Page 1 of Swimming for Seduction

Chapter 1

Ricki

“You have got to be kidding me.” I let out a heavy sigh as I glare at the flashing red and blue lights in my rearview mirror.

I missed the hustle of move-in day since I was up so late last night, having the same argument with my mom that I’ve had for the past week. She didn’t want me to come to Thorngrove. She thought it was a bad idea. I was just setting myself up for heartbreak.Blah. Blah. Blah.

My swim coach offered to meet me at the dorms when I got into town and give me a quick tour, but now I’m going to be late meeting her, too.

I put my car in park and turn on the dome light before getting my license and registration out, hoping that the officer will takepity on me and let me off with a warning. I watch my side mirror as he gets out of his car and makes his way to my open window. It’s hard to tell in the fading sunlight, but I swear he doesn’t look any older than I am. So much for getting off easy. Young cops always feel like they have something to prove.

“Good evening, ma’am. I’m Deputy Sheppard with the Thorngrove Sherriff’s Office. Do you know why I pulled you over?” His words are all right, but the way his lips tilt up makes me think he’s mocking me.

“Ma’am?” I scoff. “If I’m old enough to be ‘ma’am’ to you, then you’re out past your curfew.”

“Age doesn’t have anything to do with common courtesy.” His grin falls. “But I can see you’d rather do this the hard way. License and registration…please.” He sneers the last word as he holds his hand out.

I sigh as I hand over my papers, wishing I’d kept my mouth shut for once. I’ve always been one to say what’s on my mind without any filter. It’s both a gift and a curse. Right now, it’s definably more of the latter. With the way he was smiling at me, I probably could have flirted my way out of a ticket. But the chances of that are slim now that I’ve offended him.

“You were doing eighty in a fifty-five. I could take you to jail, Miss…Hargrove?” His brows pinch as he looks at my license again. “From Virginia?”

“I’m really sorry, Officer. It’s been a long drive, and I’m supposed to be meeting my coach at my dorm.” I take a deep breath and swallow my pride. “I know I was driving too fast, and I shouldn’t have been disrespectful. I promise I’ll slow down. Just don’t take me to jail…please.”

I stop talking when my voice breaks. I don’t want to cry in front of this stranger. Although, it may be to my benefit since his eyes soften at the sight of my distress. I take a shaky breath as Imeet his gaze, hoping the sight of my unshed tears will help me avoid trouble. If I get arrested, it could ruin my scholarship.

Tyler

I watch as tears fill the most beautiful green eyes I’ve ever seen. Maybe I was a little harsh, but her snide remark about my age hit a sore spot. It’s tough being the youngest Deputy in town. Especially when all the college students think they can run over me despite my uniform and experience.

I’ve had my badge for almost two years. I joined the academy as soon as I graduated high school and that was after two years in the ride-a-long training program offered at Thorngrove High. So, even though I’m not old enough to drink, I still have more experience than any other new cadet at the station.

“I’m not going to take you to jail,” I assure her with a smile. “Unless you have an outstanding warrant.”

“I don’t,” she rushes out with obvious relief.

“Sit tight. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” I tap the roof of her car before turning toward mine.

There’s no way she’s not related to Brady, I think as I stare at the picture on her license while I wait for her background to come through. Being in law enforcement, I don’t believe in coincidences much. Even if I did, there are too many here to overlook. They look eerily similar, they have the same last name, and they’re both from Virginia.

Brady Hargrove moved here earlier this summer and fell head over heels for my older cousin’s best friend, Skyler. Their relationship got off to a rocky start when my older brother, Dirk,attacked Skyler in my aunt Chelsea’s coffee shop where she was working.

Then, Brady was shot by his father, Eric, in his Virginia Beach home last week after Eric lost a lawsuit to take Brady’s mother’s estate. Thankfully, Eric was shot and killed by the police before he could fire a second shot.

My gut is telling me that Erica Hargrove is Eric Hargrove’s daughter. I just hope she’s not in town to get revenge on her brother for being the cause of their father’s death.

“Okay, Miss Hargrove,” I say as I approach her open window. “I’m going to let you off with a warning this time, but you’ve got to slow it down. These mountain roads are tricky. Speed like that will get you hurt or worse.”You could end up dead in a crash like my Uncle Ted did before I was born.

“I’ll be more careful,” she promises. “Am I free to go now? I really need to get to campus.”

I have an internal debate with myself about whether or not to disclose that I know who she is. While her face is guarded, that’s not uncommon for someone talking to a man in uniform. I don’t see her as being the vengeful type, but I can’t let her go without one more warning.

“Just one more thing.” I lean down so she can see my face clearly. “I know your brother. I hope you’re not here to cause him trouble after all he’s been through this year.”

Her eyes widen with her sharp gasp before she schools her face into a hard glare. “I’m not here to cause trouble for anyone. Not that it’s any of your business, but my brother doesn’t even know I exist, and I’d like to keep it that way for now.”

I study her pretty face as she openly stares back at me and somehow, I just know she’s telling the truth. So, I nod my acceptance before stepping back.

“You’re free to go,” I tell her with a hesitant smile. “I’m sure I’ll be seeing you again.”

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