Falling for Cody

By Laura Lee McKellips

Losing her father in the line of duty had April Meyers wary of getting involved with a police officer. She works as a waitress in her mother’s diner to help out. All she wants is her car to get her back and forth to work and to pay her bills. One man is determined to shake up her life in more ways than she would ever imagine.

Cody Hill is more than his uniform. He has experienced the difficulties of being a police officer, but choses to remain positive. He is good at his job even though he faces the stuff of other people’s nightmares. One of the highlights of his day is going to the diner to flirt with his favorite blonde waitress. To his amazement, April agrees to one date with him.

There is more than mere attraction between April and Cody, but she is scared. She can’t lose another man to his job, so she backs away. Now it’s up to Cody to show April, he is more than a man in uniform. He is a man in love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Laura Lee McKellips
• Release date: Jun 1, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370065189

Laura Lee McKellips

Self-proclaimed history bluff, Laura Lee McKellips writes romance novels laced with history as well as modern-day trials. She likes to write smart and funny heroines and equally strong and funny heroes.She is a mixture of all her characters including the males: funny, smart, sassy, outgoing, loving, and guarded. She lets her characters tell their story in their own way much to her dismay at times.After reading a self-published book in 2013, Laura Lee decided to type out one of the stories floating around in her head. Since then she has written Cursed Soldier, The Woman Behind the Letters, Sorority Sisters Duet (Courtney and Lily), Savannah, Slay the Demon, Falling for Cody, Life in the Moments, Diamond Dirt, and Siren Song. She is currently working on another historic novel based in her hometown.You can check out what she's up to on social media.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraLeeMckellips/?ref=hlTwitter: @leeredmarlinGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7232508.Laura_Lee_McKellipswww.lauraleemckellips.weebly.com

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Falling for Cody

Laura Lee McKellips

Smashwords Edition

This book is dedicated to everyone who wears the blue as well as those who back the blue. Thank you for everything you do.

ILY

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Copyright © 2017 by Laura Lee McKellips

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

All Rights Reserved. In accordance with the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, the scanning, uploading, and electronic sharing of any part of this book without the permission of the author constitute unlawful piracy and theft of the author’s intellectual property.

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Cover Design by Olivia

Edited by Barbara Alvarez

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Prologue

2006

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust

The words vibrated through April’s chest. She stood at the edge of the grave and watched as her mother and two sisters threw their roses on top of the casket. She didn’t have a rose to throw onto the casket. It was her decision, but now she wished she took one. It probably looked odd to their friends and family that she didn’t pay her respects to the beloved Police Chief, Logan Meyers, her father.

Gripping her fingers, she tried to ward off the chill invading her body. The chill started when she answered the phone a week ago. She should’ve known something was wrong because her mother never called her past nine.

One sentence was all it took to knock her world off its foundations.

Your daddy was shot, and he didn’t make it.

She wasn’t sure what her mother said after telling her of her father’s death. Thankfully, Kimberly, her best friend, took the phone from her hands to get the details.

She wasn’t aware when Kim ended the call or how long Kim sat beside her. In fact, she was still in a haze as dirt hit the casket lid. The past few days blended into one huge scene. She cried more tears than she thought possible, and she was sure she’d gone through an entire case of tissues.

Do you need more time? Kim asked breaking through the fog.

She was thankful for her best friend and roommate. Kimberly had been at her side since taking the phone from her hands. Kim even picked out a black dress for the visitation and another for the funeral. This entire thing couldn’t be easy for Kim, but she never stepped back. April would never be able to repay Kim’s kindness.

I don’t think any time will be enough, April whispered as she glanced back at the hole in the ground where the casket was lowered.

I know, Kim said as she wrapped one arm around April’s shoulders. He was a good man.

He was more than a good man, April gulped. He was my hero. I lost my hero.

Do you need anything? Kim asked.

April closed her eyes. I want my daddy back.

Take comfort in the fact he died doing something he loved. He died protecting a little boy, Kim said.

I hate he was a police officer, April muttered. What he loved, took him away from us. I don’t know what my mother and sisters will do without him. I don’t know what I will do without him.

April, your father would not want you to question your life’s path, Kim remarked. He would want you to finish school and get your degree. He would want you to be happy.

I know, April whispered as more tears slipped down her cheeks.

You ready to go back to your house? Kim asked.

Everyone would be at her house to give their condolences and ask if there was anything they could do. She’d done the same thing for countless others. She couldn’t go back to the house right now. She couldn’t face those people.

I think I’m going to stay here for a while, April replied.

Okay, I’ll let your momma know, Kim said as she lowered her arm. I’ll swing by later to check on you.

Kim, you don’t have to, April said shaking her head. I know you need to get back to school and study.

Kim sighed. You’re more important than a test, she said.

April nodded before Kim left her alone. The cemetery was empty except for her and the squirrels. She took a deep breath and leaned her head back to look up at the sky. The weather reflected her mood, with overcast skies and signs of rain. It had been raining ever since she heard the news of her father’s death.

Titling her head, she looked around at the nearby tombstones. They looked cold and impersonal, nothing like her daddy. Logan Meyers was a larger than life man. He loved his job, but not as much as he loved his family. She never felt as if she took a backseat to his job. He was at every play she was in and even attended parent-teacher conferences with her mother.

Being the Chief of Police, should’ve kept him behind a desk, but if one of the deputies called out, he pitched in. In fact, it was the reason he was out on patrol the night he was killed. One of the younger deputies called in sick, so her dad stayed over. The department faced cutbacks, which meant the shift was already short.

Kneeling down, she grabbed a handful of dirt. The earthly smell reminded her of days playing outside with her dad. She closed her eyes as the images flashed through her mind. Images of her dad teaching her how to ride her bike, how to drive her first car, and of him cleaning his gun when her prom date came to pick her up.

She was the tomboy of the family but also the baby. She was closer to her dad than her mom, even though she loved them the same. He taught her how to shoot any gun she was handed. If a person had a gun trained on you, it was your job to disarm them. Of course, her mom didn’t appreciate the lessons. She advised April to run away. It caused a huge fight, but in the end, April could fire any weapon she was handed. She could name the caliber without blinking.

Opening her eyes, she glanced down at the dirt in her fist. It was cold and reminded her she would never get those days with her dad back. He was gone, and there would be no more memories to make. She bowed her head as one lone tear streaked down her cheek.

She couldn’t believe he was gone. She didn’t know what her family would do now without the man who wrangled a house full of women. Breathing deep, she tossed the handful of dirt on top of the lowered casket.

The silence deafened her as she pictured the last time she saw her father. He was talking about getting close to retirement age. She asked him if he would retire early. He laughed and told her he couldn’t leave the department without his leadership. There was a new crop of deputies who needed his guidance. She remembered begging him to reconsider because of her bad feeling.

Of course, he brushed off her premonition of doom. Looking at the casket now, she knew she wasn’t wrong. People targeted men in uniforms, especially cops. The increased crime rate made her nervous.

When she was younger, she thought his uniform would always protect him. She was wrong. The uniform caused his death and her family’s pain. She didn’t want to feel this pain again. Loving a man in uniform presented the possibility of leaving her broken and in pain. She wouldn’t survive loving anyone else in uniform. It was easier to love a normal man than to love a hero.

Sighing, she stood and cast one last glance at the open grave.

I love you, daddy, she whispered. Your watch is over, Chief Meyers.

One

August 2016

I really need to you start today, Lee. I’m running behind, and I can’t have my mother on my case, April prayed as she closed her eyes and turned the car key.

Seconds later, the engine turned over as the car started.

Oh thank you, she gushed. I promise; I’ll get your oil changed soon.

April fastened her seatbelt before putting her car in reverse. Since her alarm decided to die in the middle of the night, and she didn’t set the one on her phone, she was behind schedule. She was supposed to be at work right now, getting the diner ready to open for the breakfast rush. The morning rush was crazy and she hated it, but her mother was taking two weeks off. She got the awesome job of opening Jane’s Diner.

Ten minutes later, she rolled into the parking lot. If she was driving a newer car, she would’ve been pulling in on two wheels, but she didn’t want to chance Lee not starting after work. The Nova was old and leaked more than the pipe under her bathroom sink. It was named Lee after her first boyfriend. She wondered if she cursed the car by naming it after him.

Shaking her head, she parked and got out of her car. Johnson was already here and had the door open. She hoped he’d fired up the grill and was ready to open. She could handle getting everything else ready in a few minutes, but the grill took longer to start. Slinging open the back door, she rushed to set her purse and jacket down before grabbing her apron.

You’re late! Johnson yelled from the kitchen.

I know, she yelled back as she pulled out the drawer for the cash register.

What am I going to tell your momma when she calls? Johnson asked as he leaned against the kitchen door.

Tell her I made it to work within twenty minutes of waking up, she replied brushing past him.

You woke up twenty minutes ago? he asked, following her to the front register.

Yes, she answered as she opened the register to set the drawer inside.

I’m impressed, he remarked. Misty takes twenty minutes to get out of bed.

You better watch it. I’ll tell her you said it, she warned. I’m sure your wife wouldn’t take it kindly if you’re spilling her secrets.

Probably not, he mumbled crossing his arms. Do you need any help opening?

I’ve got this out here, did you fire up the grill? she asked walking towards the tables. There were a combination of tables and chairs, along with booths lining three of the walls. The chairs needed to be taken off the tables and set on the floor.

April, you know I always start the grill, he stated.

Uh no, remember I normally work the afternoon shift, she said as she finished getting all the chairs off the tables. I would rather close than open.

I’m sure you would, but your momma wanted some time off, he said.

I know, which is why I didn’t pitch a fit about coming in early, she said as she grabbed the tray of wrapped silverware and starting placing them on all the tables. I’m fussing about it now.

I’m sure your momma appreciates all you do for her and the diner, he said. I know you got a degree, but you’re not using it.

Johnson, my momma needs me here. Also, there are no jobs in Briar Wall that require a Fine Arts degree, she explained as she opened all the blinds.

The sun was barely peeking through the clouds. It was going to be a beautiful day.

Are you sure? I thought I saw a listing for a new Art teacher at the elementary school.

She sighed and nodded. She saw the ad, but since the last Art teacher was killed in the elementary school shooting, no one wanted to take the job, including her. The school shooting happened in March, and the ad ran all summer. The Art teacher was one of the heroes because she tried to wrestle the gun away from the shooter. In fact, the Art classroom was dedicated in her memory.

Oh, look Jimmy Wayne is peeking through the door, Johnson said pointing towards the door. I guess it’s time to unlock the door.

She glanced at the clock behind her and sighed. Yep, right on time.

Walking towards the front door, she flipped the lock and opened the door.

Good morning, Jimmy Wayne, she said in greeting.

Good morning, April, you’re here mighty early, Jimmy Wayne commented.

Well momma has the next two weeks off, so I’m on the morning shift, she explained. Do you want coffee to start off?

Of course, and tell Johnson to make my usual, Jimmy Wayne said before walking over to his usual table.

Briar Wall was a small town where every local had a usual she could recite in her sleep. The town was also infamous due to the two school shootings. Up until a few months ago, there was only one school shooting, but another teenager decided to become an active shooter in the elementary school. The town was rocked by the news, but it pulled together as it did after the first shooting.

Sometimes she hated that life had drawn her back to Briar Wall, but she loved this town and its ability to rise up out of any tragedy.



Cody rubbed his eyes as he finished his report. Mountains of paperwork covered his desk, but he was finally finished. Dozens of trees were sacrificed for the bust, and it wasn’t including the ones that died when the meth lab blew up last month. Of course, the meth lab blowing up helped escalate his case.

Since Briar Wall wasn’t big, they didn’t have a big drug task force. He’d been pulling double duty for almost six months to get the bust. He was ready to go back to his regular duties.

He stood up and stretched before taking the paperwork to the legal department. They would add it to the case they had been building almost as long as the investigation.

How many trees did you kill for this? Mona asked as soon as he set the paperwork down.

I don’t know, how many tress die to make a ream of paper? he asked with a smile.

I don’t know. I don’t work at the paper mill, she replied. Did you get any sleep last night?

When did I have time? We did the bust around 9, and then we started the long process of cataloguing all the evidence, he said.

Then why do James, Bane, and Franklin look well rested? she asked.

I sent them home early this morning and finished the paperwork myself, he explained.

The paperwork could’ve waited while you got sleep, she remarked.

Possibly, but it’s done now, he said. If you need anything, let me know.

Cody, your paperwork is always in order. If there is ever a day when I notice you’re slipping, I’ll fire you. She laughed as he shook his head.

See ya later, he said walking back to his desk.

The station was busier than it had been while he was finishing the paperwork. It was one of the reasons he decided to stay. During the day, the station was loud with phones ringing, people shouting, and the everyday chaos of a police station. The night was a different story. It was quiet except for the random phone call. It gave him plenty of time to finish the evidence and paperwork before the station livened up.

He sat down at his desk and checked his email. Most of it was junk and the rest was office memos on completing paperwork in a timely manner and following through on all leads. There was also one memo which updated the office on more protests against police officers. The email was asking everyone to stay cool and calm while people voiced their opinions. He didn’t know how he could stay cool and calm when some were shouting to kill all the police officers. He put his life on the line for those people every day.

Did they care?

Nope.

Groaning, he emptied his inbox and closed the program. He opened the browser and searched the latest news. The stock market was up which meant most people would be a in a good mood. There was an article on another actor busted for drug use, what a shock. He bet the actor would be sent to some hidden treatment center and ‘healed.’

I don’t think he is in our jurisdiction, a voice stated behind him.

Closing the article, he spun around to see his boss standing behind him.

Ryan Brennan was the Police Chief and had been for several years. He was an older bald man and on the shorter side. Of course, everyone in the station was shorter than he was.

He may want to visit our lovely town to find some product, Cody remarked.

I don’t think it is on his agenda, and it may be hard to break out of the rehab center. Great job on the bust last night, Cody, Ryan said as he slapped Cody’s back.

Thanks, if it wasn’t for my informant, we would have been too early, Cody remarked as he leaned back in his chair. He was used to Chief switching topics at the drop of a hat. The man was short on small talk. You might want to go easy on his sentence.

You didn’t offer him immunity? Ryan asked crossing his arms.

No, you know how I feel about offering immunity, Cody commented. He is still a criminal and deserves to be punished.

Cody, I don’t know how you have any informants. You never offer any of them a deal, Ryan muttered.

People can’t keep secrets. They come to me because they’re scared, owe money, or they are jealous it’s not their business. I don’t have to offer them anything to get the information I want, Cody explained as he stood up.

I guess, but Preston is impressed. He wants me to look into a commendation for you and your team, Ryan informed him.

Preston Quinn was Briar Wall’s mayor and was big on handing out awards. Most of the awards were for people doing their jobs. An award should be for something you had gone above and beyond to do, not your everyday job.

No, Cody said quickly. I don’t want anything. It makes it harder to do my job.

Harder to do your job? Ryan echoed. Cody, it will look good on your resume if you ever decide to leave Briar Wall.

I don’t care, Cody stated. No award, no commendation, nothing.

Fine, I’ll let the mayor know you are working on something big and can’t have your cover blown, Ryan said.

I don’t care what you tell him, Cody said. I’m heading out to grab something to eat since I’ve been up all night processing paperwork and evidence.

Tell April I said hi. Ryan laughed.

Cody shook his head as he walked out of the station. Everyone knew where he was heading since it was common knowledge he was bent on making a fool of himself with a certain waitress. It was a game starting out until she finally said yes to a date, but that’s all it was, one date. He wanted more, and he was sure she did too. His problem was getting April to agree and not back out of a second date.

He at least knew where she would be this morning. Her mother causally told him April would be working the morning shift for the next two weeks. Jane was one of the biggest supporters of his pursuit of April Meyers. Jane wanted her daughter to be happy, like her other two daughters. What Jane Meyers saw in him, he didn’t know, but he also didn’t care; it helped his case.

Pausing outside the diner, he glanced through the windows and saw April. She was balancing a tray of drinks as she threaded around the tables and other people. The woman was so graceful in all her movements it still amazed him she wasn’t a dancer when she was younger. Of course, she could’ve played basketball or been a model with her height. At 6’1, April was taller than most of the women in town. Actually she was taller than most of the men, except him. She was perfect for his 6’6.

Not only was she tall, but she had long blonde hair and the snarky attitude that came with it. She kept the attitude under wraps until he got near. He could tell she was into him but wanted to hide it.

Smiling, he pushed open the door and took a seat at one of the booths which was in her section. He couldn’t wait to see what she would do this time. She wouldn’t ignore him because she couldn’t, but she could be sour or sweet, like those candies he loved so much.



April, that man is back in your section, Cindy said as she grabbed her order from the window.

April turned around and saw whom Cindy was talking about. It was none other than Officer Cody Hill. The man who refused to take no for an answer. They’d went on one date a few months ago. She realized he could be the one to break her no cops rule and decided not to see him again. He didn’t get the hint she wasn’t interested.

Can you take the table? April asked glancing back at Cindy.

You know as soon as I walk over there, he will just move to another table, Cindy pointed out.

Yeah, April muttered.

The last time she switched with Cindy, Cody thanked Cindy before moving to another table in April’s section. The man refused to let anyone else serve him.

April, I understand your reasons for not wanting to date Cody, but the man is not going to take no for an answer, Cindy whispered before taking the food to one of her tables.

April groaned as she made her way over to Cody’s table. She was tired and didn’t want to deal with him this close to the end of her shift.

Good morning, Officer Hill, she said as soon as she stopped at his table. What can I get you to drink?

Coffee and keep it coming, he said.

Gotcha, she said before walking away to grab a cup and the coffee pot.

As she made her way back to his table, she topped off other people’s coffee before stopping at his table. She set the cup down and filled it. He took his coffee black, so she didn’t offer to get him anything else.

Do you know what you want? she asked taking out her notepad.

A date with you would be great, he replied with a smile.

She groaned and refrained from rolling her eyes. Cody, she warned.

What? I finished a big case and want to celebrate with you, he said.

Is that why you look exhausted? she asked.

Yeah, I stayed up all night finishing the paperwork, he shared.

You should go home and get sleep. Flirting with me can wait, especially since its getting you nowhere, she suggested.

Oh, I don’t think it’s the case, he said with a laugh. I want another date; in fact you owe me one.

Why do I owe you a date? she asked placing her hands on her hips.

Because you backed out of our last date, he answered.

A woman is allowed to change her mind, she remarked.

Sure, but I don’t think that was the problem, he said.

She rolled her eyes before pulling out