AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Alex stood behind a banquet table and scanned the displays of hors d’oeuvres, making sure they were full. The last thirty minutes had been a whirlwind, but she’d managed to stay on top of things so far.
She knew Roxie, beneath her shiny and cheerful veneer, was a nervous wreck. Tonight meant a lot to her, and Alex wanted to help in any way she could. It was the least she could do to thank her friend for the unwavering support she had shown her.
A guest asked her a question about one of the delectable bites, and she answered with a smile. When they moved down the table, she shifted on her feet and bit back a groan. The black heels she’d borrowed from Nina were already beginning to pinch.
She glanced around the room, trying to put names to faces, and froze when her eyes locked with Quinn’s. Her heart stumbled, then beat in double-time as he approached. She gave him a thorough once-over, and her breath caught. The sheriff was freshly shaved and decked out in his formal olive-green dress uniform. She swallowed.
There were men in uniform... and then there wasthisman in uniform.
His brass buttons gleamed, and his broad shoulders and solid frame filled out the suit in a way that was utter perfection. She flushed from head to toe as she remembered what that fabulous body looked like beneath the clothes. And what it was capable of doing to her.
Holy freaking moly.Her blood went from simmer to boil, and she was tempted to fan herself.
* * *
Quinn’s pulse raced as he strode toward Alex. He had to remind himself to slow down—to not march over, lift her into his arms, and carry her away like a caveman. But dammit, one look at her in that little black number had all his blood rushing south. The only thing he could think about was tearing that dress off her and taking her right there on the table, mini quiches and local politicians and business owners be damned.
He rounded the table separating them. When she was an arm’s length away, he slid one hand around her waist and drew her close. His other hand caressed her face, tilting her head to the side. He leaned down and laid a soft kiss on her lips. “You look stunning.”
Aware of the whispers and stares aimed their way, he pulled slightly back, though he kept one arm firmly around her. Possessive move? Damn straight. He couldn’t suppressallhis caveman tendencies.
She smiled up at him, a saucy look of challenge in her eyes. “You’re looking pretty handsome there yourself, Sheriff.”
Screw the whispers and stares. He erased the space between them and brought his lips to her ear. “Do you have any idea what I want to do to you right now?”
Her eyes heated, and a blush tore over her cheeks. He imagined tossing her over his shoulder and finding the first private space available in this damn place. He was two seconds from giving in to the fantasy when Alex elbowed him in the ribs, indicating Mayor Green’s approach.
“Sheriff O’Conner, how are you tonight?” the mayor asked with an exaggerated wink at Alex.
He shook the man’s hand. “Good, sir. Thank you for having me.”
Quinn quickly made the introductions, hoping the mayor would move along. No such luck. Alex, acting as the perfect hostess, initiated a conversation with the man, enthralling him as he loaded his plate with food.
Damn, this was going to be a long night.
Thankfully, it didn’t take him more than thirty seconds to spot the mayor’s wife, Bonnie. She was hard to miss in her fluorescent lime-green minidress that, unfortunately, was many sizes too small and way,waytoo short. And if the tiny excuse of a dress wasn’t awkward enough, she had a giant matching feather thing in her hair. It looked like some poor parrot had crash-landed and died on her head.
He knew jack shit about women’s fashion, let alone fashion for the sixty-plus crowd. But no. Just no. She had every guest in the reception hall not knowing where to look.
Quinn waved Bonnie over with a smile and introduced her to Alex. As he’d expected, she chatted with them for only a moment before whisking her husband away to some newly arriving guests.
The second the Greens were out of earshot, he snaked his arm around Alex, hauling her close.
“As I was saying,” he murmured, “it involves you. On this table. Minus that lovely dress. Hors d’oeuvres optional.”
She elbowed him again, but this time, she laughed. He’d count that as a partial win. “You’re incorrigible, Sheriff O’Conner.”
“Seriously, though. Do you get a break?”
“The party just started, mister.” She shook her head, a grin on her lips. “Besides, Nina’s in the kitchen, and Roxie’s making her rounds.”
As if on cue, Roxie appeared, her eyes dancing with excitement. His friend had impeccable timing.
“Let’s switch, Alex. You mingle, and I’ll man the tables. Can you believe how well it’s going, you guys? I can’t believe it! I’ve already hadfourpeople request catering services, and it’s only the first hour!”
“Are you sure?” Alex’s perfect face pinched with concern. “A bunch of people just arrived. If you want to—”
Nope. “I’ll have her back in thirty, Rox.” He snagged Alex’s hand and pulled her toward the door before his friend could comment.
