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“It was like a switch flipped or something, and you started actually doing work. You became a real deputy. And with your past, uh,” he looked toward the camera and back at Al, “struggles, with law enforcement, you are perfectlyempathetic with our citizens. You know exactly when to crack down and when to cut someone a break. I hope you find love, I really do, but please try to pick someone who won’t take you away from us.”

Nick grunted with a nod. “Been knowing you a long time. Good kid, even better man. Like having you around.”

Al’s throat tightened, and if they kept going, the tears that were threatening to come out might fall and embarrass him on TV. Although maybe that was okay. Emotionally available men were currently trending.

“Marriage is a partnership,” Mr. Bill added with a knowing smile. “And the number one necessity for a strong partnership is communication. So whoever you have feelings for, talk to her about what you want in a relationship and listen to what she wants. Being the star of the show doesn’t make your needs more important. If anything, your needs are gonna be in the toilet when she watches the replay of all your whoring.”

“I’ve not been—ugh, whatever. I appreciate all the advice. Anything else?” Al nodded toward Christian’s hand, where he was pretty sure Marina had written him a cheat sheet.

Christian took a final peek. “Keep your eyes open and you might find that the thing you’ve been looking for has been in front of you the whole time.” He shrugged.

“Did you read that off a fortune cookie?” Mr. Bill asked.

“Um, not a fortune cookie, no. Why, you got a better line?” Christian asked.

“Yes.” Mr. Bill rubbed his hands together and placed them flat on the table. “Your heart will know before your brain does. And once they are both in sync, put a ring on it.”

“Thanks. Nick? Any last pearls of wisdom before I head out?”

“Don’t fuck it up. A good woman will forgive you, but she’ll have a limit. Don’t push past her limit.”

Al nodded. That was good advice. But what was Jeannie’s limit? Not that it mattered. But if it did matter. Did she have a limit, and had things already gone too far?

Chapter 30

Al wiped the sweat from his brow. This shouldn’t be so difficult. A beautiful woman sat across from him. They’d had a fun day of deep-sea fishing full of great conversation. Somewhere on the floors above them waited a completely paid for honeymoon suite. Most likely with chilled champagne and a bed covered in rose petals.

An awkward silence settled between them as Jazz looked over to the camera. Diane was back on shift. With the amount of hours she was putting in, she must really enjoy the work. Hopefully that meant she would join the Grimm County Lawmen crew when they started taping. He’d missed teasing Hope, so it would be good to have another of Hunter’s sisters around.

Al rubbed his hand over his face. Focus. Tonight was the first of his three overnight dates. They were supposed to help him get to know the ladies better. Know, like in the Biblical sense.

He steadied his bouncing knee, trying to ignore the way the sea bass he’d eaten was threatening to come back up. He looked over at Lindsey, who was mouthing, “the key, the key.”

“Jazz, I’ve had a lovely evening. We get along great, and on paper, I can see how our lifestyles would really complement each other.”

Out of nowhere, Shane appeared, looking like a fancy waiter holding a plate covered with a silver dome. Okay, so maybe Mister Teen Idol still had a few moves.

Jazz’s eyes widened as she glanced over at Al. He reached for his glass and took another sip of red wine.

“Well, okay then,” she whispered, following his lead with her own glass.

Shane cleared his throat. “Al and Jazz, we’re down to three women of interest. There’s just one elimination before the final arraignment, and possibly, a proposal. I want to make sure there is no evidence left uncovered in the investigation for love. Therefore, I present you with a gift.” He lifted the dome off of the plate. “This,” he paused several long seconds while mugging for the camera, “is the key to the Conjugal Suite.”

Jazz snorted, spitting her wine onto the table.

“Oh shit, are you okay?” Al jumped up and slapped her on the back.

Jazz waved Al away, laughing and choking as she wiped her face. “Please tell me he did not call that what I think he did.”

Al grinned. “You mean the Conjugal Suite? Unfortunately, yes.”

“All good over there?” Shane called from his safe distance several feet away.

“Yes, all good. Sorry about that,” Jazz said, looking up at Shane, then back at Al. “Actually, I’m not feeling all that well. Maybe it was the fish?” She nibbled on her lip and looked toward the camera.

Al rubbed his stomach. “Now that you mention it, I don’t feel so good either.”

“I’d rather go to my room and lie down. I’m not sure what the night will bring.” She rubbed her stomach and groaned loudly. “But I’m pretty sure we aren’t ready to know each other like that.”