Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 86177 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 431(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86177 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 431(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
It seemed so peaceful in December. A dusting of snow fell during our arrival last night. With the sun shining today, looks could be deceiving.
Below, somewhere, Jamie continued to speak. I glanced back at the bedroom we shared. The bed, not so much. An icy feeling overcame my heart. Jamie said he could desire me. And I wanted to respect him and his body. Not doing so made me as bad as the traffickers that used mine. But surely he had to know I had needs. Heck, if he wanted to marry me this very minute, I’d officiate myself.
Could I officiate it and be the bride? Dang, I was a mess. If I took my last breath today, I’d be satisfied with that large hunk of a man.
“Is that all you need?” Jamie spoke into the receiver, strolling into the living room spread out below.
His choice words almost made me do a double take. Though he’d spoken into the phone, it felt like he meant the words for me. Jordy, stop being so desperate!
Jamie looked up at me and smiled in a way that set my soul on fire. Or left my heart ten degrees colder than Antarctica because I couldn’t have him this very instant. Yes, I understood him a lot more after our argument at his family business, but a woman still had dreams. Jamie continued to speak in a tone too low to hear, then pressed the Off button.
“Your brothers?”
“No. My old CO.” When my brows perched, he added, “Commanding Officer. I gave him Uncle”—the vein in his forehead pulsed—“Nolan’s name. He saw me on the news, apparently. Reached out about the altercation. Now, we have someone on our side who can help us. My brothers are good, by the way. They spent the rest of the night in the business’ basement.”
“Ah, the good old trapdoor-and-festive-holiday-rug trick.” I nodded.
“Yep. Serves a purpose.” He then licked his lips. “What? You’re thinking?”
“It’s nothing.” I giggled. “Okay. Old movie. Fried Green Tomatoes was old when I first saw it. Still watch it on occasion, though. I wonder if they cut up the bodies and …”
Jamie blinked.
Yeah. He hadn’t seen that movie. Horror widened his eyes. “Jordyn … don’t tell me they eat more than tomatoes in that movie?”
Another laugh. “Just once. Apparently, abusive husbands make for great barbecue ribs. But it was a joke. And I’m sorry for upsetting your stomach, soldier. Anyway, I’m glad they’re fine.” I remained in my position at the upper railing. I didn’t want to get any closer to this beautiful man who had high standards. This is a cruel joke. “Let’s change the subject. Before I ask you about good ol’ Uncle Nolan,”—I smirked—“where’s Reb?”
“I got her some dog food, water, and cleansed her wound. Rebel’s about as triggered as I am when you call that man ‘good, old Uncle Nolan.’ ” He thumbed behind him. “She’s out on the deck. Refuses to come in. I might need to find my girl a therapist.”
I offered a sad smile, knowing he might need that same therapist after he brought up Nolan.
Jamie cleared his throat. “Nolan McGregor was a detective with LBPD when I was growing up. He brought me out of captivity without getting the cops involved. A favor for my dad. Used all the law enforcement resources at his disposal.”
“Sounds like … a good guy?”
“We didn’t start calling him Uncle for no reason.” Jamie patted the seat next to him. “Come sit.”
Nope. I’m fine right here. Had to protect my heart—because Jamie had set up his mind to protect him. Okay, so maybe it was my body I needed to protect. My heart was fine with the romance of it all … a slow burn. But my body had turned into a traitor the second I set eyes on him. Every part of me reacted to him. Without even a touch. But you might wait forever, dummy.
But I owed Jamie. If he said jump, I should say how high, right? He’d rescued me.
And the confusion wins again. Annoyed, I shuffled down the stairs across the wood floors and sank onto the couch next to him. Don’t breathe him in. Don’t breathe—dang. Woodsy. Amber. Frenzy. Strength. I remembered every second of having his hardened body flush against mine at MacKenzie Freight. The torture was real. Sinking onto the couch, I leaned against the armrest to give us space.
“I think he’s … the reason I forgot about you.” Jamie’s voice was tight. His eyes dropped. Shame flickered across his marble face like a shadow.
“What?” I whispered, shifting beside him. My leg brushed his as I turned to sit crisscross on the couch, fully facing him.
But Jamie didn’t respond. His lips moved. Barely. I caught the words that spilled out under his breath. McDonald’s. Lincoln Continental.
Sounded like nonsense. Then, the repetition, the focus—it clicked. These weren’t just random words.