The Lawman's Convenient Family

Her friend had clucked her tongue. Don’t be a party pooper, Julie. We’re all dressing up this evening. Just go with the theme and have fun.

So here she was, trying to make the best of it. And from the bursts of laughter coming from the people mingling in small groups and from the smiles of those kicking up their heels on the dance floor, everyone in attendance seemed to be having a good time so far. But that didn’t make Julie feel better about the way she was dressed.

Still, she had a heart for children, as well as the elderly. In fact, if she hadn’t been working at the gala, she would have gladly paid to attend.

As she added the finishing touch to the second of two buffet lines, she scanned the festive Grange Hall, which the gala committee had decorated with wispy ghosts, dangling bats and spiderwebs. Then she double-checked the dinner tables.

Silver Spoon Catering had provided the food at a discount. The generous donation to the cause had actually been her boss’s attempt to promote his new business venture and to impress some of the wealthier people in the area.

As Julie noted the smiling attendees, she suspected Ralph’s plan just might work. She took a moment to admire their costumes, some of which were pretty cool.

One in particular, a man dressed as Zorro, caught her eye once more. The dark-haired, olive-skinned hunk was wearing black slacks, a crisp white shirt opened at the collar and a half mask. It was a great outfit, especially for a hot guy who appeared to be in his late twenties or early thirties.

She’d first noticed him when he’d entered the Grange Hall with a confident stride, clearly sure of himself. Off and on, she’d studied him surreptitiously, wondering who he was and realizing that he sure seemed to know most of the people here.

There was something vibrant about him, something alluring that drew her attention. So much so, that she continued to steal glances his way every chance she got.

She’d better be careful, though. She had work to do and a job she needed to keep, even if she considered it only temporary.

She’d no more than turned away from the buffet line when she spotted Santa Claus. She recognized him instantly. It was Jim Hoffman, the director of Kidville—and just the guy she’d hoped to meet. Now was her chance. So she approached the heavyset gentleman and said, “Excuse me, Mr. Hoffman. My name is Julie Chapman, and I’m a music therapist. I’d like to make an appointment to speak to you about a job at Kidville.”

He brightened, his eyes twinkling just like jolly ol’ St. Nick’s. “My wife and I would love to incorporate music into our therapy program, but our funding is stretched to the limit right now, so I’m afraid we can’t offer a paid position.”

Julie actually needed a steady paycheck, which was why she’d gone to work for the catering company. But she could also use some experience to add to her resume, not to mention an opportunity to get a foot in the door at Kidville.

“I’d be willing to volunteer for the time being,” she said.

“Now, that’s an interesting proposition. Do you have any experience?”

“I graduated recently and, other than working with children during my internship, I haven’t had a paid position yet. But I majored in music, play several instruments and sing in my church choir.”

“I’d like to discuss this further and hear more about your thoughts on a music therapy program, but this isn’t a good time for either of us. Can you come to Kidville on Monday morning? I’ll give you a tour, and we’ll talk more then.”

“Awesome. I’ll be there bright and early.”

As Mr. Hoffman strode away like Santa on a mission, Julie tugged at her skirt again. Apparently, her outfit hadn’t bothered the man in charge of Kidville, which was a relief. Another potential boss or some of her more conservative church friends might not have been so accepting.

Too bad she hadn’t thought to smear on some clown makeup before getting out of her car this evening. That would have hid her face, especially the flush on her cheeks. Oh, well... She’d just have to keep a low profile.

As she turned toward the kitchen, a tear-streaked redhead wearing a tiara and a long turquoise gown strode toward a pirate and let out a curse that made her sound more like a drunken longshoreman than the princess she was supposed to be.

She lifted her index finger and jabbed it at the pirate’s chest. “I knew you were a big flirt, Derek, but do you have to be on the prowl when you’re with me? I’ve had it with you. It’s over for good this time.” Then she removed her frilly white half mask, as well as her faux tiara, threw both on the floor and swept toward the entrance in a huff, leaving the frowning pirate in her wake.

Julie assumed he’d hurry after her. Instead, he let out a little chuckle and returned to the party.

You clearly made a wise decision, your majesty. And one you probably should have made sooner. Julie snatched the discarded white half mask from the floor, slipped it on her face and muttered, “Finders, keepers.”

The moment she reentered the party, she spotted Zorro again, and her heart made a series of somersaults that would make a young gymnast proud.

She took a moment to appreciate his costume, not to mention his muscular physique and sexy swagger. Her interest, as well as her curiosity, grew by leaps and bounds. Who was he? Did he have a connection to Kidville or to the Rocking Chair Ranch?

She supposed it didn’t really matter, so she did her best to shake off her attraction as she crossed the room. Before she reached the kitchen, a hand settled on her shoulder, warming her from the inside out.

She turned to see Zorro, his gaze locked on hers. When he offered her a dazzling smile, her breath caught.

“Lisa,” he said, “I’d heard you were going to be here.”

He clearly thought she was someone else. She probably ought to say something, but up close, the gorgeous bandito seemed to have stolen both her thoughts and her words.

“It’s nice to finally meet you.” His voice, whether authentic or altered to complement his costume, was laced with a slight Hispanic accent that set her senses reeling. “I’ve never really liked blind dates.”

Talk about masquerades and mistaken identities. Before Julie could set him straight, he took her hand in a polished, gentlemanly manner and kissed it. His warm breath lingered on her skin, setting off a bevy of butterflies in her tummy.

“Dance with me,” he said.

Her lips parted, but for the life of her, she still couldn’t speak, couldn’t explain. And she darn sure couldn’t object.

Zorro led her away from the buffet tables and to the dance floor. When he opened his arms, she again had the opportunity to tell him who she really was. But instead, she stepped into his embrace, allowing him to take the lead.

His alluring aftershave, something manly, taunted her. As she savored his scent, as well as the warmth of his muscular arms, her pulse soared. She leaned her head on his shoulder as they swayed to a sensual beat, their movements in perfect accord, as though they’d danced together a hundred times before.

Now would be a good time to tell him she wasn’t Lisa, but she seemed to have fallen under a spell that grew stronger with every beat of the music. The moment turned surreal, like she’d stepped into a fairy tale with a handsome rogue.

Once again, she pondered revealing his mistake and telling him her name, but there’d be time enough to do that after the song ended. Then she’d return to the kitchen, slipping off like Cinderella. But instead of a glass slipper, she’d leave behind her momentary enchantment.

But several beats later, a cowboy tapped Zorro on the shoulder. “Pancho, I need you to come outside.”

Zorro looked at him and frowned. “Can’t you see I’m busy?”

The cowboy, whose outfit was so authentic he seemed to be the real deal, rolled his eyes.

Julie wished she could have worn her street clothes. Would now be a good time to admit that she wasn’t an actual attendee but here to work at the gala?

“What’s up?” Zorro asked.

The cowboy folded his arms across his chest and shifted his weight to one hip. “Someone just broke into my pickup.”

Zorro stiffened. “Right now? Where?”

“Here, in the parking lot. I had an envelope filled with cash donations to Kidville under the seat.”

At that, Julie’s heart thumped, and she clamped her mouth shut. Someone had stolen money meant for the Hoffmans’ kids? Who would do such a thing?

“Is the money gone?” Zorro asked the cowboy.

“I don’t know yet. I didn’t look.”

Zorro stiffened. “Any witnesses?”