Reel Trouble: Wild Women of Alaska Read Free Page A

him a little time. He’s bound to come around.”
    “You don’t seem to have a problem with me as Deputy Chief.” She cocked her head to the side. “Why?”
    “I like surprises.”
    “I don’t.”
    Yeah, he bet she was all by-the-book and needed someone like him to help loosen her up. “Well, then you’d better get to know all about me, so there can be no surprises between us.”
    “Tell me, Mr. Devereux—”
    “Call me Treat.”
    “—do women really fall for your lines?”
    “No one casts a better line than a fisherman.”
    The corner of her mouth twitched. “You’re released. No charges filed. Be careful who you piss off, and keep your…personal affairs from disturbing the public, or you’ll find yourself right back in here.”
    “You ever live in a small town before?”
    “Yes. So, I know it can be done. With a bit of discretion and making your intentions clear upfront, this could have all been avoided.”
    “I’m always clear with my intentions. Some women just find me irresistible.”
    “Oh, I’m sure you think they do,” she said sarcastically.
    “Come on, let me buy you dinner and I’ll show you why. I’ve heard that law enforcement officers are insatiably curious.”
    “Not all of us. Now, if you don’t mind, I have a lot of work to do and you’ve already taken up a good portion of my day.”
    “Ouch.” He covered his heart. “That was a direct hit.”
    “Good day, Mr. Devereux. Don’t cause any more problems while you’re in port.”
    “Yes, Deputy Chief.” He let her walk away from him, enjoying how her shapely backside wore a uniform that didn’t usually flatter a woman’s figure. But the Deputy Chief made the uniform work for her as he figured she bent most things to her will. “Deputy Chief?”
    She stopped, squared her shoulders and turned back to him. “Yes?”
    “Any chance I could hitch a ride back down to the docks?”
    “I’ll call you a cab.”
    “Unalaska isn’t really big enough for a cab company. Plus, it’s the nice thing to do, since you made me come all the way up here to begin with.”
    “Seriously?” She gave him a look of disbelief. “Any friends you could recruit?”
    “Morehouse still around?”
    “He’s out on a call. I heard you and Mina are friendly. I’ll talk to her.”
    “Not a good idea. Have you met her husband? He’s as big as a barn with sledgehammers for fists.” He rubbed his jaw in memory. “Neither I nor Mina need that kind of grief.”
    “There’s no one else you can call? Crewmen? Friends or family?”
    “My crew is unloading the catch. I’d be there helping if you hadn’t arrested me.” He laid the guilt on thick enough that she finally gave in with a disgruntled sigh.
    “Fine. Give me a few minutes to wrap up some things.”
    He flashed a satisfied smile when she gave him her back.

Chapter Three
    Spending more time in Treat Devereux’s company was not a good idea. He was just the type of treat to tempt her to indulge and then probably overindulge. She’d always had a weakness for a man who worked with his hands. When she’d cuffed him, she’d gotten a good look at his scarred and calloused palms. Combined with his sea-green eyes, coffee-colored hair and teasing smile, he was the type of man Seana always kept at a distance.
    Now she could kick herself for agreeing to drive Treat Devereux back to his boat. Why couldn’t he hold a grudge against her for incarcerating him? The people she’d arrested had never asked her to dinner afterward.
    Yep, Unalaska was turning out to have a bit of a learning curve.
    “Want a cup of coffee while you wait?” she offered as they passed the break room.
    “Has the coffee improved?”
    “I can’t imagine it being worse.”
    His laugh was melodious and teased her into joining him, until she realized what she was doing. She replaced the smile with a scowl.
    “Oh now, you’re a real beauty when you smile,” Treat purred.
    Her hand went up to ward him off. “If you