Page 44 of Clumsy in Love

Cole stood to his full height, thrust out his chest, and shot the man a menacing stare. Between being a cop and a New Yorker, he had perfected it, and the man shrunk visibly before shuffling out the door without Cole uttering a word.

“That wasn’t necessary,” Holly said. “But thanks.”

“Hottie Cop and Number Four,” the barista at the end of the counter yelled, holding up two cups.

“I think that’s us,” Holly said, smiling. “At least I know I’m Number Four.”

“So, I’m Hottie Cop?”

“Hope doesn’t bother with names when taking orders. And she calls ’em like she sees ’em.” He tried not to blush.

“Four was your basketball number?” Cole guessed, and she nodded. That explained the ankle tattoo he’d seen while she dangled from the tree in Central Park.

Two of Holly’s friends came in and engulfed her in hugs. Five minutes after that, two more showed up. They huddled into a rush of whispers, and any chance he had of talking to Holly followed the stink-eye guy out the door. He took a seat with his back to the wall, sipped his coffee, ate his muffin, and kept his eyes glued to the entrance.

Getting wrapped up in a small-town USA Fourth of July celebration would be easy, but he had a job to do. Holly wasn’t out of danger until they arrested Cruz. So, while she blissfully enjoyed herself, he would remain on constant watch.

Hope might be young and brash, but she made an excellent pot of coffee. Cole asked for a top-off, and Holly got a muffin “for the road.” Outside, the town bustled with people. He would have felt right at home with such a crowd, except that everyone insisted on talking to him—nodding, making eye contact,introducing themselves, and waving hello. The friendly, easy-breezy attitudes kept him on edge.

The streets had been closed to traffic, and a couple of police officers roamed the plaza. Kids ran around unsupervised, teens gossiped together in small groups, and adults watched over it all while sipping from red Solo cups.

Cole recognized the sheriff and waved. Hayes sauntered over. It seemed like the whole town moved in slow motion.

“Hey, Sheriff. How’s it going?”

“Good. Good. Nothing new on our friend.”

“Everyone know to keep an eye out today? Out in the open wouldn’t really be his style, but he might be getting desperate.”

“Yep,” Hayes said. “Got the picture ’round to all the deputies and business owners. The town grapevine has everyone on their toes.”

“Glad to hear it. You have anything to do with the parade? I don’t think it’s a good idea for Holly to be so exposed.”

“Well, we gotta have the team together.” Hayes frowned. “I can arrange for you to ride with her.”

Cole hummed his disapproval. “I’ll walk alongside,” he said. “Do me a favor?”

“Whatcha need?”

“You got an extra vest I could borrow to put on Holly?”

Hayes rubbed his chin. “That’s a good idea. I’ll radio over to the station and have someone meet you at the car with one.”

“Appreciate it.”

“You’d best be gettin’ along. They’re linin’ up now.”

Cole approached Holly and her friends.

“There you are,” Holly said. “We’re heading over to First Street for the parade. You in?”

“Can’t wait.” Cole held out a hand. “Lead the way.”

The girls donned their jerseys and found their rides—two cherry red convertibles with the tops down. Tess, Juliet, and Faith got into one car, sitting on top of the back seat. Holly, Alex, and Lady rode in another. Cole introduced himself to the driver.

“I’m Larry, and I know why you’re here,” Larry said. “I’ll keep my eyes peeled.”

“That’d be great,” Cole said. “I’m gonna walk alongside.”

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