Mine to Hold

Chapter 2

“I’m sorry to have kept you so late.”

“It’s no problem,” Rumor said with a big smile. When she accepted this job, she’d been told that the chief of police didn’t just tip well. That if Rumor went above and beyond, she’d get a thick wad of cash and Rumor needed it. She’d spent more on the used vehicle she just bought than she’d wanted to, but she loved the damn car.

And it was reliable. She’d get years out of it, and with the amount of miles she would wind up putting on it, she was glad to make the investment.

“I hope you don’t mind getting paid in cash.” Rebecca Jayne handed her a thick envelope. “I added the extra hour, and there’s a sizable tip.”

“You didn’t have to do that.” She stuffed the envelope in her back pocket with her heart beating wildly in her throat. It wasn’t a tickle. It was a big thump, thump, thump that made her wonder if she suddenly grew an Adam’s apple.

“Oh, yes, I did,” Rebecca said. “You’re a hard worker, and my family kept you jumping all afternoon. I want to hire you for more events, if that’s okay with you.”

“Absolutely.” Rumor nodded. “I’d love that.”

“Good. Now, please. Take off that apron, change into your bathing suit, and enjoy yourself.”

“Oh. No. I couldn’t do that.” She shook her head, glancing around.

“You can, and I insist. If you didn’t bring a suit, I have plenty. Just go over to the pool house and pick one out.” Rebecca squeezed her forearm. “I would be very upset if you didn’t stay for a bit. I worked you to the bone.”

Steve, her husband, approached, wrapping his arm around Rebecca’s waist. He was a tall man and didn’t look anything like anyone else in the room.

Except Jameson. They had some similarities and Rumor had learned Steve was Jameson’s father.

But no one else’s.

Interesting.

God, she loved small-town life sometimes. As long as she wasn’t the center of attention.

“Honey, the chef needs you for a moment,” Steve said.

“Okay.” Rebecca smiled. “Don’t you dare leave without at least dipping your feet into the pool or enjoying some of the food. You deserve it.”

Rumor untied her apron and set it behind the bar. She untucked her shirt and unbuttoned it, showing off her bikini top. Rebecca had made it clear from the beginning that everyone who worked her parties was expected to enjoy themselves when their work was done.

She glanced around, eyeing the handsome police officer, Emmerson, with two M’s. What a strange way to spell the name. Then again, her parents had named her Rumor, so who was she talk?

Emmerson stood approximately ten feet away, chatting with one of his brothers. Emmett maybe. Another cop.

So many law enforcement people around made her want to jump in her car and drive off—at the speed limit, of course. No matter how many years she put between her and her past, she still worried that Tony, if he ever got out of prison, or worse, Tom, would get ahold of her.

She’d be dead for sure.

Snagging a soda, because she didn’t dare take an adult beverage, she decided she’d at least sit at the edge of the pool and soak in a few rays. A half hour. That was it.

“Hey, Rumor.” Emmerson stopped her before she made it across the pool deck. “I see my mom finally let you off the hook.” He stood there with his button-down shirt open, while his ripped abs taunted her eyes. He had blondish hair, cut short, but too short. His dark eyes danced in the sun’s rays.

She wasn’t very good at guessing people’s ages, but she gathered he was somewhere around forty based on the rest of his brothers.

Emmerson had a quiet personality. Most of the Kirby brothers did, even at their own party. While they had engaging conversations, laughed loudly, and played hard with the kids, she could tell they were a reserved bunch with a slightly twisted sense of humor.

“I’ve been released but told I must check out the pool before I leave and I wouldn’t want to insult your mother. She’s been very good to me.”

“She has her moments.” He took her soda from her hands. “Let’s get you something stronger. A beer perhaps? Or maybe you’re a wine girl?”

“I like wine, but I’m more of a whiskey drinker.” She laughed nervously. “However, I’m at a party filled with cops. Not a good idea to have a drink and then get in my car.”

“One drink won’t impair you, especially if you sip it and don’t leave for an hour.” He pressed his hand on her lower back, guiding her back toward the bar. “Do you like beer?”

She wanted to dig her heels in and protest. But this was the host’s son. “I do and I’ll have one. But then I really do have to go.”

“Big plans?” He reached behind the bar, grabbing two bottles. He twisted off the caps, handing her one.

“I’ve got a hot date with a rental app. The place I’m staying at now needs me out in three days.”

“That’s not enough time to find a place.”

“It’s an Airbnb and even if they could extend it, I don’t want to, so I’m hoping this little town with the tagline, Everyone needs a safe harbor to sail into, will find me something else quickly.”

He waved his hand. “Let’s go take a walk on the beach.”

She cocked her head.

He chuckled. “I’m a cop, not a serial killer.”

“The last book I read, the FBI agent was the bad guy and a super creeper. Like gave me nightmares creepy, so it happens.”

“That’s true, but it’s a beautiful night. The ocean is calm. There’s a light breeze, and my mother might have put the bug in my ear that I should show you her private beach.” He raised his elbow. “It will also give me the chance to tell you about a great little pool house for rent that is available now.”

“Sounds too good to be true.”

“It is.” He guided her across the pool deck and down a long windy path until her feet finally hit the warm white sand.

The salty air hit her nostrils.

God, she loved that smell. It had been fifteen years since she’d seen the ocean. Of course, the Pacific and the Atlantic were different. California and Florida were two very different states.

But no matter where in the world, when the water hit the sand, it was magical.

“What’s wrong with the place?” she asked.

“For starters, it’s tiny. One room that houses the kitchen, family room, and bedroom. What’s nice about the space is the bed is Murphy style and it pulls out from the wall above a small desk, so it doesn’t intrude on the living space. It’s got a decent-size bathroom, but only has a shower. No tub.”

“I’m not much of a soaker, so that wouldn’t matter.”

“What’s to love is that you’d have access to the pool and it’s on the Intracoastal Waterway.” He nudged her toward a set of beach chairs. “The view is spectacular.”

She eased into one, stretching out her legs, and took a long slow draw of her beer. “Right now, it sounds perfect. How do you know about this place?”

“I’m the owner.”

“Now you really sound like a creepy stalker serial killer.”

“You sound like someone who reads or watches too many mysteries, but I can assure, I’m none of those things. I just finished renovating the space and was considering listing it for rent. So, the only thing I’m guilty of is impeccable timing.”

“Considering?”

“I’m a cop and the son of the chief of police. I can’t have just anyone living in my backyard. I’m not sure I would have gone through a regular listing to find a tenant.” He sipped his beverage, his gaze locked with hers intently.

It was unnerving how at ease she felt. How comfortable he made her feel in his presence. That should alarm her. In the last fifteen years, she had few relationships with men. In part because she never stayed in one place long enough to have any lasting commitments.

But mostly she didn’t trust anyone.

Men or women.

And that included cops.

The system hadn’t been kind to her as a kid.

Not to mention if anyone had ever found out what she had done, well, that would land her in cuffs.

This was a bad idea.

“How much?” She’d driven into Lighthouse Cove two weeks ago, stopping at a small motel for the night on her way to Miami. At least that had been the plan. But she’d fallen in love with the quaint seaside town. She’d decided if she found a decent job, she’d stay for a bit.

Safe Harbor Café hired her the next day. They were able to give her plenty of hours and the gift shop around the corner filled in the rest. It wasn’t a ton of money, but she didn’t need a lot. Just enough to survive.

All she had to do was get out of that god-awful motel. It was run-down and drugs were definitely being sold on a daily basis. She wouldn’t be surprised if rooms were sold by the hour. It had been cheap and only fifteen minutes from the center of town. Luckily, she found an ad for a cheapish one-bedroom in a four-unit house. Only the fucking thing was right across the street from the criminally loaded motel.

“That can be negotiated.”

She cocked her head. “You have to have a price you’re looking for and honestly, I get the feeling I can’t afford it because I’ve been searching and everything on the water is way out of my league.”

He set his bottle in the sand, making sure it wouldn’t fall over. He shifted his body. “I’m not looking to bleed anyone dry. I don’t need the money. If I were to rent it, I’d want—and need—the tenant to be willing to live with a few restrictions because we’d be sharing a few spaces. Namely my pool, something I use a lot. You could have a guest or two, of course, but honestly, I wouldn’t want you to have any parties. I’d need to know about anyone spending the night.” He arched a brow. “Do you have a boyfriend I need to be aware of?”

She laughed. “That’s a personal question, but no. And I doubt I’d ever be having any overnight guests. Or parties. I’m not fond of large gatherings.”

“Me either.” He smiled.

“I work two jobs. One at Safe Harbor Café and the other at the Seaside Trinket Shop. That adds up to about sixty hours. I wouldn’t be home a lot. When I am home, I like my quiet space, so you wouldn’t hear me much.” Jesus, what the hell was she doing? Sure, she’d heard about the Kirby family from Lucy Ann and Phil. How they were good people and staples in the community.

But he was a fucking cop.

He and his damned sexy eyes could put her away for a very long time.

“Are you working tomorrow?” he asked.

She nodded. “Breakfast and lunch at the diner.”

“Why don’t I swing by after your shift and we can go check out the pool house. If you’re interested, all I’ll need to do is have you fill out an application and I’ll let you tell me what you can afford. If I think it’s fair, we can go from there.” He lifted his beer. “Do you have references from previous places you rented?”

“I do.”

“Good.” He tipped his longneck and leaned back. “So, I have to ask, what brought you to Lighthouse Cove?”

She had no idea how to answer that question. Every time she moved, someone asked why she chose her next location, and it always tripped her up. She had no family. No clue if her biological parents were dead or alive. There was no rhyme or reason for where she landed. She wandered from place to place because staying anywhere too long meant someone could find her and that wasn’t an option.

But she couldn’t say that to anyone.

Especially a cop.

Fuck. He’d probably do a background check. Many people did and they always learned a couple of things. None of which made her look good.

Time to turn on that cute charm some told her she had and do some fancy chatting. “I’ve always been a bit of a nomad and I love exploring new places. I learn so much about history and people that way. It’s an adventure and I love finding little hidden gems like this.”

“That’s intriguing. Mind if I ask why?”

“It’s not all that interesting.” She took another hearty swig of her beverage, letting the bubbles float in her mouth, enjoying the taste before swallowing. She preferred whiskey or tequila, but this was nice. And the ocean made it even better, taming her emotions.

She did her best to ignore the pull toward the sexy man sitting next to her. She’d met her fair share of guys who got her hot and bothered. She’d had a few fantastic love affairs along the way. Okay, she’d never actually been in love before, but she’d had great sex with some really spicy men. Some had been intellectual. Others creative. A few had been funny. One or two just sexy, badass, gorgeous, and as long as they didn’t open their mouth, it was all good. But none of them held her attention long enough to make her want to stay in one place.

Or maybe she was too afraid.

Didn’t matter.

Lighthouse Cove, no matter how much she’d already become attached to it more than any other place, was not home.

That would never happen for Rumor Crimson.

Ever.

“It is to a man who has lived in the same town his whole life,” he said. “When I was young, I thought about leaving. But it was a fleeting idea. A concept. Once I slapped on the badge, that was it. I was never leaving and honestly, I can’t imagine living anywhere else.” He waggled a finger. “I have traveled some. My brothers and I have gone out west to go snow skiing and we’ve been up to Maryland and New York going to different spots. I’ve even been to London once.”

“I’ve lived all over the country,” she admitted. “Seen and been most places that you wouldn’t even think of going. I mean, is Lighthouse Cove really a big tourist destination? Or is it one of those sweet little places people stumble upon?”

He chuckled. “We do rely on tourism as part of our economy, but we don’t have the draw that places like Miami have.” He lowered his chin. “Nor do we want it.”

“I still want to make my way down there. Check out the scene.” She shrugged. “I generally don’t like to land in big cities for very long. I’m a quiet person. I enjoy simple things. Wide-open spaces. Walks on the beach. I don’t like crowds.”

“Then you won’t like Miami at all.”

“Probably not, but I also want to see what Key West is like and Miami is on the way.”

“Now Key West can be fun. The drive, not so much.” Emmerson nodded. “What about your family? Where are they?”

“That’s why I move around a lot.” She took a big gulp. If she didn’t give him a baseline of truth, she’d always be looked at as a woman with secrets. A woman everyone in town should approach with caution. That was not what she wanted or needed. Although, she didn’t want to be approached at all. “You see, my parents abandoned me when I was eleven and I went from one foster home to the next until I was eighteen.”

Gently, he rested his hand on her wrist. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “That had to have been hard.”

“It was,” she admitted, staring at his long, strong fingers. Her breath stuck in her throat in a couple of seconds. Men touching her generally didn’t have an instant effect. She had to work her way up to attraction. To heat. Desire.

But not with this one.

Her attraction for him was bold. Intoxicating. And palpable.

“Once I became an adult, I felt lost. Nothing made sense and the last thing I wanted was to be close to anyone I knew in the system. So, I packed up my things and started driving. I’ve been going from one little town to the next.”

“How long have you been doing that?”

“Fifteen years.” She lifted her gaze. “I know it sounds weird, but it’s honestly been a lot of fun. I’ve met some interesting people along the way and I’ve been able to see the country. It’s been a trip.”

“I imagine it has, but don’t you want to find a place to call home?” He released his intimate touch, but not his intent stare.

It was unsettling. But only because she’d enjoyed the way he looked at her, as if he were hanging on her every word.

“I’m sure for you, home is where your family is.” She waved her hand over her head toward the massive house and turned her gaze toward the ocean. She needed to be careful how much she gave away. “You have brothers, parents, nieces, and nephews. People to stay connected to. I didn’t have good experiences with any of my foster families and while I’ve enjoyed many of the places this wild journey has taken me on, I always find myself wanting to see more. Experience more. It’s almost like I’m looking for my Mount Everest and I simply haven’t found it yet.” And she needed to keep time and distance from her past.

“I have a buddy who has spent his entire adult life in the military. Special Forces. He lives for that shit. The idea that someday he’s going to have to retire makes him twitch. He’s been all over the globe, and he’s seen some things. He wouldn’t trade that for my sleepy little town and cushy boring police job.”

“Everyone has their own path in life and as long as you’re living your dream, I’m not one to judge.”

“Me neither.” He stood, holding out his hand. “I better get you back before people start talking.”

She lowered her chin.

He chuckled. “You’ll learn that in Lighthouse Cove, people gossip. A lot. And one of their favorite pastimes is my family. We’re an eclectic bunch with an interesting history.”

“I’m not sure if that scares me or fascinates me.”

“It should do a little of both.” He took her hand, lacing his fingers through hers as if it were the normal thing to do. “I’m happy to give you a little history lesson about my family and Lighthouse Cove tomorrow.”

She strolled across the beach with the odd sensation building in the pit of her stomach. Most men she could take or leave.

Something told her that Emmerson wasn’t most men.

She doubted he was dangerous, at least not in terms of causing her bodily harm. Over the years, thanks in part to her experience with Tony and a few other mistakes with trusting people she shouldn’t, she’d developed a sense about people, and Emmerson projected all that was good in this world.

As did the rest of the men in his family.

Hell, everyone she’d met at this party had given her a good vibe.

But she still needed to be apprehensive.

That didn’t mean she couldn’t lease his pool house.

“I have one more question about your rental,” she said as they approached the walkway back to the main house.

“What’s that?”

“Is it fully furnished? I have nothing and that would be helpful.”

He laughed. “If you call a bed, a desk, a table, a couch, and a big-screen TV furnished, then yes, it is,” he said. “Oh, and it does have pots, pans, plates, and all that. Whatever it doesn’t have that you need, I’ll be happy to provide.”

“I don’t need much, so I’m sure I’ll be fine.” She tugged her hand away. The last thing she needed was anyone seeing that. She wasn’t sure why she allowed it to last as long as she had. Giving him the wrong impression wouldn’t be a good idea if she were to rent his pool house.

He pressed his hand on the small of her back and guided her back onto the pool deck. “Looks like some of my family has left.”

“I’m sorry you didn’t get a chance to say goodbye.”

He shrugged. “I see them almost every day. It’s not the end of the world.”

“I should get going.” She tugged her shirt closed, fastening the buttons. “Thanks for showing me the beach. It was lovely. I’ll see you tomorrow after the lunch shift. I get off around four.”

“Let’s exchange numbers. I’ll still be on duty, so it’s possible something could happen that could cause me to be late. If that’s the case, we can meet at my place, but I wouldn’t want you to think I was standing you up.” He pulled his cell from his shorts. “Why don’t you put in your number and text yourself?”

She did as he requested. “We can meet later, if you’d like.”

“It’s fine. I’m working an overnight for my brother. Whenever any of us works a double like that, my mother forces us to take a couple of hours rest. Technically, it’s not until a little later, so I’ll need to leave my radio on in case a call comes over. But I can spare a couple of hours to show you the place and I’ve got to eat dinner anyway.”

“All right.” She handed over his phone. “I better be on my way.” She snagged her bag from behind the bar. “It was nice seeing you again and I look forward to checking out the pool house.”

“Drive safe.” He squeezed her biceps.

She nodded, turned on her heel, and made a beeline for the side entrance.

Hopefully, he’d be good with a three-month lease, because that’s all she intended to give this town. Save up a little money, have a few adventures, and then she’d be on her way south. If she didn’t like Miami, she’d check out the Keys.

Then make her way north through the Carolinas, Virginia, Maryland, Vermont, Maine, maybe even New York.

There was still so much to see and experience.

She paused at her new vehicle—well, new to her—and glanced over her shoulder. The big house on the ocean stood tall and proud. In all her years, she’d never been inside anything so beautiful. Not even when she cleaned houses in a posh neighborhood outside of Knoxville, Tennessee. She sighed, dumping her bag into the passenger seat.

Lighthouse Cove certainly had been an unexpected stop that filled her gut with butterflies.

Something she hadn’t experienced in years.

Emmerson snagged a beer and strolled across the pool deck toward Jameson and Miles, who sat at the shallow end of the pool with their feet dangling in the water.

Jameson was the baby of the family, but he’d managed to pump out two little ones already. His oldest, he adopted shortly after she’d been born. His two younger ones came right after.

Miles was still single and he liked it that way. He was forty and had not a single prospect for a girlfriend in sight.

Neither did Emmerson.

Well, he was hoping Rumor had increased those odds.

“How’s it going?” Emmerson joined his brothers, easing his feet into the warm water.

“We should be asking you that.” Jameson laughed. “Did you get yourself a date?”

“I wouldn’t call it that.” Emmerson took a long slow draw from his beer.

“Rhett told me you’re thinking about renting her the pool house,” Miles said. “He’s already looking into her background.”

Emmerson cringed. “Is nothing sacred in this family?” He rubbed the back of his neck. “You better not tell Mom he’s poking around.”

“Do you think we’re stupid?” Jameson laughed. “But why the contorted look? Did he find something already?”

Emmerson shook his head. “I learned something the old-fashioned way, but Rhett will see it as a red flag. I view it as a girl who had a shitty childhood and is simply trying to find her place in this world.”

“Wow. You got all that from a walk on the beach?” Jameson glanced at his watch. “In an hour’s time?”

“I’m a cop. I know how to ask the right questions.” The last thing Emmerson wanted to do was gossip about the new girl with his little brothers, even if they were good sounding boards.

“Dating your tenant could get awkward,” Jameson said.

“No one said anything about me taking her out.” Emmerson wanted nothing more than to get to know Rumor better, and that included romantically. However, his cop instincts had been set into high alert during their conversation.

And not because of what she’d told him about her past.

It was because of what she hadn’t told him and the way she averted her gaze during part of their talk. She gave just enough detail to make a normal person feel satisfied about her answers, but for him, he needed more.

No one spent fifteen years going from one place to the next, living on pennies, unless they were running from something.

Or hiding.

He almost wished he could tell Rhett to back off. Rhett was the best private investigator Emmerson knew. If there was something to learn, Rhett would uncover it.

Part of Emmerson wanted to figure it out on his own. Peel back the layers one mystery at a time. However, that wouldn’t be smart. Not if she was going to live in his backyard.

“Oh, come on, man,” Miles said. “We all have been watching you drool over her all day.”

“That’s a stretch.” Emmerson set his beer down and leaned back on his hands. “I’ll admit, she’s pretty and all that, but she’s too young for this old man.”

“I call bullshit on that,” Jameson said. “Age is just a number and she’s what, maybe ten years younger? Why won’t you go for it?”

“Do you really want the laundry list?” Emmerson asked.

“We do. That way we can start crossing off your stupid reasons why and get you motivated to actually have a love life again.” Miles raised his drink. “Lord knows you need one. You’re ornery as fuck lately.”

“You’re one to talk.” Emmerson laughed. “When was the last time you went out with anyone?”

“Last week.” Miles cocked a brow. “I’m at least getting action.”

Jameson burst out laughing. “You’re going through ladies so fast lately that no one will have anything to do with you in this town. How are you ever going to find a good woman to settle down with?”

“Who says I want to settle down?” Miles asked. “Not everyone wants a white picket fence, a couple of kids, and a dog. Besides, we’re not talking about me; we’re talking about Emmerson.”

“I’m doing just fine on my own, thank you very much.” The only problem with that statement was that Emmerson had wanted what all his married brothers had. At least he had thought he did. Now? He wondered if that ship had sailed. He was set in his ways and he wasn’t sure he wanted to change for any woman.

He loved his career. His family meant the world to him, and his life was comfortable.

“Hey, Emmerson.” His mother appeared at his side. “Are you sober?”

“I am. Why?”

“How sober?” His mother pointed to the beer by his side and glared. “I need to know how much you’ve had to drink.”

“That’s my third beer in the last three hours and I’ve barely touched it,” Emmerson said.

“Where’s your uniform?” his mother asked.

“In my vehicle. Why? What’s going on?” Emmerson jumped to his feet. He knew his mother well and when she got like this, something big had happened.

“Emmett is in no shape and Nathan has to deal with the kids. I need a seasoned detective over at the Seaside Motel to help Chris Manzo. There’s been a murder.”

“Jesus,” Emmerson muttered. “Any other details?”

“All I know is that the front desk got an anonymous call that two women were screaming at each other in a room. When management went to check on it, they accessed the room to find a woman lying on the floor in a pool of blood after being stabbed to death. No suspects as of right now. Chris is doing what he can, but he’s a rookie.”

“All right. I’ll go change and head over now,” Emmerson said.

“Thanks. Keep me informed. I’ll be out there as soon as I can.” His mom squeezed his biceps. “Be safe out there, son.”

He leaned in and kissed his mother’s cheek. “I always am.”

Not much happened in Lighthouse Cove, but when it did, it happened big.