Fourth of July (25 page)

“Chris, you know Luke.”

Luke nodded to Chris, a terse, jerky action.

“Yes, I remember Luke,” Chris said. His right hand clenched into a fist. His left hand clung possessively to Alexis. He knew he didn’t like this guy. What was he doing at Alexis’s apartment? Why did he have a bouquet? Chris tried to act calm, though his insides were churning.

“You have flowers?” Alexis’ voice filled with confusion.

Chris took this as a good sign.

“You, uh, sounded so upset this morning.” Luke’s gaze shifted to the daisies. “I wanted to show you I was concerned about how you were doing.”

Luke was caught in an embarrassing situation. Chris almost felt sorry for him.
Almost.

“That was nice of you,” Alexis said.

Alexis’ beautiful smile beaming Luke’s direction made Chris want to hit something. He could see Luke’s face brighten. It looked like a good target. He restrained himself.

“I don’t want to interrupt you.” Luke began, hesitant. “I could come back another time.”

Over my physically incapacitated body.
Chris wished he could tell Luke Alexis was off limits. Sadly, he didn’t have the right.

“That would be good,” Alexis said. “I’ll come to your office Monday.”

“What interview?” Chris could contain himself no longer.

“Luke needs to do a follow-up interview,” Alexis said.

“Aren’t you going a little above and beyond the call of duty?” Chris wished he could yell at the overambitious young cop. His eyes shot daggers in Luke’s direction.

Luke appeared unfazed by Chris’ unspoken threat. “In my department we do everything in our power to make sure the victim is okay.”

“I appreciate you doing such a thorough job,” Chris laid on the sarcasm, “but as you can see, I am fully capable of taking care of Alexis.”

“Really?” Luke questioned, his voice low. “Where were you when the perpetrator was threatening her on Wednesday afternoon?”

“Listen,” Chris said, his lips drawn in a tight line. “I was the one who saved her Monday morning.”

“Whoa, whoa.” Alexis stepped between the two men who were quickly preparing for a duel. “Calm down. Look, I appreciate both of you protecting me when you did, but I am fine. I do not need two full-grown men fighting over me like teenagers. Got it?”

Her head swung back and forth as if daring one of them to challenge her.

Chris nodded, embarrassed at being reprimanded by the very person he was trying to impress.

Alexis turned her back on Chris. “Luke, I appreciate you coming by. I will see you Monday.”

“Okay,” Luke said, the flowers all but hidden behind his back. He stormed down the stairs, slamming the exterior door on his way out.

Alexis whirled to glare at Chris. “What was that all about?” she asked. “Did you need to act like a fifteen-year old?”

“I’m sorry.” Chris jammed a hand through his wavy hair. “I don’t like that guy. Didn’t you wonder about an officer coming to your house for a follow-up interview?”

Her chin dipped. “I thought it was a little unusual, but he’s a nice guy. He wouldn’t try and hurt me or anything.”

“How do you know?” Chris asked in exasperation. “You are way too trusting. You don’t have to act like some naive Idaho girl. I mean, come on.” He gestured at her apartment door. “You don’t even lock your door.”

“I lock my door. Believe me, after Monday morning, I lock it, deadbolt it, and I just installed a chain on it!” Her hands moved in harmony with each word. “The only time it isn’t locked is when I know
you
are coming.” Alexis’ eyes began to fill with tears. “Just because I’m from Idaho, does not mean I’m naive.”

“I’m sorry.” Chris exhaled with frustration. “I shouldn’t have said that. I’m glad to hear you lock your door, but you can’t be so trusting with everyone.”

“I won’t live my life thinking every person out there is trying to hurt me,” Alexis yelled, wiping the tears away that spilled down her face. “I can’t live in fear.”

Chris stopped. He searched her dark eyes, reading fear and uncertainty there. He pulled her to him, rubbing her back.

“Oh, Half-pint. I didn’t understand how afraid you were.”

“I didn’t say I was afraid.” Alexis buried her head against his chest.

“You didn’t have to say it, I should have realized.” He stroked her back with one hand, weaving his fingers into her hair with the other. “It’s understandable with all that’s happened to you lately. You don’t need to worry anymore, I’ll protect you.”

Alexis snuggled into his embrace. “I know you want to protect me, but you can’t spend every minute with me.”

“I wish I could.” He leaned back to look in her eyes. “I’ll watch over you, but you have to take some precautions. Keep your door locked. Don’t go out alone at night. Keep my number on speed dial on your cell phone.”

“All right.” She nodded, biting her lip. “I’ll be careful.”

He pulled her close, locking her in his embrace for several wonderful minutes.

“I’m okay.” She placed her hands on his chest and looked up at him. “Thanks for being here for me.”

“Gladly,” Chris smiled at her, “as long as it’s me and not Officer Luke Johnson.”

“You goof,” Alexis smiled in return, “as if you’re worried about Luke.” She took his hand and led him from the building.

Chris didn’t share with her how much Luke concerned him. Was jealousy clouding his judgment or was there something else that made him want to shield Alexis from the cop?

Two hours later Chris lay back on a grassy knoll in a nearby city park and groaned. They’d had a great afternoon. He hadn’t mentioned Luke or her fears and she had steered clear of the religion talk. He was grateful she wasn’t pushing the issue. He wasn’t ready.

“I should never have let you talk me into pizza with pepperoni and
real
bacon,” Chris said. “Who eats like that? I thought teeny little girls like you ate nothing but salad.”

Alexis shrugged as she lay down next to him. The sun filtered through enormous poplar leaves, casting shadows on her face. The hot summer rays were blocked by the numerous shade trees. Children laughed and ran on the nearby playground. Chris loved the happy sounds radiating through the park.

“I don’t eat everything I want, but you have to indulge once in a while. I exercise a lot to burn off the extra calories from the bacon.”

“Is this the same girl who said, and I quote, ‘I try to take very good care of my body, which includes not partaking of harmful substances?’ Or was that some other beautiful redhead I was talking to?”

Alexis reached over and punched his shoulder.

“Ouch.”

“That applies only to things that are really harmful, like alcohol, drugs or tobacco,” she returned, eyes twinkling.

“Oh, I see.” Chris propped himself up on one elbow and smiled down at her. “So that doesn’t apply to double cheese, bacon-covered, extra pepperoni, stuffed-crust pizza?”

“Nope.” Alexis grinned. “Doesn’t apply. Those things are actually good for you. Did you miss that memo from the nutritional experts?”

“Must have.” Chris enjoyed the sparkle lighting her expressive eyes.

“Hmm, I’ll have to find it and forward it to you. I could have sworn I circulated it around the office.”

“Good thing you’re only a doctor of people’s minds, not their bodies.”

“Hey, that hurts somehow.” Alexis feigned a pained expression.

“I’ll show you what hurts.” Chris grabbed her and found a ticklish spot on her abdomen.

“Stop,” Alexis shrieked. “Stop.”

She giggled as he tickled her for a minute. Chris stopped abruptly, jumping to his feet. Extending his hands, he lifted her from the grass.

“So, Doctor of Psychiatry
and
Nutrition, how does ice cream rate on the healthy food scale?”

“Ice cream?” Alexis’ eyes lit up. “Ice cream is extremely nourishing. The calcium content is outstanding. You throw some kind of fruit in there and you might as well be eating broccoli.”

“Really?” Chris arched an eyebrow.

“Is there ice cream somewhere close by?” She glanced around with a hopeful expression.

“I’m sure I can find some,” he said. “Anything for you.” He took her hand, leading her past the children’s playground. They headed out of the park in search of an ice cream parlor.

The digital clock in Chris’ truck read 4:34 when they sidled up to a curb by Alexis’ apartment. Alexis watched Chris hurry around the vehicle to open her door. He needed to be to work by five. She didn’t question what could be so important on a Saturday afternoon. Imagining the people and circumstances he may be dealing with left her more worried for his safety than her own.

“I can walk myself in,” she said, climbing from the vehicle.

“No, you can’t.” He took her hand and ushered her toward the building.

“I am capable of climbing three flights of stairs and opening my apartment door.”

“That’s probably true but I promised to watch over you. Besides, do you really want the entire neighborhood watching what I’m going to do when I tell you goodbye?” He grinned at her.

“Why, Agent Harmer.” Her temperature rose ten degrees from the look in his eyes.

They reached her door, after fumbling with her keys she let them both in. Excitement grew within her as he checked her bedroom, bath, and living area.

“All safe.” He opened his arms.

Smiling her gratitude, Alexis walked into his strong embrace. He kissed her thoroughly. Her knees were weak, her body trembling when he pulled away. His deep brown eyes studied her.

“I’m sorry I have to go.” Chris’ tone grew serious. “The past few hours have been great. I almost forgot about...everything.”

“Yeah, me too.” Alexis loved the feel of him against her. “I hate to have it end. Thank you.”

“For what?” Chris teased. “The pizza or the double chocolate shake with Snickers?”

“Both,” Alexis smirked. “The food was great.”

Chris chortled. “I’m glad you feel comfortable enough to indulge while I’m around. I’m hoping you’re a social eater. If you’re a closet eater as well you may outweigh me soon.”

Alexis moved from his arms, playfully slugging his bulging bicep. She loved it when he dressed casually. His short-sleeved T-shirt emphasized his well-defined arms.

“Be nice,” she warned.

“Or what?” Chris asked.

“Or you may not get another kiss,” Alexis teased.

“Oh, man,” Chris groaned. “That would be cruel and uncalled for. Okay, I’ll be nice, I promise, cross my heart.” He drew an X over his heart like a child.

“Can I trust you?” Alexis inched closer, anticipating the feeling of her body close to his, his lips covering hers.

“Yes, I believe so.” Chris’ breath came in short puffs.

“You said cross your heart, you forgot to say hope to die.” Alexis wished she would be quiet so he could kiss her.

“I am going to die if you don’t kiss me soon.” Chris drew her into his arms.

He passionately kissed her until she could think of nothing else. Alexis was sure she had never really been kissed until the past few days. Chris released her mouth, resting his cheek against her hair. Alexis thought how amazing it was that after the awful events of July Fourth such joy could still exist.

“I have to go.” Chris sounded more than a little remorseful. “I don’t want to make Dylan wait.”

“Thanks for coming to see me on your only break.” Alexis gazed into his dark eyes.

“I can’t think of anything I’d rather be doing.”

The honesty of his statement warmed Alexis as much as his kiss. “I feel the same way.”

“Can I see you tomorrow?” he asked.

Alexis paused, plowing ahead before her brain caught up with her mouth. “You can take me to church.”

His arms stiffened around her. “I don’t know...”

This was too important to let him hesitate. “Take me to church and then I’ll make you dinner afterwards. When was the last time you had a home-cooked meal? I’m a good cook.” She’d call and have Brittany walk her through how to cook something amazing. She shouldn’t have lied about being a good cook, but sometimes drastic measures were necessary.

Chris shook his head at her. “How does anyone tell you no?”

She shrugged, her lips tilting upward. “Don’t even try.”

“All right, all right. I’ll take you to church, but only because you’re making me dinner.” Chris kissed her and then rushed out her apartment door.

“See you then.” Alexis followed him out.

“Get back in there and lock the door,” he commanded.

She saluted him. He winked at her and then took the stairs two at a time.

Alexis hugged herself and returned to her apartment. Shutting the door, she locked it, turned the deadbolt, and slid the chain into place. She sighed as she leaned against the door, her fears forgotten for this happy moment.

But, a nagging doubt tugged at her.
He’s not a Christian. Not only is he not one, he’s millenniums away from becoming one.

But he’s going to church with me
, she argued right back.

That doesn’t mean anything. It’s obvious how little desire he has to attend church. He just likes to be with you.

Well, it means something that he wants to be with me.

Alexis sighed. She could never win this inner battle. She knew she wouldn’t marry someone unless they shared common beliefs. She dropped to her knees. Only one source had the wisdom to help her solve this complex of a problem.