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Autumn:
Okay, see you then.Goodluck prying her away from herCarrieClarkspying.
Heshut off theSUVand stepped out into the sunshine, taking a deep breath of crisp, clean air.Therushing sound of the falls greeted him, still audible over the voices of the video production team, who were busy hauling gear down the stairs that led to the mouth of the falls.
Hemade his way down the stairs, eyes scanning back and forth as he took in the scene before him.Twosmall tents were set up on either side of the falls, and a trailer was positioned off to the side, near the stairs.Everywherehe looked, there were lighting rigs, coils of thick, black cable, and expensive looking cameras.Beneaththe tents were several director-style chairs, and security guards stood at all of the entry points to the basin of the falls, where the shoot would take place.
Heapproached one of the security guards, who took in his badge and uniform and nodded at him, stepping aside to let him pass.Alarge plexiglass platform had been constructed not far from the base of the falls, and atop it was an antique looking piano painted with intricate snowflakes.Jack’sbrain jolted slightly when he realized thatCarrieClarkherself was sitting in front of it, bundled up in a black parka and matching beanie while she chatted with a woman whoJackwas pretty sure was the director.
“Howdid you get past security?” came a raspy female voice from his left, and he whirled, a grin spreading across his face when he spottedRosalieseveral feet away, an iPad in her gloved hands.Herhair was down and tumbling over her shoulders, and she was wearing the same camel coat she’d been wearing the night of the snow storm.Sherolled her lips inward as his heart spun in circles at the sight of her.Ittook every single ounce of control he had not to scoop her up into his arms and kiss the living daylights out of her right there.But, they were both working, and the last thing he wanted to do was cause a scene or embarrass her.
Hetapped the badge pinned to his chest. “Chiefof police, remember?”
Shemoved closer and pushed her sunglasses up onto her head. “HowcouldIforget?”Hereyes roved over him, seeming to drink him in.
“OhmyGod, is this him?Thehot cop you banged?” said a man as he walked up toRosalie.Hercheeks went bright red, and truth be told,Jackfelt his own cheeks heating a little too.
“Uh…” saidRosalie, looking very much like a deer caught in a pair of headlights.
“TrevorKlein,” said the man, extending his hand toJack, who shook it. “Iwork withRosalie.”Heswept his eyes overJackin a very appraising, assessing gaze, and then turned toRosalie. “Okay, yeah.Iget it.Idefinitely get it.”Hewinked atJackand then spun around with a dramatic little flourish, returning to whatever it was he’d been doing before.
“I…”Sheopened and closed her mouth. “Ionly toldTrevorandCarrie.They’remy friends, and whenIgot back, they could tell…”Sheswallowed, blinking rapidly.
Jackmoved closer, gently sweeping her hair off her shoulder. “Couldtell that you’d been well and thoroughly fucked?” he said, his voice low enough that no one would hear them.Shelaughed on a shaky exhale.
“Uh, yeah.”Sheswallowed again, her gaze flitting between his eyes and his mouth.Itwas as though an electrical current was arcing through the air between them. “It’s…it’s really good to see you again.”
Henodded, his hands tingling with the urge to pull her against him, to show her how much he’d missed her. “It’sreally good to see you, too,Rosalie.”
Theireyes locked and a beat passed between them, heavy with anticipation and meaning.
“Nowthat you’re here,I’dlove to show you around the town when you have time,” he said. “Ifyou feel like it, maybe we could have dinner with my family.Weget together everySunday.”
Herface lit up, and she smiled, wide and bright. “I’dreally like that.”
Justthen, a gorgeously ethereal song started playing over the sound system, with tinkling piano chords and lyrics about being seen and loved for exactly who you are.
“Thisis the song?” he asked, andRosalienodded.
“Yeah.Carriereally likes the legend of the falls, and the song is sort of about finding that person, the one who fits you like an old sweatshirt.”
“Anold sweatshirt?” he asked, his eyebrows raising. “That’snot the most romantic image, is it?”
Rosalieshrugged, looking over at the falls, whereCarriewas laughing with the director as she positioned herself on top of the piano, stretching out and singing along with her song.
“Alot of her songs are about how love and life happen in the small, quiet moments.Themundane, the everyday…that’s where the magic is.Goinggrocery shopping together for the first time, dancing around underChristmaslights, finding that person who feels like home and comfort.”
“Likean old sweatshirt,” he said, nodding slowly.
“Yeah.Exactly.”
“Thatsounds nice, actually.”
“Itwasn’t like that with you and your ex?” she asked, and he could tell that she wanted to know more about that whole situation.Freshguilt ate at him that he hadn’t told her aboutChloeyet.Tonight.He’dtell her all aboutChloetonight.
“No.Wegot married really young, beforeIwas deployed, and by the timeI’dfinished my service, we’d grown apart.”Justthen, his radio crackled to life.
“Chief, are you available?Wehave a call about some teenage shoplifters over at the grocery store.”
