, thanked the woman, and hung up.

  Tonight she’d figure out a way to deal with seeing him around town, out on dates, and eventually marrying. Her heart clenched at the thought, but it was well past time for her heart to let him go.

  ******

  “I know we said coffee, but is dinner out of the question?” Adam asked, his stomach rumbling loud enough for them both to hear. “My treat.”

  She hoped to have their talk, come to some agreement on living around each other in a small town, then go home to climb into bed—alone.

  “Sure. Dinner would be fine.”

  They ordered then talked of inconsequential issues—the town’s growth, development, the rapid expansion of her business, and his thoughts on his new job.

  It was odd. As the conversation progressed, she began to think of him as a friend she’d lost touch with and now had a chance to know again. The thought lessened the tension, her hands no longer trembled, and her voice sounded calm.

  Adam dug into his food as soon as it arrived, while Julia picked at hers, watching him, thinking about the number of times she’d dreamed of them having a simple meal together and talking about their day.

  “How are your parents?”

  He set down his fork and sat back. “They’re doing well. You know they’ve been in Pine Cove for a while now. My dad bought a bait and tackle shop on the lake, and mom works part-time in the store.” His mouth tilted up at the corners as he spoke. “I think he uses as much bait fishing as he sells.”

  “I saw them once a few years ago at the hardware store and said hello. They looked happy, asked about my family. You know, the usual questions.” She took another bite of her salad and a sip of iced tea, wanting to ask the question that had been burning in her mind since she’d first seen him. She didn’t.

  “About me being back in town. I don’t want what happened between us to interfere with your work or mine. You’ve worked hard to build your company, and I intend to make Peregrine Bay my last stop.” He leaned forward, settling his forearms on the table. “I want to know if there’s any chance we can be friends.”

  Adam had always been direct.

  “Friends…” Her voice trailed off as she considered what would normally be an innocuous request. Coming from Adam, it seemed full of all kinds of complications, not to mention potential pain. Keeping their distance, showing mutual respect, and ignoring each other’s personal lives seemed like a better solution than attempting to recover a friendship lost long ago.

  “I can try, but I’ll make no promises.”

  He sat back, folding his hands in his lap, and stretched out his long legs, waiting to see if she’d continue. She pursed her lips, letting her tongue skim over them, a nervous reaction he’d seen many times in the past. He knew she was thinking, deciding what to say next.

  She pinned him with a direct stare, her voice steady. “I’ve missed you, Adam. We were friends long before we became lovers. I think that may have been the hardest part of you deciding to date. I believed we couldn’t continue to be friends after being so close for so long. Losing our friendship was devastating at nineteen.” She rolled her glass between her hands as if the movement helped her to focus.

  Her honesty stunned him. The only thing keeping him from letting his surprise show was his training as an interrogator. He needed something stronger than coffee.

  “I called you a few years ago.” Her voice remained steady, resolute.

  “I didn’t get a message or I would’ve called you back.”

  “A woman answered, so…I didn’t leave one.” She shrugged as if he needed no other explanation.

  “I see.” He’d dated over the years, had a couple of live-in girlfriends. Each lasted a few months. No one had been able to fill the hole he’d created in his life. “Why did you call?”

  “It was an impulsive act. As I recall, I’d just received the official notice I earned my master’s degree and wanted to share it with you. Your girlfriend’s voice startled me at first, until I realized what a dumb move I’d almost made—calling you after four years.” She looked up, tilting her head. “Strange, huh?”

  “I wish I’d been there for you, Julia. We could’ve celebrated.”

  “Right,” she snorted. “You lived in Spokane, with another woman, and I lived here. No, it was best I hung up. Dad held a party for me at Flannigan’s. Do you remember it?”

  He nodded at the memory of the finest restaurant in the area. They’d gone there for their prom both junior and senior years, plus after their high school graduation. He’d planned to propose to her there.

  “Great food, wonderful people.” She sighed. “Anyway, they closed a couple of years ago when their landlord tripled the rent. So, for anything truly special, the hotel restaurant, or the place where your reception was held today are the two choices.”

  They fell silent for a moment before Adam spoke up. “It didn’t last you know.”

  She blinked a couple of times. “What didn’t last?”

  “The girlfriend. Moved in and out within three months. I couldn’t wait for her to leave.” He grinned up at her. “Another dumb move on my part.”

  “You’ve had others?”

  He decided the timing wasn’t right to confess his biggest mistake. They’d eventually get to it. “Oh yeah, some doozies.” Adam drained his coffee cup and grabbed the check. “What about you and Mark? Is it serious?”

  Her mouth twisted into a wry grin at the mention of the man she’d been dating. “He’s a nice guy…”

  “And?” he prompted when she didn’t continue.

  “No, it’s not serious, although he’d like it to be. Don’t misunderstand. I will meet someone perfect, fall in love, marry, and have children. It just hasn’t happened yet.”

  “There’s no doubt in my mind you’re right.” He wanted to be the one waiting for her at the end of the church aisle on her wedding day. He just n
eeded time and patience.

  “And you. Do you think you’ll ever marry?”

  “I’m certain of it.” A smile broke across his face. “And it will be someone from Peregrine Bay.”

  ~~~~~

  Chapter Seven

  Julia slapped the snooze button on the clock once more and turned over, the events of the last week rolling through her mind. She hadn’t expected to see Adam so soon after their dinner on Sunday, but he’d called the following day asking if she’d have breakfast with him on Tuesday at a small place by the bay. She wasn’t quite sure why, but she agreed.

  He hadn’t been at the restaurant when she arrived, so she took a table with a view of the bay and a swimming area popular with locals. She held her cup of coffee, sipping it and waiting for him to arrive when a swimmer emerged from the water. Her breath hitched as she recognized Adam.

  He brought his hands up, draining the water from his hair, his long-sleeved white top clinging to every curve of his taut chest and ripped abs. He glanced around, then straight at her through the glass, offering a tentative smile as he waved. She placed a hand over her thudding heart before she tore her gaze away, staring into her coffee cup, realizing he’d caught her watching. Not ten minutes passed before he sauntered in, taking a seat across from her.

  “Sorry I’m late. I got caught up in my swim and lost track of time. I’m glad you waited.”

  She shifted in her seat, clearing her throat. “Of course. My calendar is clear this morning, so…” Her words drifted off as her gaze lingered on Adam a moment too long. No matter what she told herself, how she prepared for his presence, he was chipping away at her resolve. The ease with which he did it irritated her.

  They placed their order, eating in silence for much of the meal, making small talk and catching up. He’d drained his coffee cup, refusing another refill, then leaned forward, resting his arms on the table.

  “Have dinner with me. I don’t care when, just say you will.”