A Need to Protect by Diane Benefiel

Author:Diane Benefiel [Benefiel, Diane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Decadent Publishing Company, LLC
Published: 2014-03-10T00:00:00+00:00

Brad stood up in the tank, water streaming as he climbed back on the platform. He’d managed to keep his head out of the water but was soaked from chest down. “I’ll pay you back, Emmaline,” he called out to her.

Smiling sweetly at him she said, “Now, now. The police chief shouldn’t make threats.”

His laugh reached her before he turned his attention to his sister. “Remember when I beat up that bully when you were in seventh grade, Maddy. You owe me.”

“You’re such a big brother, Brad. And I’ve more than paid you back with coffee from the café. But don’t worry, you’re safe from me. I’ve got other fish to fry or, in this case, dunk.”

Maddy was next in line, but she allowed others to take their turns until Brad’s time in the tank was up. He’d managed to stay out of the water for the rest of his shift but with the steady breeze Emma could see he was getting chilled. When he climbed down from the tank, Logan prepared to climb up. Brad walked off to a curtained enclosure behind the tank while Warren handed Maddy her three balls in exchange for her ticket.

Logan eyed Maddy as she tossed a ball up, then caught it. “Still an ace with the ball, Blondie?”

“Yep. Prepare for your weekly bath, big guy.” There was just a little mean in Maddy’s smile.

“Come on, now. I’m doing this for the police department. For my good friend, Brad. And these are borrowed shorts.” He apparently hadn’t found a shirt to borrow because he climbed up onto the platform shirtless. Strong muscles bunched and stretched as he heaved himself up, a tattoo of a snake coiled on one shoulder. With his black hair combed back from his forehead he had the look of a bad boy.

At Maddy’s determined expression he called out, “Give it the best you got, darlin’. It’s been a while since high school softball. You might have lost your edge.”

“You’re going down.” Maddy’s first ball flew hard toward the target but sailed just over it.

Emma watched in fascination at Maddy’s concentration. She had no doubt that Logan would end up in the water. The next ball clipped the top edge of the target without triggering the mechanism.

“Last shot, Blondie. I think I’m starting to burn just sitting out here in the sun.” Logan shifted in his seat, making himself comfortable while Maddy wound up for another throw. This one nailed it and Logan splashed into the tank.

Emma expected the cold water to cut some of the bravado. But he stood, water glistening on his chest, a wolfish smile on his face. “Well, I guess that means a kiss. Me and Madison Gallagher.”

Maddy glowered. “In your dreams, buster. That little part of the program has been suspended.” She turned to Warren, digging a ticket out of her pocket. “Give me my next three.”

Emma saw Logan’s eyes narrow. “Take it easy, Gallagher. I think it’s someone else’s turn.”

“Nope,” Maddy responded, “still mine.”

Brad came out of the changing area in his jeans and a denim shirt and walked over to stand beside Emma.

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