Targeted (Callahan & McLane Book 4) by Kendra Elliot

her car door, her mind occupied with horror movies and masks. Cheryl in her funky boots, jeans, and sparkly teal sweater was a feast for her eyes. She’d been studying too many crime scene photos. Having Cheryl as a neighbor was Ava’s chance to escape into a girly world.
    “Hey, Cheryl. Great sweater.”
    “It’d be perfect with your coloring,” Cheryl returned. She was on a constant mission to get Ava to perk up her wardrobe. She’d already introduced some bright colors into Ava’s closet. The items made Ava smile when she looked at them on their hangers, but they rarely made it onto her body. They didn’t feel right for her job. But she was happy knowing the clothes were there if she and Mason went out to dinner.
    “What’d you decide on the hotel ballroom?” Cheryl asked.
    Ava’s heart sank. She’d promised Cheryl an answer yesterday. “I’m sorry, I haven’t even looked at it. I caught a heavy case.”
    Cheryl put her hands on her hips and tipped her head at Ava. “Seriously. I’ve never had a client like you. Usually women can’t decide because they’re in love with too many locations. You don’t like anything and don’t make any effort to find something you do like.”
    Cheryl’s frankness was part of why Ava admired her. “I know. I’m making your job difficult.”
    “Do you want to get married?”
    “Yes! That’s why I hired you. I’m not good at planning.”
    “Or making decisions,” Cheryl added. “You won’t even pick a date.”
    “I’m trying to keep the date flexible in case the location isn’t available.”
    “Well, we need to find this dream location. What’s the holdup? You say you want to get married . . . what’s keeping you from moving forward?”
    Ava felt as if Cheryl’s green eyes saw right into her brain. “I’m really sorry.” She looked away from the penetrating gaze. “I’ve been up since two. Can I email you later?”
    “You say that when you want to avoid conversations, Ava.” Cheryl gave her a warm smile. “You don’t fool me, but you do have me stumped. I’ve never had such a reluctant bride.”
    “I don’t want to waste your time—”
    “Stop it.” The tall blonde held up her hand. “You’re not. You’re my friend and I want to do this. You need my help in the worst way. You’re my special project, and I’ve made it my personal mission to create your perfect day.”
    Ava wanted to hug her. “You have more patience than I do, Cheryl.”
    “That’s why we get along so well.”
    “Say . . . I work with a great guy—”
    Cheryl cut her off. “Tell you what. I’ll meet this great guy when you place a deposit on a venue.”
    She has a point.
    “I think you two will hit it off,” Ava said.
    “If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard that, I wouldn’t have to work.” Cheryl shook her head. “I swear each bride I’ve worked with has tried to hook me up with someone. Usually it’s their divorced and lonely father. I’ve had to make a policy of not accepting dates with relatives of my clients.”
    “Zander is great. If I wasn’t with Mason—” Ava stopped, abruptly aware that she hadn’t been with Mason when she’d met Zander. There’d been no sparks. Instead she’d always regarded him with a brotherly affection. When she’d met Mason, she’d wanted to learn more about him even though it felt as if she’d known him forever; they’d been instantly comfortable in each other’s presence.
    “You should see the look on your face right now,” Cheryl said. “You’re thinking about your man and it’s the reason I want to make your wedding perfect. You two are nuts about each other, and I’m so pea-green with envy, it’s clashing with my sweater.”
    Ava had no answer for that.
    “Go look at the hotel website I sent you and let me know today .”
    “I’ll do it right now,” Ava promised as she said good-bye.
    Her neighbor was awesome. She was friendly, blunt, and outgoing. The third day after Mason and Ava