Jordan’s Journey
Book Three
Ashley A Quinn
TCA Publishing LLC
Copyright©2024byAshleyAQuinn
Thisbookisaworkoffiction Thenames,characters,events,andplacesareeitherproductsofthewriter’simaginationorhavebeenusedfictitiouslyandarenottobe construedasreal Anyresemblancetopersons,livingordead,actualevents,locales,ororganizationsisentirelycoincidental Nopartsofthisbookmaybecopied,reproduced,and/ordistributedinanywaywithoutexpresswrittenconsentfromtheauthor
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter22 Chapter23
Chapter24
Chapter25 Chapter26
Chapter27
Chapter31
Chapter34
Chapter35
Chapter36
Chapter37
Chapter38
Chapter39
Chapter40
Chapter41
Chapter42
Chapter43
Chapter44
Chapter45
Chapter46
Chapter47
Chapter48
Chapter49
Chapter50
Chapter51
Epilogue
One
Abitterwindrippedinsidethestoreasthedoorsslidopen,blastingJordanMacDowellinthefaceasheexited.Hetucked hischin,tryingtoedgehisearsbelow thecollarofhiscoat,andhurriedacrosstheparkinglottohisrestoredBronco It was cold enoughto snow, butitwouldn’t. Notdownhere. Athis house up the mountain, though? The flurries were already flyingwhenhelefttogetdinnerandgroceries.
Reachinghiscar,heliftedhisheadashetookhiskeysfromhispockettounlockthedoor Paperflappinginthewindunder hiswindshieldwipercaughthisattention.Hegroaned.Notagain.
Jordanshovedthekeyinthelockandtwistedit,thenopenedthedoor,tossingthegrocerybagsovertheconsoleandonto thepassengerseat.Heleanedaroundthedoorandsnatchedthenote,thenclimbedintothecar.Oncehehadtheenginerunning and the heater blasting, he unfolded the paper, alreadyknowingit would saysomethingsimilar to all the others Aline of romanticpoetryscrawledinflowingfemininehandwritingcoveredthebottomhalfofthepage.Hecrumpledthepaperinhis fist and tossed it onto the passenger floorboard. Just once, he wished he could catch her in the act of leaving one of her missives Ifhe couldgether onvideoor take a picture,maybe he couldgetthe cops todosomething Butnoone wantedto touchthedaughter ofthecitycouncil presidentwithoutproof.Itdidn’tmatter thateveryoneknew shewascuckoo.Everyone wastooafraidofherfather
Cursing,Jordanshookhis headandputthe car ingear.He’dbeenanidiottogooutwithher inthe firstplace.Buthe’d beenthinkingwiththewronghead,blindedbyperkyboobsandafirm,roundbutt Nowhecouldn’tgetridofher Jordanglancedbothways,thenturnedoutoftheparkinglotandheadedforhome.Amilefromhishouse,hisphonerang. HeglancedatitandsawhisfriendDean’sname.Grimacing,hespedupabit.Heshouldhavetakenadifferentcar,onethathe couldconnecthisphoneto ButhelikedtheBronco,andwiththesnowonthegroundupinthehills,thefour-wheeldrivewas nice.Hispickupwasafour-by-four,too,butitstilldidn’tdogreatwithoutsomeweightintheback.Hehadn’tgottenaroundto that,eventhoughitwasmid-Januaryandheshouldhavebynow Atthispoint,heprobablywouldn’tbother He’dbeendriving theBroncomostofthewinter,anyway.
Hismailboxcameintoview,andheswungintothedriveway.SnowandgravelcrunchedundertheBronco’slargetiresas hedrovetowardthehouse.Pullingupunderthecarportbyhisbackdoor,heshutthecaroffandgotout.Oncehewasinside, hesethisbagsandthenowcrumplednoteonthecounterandcalledDeanback.
“Hey,man Thanksforcallingmeback Iknowit’sgettinglate,”Deansaidwhenheanswered “It’snotthatlate.”Jordanglancedattheclock,thengrimaced.Itwasalittlelaterthanhethought.Hehadn’trealizedhow longhe’dworkedonMrs Brown’scarthisevening Buthe’dwantedtogetitbacktoherinthemorning Heknewsheneeded
ittogovisithersisterinPhoenix,whowasinanursinghomethere.“Iwenttotownandwasonmywaybackwhenyoucalled. What’sup?”
“Brookewantedmetoaskifyou’veconsideredherofferyet” Jordansighedandleanedbackagainstthecounter.“Shesureispersistent.”Hepursedhislipsandstaredoutthewindowat thegentlyfallingsnowflakesilluminatedbythepolelightinhisyard BrookeMcGinty’soffertobechiefmechanicatthenew resortsheplannedtobuildinCostaRicawasatemptingoffer,buthestillwasn’tsureifhewantedtouproothislifetotakethe job “It’snotlikeIdon’thavetimetodecide They’restillintheplanningstages,right?” “Yes,butifthere’sonethingI’velearnedaboutthatwomaninthelastfewmonths,it’sthatshelikestoplanahead.She’s alreadywooedEzraawayfromherfatherandconvincedhimandhiswifethattheyneedtocomedownandbepartofthenew resort Shementionedsomethingaboutaculturalcenter Idon’tthinkEzrastoodachanceoncehiswifegotwindofthatidea Apparently,she hada blastsettingupthe little museumatthe Asheville resortandwelcomes the chance todoitagain.And
BrookeheardaboutAnnabethandMargot’splanstoopenaclinicdownhereandwantstoinvest”Deansighed Jordancould envisionhimscrubbinghishandsoverhisfaceinexasperation.“AllI’veheardaboutforweeksaretheplansfortheclinicand resort YouneedtosayyesandmovedownheresoIhavesomeonesanetotalkto”
Jordanchuckled.“Whataboutallyourotherbuddies?Surely,they’renotallthatinvolved?”
“Fordis,ofcourse.AndMaxhasthrownhimselfintohelpingwiththeplans.IthinkthathasmoretodowithMargotand hergirlsthananythingelse”
Jordanwouldagreewiththat.HerememberedhowthemanactedatThanksgiving.Margot’stwintoddlersadoredhim,and he’ddonelittletodiscouragethat
“Asher’s not too bad about it,” Deancontinued. “And Samrarelytalks to beginwith. Edie’s just excited to have other womenaround.Shemightacttough,butthere’sagirliesidethereshelikestoletoutfromtimetotime.”
AnimageofthesassyredheadpoppedintoJordan’sbrain.He’dliketoseethatgirliesidetoo.She’dlookincredibleina form-fittingdress and heels. Thoughhe had no complaints aboutthe shorts and tanktops she favored. Theyshowed offher curvesjustfine
Herolledhiseyes.Itwasthoughtslikethosethatgothimintotrouble.Itwashardtoturnthemoff,though.Helovedwomen andtheircurves
“Well,itsoundslikeshe’llhaveampleopportunitytodothatsoon.”
“Yeah.”Deanblewoutabreath.“So,whatcanItellBrooke?”
“ThatI’mstillthinking.”
“Iknewyouweregoingtosaythat.”
“Thenyoushouldhavejusttoldherthatandsavedyourselfthephonecall” Deanchuckled.“ButthenIwouldn’tgettotellyoutostopbeingadipshitandmakeupyourmind.” ItwasJordan’sturntohuffashortlaugh “Whydoesshewantmeforthejob,anyway?I’msurethereareothercandidates morequalified.”
“Maybe.Butyouknowwhy,Jordie.Ifitweren’tfortheevidenceyoufound ” “Anyone with half a brain could have seen the cut brake lines and found that blood,” Jordan interrupted “I didn’t do anythingspecial.”
“To her, youdid” Dean’s voice grew quiet, butstayed firm “To Annabethtoo And to me Youbroughta lotofpeople closure.Andyou’repartofthegroupnow,whetheryoulikeitornot.Sheknowsshecantrustyou.”
“Shedoesn’tknowme”
“Doesn’tmatter.ShetrustsmeandItrustyou,sothereyougo.Justsayyesandputusalloutofourmisery.” Jordanchuckledagain.“I’llthinkaboutit.”
Deansighed “Fine So,how’slife?Youworkonanycoolcarslately?”
“Not really. My Porsche.” He’d bought a Porsche 911 a few months ago. It was in rough shape and he’d been busy restoringit “Mostofthetime,it’sroutinestuff Oilchanges,tires,alternators Although,therat’snestItookoutofJakeSmith’s airfilterwasinteresting.ItwasfullofgrassandshreddedPlayboymagazinesthatcameoutofhisgarage.”
“OldMr SmithkeepsPlayboysinhisgarage?”
“Iguessso.Mustliketolookatthemwhenhetinkersoutthere.”Theoldmanlikedtobuildscalemodels.Theywereall overhishouse.He’dgivenonetoJordanafew yearsagoofa1969FordShelbyGTMustang.Itsatonhischeckoutcounter now
“So,that’sit,huh?Nointerestingletters?”
Jordanfrowned,hismoodsouring “That’swhyyoureallycalled Itwasn’ttoaskaboutBrooke’sjoboffer Itwasabout mydamnstalker.”
Deanhuffed.“Canyoublameme?It’salittlecreepythatshe’ssendingyoulovepoems.Hasshesentanymore?”
Foramoment,Jordanhesitated.Hedidn’twantDeantoworry becausetherereallywasn’tanythingtoworryabout.But ifhedidn’ttellhimandhefoundoutanyway,itwouldhurthisfeelings.Theydidn’tkeepsecrets.
Pressinghis lips together andclenchinghis teeth,heglancedup.“Yeah.Therewas oneonmycar tonightwhenIleftthe grocery.”
“Howmanydoesthatmakenow?” “Seven.”
“DidyoukeepthemlikeItoldyouto?”
“Yes,Dad.”Jordanrolledhiseyes.
“Don’tgetsassy I’llflyuptherejusttobeatyourass”
Jordanlaughed.“YoumightbeaSEAL,butIcanstillbestyou.”He’dbeenstudyingmartialartssincehewaseightyears old.Deanmightbebiggerandstrongernow,butnotthatmuch,andJordanwasquicker.
“Hmm,maybe Butinallseriousness,youneedtobecareful MercyDixonisacrazybitchwhohasherdaddy’smoneyand influenceatherdisposal.She’snotuntouchable,butdamnnearit.Istillcan’tbelieveyougotinvolvedwithher.Shewasanut inhighschool Whatwereyouthinking?”
“Iwasn’t.Keeley’spunchrobbedmeofmycommonsense.”
Deanscoffed “Don’tblameher Youdrankit,knowinghowstrongitwas”
“Inmydefense,it’snotnormallyquitethatstrong.Someonespikedit.Butyou’reright.Ihavenoonetoblamebutmyself.” He’d gone to his friends’, Keeleyand Logan’s, partywiththe full intentionofgettinga little drunk. He’d had a long, busy, frustratingweekandhadwantedtoblowoffsomesteam He’ddonethat Alittletoowell Whenhewokeupthenextmorning, MercyDixonhadbeennakedinbednexttohim.Thatwasseveralmonthsagonow,andeventhoughhe’dtoldheratthetimeit wasamistakeanddidn’tbearrepeating,she’dbeenchasinghimeversince “Youneedagirlfriend.Maybethenshe’dbackoff.”
Jordanbarkedashortlaugh.“I’vetriedthat.Wentoutwithacouplewomen.She’sscaredthembothoff.Thefirstonetold meshedidn’twanttogetinthemiddleofmyrelationshipwithMercy,andthesecondjustrefusestoreturnmycalls.”
“Youjustneedtofindsomeonewhoisn’tafraidofher.”
AnimageofEdie’sscowlingfacepoppedintohishead Now therewasawomanwhowouldn’tbeintimidated Toobad shewasinCostaRica.Andthatshehatedhisguts.Hedidn’tquiteunderstandwhyshedid,though.He’dbeennicetoher at first Hehadn’texactlybeenunkindsincethen Justteasing Sherosetotheoccasionsowell “Well,that’seasiersaidthandone.Especiallyaroundhere.”
Deansighed.“Iguessthat’strue.Buthey thinkofitthisway it’sjustmoreincentiveforyoutotakeBrooke’sjoboffer andmovedownhere.”
“Herjoboffer,whichdoesn’tevenstartforatleastayear?”
“Oh,we’llfindplentytokeepyouoccupied Fordalonewillkeepyouemployedfulltime Healwaysneedsamechanicfor hisboats.”
“I’macarmechanic”
Deanscoffedagain.“Webothknowifithasanengine,youcanfixit.”
Jordangrunted,notwantingtoconfirmordenythat.Itwastrue,buthedidn’twanttoencouragehisfriendtocontinuethis line of conversation He was considering Brooke’s offer But it was a lot to think about A move like that wasn’t one to undertakelightly.
“All right,fine Igetit Shutup,Dean,”Deansaid “Justwatchyour back,okay?She’s notbackingoff,andthings could turnviolentifshestartstofeellikeshe’slosingyou.”
“Iknow,andIwill Eventually,she’llgettiredofmenotgivinginorshe’llsethersightsonsomeotherpoorsapandwill leavemealone.”Anideahithim.“Hey,that’snotabadidea.MaybeIcanfindsomeonewhodoesn’tmindhercrazyandset themup.”
Deanlaughed “You’dprobablyhaveaneasiertimefindingthatelusivewomanwhocanstanduptoher”
Again,Edie’sfacepoppedintoJordan’sbrain.“Yeah.I’llkeepmyeyesopenforboth.”
Two
Edie Campbell glanced back, waiting on the wave to reach her where she sat on her gently rocking surfboard. As it approached,shelaidflatandstartedpaddling,buildingupspeed Thewavereachedherandshehoppedtoherfeet,slicing throughthe water. Droplets sprayed her face as the tail ofher braided red hair whipped around as she moved. Exhilaration broughtasmiletoherface.Therewasn’tmuchlikesurfing.Itwasascloseasapersoncouldgettowalkingonwater.
Adolphinbrokethesurfaceinfrontofher “Crap!”Sheturnedherboardsharplytotheright,tryingtoavoidit Themove poppedherintothewave,whichpulledtheboardfromunderher.Shecrashedintothewater.Asearingpaintorethroughher handasitmadecontactwithherboard Thefinhadslicedthesideofherpalm Battlingthroughthechurningwater,sheroseto thesurface.Aquickglancerevealednotraceofthedolphin.
Shakingher head,shelookedather hand Bloodrandownher arm Thegashwas deep “Dammit”Sheneededtogetto shore. Edie threw her uninjured armover her board and kicked her feet, ridinganother wave to the beach. Whenshe could touch,shewalkedout.
“Youallright?”
Edie looked up atthe deep voice and saw her friend DeanAdler standingonthe beachina blackwetsuit, a surfboard tuckedunderhisarm “Yeah,”shesaid “Nothingafewstitcheswon’tfix Thefinslicedme” Heplantedhisboardinthesandandmetherasshecameoutofthewater.“Letmesee.”
Sheheldupherhand “Ouch.You’reright.Thatneedsstitches.”
Ediegrimaced.“Greatwaytostarttheweekend,right?”
“Comeon Ihaveatowelinmycarwecanwraparoundthatuntilwecangetitsewedup You’reluckyAnnabeth’shere” Hepickeduphisboardandtippedhisheadtowardtheparkinglot,thensetoff.
“Whyaren’tyouwithher?” His girlfriend,AnnabethSwenson,was a doctor She’dcome downfor a shortvisitsince it wasalongweekendintheU.S.
“Anearlymorningsurfsoundednice.AndIneedtotalktoyou.”
Edieblinkedupathiminsurprise.“Oh?Aboutwhat?” “Jordan.”
Her mood soured even more Jordan MacDowell rubbed her the wrong way It was his smile It was too sexy Too confident.Heknewhewashandsomeandthoughtitcouldgethimanything.“Whatabouthim?”
“He’shavingsomeissuesbackhome Iwonderedifyoucouldhelp”Theyreachedhiscar,andDeanpulledopentherear
passengerdoorandleanedinside,emergingwithabeachtowel.“Here.Wrapthataroundyourhand.It’sclean.Mostly.”
Shetookthetowelandwrappeditaroundherbleedinghandasbestshecould,thenheldpressureonit.“How canIhelp yourfriendbackintheStates?I’mnotAsher Ican’tgetonthecomputerandgobing,bang,boopandmakethingshappen”
Deanproppedhishandsonhishipsandstaredather,chewingonthecornerofhismouth.Ediegotasinkingfeelinginher gut
“What?Whyareyoulookingatmelikethat?”sheasked,scowling.Whateverhehadtosay,shewasn’tgoingtolike.
“He’shavingissueswithawoman”
Ediesnorted.“That’sashocker.”InthefewdaysJordanhadbeeninCostaRica,she’dseenhimsidleuptomorethanone womanatSam’sbar.He’devendisappearedwithoneforawhile.Itdidn’tsurpriseherthathiswomanizingwayshadfinally caughtuptohim
“It’snotlikethat.Thisgirl ”Hebrokeoffandglancedaway.“She’sdifferent.”
TheconcerninDean’svoicedispelledsomeofheramusementatJordan’spredicament “Differenthow?” “Crazy.”
“Crazycuckoo,orcrazydangerous?”
“Aretheyreallythatdifferent?”
Shetippedherhead.“True.”
“She’salocalwomanwhosefamily herdad,especially hasalotofmoneyandinfluence Theyonlydatedashorttime beforehebrokeitoff,butshewon’ttakethehintthathe’snotinterestedanymore.”
“What’sshedoing?”
“Leavinghimlovelettersandscaringoffhisdates.”
Ediescoffed.“That’sit?”
Deanrolledhislipsin,glancingattheoceanagainbeforesettlinghisjadeeyesonher.“Iknowitdoesn’tsoundlikemuch, butI’vejustgotthisfeeling.”Heshookhishead.“It’snotgoingtoendwell.Notifwedon’tdosomething.”
“We?Again,I’mnotAsher,Dean Idon’tknowwhatIcando”
Hetippedhisheadtowardthetruck.“Getin.I’llexplainwhileIdriveyoutomyhouse.”
Edieclenchedherteeth Shewantedananswernow,butsheknewsheneededstitchesmore Afterstowingtheirboardsin theback,sheclimbedintothepassengerseat,bucklingupwhileDeangotinandstartedthecar.Heturnedaround,andtheyleft theparkinglot.
She turned inher seat, keepingher hand raised and pressure onthe wound. “What is it youthinkIcando to help your friend?”
Deanpursedhislipsandsentheraquickglance “Don’tgetmad,okay?” Hereyebrowsdrewtogether.“Justspititout.”
“Iwantyoutogothereandpretendtobehisgirlfriend”
Shockmadehereyebrowsgotheotherdirection.“Youwantmetowhat?”
“Behisgirlfriend.Heneedssomeonewhowon’tbeintimidatedbythiswoman.Maybeevensomeonewhowillwarnher tobackoff”
“Sotellhimtofindsomeonelikethat.”
“Idid Butthatcouldtakeawhile Inthemeantime,there’snotellingwhatshecoulddo” ItwasonthetipofEdie’stonguetogiveahearty,“Hell,no,”butsomethinginhistonestoppedher.“You’rereallyworried abouthim,aren’tyou?”
Deanblewoutabreathandranaquickhandthroughhishair.“Yeah.Ijust Idon’tknow.It’sjustafeeling.” Edie looked out the window, chewing on one corner of her mouth. She really had no desire to be anything to Jordan MacDowell,butDeanwasherfriend Andifshewastheonewhoneededhelpforafriend,he’dsayyesinaheartbeat She turnedtohim.“IfIgo,ishegoingtowelcomethehelp?”
“Probablynotatfirst,butyou’repersistent Persuadehim”Hesentherawrysmile Edierolledhereyes.“IsthatanicewayofsayingI’mbossyandoverbearing?”
Deanchuckled “No Well,notentirely Youarebossy Butyou’realsousuallyrightaboutthings So,willyoudoit?” She sighed. “Iguess. ButIswear, ifhe tries to convince me we need to practice certainparts ofbeinga couple, Iwill castratehimandfeedhisballstoarattlesnake.”
“Ow”Deanshiftedinhisseat “Besuretotellhimthatupfront”
“Don’t worry, Iwill.” She’d make it abundantlyclear she was onlythere to runoffhis ladyfriend. Nothingmore. She wasn’tinterestedinbecominghisnextconquest Evenifhewasexceedinglyprettytolookat
Three
AbuzzvibratedJordan’slegforthethirdtimeinfifteenminutes.Heignoredit,likehehadtheprevioustwotimes.Itwashis personal cell Whoever itwas could waituntil he wasn’tcovered up to his elbows ingrease Mr Bainbridge’s ancient Buickhadrebelledduringitstune-up,blowingaseal.Itwasn’tadifficultfix;justamessyone.
Thebell onhisfrontdoor chimed,signalingsomeonehadentered.Hedidn’tlookup.“I’ll bewithyouinamoment,”he yelledthroughtheopendoorway “Don’tstoponmyaccount.”
Jordanfrozeatthehuskyfemalevoice Adeliciousshiverwentthroughhim ThatsoundedlikeEdie Shehadoneofthose sultryvoices that would be right at home singingsome bluesylove songina swankynightclub that catered to the rich. He frownedandforcedhismindtoshovethoughtsofheraway Itcouldn’tbeher “Sorry,”hesaid,tighteningthenutthatheldthe enginehousinginplace.“There.Done.”Hestraightenedandturned,freezingagain.Hiseyeswentwide.Itwas her.“Edie?” Shegrinnedandwaggledherfingersathim.“Hi.”Herblueeyesflashedwithamusement.
Jordanmadehismusclesmoveandpickeduparag,wipinghishands “Whatareyoudoinghere?”Hisgazecaughtonthe whitebandageonherhand,andaquick,painfulthoughthithim,stealinghisbreath.“Dean ishe ?” Shewavedherhands “He’sfine ButheiswhyI’mhere”Someofthelevityleftherface “What?Idon’tunderstand.”
Hermouthflattened “Iheardaboutyourwomanproblem I’mheretohelp” His oh,God.Hescowledandtossedtheragontotheopentrayofhistoolbox.“Dean’sgotabigmouth.” “No.Hecares.”
“Regardless,Idon’tneedthehelp She’ssendingnotes AccidentallyrunningintomewhenIgoplaces” “Scaringoffyourdates?”
“It’s all temporary Eventually, she’ll meetsomeone else and ruinhis life instead ofmine I’mglad Deancares, butyou reallydidn’tneedtocomeallthisway.Andseriously,whatareyougoingtodo,anyway?Beatherup?”
Her lips twitched. “Thatmightbe fun, actually. Butno.” She sucked ina breath, squaringher shoulders. “I’myour new girlfriend.”
He knew he looked like a deer caught in someone’s headlights, but he couldn’t help it. Those were the last words he expected to come out of her mouth Thenhis male brainkicked in His surprised expressionmorphed into somethingmore calculating,andhesaunteredcloser.
Edie’s eyes narrowed, and she shooka finger athim “No Icansee whatyou’re thinking This does notcome withany
benefits.Iamheretogetthiswomantoleaveyoualoneandmakesurenoonegetshurt.Youcankeepyourhandstoyourself.” Jordanpouted, still walkingtoward her. He stopped closer thanwhatwas probablyappropriate. She didn’tbackaway, though Hehadn’texpectedherto “HowamIsupposedtoconvinceMercyyou’remygirlfriendifIcan’ttouchyou?” “Useyourwords,Jordie.Makethatsilvertongueofyoursuseful.”
Animmediatesmileliftedonesideofhismouth “IcanthinkofseveralwaysIcoulduseit”
Hercheekscolored,matchingherflaminghair.Shecrossedherarmsandglaredathim,blueeyesflashing. Jordanchuckled “Nodice?Damn IthinkI’dliketogetatasteofyou”
She rolled her eyes, then dropped her arms and spun away. “I knew this wasn’t going to work. I told Dean it was a ridiculousidea.Imean,you’reanadultandcantakecare ”
He grabbed her non-bandaged hand and spunher around, stoppingthe flow of words She let out a startled gasp as he pulledherintohischest.Thoseazureeyesflashedwithfireagain,andhersurprisedexpressionquicklymorphedintoaglare.
“Whatareyoudoing?”
“ProvingIcanbehave.”Heheldhergaze.
Sheswallowedhard “Youcallthisbehaving?”
“AmIkissingyou?”Hisgazedroppedtoherlips.Theywerepinkandplumpandfull. “No.”
“Touchingsomewhereinappropriate?”Hisfingerstwitchedashesaidthewords,buthekepthishandsfirmlywherethey wereonherback.
Herglaredturnedintoathoughtfulfrown “No”
“See?Behaving.”
Again,sherolledhereyes,thenpushedoutofhisembrace.Jordanlethergo,needingthespacehimself.Ediedidthingsto himjustbybeinginthesameroom.Touchingherwasabadidea.Yethewantedtodoitagain.
“Thatwashardlybehaving.”
“Itwasademonstration,”Jordancountered “Ifyou’regoingtoplaythepartofmygirlfriend,youneedtobecomfortable withmetouchingyou,eveninnocently.Noonewilleverbelievewe’reinvolvedotherwise.”Ascrazyofanideaasitwasfor hertoplaytheroleofhisgirlfriend,hehadtoadmit,itwasagoodone Shewasperfectforthejob Gorgeousandsmart,she waspreciselyhistype.Thatshewasalsofierce,bold,andbasicallyfearlessmeantshecouldtakeonMercywithease.
Edie propped her hands on her hips and studied him. “So, are you agreeing to the plan? If so, you’re jumping on the bandwagonprettyquickly.Whyaren’tyoutryingtoconvincemetogohome?”
Jordanshrugged,mullingoverhisreasons.Evenwithallofherqualifications,onlyonereallystuckout.“Deanaskedyou tohelp”
“AndyoujustdowhateverDeanwants?”
“No ButItrusthisjudgementonthingslikethis Hisideaformetofindagirlfriendwithabackboneisagoodone I’ve beenthinkingaboutwhomightfitthatbilllocally,buthavingyouheresavesmethetrouble.”Everyoneelsehehadinmindwas eithertakenorwouldwantmoreoutofthedealthanwhathewantedtoofferapretendgirlfriend.
“Godforbidyouhavetouseyouractualbrainandnottheonedownthere”Shenoddedtowardhiscrotch “Ouch.”Helaidahandoverhisheart.“Youwoundme.”
Shegavehimamirthlesssmile “Hardly Youregocantakeit”
Hechuckledagain.Ofthat,hehadnodoubt.Havingheraroundwouldbeachallengehereadilyaccepted.Shestirredhis blood,butshealsostirredhismind “So,howlongareyoustaying?”
She lifted a shoulder, but before she could reply, movement outside caught Jordan’s attention. He muttered a curse and stalkedtowardEdieagain.
Four
Edie felt her eyes grow round as she caught sight of the fierce expressiononhis face. Flutters started inher bellyas he closedthedistancebetweenthem “Jordan,whatareyou ”
He grabbed a fistful ofher darkcoatand pulled, haulingher into his bigger frame. Her breathfroze inher lungs as the flutters erupted into flames. She’d always thought the depictions in books of women turning to boneless mush when a guy manhandledthemweresilly Notanymore Itwashot “Don’tpushaway,”hewhisperedashetuckedhisfaceinthecrookofherneck. Shecouldn’tifshetried
Thebellonthedoorchimed,andacoldblastofairghostedoverher.Enoughofhersensesreturnedforhertonoticethat while he was acting like a man who wanted to devour her, his rigid posture told a different story A moment later, she understoodwhy.
“Hello,Mercy.”Heraisedhisfacefromherneck,butdidn’tbackaway.
Thenameregistered Thiswasthewomanharassinghim SheraisedherhandsandclutchedJordan’sworkshirt Timeto rememberwhyshewashere.Sheglancedoverhershoulderandsmiledatablondewomaninawhiteparkaandgrayleggings. “Hi Sorryabouttheshow I’vebeenoutoftownandcouldn’twaituntil tonighttoseehim”EdieturnedbacktoJordanand peckedakissonhisnose.“Ishouldgoandletyougetbacktowork.We’restillonfordinner,right?”
Hedidn’tmissabeat “Yep Doyouwantmetocook?Iknowyou’vehadalongdayalready” “Wait.”Mercyinterruptedthem.“Whoareyou?”
“Thisismygirlfriend,EdieCampbell.”JordansmiledatEdie.“Honey,thisisMercyDixon.She’s anoldfriend.” “Oh,hello”EdieextendedahandtoMercy “It’snicetomeetyou”
Mercystaredatherhandwithsomethingakintodisgust.Expressionflat,shetookit,thenstuffedherhandsintoherparka pockets “Areyoufromaroundhere?Idon’trecognizeyou,andIknowmosteveryone,”Mercysaid. “No.IactuallyliveinCostaRica.JordanandImetafewmonthsagowhenhecamedowntovisitafriendofhis.” “Oh.”Herexpressionbrightened.
Edie realized she mighthave made a mistake. Now Mercythoughtshe’d be leaving, whichwould openthe door for her again Shehadn’twantedtolieandthenlatergettrippedup
“Edie’sthinkingaboutmovinghere,though.Aren’tyou,babe?”Hedrapedanarmaroundhershoulders.
“Yep”Shewentwithhisprompt,knowingsheneededtodosomedamagecontrol “That’swhatmyvisitnowisallabout
We’re trialingthe whole livingtogether thing.” She gave hima sweetsmile, hopingshe wasn’tlayingitontoo thick. They wantedtolookbelievable.Notsappy.
“Ididn’tthinkyouwereseeinganyone Youwentoutwiththatonewoman Justine,wasit?AndtherewasaNicole,too, right?Butthatwasmonthsago,wasn’tit?”
Jordanwavedahand “Thosewerejustdrinksbetweenfriends” Mercyraisedaneyebrow,lookingskeptical.“Really?Ididn’tknowyoukneweitherofthem.Frombefore,Imean.” “Oh,yeah Wemetthroughsomemutualfriendsyearsago NicoleandIjustcaughtup,butJustinewasfeelingalittledown, soItookherouttocheerherup.”
Ediegavehimasubtlepinchontheside.Shecouldtell hewasmakingthingsuponthefly.Mercydidn’tneedtoomany details Itwouldbehardertokeeptheirliesstraight Plus,shecouldgoverifysomeofthiswiththosewomen
Hesqueezedhershoulderseversoslightly.“Inanycase,Edie’stheonlywomanforme.So,whatbringsyouin?Isittime foranoilchangeinyourBMW?”heasked “MyLexus.Idon’tdrivetheBMWinthewinterverymuch,youknowthat.” “Oh?Ihaven’tpaidthatmuchattention”
Edieresistedtheurgetorollhereyesandcallhimaliar.Shewouldbethersurfboardhekneweverycareverypersonin thistowndroveandhowmuchtheydroveit.
Mercybristled “Well,anyway,it’stimefortheLexustobeserviced” “Okay.”JordansteppedawayfromEdietogobehindthecounter. AbereftfeelingsettledoverEdie’sshoulders,replacinghisarm Shefrownedslightly Whatwasthatabout? “Let’ssee.”Hewokeupthecomputerandclickedonthescreen.“IcandoaweekfromThursdayateleven.” “Youdon’thaveanythingsooner?”Mercysidleduptothecounterandleanedonit. Edie’s mouthdroppedopenas she watchedthe womantugdownthe zipper onher jacketandpress her chestagainstthe counter’sedge,makingherboobspouroverthetopofherlow-cutlavendertop.Somewomenhadalotofnerve.
Tohiscredit,Jordandidn’tsparehercleavageaglance “Sorry.Thursdayistheearliest.Thiscoldsnapwe’vehadhasn’tbeenkindtopeople’scars.”
Mercy’smouthpulleddown “Fine I’lltakeit”
Hisheadbobbedonce,andhetypedhernameintothecomputer.“Doyouwantaremindercard?” “No.I’llputitonmycalendar.”Shealreadyhadherphoneoutandwasenteringtheinformation. “Okay.I’llseeyounextThursday,then.”
Finished addingitto her calendar, Mercyslipped the phone backinto her large blackpurse. She tossed hima seductive smilewithherpoutyredlips “Ican’twait”
Yuck. Edie’sexpressionstayedclear,evenasshementallygrimacedindisgust.Thewomanwastryingtoohard. Withaquickwaveofherfingers,Mercyturned ShepausedlongenoughtoglareatEdie,thenflouncedoutthedoor When thechimedied,EdielookedatJordan.“She’sarealpieceofwork.” Hesnorted.“Yep.”
“Whyonearthdidyouencourageher?” “BecauseI’maman,andshe’snotexactlyugly.” Edie’sbrowsroseathisadmission “Notphysically Butpersonality-wise?” Henodded.“Igetthat.Now.AndI’mpayingfor it.”Hecamearoundthecounter tostandinfrontofher.“Thankyoufor playingalong”
“That’swhyI’mhere.”Shesteppedaroundhim.“I’llletyougetbacktowork.Wecantalkmoreaboutthisplanatdinner tonight.”Sheheadedforthedoor,readytogetawayfromgreasy,grimy,sexyJordan. “Wait”
So close. Sheglancedback. “Whereareyoustaying?” Hersaccharinesmilereturned.“Ialreadytoldyou.Congratulations.Younowhavealive-ingirlfriend.”
Five
Jordaneyedhishousewithtrepidationashedroveupthedriveway.Hewasn’tsurewhattoexpectwhenhewentinside.And Edie would be inside; he was sure of that He hadn’t given her a key, but she would find a way in Would he face an amicable Edie, and they’d have a good discussionontheir planand how theywould execute it? Or would she be surlyand defensive,demandinghefollowalonglikeawhippedmule?Hehopedtheformer,butprobablyablendofthetwowasthebest hewouldget
Decidingtoparkinsidetonight,thegaragedoorrolledupashepressedthebutton.Hedrovein,pastEdie’srentedredSUV sittinginthedriveway,andshutoffhiscar Gettingout,hewentinthehouse Adeliciousaromaassaultedhimthemomenthe steppedthroughthedoorway.Ediestoodinthekitchenatthestove.Sheglancedoverhershoulderathim.
“Hi”Sheofferedhimaquicksmile
“Hey.Thatsmellsdelicious.Whatisit?”Heshedhiscoatandhungitup,thenwalkedtowardher,stoppingonthefarside ofthelongislandthatseparatedthekitchenfromthelivingroom.
“Justaquickstirfry Doyouwanttoshowerbeforeweeat?Youhaveafewminutes,ifso”
Surprisedathowcongenialshewasbeing,ittookhimamomenttoprocessherwords.“Um,yeah.Thanks.”
Shesenthimanotherquicksmile
Jordanwalkedthroughthe livingroomandupthe metal staircase.He casta glance ather over the balconyrailingas he headedforhisbedroom Afrownmarredhisface Whatwassheupto?Whywasshebeingsonice?
Hurryingthroughhisshower,hedonnedapairofblackathleticpantsandadarkgreent-shirtwithhisgarage’slogoonit, then went downstairs. Edie had two plates on the counter and was heaping vegetables and chicken on top of rice. Jordan walkedtothesilverwaredrawerandgrabbedtwoforks
“Doyouwantsomethingtodrinkwithyourfood?”heasked. “Water’sfine”
Hefilledtwoglassesfromthedispenser inthefridgeandcarriedthemtotheisland.Shesettheplatesnexttothem,and theysatdown.
“Thislooksgood.Thankyou.”
Ediepickedupherforkandspearedapieceofchickenandabellpepper.“You’rewelcome.Youneedmorerice,bythe way Iusedthelastofit”
“I’lladdittothelist.Forfuturereference,there’satabletinthedrawernexttothefridgewhereIkeeparunninggrocery list Putwhateveryouwantonit”
Shenodded,scoopingupanotherbiteoffood.
“So,howdidyougetin?I’mnotsurprisedorupset.Justcurious.”
Shegrinned “Foramanwithsomefancytoys,thelockonthebackdoorofyourgarageispathetic” Jordanscrunchedhisnose.“Thatbad,huh?”
“Tenseconds Ipickedthelockintenseconds Youdon’tevenhaveanalarmsystem Whatthehell?” Heshrugged.“Iliveinthemountains,awayfrommostoftheriffraffintown.Ineverfelttheneed.”
“Ihaveanalarm,andIliveevenfurtheroffthebeatentrackthanyou”
“You’reawoman,andyoulivealone.It’ssmart.”
Sheletoutasnort.“WhydomenassumeIneedspecialprotectionjustbecauseIhaveboobsandahoohah?” Jordanchokedonthepieceofchickeninhismouth Hecoughedandreachedforhiswaterwhileshekepttalking,ignoring hisplight.
“Ihavethealarmbecauseit’sprudent Itgivesme oranyonewithone afewextramomentstoprepare Oritscaresoff whoeverbrokein.JustbecauseIcandefendmyselfdoesn’tmeanIwantto.”Sheshookherheadandstabbedachunkofcarrot. “Idon’tknowwhyguysthinktheyhavetobeallmachoandprovetheycanfight Justputinanalarm It’ssafer”Shefrowned athim.“Areyouallright?”
Heclearedhisthroatagainandwipedatthetearsonhischeeksfromhiscoughingfit.Hewassurehisfacewasred.“Fine. Chickenwentdownwrong You,um,makeagoodpoint”
“OfcourseIdo.I’llresearchalarmcompaniestomorrow.We’llfindagoodonethatwon’tbankruptyou.”
“Sounds good” Evenifhe wanted to argue withher and tell her he didn’twantone, he wouldn’t She did make a valid point.AndwithwhatwashappeningwithMercy,itwasprobablyagoodidea.Thelastthingheneededwashersneakingin whilehewasn’thome.“So,aboutthisdatingplan…”
“You’rewonderingwhatit’sgoingtolooklike?”
Henodded.
“Wedon’twanttomakeabigdeal outofit That’ll looktooforced Isayyougoaboutyour dailylife Wecangooutto dinnerafewtimesandbeseen.Maybeyoucanshowmesomeofthesightsaroundhere,justlikeyouwouldanywomanwho wasmovinginwithyoufromoutofstate”
Thatallsoundedfine.“Okay.Butwhataboutus?”
Shefrowned.“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Wedon’tknoweachother.Peoplearegoingtoaskmequestionsaboutyou.WhatdoItellthem?”
“The truth. Lying will just trip us up. And we have no reason to lie about who I amor how we met. We just need to embellishthingsalittle Insteadoftellingpeopleyoudrivemecrazy,I’lltellthemhowhandsomeIthinkyouare”Shetipped herheadandbaredherteethinasmile.
“Gee,strokemyego,whydon’tyou?”
Shelaughed.“YouknowwhatImean.”
“Yeah. Okay. So, do we justhope your mere presence makes Mercybackoff? I’ve dated two womensince her. Neither lastedmorethanasingledate”
“Didyousleepwitheitherofthem?”
Jordanbristledinhisseat “I’mnotaman-whore”
Shegrinnedagain.“Isthatayes?”
“No Andno Ineversleptwitheitherofthem Mercy’sthelastwomanIhadsexwith Anditwasonenight”Heglancedat hisplate,pushinghisfoodaroundwithhisfork.“OnenightInowcompletelyregret.”Helookedup,decidingtobehonest.“I likesex,Edie.AndIlovewomen.Iwon’tapologizeforthat.It’snevercomebacktobitemebefore.I’vealwaysbeencareful. Therehavebeenafewone-nightstandsthroughtheyears,butthey’realwayswithwomenI’vemetbefore Idon’thookupwith randomwomen.AndIseethemagain,justnotsexually.It’smoreofa,we’reatthesamebaragainandacknowledgeeachother typeofthing”
Shesnortedandrolledhereyes.“Sure.”
“Seriously Idon’tpickuptouristsinTucson,oranywhereelse,forthatmatter MostofthewomenIsleepwithIdate”
“WhataboutthatoneinCostaRicaatSam’sbar?Theoneinthehotpinkminidress?”
Hisbrowsdippedinthought,thenhisexpressionbrightened.“Lola?Wewentdowntothebeach.Shewashot.”Hiseyes widened as he thought about how that sounded, and he held out a hand “Not like that Well, she was, but that’s not what I meant. She was warm. Overheated. Ioffered to walkher downto the beachso she could getsome air. She was a bittipsy. Onceshecooledoff,Ihelpedhercallhersister,whopickedherup IwentbacktoDean’safterthat” Edieblinkedtwice.“Oh.”
“I’mnotacad,Edie.Idon’tknowwhereyougotthatimpression.”
Linesfurrowedtheareabetweenhereyebrows,andshescoopedupanotherforkfulofherdinner.Shestayedsilent. Jordanclenchedhisteeth,notknowingwhatelsetosaytoimproveheropinionofhim,soheletitdrop.“Ifyouwant,you
cancometoworkwithme.Icouldusesomeonetomanthedesk.Ihadareceptionist,butshequitjustbeforeIwentdownto CostaRica,andIhaven’tbeenabletofindareplacement.”Trudyhadbeenamazing,butheunderstoodthatsheneededtofind ajobshecoulddofromhomesoshecouldtakecareofherailingmother He’dgivenheragenerousseveranceforalltheyears she’dputinwithhimandwishedherwell.
Sheglancedup “It’sbeenovertwomonthssinceyouweredownthere Howhaveyounotfoundanyone?”
“One,Ihaven’ttriedtoohard.I’vebeenbusy.Therewereacoupleofpeoplewhoapplied,buttheyweren’tagoodfitfor onereasonoranother”Ideally,heneededsomeonewhoknewcarsandcouldhelpgetthebestinformationfromthecustomers aswellasmakerecommendationswhentheyjustneededsomethingsimple,liketiresorwiperblades.He’dhadtwowomen apply,andneither ofthemknew muchaboutcars.The lone mantoapply,thoughhe hadcar knowledge,couldn’tworkmany hours because he was goingto school to become a mechanic He’d told thatkid to come backwhenhe finished school and they’dtalkabouthimcomingonfulltimetoworkonvehicles.
“Okay IguessIcoulddothat AndIcouldhelpyoufindareplacement,Isuppose”
“Thatwouldbe great.I’ll payyou,too,while you’re here.” He frownedas a thoughtoccurredtohim.“Who’s managing yoursurfshopwhileyou’regone?”
“Dean.AndprobablyMax.Myassistantmanagerisstilltheretoo.Don’tworry.Ileftitingoodhands.”
“Oh.Well,good.Iwouldn’twantyourbusinesstosufferbecauseyou’reherehelpingme.”
She waved a hand “We have a systemworked out that when one of us is on a protection case, the others cover our businesses. Maxand Samcovered Ford’s charter business while he was onthe water withBrooke. Deanmostlyworks for Sam,buthefloatsaroundwherehe’sneeded”Sheliftedashoulder “Itworks”
“Explainthisoperationtome.Ididn’tasktoomanyquestionswhenIwasdownthere.IknowBrookeendedupwithFord because ofsomeone theybothknow. Itsounds like this happens regularly, though. Thatyour little group takes onbodyguard jobs.”
“Nothing’s official. Ford just knows people. And the people he knows sometimes know people who need help. Like Brooke Afewmonthsbeforeshewasthere,thebrother-in-lawofoneofFord’scolleaguesfromtheNavywashavingissues withaco-worker.HeaskedFordtohelp,andFordflewtoSeattleandtalkedtothebrother-in-law.Withsometechnicalhelp fromAsher, theyfigured out the co-worker was tryingto sabotage the companytheyworked for and steal the patents for a machinetoselltoacompetitor.”
“Wow.”
“Yeah. We do a lot locally. You’d be surprised by the number of people who need our expertise. Ford never asks for payment, though. None ofus do. Alotofthe locals especiallyinthe rural areas can’tafford it. Buttheybringus things. Mostlyfood Whichisfine I’lltakehomemade sopa mariscos overmoneyanyday”
“What’sthat?”
“It’slikeaseafoodstew”
“Soundsgood.”
“It’sdelicious.You’llhavetotryitthenexttimeyou’redown.”
“Onlyifyoushowmewheretogetthebest”
Shelookeddownatherplate.“Um,sure.”
“So,tellmemoreaboutyourself”
Sheglancedupwithafrown.“Why?”
Jordanchuckled “Ishouldatleastknow wheremygirlfriendisfrom,don’tyouthink?Andifshehasanysiblings?Who herparentsare?”
“Oh.Um,Iguessthat’strue.I’mfromOregon.NearCoosBay.Ihaveayoungersister,Esther.Shestilllivesupthereand teaches kindergarten Our parents are there too Mymom’s a teacher middle school language arts Mydad’s a maintenance technicianatafactory.”
“Whataretheirnames?”
“RoseandJohn.”
“HowdidyouendupinCostaRica?Imean,yousoundlikeyouloveyourfamily”Hecouldhearitinhervoice “Ido.But ”Shestoppedandpressedherlipstogether,thencontinued.“WhenIlefttheArmy,Iwasn’tinagoodplace.I didn’twanttobringthathometomyfamily.Fordofferedmeaplacetostay.Toheal.”
“Anddidyou?”Hisvoicewasquiet
“Wellenough,Isuppose.Idon’twakeupscreamingeverynightnow.”
Jordan’sheartthumpedatheradmission Hecouldonlyimaginethethingsshe’dseenandbeenthrough “That’sgood I’m sorryyoueverdid.”
Sheshrugged.“Itiswhatitis.”
“WhydidyoujointheArmy?”
“Collegemoney.MyG.I.Billpaidformydegreeinlinguistics.”
Jordan’seyebrowsshotup.“Youhaveadegreeinlinguistics?”
Shenodded.
“Andyouownasurfshop?Whyaren’tyouworkingfortheCIAorsomeotherfederalagency?”
“BecauseIdon’twantto.IwantedtoworkasatranslatoronthegroundwiththeArmy.WhichIdid.Andtheneverything wenttoshit Canwetalkaboutsomethingelse,please?”
“Sure.”Hedidn’twanttopushher.He’dlearnedmoreaboutherinthatshortconversationthanhedidinthefewdayshe wasinCostaRica “Whatdoyouliketodobesidessurf?”
Sheletoutalongbreath.“Um,read.Playcardswiththeguys.Fishandhike.”
“Nomovienightswithabowlofpopcorn?”
Shesmiled “Onlywithmysister EssylovesChristmasmovies Whataboutyou?I’vetoldyouaboutmylife”
“I’manonlychild.MymomlivesinTucson,butwe’renotterriblyclose.Shedoesn’thavethegreatesttasteinmen,soI don’tgoovertheremuch Wemostlykeepintouchthroughcallsandtexts”
“Whataboutyourdad?Isheliving?”
“AsfarasIknow HewenttojailforfraudfortenyearswhenIwaseleven Whenhegotout,Iheardfromhimonce He hiredaprivateinvestigatortotrackmedown,thenshowedupwhereIworked,wantingtoreconnect.”Hisvoicegrewhardat thememory.
Shefrowned “Youturnedhimaway?”
“ConsideringhestolemysocialsecuritynumberwhenIwasakid,thenaskedmeforaloantosecureanapartmentthefirst time he saw me as anadult, yeah, Idid Itold himhis parole officer should be able to help himfind a job And he wasn’t homeless.Hewasstayingatahalfwayhouseuntilhecouldaffordaplacetorent.Hewasjustlookingforaneasywayoutof there.”
“That’sashamehehastobelikethat.Ican’timaginenothavingmydadinmylife.”
“You’relucky.Myparentsbothleavesomethingtobedesired.”
“I’msorry”
“Don’tbe.Iturnedoutallright.”
“Youdid”Sheglancedaround “You’vedonewellforyourself Andyou’vestayedoutoftrouble” Hegrinned.“Mostly,yes.Mysilvertongueworksonmorethanjustwomen.”
Shechuckled.“Ibet.Whatabouthobbies?Ordoyoutinkerwithcarsinyourfreetimetoo?”
“Ido.Butlikeyou,Ialsoliketheoutdoors.Ihikeandcampalot.Notsomuchintoreading,thoughIdo.Ilikebaseball,so IwatchtheDiamondbacksplayonTV.”
Sherolledhereyes “YousoundlikeMaxandSam Theylovebaseball Deandoestoo”
“Youdon’t?”
“It’sallright I’dratherwatchEssy’smovies,though”Shescoopedupthelastofherfoodandateit Jordanfollowedsuit Shepushedawayfromtheislandandgotup.“DoyouhavethenotesMercyleftyou?”
Hefrownedattheabruptchangeinsubject.Apparently,shewasdonewiththepersonal stuff.“Yeah.They’reupstairsin myoffice”
“I’dliketoseethem.”
Heopenedthedishwasherandsethisplateandforkinside “I’llgogetthem”
Six
EdiebreathedasighofreliefwhenJordanwalkedawaytogetthenotes.Thepictureofthemaninherheadwasnotjiving withtheoneshe’djusthaddinnerwith Sure,hewasstillcharmingandaffablebeyondbelief,buttherewasanothersideto himshe hadn’t expected. One withstrongmorals and a keenintelligence. Though, honestly, the intelligence shouldn’t have surprised her. He owned a successful business atthe age oftwenty-nine, and she’d seenhimatworkwithWendy’s car. He knewwhathewasdoing
Gatheringupthedishesfromdinner,Ediescrapedtheleftoverstirfryintoacontainerandputitinthefridge.Shefounda pairofglovesunderthesinkandputthemontokeepherbandagedry Theyweretoobig,buttheystilldidthejob Addingdish soaptoasponge,shesetaboutwashingthepans.
“Youdidn’thavetowashthose Icouldhavecleanedup”
She glanced over her shoulder at the sound ofJordan’s voice. “It’s fine. Idon’t mind. But thankyou.” She swished the spongearound,thenrinsedtheskillet.“Didyoufindthenotes?”
“Yeah”
She quicklywashedthe rice pot,thensetitnexttothe skilletonthe towel she’dspreadout.Rinsingoutthe sponge,she removedtheglovesandcrossedtothenoteshelaidontheisland
“Sorrythey’re a little wrinkled. After the firstcouple, well, theyjustmade me angry. Icrumpled a few and tossed them ontothefloorboardofmytruck”
Thepagescrinkledassheleafedthroughthem.“It’sfine.”
“Idon’tknowwherethey’reallfrom.Ormaybeshewrotethem.”Heshrugged.“Idon’tknow.”
“She didn’t write them This one’s Shelley From Love’s Philosophy ” She flipped to another page “And this one is CharlotteBrontë.”
“Howdoyouknowthat?”
Edie smiled athis incredulous tone. “Mymom’s a language arts teacher, remember? She loves poetry. Igrew up onthis stuff.”
“Sowhatdoesitallmean?Imean,Igetthatthey’relovepoems,butistheresomeothermeaningbehindthem?” “Hmm,maybe.”Sheskimmedthroughthelines;somethingaboutthemsaidsomethingtoher.“Whatorderdidyougetthese in?”
“Um,letmesee.”Heheldoutahand.Ediepassedhimthepapers.Heshuffledthemaround,thenhandedthemback.“The firstoneisontop”
Ediereadthemagain,andapatternemerged.“She’sgettingmoreaggressive.Thefirstcouplearejustherexpressingher love for you. Theyall do, really. Butthe lastcouple ” She looked up into his grayeyes. “She’s basicallysayingshe’ll do anythingtocatchandkeepyourattention Deanwasright Shecouldbedangerous”Suddenly,hiscertaintythattherewasmore tothissituationmadesense.Shewasgladshe’dcome.
“Wonderful”Jordanranhishandsdownhisface “So,nowwhat?”
“We continue withour plan. I’ll start workingfor you. We’ll fake date and make it knownwe’re together. But we stay vigilant,incaseshetriessomething”
“I’mnotsosureaboutthisnow,Edie.Idon’twanttoputyouindanger.”
“Icanhandlemyself.I’mmoreworriedaboutyou.Shemighttrysomestrongertacticstogetyoutobehers.”
“Icantakecareofmyselftoo JustbecauseIwasn’tmilitarydoesn’tmeanIdon’thaveskills” She flattened her lips. “I didn’t mean to imply you’re helpless. I know you’re not.” Her eyes roved over the muscles strainingthechestandsleevesofhist-shirt Whenshemethiseyesagain,asmirksatonhisfull lips Shechosetoignoreit “Butyouhaven’tbeentrainedtostudyyoursurroundings.It’slikesecond-naturetome.I’mconstantlyscanningmyenvironment forthreats”
Hesteppedcloser,somethinghotspringingtolifeinhiseyes.“Evennow?”
Oh, especially now. Sheswallowed.“Yes.”
Thesmirkcameback “Goodtoknow”
Ediethrustthenotesagainsthischest.“Gladwe’veclearedthatup.”
He grinned and covered her hand She yanked itaway, leavingthe papers behind, thenstepped back “Ihope youdon’t mind,butI’mgoingtogoreadforabitandgotobed.It’sbeenalongday.”Shecurledherfingersintoaball,lightlypressing againstthehealingcutonherhand,usingthepaintotrytoerasethefeelingofhismusclesbeneathherhandandhiscalloused fingersoverhers.
Hissmirksoftenedintoasmile.“Ofcoursenot.Comeon.I’llshowyoutotheguestroom.”
“Ialreadyfoundit”Aftersheletherselfin,she’dwalkedthroughthehouseanddumpedherbagsintheonlyotherroom besideshisthathadabed.
“Oh Okay Um,Ileaveforworkaroundseven-thirty Thegarageopensateight” Shenoddedonce.“Soundsgood.I’llseeyouinthemorning.”
“Okay.Goodnight,Edie.”
“Goodnight.”Withoutanotherword,shefled.
Seven
“I’vegotyoudown.Thankyouforcalling.”Ediewaitedforthecustomerontheotherendtosaygoodbye,thenhungup.No sooner did she putthe phone downthanitrangagain She stared atitfor a second, eyes round She didn’tknow how Jordangotanythingdoneallday.Ithadbeentwodayssinceshestartedworkinghere.Ifthephonewasn’tringing,people werecomingandgoing,pickingupanddroppingoffcars.Itneverended.Blowingoutanexasperatedsigh,shepickedupthe phoneagain “MacDowell’sGarage ThisisEdie HowmayIhelpyou?”
“Oh,um,hi.Ineedtomakeanappointment.”Awoman’ssoft,surprisedvoicecameovertheline.
“Okay What are you looking to have done?” Edie cradled the phone on her shoulder and clicked on the appointment screen.
“Mycar’smakingaknockingnoise It’sdoneitbefore Jordanputanewsensorinanditquitforawhile,butit’sdoingit again.Ishethere?”
“Yes. He’s working on a vehicle. How does Friday morning sound?” Jordan had varying degrees of severity for his bookings His standard service appointments were booked outfor a couple ofweeks, buthe had a few slots still openthis weekformoremajorproblems.
“Whattime?”
“Ifyoucandropitoffwhenweopen,orthenightbefore,hecanworkonitthatday.”
“Icandropitoffinthemorning Jordanusuallygivesmearidetowork”
Ediefrowned.Thatwasthefirstshe’dheardofhimdoingsomethinglikethat.“I’ll havetocheckwithhim.What’syour name?”
“ChelseaBridges”
“CanIputyouonhold?”
“Sure”
“Okay.It’llbejustamoment.”Ediepushedthebuttononthephonetoholdthecall,thensetthereceiverdown.Rounding thedesk,shepushedthroughtheglassdoortothegarage.“Jordan.”
Herolledoutfrombeneathapickup.“Yeah?”
“There’saChelseaBridgesonthephone.Shesayshercarisknockingagain.IwanttobookherinFridaymorning,andshe saidyouusuallygiveherarideintoworkwhenshedropsoffhercar”
“Oh.Yeah,that’sfine.Sheworksatthevetclinicdowntheroadafewminutes,soit’snotfar.Idothatforseveralpeople. Iftheymentionit,justsayyes”
Heropinionofhimshiftedagain.“Okay.”Backingthroughthedoor,shewentbacktothephone. “Hi,Chelsea.Sorryaboutthat.I’mnew,soIdon’tknow alltheinsandoutsofJordan’sbusinessyet.Hesaidthat’sfine. DoyouwantmetobookyouinforFriday?”
“Yes,please.”
Edie tookdownChelsea’s informationand confirmed the appointment Wishingthe womana good day, she hungup and reachedforherwater.
The chime onthe door sounded Edie tooka quicksip and setthe bottle down “Hello” She smiled atthe womanwho walkedin.“HowmayIhelpyou?”
“I’mpickingupmycar.AndreaHarris?”
Ediescannedthewallofclearhangingfolders,lookingforthewoman’sname Quicklyfindingit,shelifteditoffitshook andremovedthepaperworkandkeysfromthefolder.“Let’ssee.That’llbethree-oh-sixfifty-two,please.”
Andreahandedheracreditcard Edietookitandswipeditthroughthereader “You’renew.Youweren’thereMondaywhenIdroppedthecaroff.”
Edieglancedup,nodding “IstartedTuesday”
“IbetJordan’sgladtohavethehelp.He’salwaysswamped.”
“Yeah.I’monlytemporary,though.Justuntilwecanfindsomeonepermanent.”
“Oh?That’sniceofyoutofillin Youmustbegoodfriends”
Acorner ofEdie’smouthliftedasshetoreoffthereceipt.“Youcouldsaythat.He’smyboyfriend.”Shehadn’tbeenshy abouttellingpeoplewhoshewas Theywantedwordtogetoutthathewastaken “Couldyousignthat,please?”Shepushed thestripofpaperandapenacrossthecounter.
The womantookthe pen. “I didn’t know Jordanwas datinganyone. He’s always so busy. I didn’t thinkhe had time to date.”
Ediestudiedthewoman.Shesurewasnosy.“Well,whenit’sright,youjustknow,andyoumaketime.”
“Iguessthat’strue”Andreasignedhername
Ediepassedherthekeysfromthepouch.“Thereyougo.Itshouldbeparkedoutside.”
“Thankyou”Shetookherkeysandheadedforthedoor Herheadturnedtowardthegarageasshewalked,slowingasshe lookedthroughtheglass.
EdiefollowedhergazeandsawJordanleaningoverthepickupenginehe’djustbeenunder.Hischarcoalworkpantswere tautoverhisbutt.Shecouldn’tblamethewomanforlingering.Hehadatushaschiseledashisjaw.
Thephonerangagain.Ediereachedforit,watchingasAndreaHarrisfinallyleft.Shehadaninklingnowwhythewoman wassonosy Shewasprobablyhopingtocatchhiseyetoo
Edieshookherheadassheansweredthephone.Jordanreallydidneedagirlfriend.Arealone.Orevenawife.Maybeit wouldholdallthewomenatbay
Eight
ordanshutoffthegaragelightsandwalkedintothereceptionarea.Ediesmiledfrombehindthedesk.
“Areyoufinallydone?”
“Yes.”Heglancedattheclock.Itwasfive-fifteen.Onlyfifteenminutespastclosingtime.Thatwasarecordforhim.Since Trudyquit,he’dbeenspendinghourseveryevening,andontheweekends,playingcatch-up.“Youwanttogoouttodinner?It wasbusyinheretoday Idon’tknowaboutyou,butIdon’tfeellikecooking”
Hersmilewidened,andsheshutthecomputerdown.“Ilikethatplan.Gowashup.I’llfinishinhere.”
“Okay I’lljustbeaminute”Hewalkedpasthertothebackandtheemployeerestroom Hescrubbedhishandswiththe degreasingsoaphekeptinthedispenser,thenreturnedtothebreakroom.Openinghislocker,heunbuttonedhisworkshirtand shruggeditoffhisshoulders
“Allright.Iemptiedthetrashand ”Edie’swordscutoff. Jordanglancedbacktoseewhatwaswrong.Shestoodinthedoorway,staringathimwithwideblueeyes.
“Whatareyoudoing?”
“Changingoutofmygreasyshirt.” He pulled a cleant-shirtoffthe top shelfofhis locker and thrusthis arms into it. “I figuredIshouldlookatleastalittlepresentablewhenItakemygirlouttodinner”Hesentheracockygrin
Sherolledher eyes andwalkedintotheroom,goingtothelocker nexttohis together coat.“Ihaveafeelingyoucould showupinsomethingutterlyoutrageousandnoonewouldnoticeanythingbutyourface”
He put a hand to his cheekand frowned. “What’s wrongwithmyface? Did Imiss some grease?” He’d checked inthe mirrorwhenhewashedhishands,butithadlookedclean.
Shelaughed “Imeantthatyou’repretty Peoplewillbetoobusystaringatyourfacetonoticeyourclothes” “Oh.”Hechuckled.“IthinkI’llbeoutshinedtonight,though.”
Edieblushed “Notinamillionyears”
Jordanfrowned,studyingher.Didshenotthinkshewasbeautiful?“No.Yououtshinethesun,Edie.”
“Youdon’tneedtoflatterme,Jordan.I’mnotactuallyyourgirlfriend.Itwon’tgetyouanywhere.”
He slammed his locker door, thenspunher around to crowd her against the blackmetal. It pissed himoff that she still wantedtoseehimasaman-whore,butmoresothatshedidn’tseethebeautyinherself.“It’snotflatterywhenit’strue.”
Shestaredupathim,surpriseinherwideblueeyes
“Andyoudon’tneedtobemygirlfriendformetopayyouacompliment.Doesnooneevertellyouhowbeautifulyouare? Theyshould Youhave hair like the hottestflame and skinlike alabaster And your eyes they’re so blue and deep Icould
drowninthem.Noonewillbelookingatmeatdinner.They’llallbewonderingwhothegorgeousredheadis.”
“Oh,”shebreathed,stillstaringathim,wide-eyed.
HeatunfurledinJordan’sbellythelongerheheldhergaze He’dnoticedEdiethemomenthe’dwalkedintotheterminalat theairportinGolfito.Herfieryredhairsetherapartfromtheotherpeoplemillingabout.Thensheturnedthoselaser-focused blueeyesonhimandspearedhimstraightintheheart Shewasthemostbeautifulcreaturehe’deverseen
Heliftedahandandpushedatendrilofhairthathadcomeloosefromherbraidawayfromherface.Hersmoothskinwas likesilkbeneathhiscallousedfingers
“Jordan…”Herwhisperheldbothapleaandawarning.
Hechosetolistentothepleaandloweredhishead.Holdinghergaze,hemadesuresheknewhisintentions,notclosinghis eyesuntilhewaswithinahairsbreadthofherlips Thefirsttouchofhismouthtoherssentanarcoffirethroughhim,melding theirlipstogether.Withasharpinhale,hepressedharder,deepeningthekiss.Herhandscameupandcurledinthefrontofhis shirt,andshekissedhimback
Notwantingtogettoocarriedaway,heheldontohissanitysomehowandgentledthekiss.Whenhepulledbackandlooked ather,shestill hadher eyes closed Theyflutteredopen,desireturningthebrightbluepools tothecolor ofaturgidsea He clenchedhisjawandstiffenedhisspinesohedidn’tkissheragain.Hedidn’twanttoscareheroff.Herroleinhislifemight havestartedoffasaruse,butnowhewantedtochangethatandmakeitareality.Hecouldseeafuturewithher.Shewasas skittishasacorneredcat,though Hedidn’twanthertolashout,sohesteppedback “Wheredoyouwanttoeat?” She blinked twice, her expressionmorphingfromstunned to shocked, thento the cool maskshe so oftenkept inplace. “Don’tdothatagain Andwherever Youknowwhat’sgoodaroundhere,notme” He ignored her firstsentence, knowinghe couldn’tpromise anything. “There’s a small diner justdownthe road thathas goodburgers.Howdoesthatsound?”
“Fine.”Sheturnedandreachedintoherlockerforhercoat. Jordanopenedhisagainandtookouthisjacket,shruggingintoit.
“Weneedtostopatastoreonthewayhome Ibroughtthegrocerylistwithme We’reoutofsomethings”
Henodded.Thelockerdoorclankedasheshutit.“I’mgladyouremembered.Inoticedthattoo,butIforgottograbit.” Shegrabbedherpurseandclosedherlocker Jordanledthewayoutthedoor,lockingupbehindthem
Nine
What the hell just happened? EdiefollowedJordanoutofthebuildingandgotintohisBronco.Herlipsstilltingledfrom theirkiss,andahumcoursedthroughherbody
Why did I let him do that?
Itwasn’tlikehehadn’tgivenheramplewarning.He’dheldhergaze,hiseyestelegraphinghisintentions.Shecouldhave pushedhimaway Thatwouldhavebeentheendofit Butherstupidbrainhadshort-circuitedandkeptherrootedtothespot It wantedtoknowwhatitfeltliketokisshim.Well,nowitknew.Sheknew.
Sheturnedherhead,lookingoutthewindow,andclosedhereyesbriefly Shewassuchanidiot Now sheonlywanteda repeat.GettinginvolvedwithJordanMacDowellwasnotpartoftheplan.SheknewsheshouldhavesaidnowhenDeanasked hertodothis Jordanwastootempting Toosexy Too everything Andhewasacomplication Shewascontentwithherlife Happy.Andshefearedwhatthrowingawrenchintoitwoulddotoheremotionalstability.Shereallydidn’twantthedreamsto come back. She’d worked hard to banishthem. To deal withthe pastand putitbehind her. Openingthe door onsuch wild emotionscouldunleashothers,eveniftheyweren’trelated
Shejusthadtoresisthim.Thatwasalltherewastoit.Shecouldn’triskfallingbackintotheholeshe’dclimbedoutof.It wasn’trational,she knew How couldintense desire andneedreopenall her emotional wounds fromwar? Butthe fear was there.Maybethedooronthosememoriesandfeelingswasn’tastightlyclosedasshe’dthought.
Jordanpulledintoasmallparkinglotnexttoapaintedbrickbuilding Ediegotoutandfollowedhiminside Warmthand thescentofFrenchfrieshitherthemomentshesteppedthroughthedoor.Thefamiliaritysoothedsomeofherfrayedemotions. Theysatdownatabooth,andEdiepluckedamenufromtheholder,hidingbehindit.Shewasn’treadytolookhimintheeye yet
“Well,hello.Who’syourfriend,Jordan?”
Edielookedupfromhermenutoseeanolderwomanwearingablackserver’sapronandapencilstuckintohergraybun, smilingatthem.Sheheldanotepadandanotherpencil.
“Evening,Lori.Thisismygirlfriend,Edie.”
Thewoman’s darkeyes litup.“Girlfriend?”SheturnedtoEdie.“Youmustbesomethingspecial.Ithinkthelasttimehe broughtadateinherewashissenioryearofhighschool.”
Jordanchuckled “Ithasn’tbeenthatlong”
“Ithastoo.YoutakethemallintoTucson.Youdon’tbringthemhome.”
“Well, he brought me home,” Edie said “Quite literally I’ve moved in” She liked this woman She wasn’t swayed by
Jordan’scharm.
Lori’seyesgrew round,andsheputahandonherchest.“IneverthoughtI’dseetheday.”ShelookedatJordan.“Jordan MacDowell’sinlove”
ThelookofpureterroronhisfacemadeEdierollherlipsintostiflethelaughthatwantedtobreakfree.Itonlylasteda momentbeforehischarmingsmiletookover
“WhatcanIsay?Whenyouknow,youknow.”HeturnedupthewattageonhisgrinanddirecteditatEdie.Fireburnedin hiseyes
Herbloodheatedinanswer.SheclearedherthroatandlookedatLori.“HepromisedmethebestburgerI’veeverhad.Is thattrue?”
“Itis”Sheputherpenciltohernotepad “Whatdoyouwantonitandhowdoyouwantitcooked?”
EdieandJordanputintheirorders,thenLori hurriedawaytogettheirdrinks.Whenshewasoutofearshot,Ediefolded herhandsonthetableandpiercedhimwithalook “Didyoubringmeheretospreadthewordaboutourrelationship?” “No,actually.Ijustwantedaburger.Ididn’tthinkabouthowpeoplewouldreact.”
EdieglancedtowhereLoridisappearedintothekitchen “Sheseemstoknowyouwell”
“Sheoughtto.I’vebeencomingheresinceIwasateenager.Beforethat,even.Mymomwouldbringmeheresometimes whenshehadthemoneyforustoeatout.Lori’sworkedhereaslongasIcanremember.”
Shetippedherhead,studyinghim “Youlovethistown,don’tyou?”
Heliftedashoulder.“It’shome.Igrewuphere.Ican’treallyimaginelivinganywhereelse.Imean,IwouldifIhadto,but I’ve never wanted to Evenwhenmymomdecided to move into Tucsonrightafter Igraduated highschool, Icouldn’tbring myself to go, eventhoughit would have beeneasier to continue livingwithher. I found a cheap apartment, ate ramenand peanutbutteralot,andworkednightsuntilIgotallthetrainingIneededtogetagoodjob.”
Edielookedoutthewindow,thinkingaboutherownhometown.Atonepoint,shefeltthatwaytoo.Whenshe’djoinedthe Army,sheknewitwouldtakeheraway,butdeepdown,shealwaysthoughtshe’dgoback.Nowshewasn’tsure.Shemissed herfamily,butCostaRicawasnice,andshewashappythere “Okay.Tworootbeers.”
Glassthuddedonthetable EdieturnedandsmiledatLoriasshesetdownthesecondfrostymug “Yourfoodshouldbeoutinabouttenminutes.CanIgetyouanythingelse?” Edieshookherhead.
“We’regood.Thankyou,Lori,”Jordansaid.
Theolderwomansmiled.“Surething.Flagmedownifyouneedsomething.”Shespunonherheelandwalkedaway. “So,didyouhaveanyluckputtingtogetheranadformeforanewreceptionist?”Jordanpickeduphismug
Ediesnorted.“No.Ifthephonewasn’tringing,someonewascomingthroughthedoor.I’lltrytomorrow,butImighthaveto workonitathome Howdidyouevergetanythingdonewithouthelp?”
“Iworkedalotofevenings,oncethefrontdoorwaslockedandIwas‘officially’closed.”Heair-quotedwithonefinger. “Weekendstoo.”
“Wow Thattakessomecommitment”
“It’smybusiness.Ifitfails,Ihavenoincome.Plus,Ican’tletmycustomersdown.Manyofthemdependontheirvehicles forworkanddon’thaveothermeansoftransportation”
Therewasthatgoodguycomingoutagain.Shelikeditbetterwhenhewasbeingflirty.Itwaseasiertoignorehischarm. Shechangedthesubject,andtheyspentthenextfewminutestalkingaboutthetown
WhenLorireturnedwiththeirfood,she’d learnedtheyhada greatpizza place,a bowlingalleywhere teenagers likedtohangoutonFridaynights,anda small public librarythatwasbigintoholidays.
Oncetheywolfeddowntheirfood Ediewasmuchhungrierthanshe’dthought Jordanpaidthebillandtheyleft
“Canweaddrootbeertothatlist?”Jordanaskedastheygotintothecar.
Ediechuckled “Hitthespot,didit?”
“Yeah.Ihaven’thaditinawhile.Iwouldn’tmindmakingsomerootbeerfloatsonenight.”
Hermouthwatered Shehadn’thadarootbeerfloatinages “Soundsgood”Shemadeamentalnotetograbbothrootbeer andvanillaicecream.
HesteeredtheBroncothroughthetownstreetstothesmallgrocerystore.Inside,Ediegrabbedacart.
“Youlead,”shesaid “Idon’tknowwhereanythingis” Hetookoffdownthefirstaisle.“Doyouhavethelist?”
Shereachedintohersmall purseandpulleditout,handingittohim Heglancedover it,thenwalkedfaster Edietrailed behindhim,addingoneortwothingsshewanted.
“Weneedtofigureouthowwe’regoingtosplitthegrocerybillwhileI’mhere.” Hewavedahand.“Don’tworryaboutit.”
“Youarenotpayingforallmyfood,Jordie.”
Hepluckedabagofgranolaofftheshelfandgaveheralookoverhisshoulder.“Thatwasn’twhatImeant,Edith.”
She narrowed her eyes at the use of her givenname. She shouldn’t be surprised he employed it, though. Not whenshe calledhimJordie “Whatdidyoumean,then?”
“Ifiguredwe’dprobablyenduptakingturns,andthatitwouldallmoreorlessequalout.”
“Oh”Thatmadesense
Hedroppedthebaginthecart.“Yeah.Oh.”Turning,hewalkeddowntheaisle,awayfromher.
Sheblewoutabreath,rufflingherbangs Way to put your foot in your mouth, Edie Pushingthecartforward,sherounded theendoftheaisleandenteredthenextone.
AjoltofjealousyspearedherasshesawJordansmilingatabrunettewomanwithlegsfordays.Herdarkhairwaspulled upintoamessybun,highlightingherlongneckandhighcheekbones Shelookedlikeafashionmodel Edie rolled the cartcloser. Jordanspotted her. The lookhe senther was notone she expected. Itpracticallyscreamed, “Thankyouforrescuingme”
“Hey,babe.ThisisAlyssa.Alyssa,thisismygirlfriend,EdieCampbell.”
Ediesmiledatthewomanwhoseprettysmilehaddisappearedbehindhershockedexpression “Hello I’mjustmeetingall ofJordan’sfriendstoday.You’rethethirdorfourthone.”
“Oh, well, he always was rather popular. Himand his friend, Dean. Have youmethim?” Aslightsmugness crossed her face
“Actually,I’veknownDeanforacoupleofyears.He’showJordanandImet.”
Disappointmentflashedinthewoman’seyes “Oh”
Givingthe tall womana saccharine smile,Edie maneuveredthe cartaroundthem.“I’mgoingtogograbthe produce we need,Jordie.”Shewasreadytogohome,completelydonemeetingtheprettywomenwhoflockedtohim.“Itwasnicetomeet you,Alyssa.”
“Youtoo.”Alyssagaveheratightsmile.
Edie’slipsbarelytwitched Butwhatsheheardasshewalkedawaymadeasmilespreadoverherface “We?”
Itwas justone word fromAlyssa, butitheld a wealthofjealousy, and made Edie feel like the beautiful womanJordan thoughtshewas.
