Текст книги "The Heat of the Moment"

Автор книги: Katie Rose

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“Can I help you?” Chase’s father approached the newcomer.

“Is Gavin King here?” Before anyone could respond, the ballplayer returned, carrying a pitcher of beer.

“Gavin!” She brushed past the host and ran as quickly as her stilettos would allow toward the ballplayer. “I’ve been looking all over for you!”

She threw herself into his arms.

Chapter 32

Kristin. Jessica didn’t have to hear the name to know who she was: the woman was even more beautiful than she had imagined. She saw Gavin put the pitcher of beer aside and attempt to disengage, but her heart sank when the swimsuit model refused to let him go.

“You okay?” Nikki was looking at her in concern, her eyes switching back to Kristin and Gavin before returning to her.

“Sure,” Jessica said. “I just need some fresh air.”

She couldn’t stay for this scene, for Gavin to realize this gorgeous model obviously wanted him back. How could she ever hope to compete with her? Kristin was stunning, the kind of woman that turned every man’s head.

And at one time, Gavin’s.

Picking up her bag, she started for the door as Gavin approached her. “Don’t leave,” he said, his eyes glittering with emotion. “I have no idea what’s going on, or why she’s here. But I will get this straightened out—”

“I think you two need some time alone,” Jessica said, refusing to meet his eyes.

“Listen, you have to know, you are the woman I care about…”

She wanted desperately to believe him, but even from the distance she could see the model looking at them in confusion as if she were still part of a couple, and Gavin her other half. “It’s better that I go.”

He didn’t look happy about her decision. “I understand. I’ll call you later.”

“Sure.” She didn’t try to smile.

Somehow she made her way to her car. Luckily, they had taken separate vehicles, and she quickly started the ignition and put the Honda in reverse.

Escape. It was all she could think about. Blinking back the tears that stung behind her lids, she swallowed hard and forced her attention to the road. Inwardly she cringed at the picture of the gorgeous Kristin, cool and confident, obviously certain that once Gavin was back in her presence, he would be back in her life.

And now having seen her, Jessica understood why.

–

“What the hell is going on?” Gavin confronted Kristin angrily.

He’d taken her outside so they could speak privately. Yet he sensed more than one pair of eyes on him from inside the bar.

“What are you talking about? This was the first opportunity I had to get away for a few days. I thought you would be happy to see me.”

She gave a little pout that he had once thought enchanting. Now, it seemed manipulative and irritating.

“You and I broke up,” he said evenly, aware that more than one of his teammates glanced out the window to where they stood. “In fact, you dumped me when I needed you most…two-timing me in the process. We have nothing more to say to each other.”

“I know I treated you badly,” she admitted, looking up at him through a thick layer of mascara. He noticed she didn’t deny anything. “And you are upset with me. But I made a mistake.” Her eyes grew wide as they settled on his biceps. “I saw you on Twitter, in that video, hitting the ball the way you used to. And you looked so damn good…I want you back.”

She tried to put her arms around him once more, but he set her firmly aside.

“You need to listen to me,” Gavin said. “I don’t know what you are talking about, but I’m not in love with you anymore. There is someone else for me. I’m sorry that you came here, as if your feelings were the only ones that count. Do you need a ride to your hotel?”

Reality seemed to slowly dawn as his words sunk in. “You bastard!” she hissed. “You came out here when the Dodgers didn’t want you anymore, and expected me to live on an occasional phone call or text. There was someone else, but not like what you and I were—now it’s over and I’m here. And now you drop me like last week’s trash?” Her eyes narrowed with anger. “It’s that redhead who just left, isn’t it?”

When Gavin turned abruptly to walk away, she flew at him, all nails and claws. Grabbing her wrists, he effectively prevented her from striking him, intending to give her time to cool down. Furious, she kicked out, and her heel smacked him hard on his injured knee.

“Fuck!” He wrenched away from her, wrapping his hands around his knee as he sucked in a breath filled with pain.

“Gavin, did I—” Horror replaced her outrage as she realized what she’d done and her beautiful face went white. “I didn’t mean it!”

“Go,” he said through his teeth. “Just go.”

Turning around, he hobbled back toward the hotel, slamming the door behind him. Cody was beside him in an instant and he grimaced, gesturing to a towel lying on the table.

“Can you put some ice in that?”

“Jesus, did she—”

“The ice,” Gavin repeated.

The catcher nodded, and rushed to make the ice pack. Word got around quickly, for just as he put the towel on his leg, Pete and Jake appeared beside him.

“You okay?”

Gavin looked up through a haze of pain, embarrassed to admit the truth. “She kicked me. I don’t think she realized…”

“Let’s get you checked out immediately,” Pete said. “I don’t want to fool with this. There is an urgent care five minutes away. Jake, do you mind—”

“I’m on it. Let’s go,” he said to Gavin, his voice grim.

Fortunately, the urgent care center was open late on Saturday, and was only minutes from the hotel. Gavin sat in the waiting room, filling out forms, while Jake waited beside him.

“You don’t have to stay here,” he said to the shortstop as Jake handed the completed paperwork to the receptionist. “There is a party going on.”

“Yeah, well, there’s one going on here, too.” Jake shrugged, glancing at the couple arguing across from them. “Don’t worry about it. We’ll both return once they take care of your knee.”

“Gavin King?” The receptionist called him to the desk. “Come on back.”

Jake helped him navigate the hallway, and they found themselves in a cubicle partitioned with white curtains. There was a bed in the center, and Gavin sat on the edge, keeping the ice firmly on his leg. A female doctor who appeared to be about sixteen years old entered the space holding his file.

“Knee injury?” she asked, and without waiting for a response, pointed to the ice pack. “Can you roll up your trousers so I can take a look?”

Putting aside the towel, Gavin did as she asked, exposing his leg. There was a cut in the middle where Kristin’s heel had torn the skin, and blood oozed out from the wound. The physician probed carefully, and when she looked up, her eyes were full of misgiving.

“It doesn’t feel like anything is broken. I’m going to put on some antiseptic so it doesn’t get infected, and dress this. The ice is a great idea; it will keep down the swelling and help the healing process. Try to keep off your leg as much as you can for the next few days.”

“The cartilage?” Gavin hesitated to ask. “I had surgery a few months ago. It was healing.”

“I figured as much. I saw the scar. Right now, it’s a little inflamed, so it’s hard to tell how deep the damage is. I’d suggest you check in with your regular doctor tomorrow morning, and get a new MRI.”

Gavin’s eyes met Jake’s, full of apprehension, and then he looked back at the physician. “Thanks.”

She nodded, applying an antiseptic and a clean bandage. When she finished, she handed his chart to her assistant.

“Ice it as much as you can tonight. Do you need anything for pain?”

He shook his head and accepted a fresh ice pack from the assistant. As Jake helped him back outside, he got into the car and simply stared out the window. For the second time in his life, he realized how quickly everything could go to hell in a handbasket.

His career. His life.

Jessica.

He couldn’t bear thinking about it.

–

Gavin asked that Jake drop him at home instead of returning to the party. The shortstop wasn’t surprised and complied with his request. When Jake returned without him, Nikki turned to Darcy. “I’m going to call her.” She fished for her cell inside her purse.

“Jess?” Darcy questioned, and when Nikki shot her a look, she frowned. “Do you think it would be a good idea to tell her what happened? I know she was upset when she left.”

“I guess you’re right.” Nikki sighed, her fingers tapping restlessly on the iPhone. “I can’t help but think, though, if this was Jake, I would want to know.”

“Me too.” Darcy nodded, and then shrugged, seeing the wisdom of that thought. “Okay, let’s call.”

Nikki tapped the number, but the call immediately rolled into voicemail. “I’m not going to leave a message,” she said, putting the phone back into her bag. “She’s probably turned off her cell.”

“Maybe you could stop by in the morning, before the breakfast?” Darcy suggested. “That way you could tell her in person.”

“That’s a great idea. With her knowledge and training, I think she could help Gavin. But having his ex show up like that, out of the blue? That had to be a shock. You are probably right. It would be better for her to have some time to digest all this.”

“Thank God after tomorrow, my dating days are over.” Darcy shivered. “I remember how painful that was, always being uncertain where things stood, especially in my situation when I couldn’t tell Chase the truth.” She shook her head at the memory.

“But in this case, it’s even worse,” Nikki said softly. “It was clear Gavin hadn’t invited Kristin, and he was obviously surprised that she showed up. I feel bad for all of them.”

Darcy couldn’t agree more.

Chapter 33

He hadn’t called.

Jessica gazed at her black cellphone in the morning, more than aware that no green message light blinked, but as she flicked her finger across the missed calls, she confirmed what she already knew. Gavin’s number wasn’t there.

Her stomach tightened as the possible implications flooded through her. Maybe he thought she was angry, and wanted to give her some space? Perhaps he had stayed at the party late, and hadn’t wanted to call after midnight.

But the most disturbing thought of all wouldn’t leave her: was he back with Kristin?

She’d thought he had more character than that. But she had been fooled before, and having grown up with brothers knew men didn’t always think the same way when it came to sex, or love, for that matter.

And the stunning model had meant something to him once. She’d been his California girl, and distance sometimes made the heart grow fonder.

She couldn’t stand the tangle of emotions fretting within her, and nothing seemed to help. Not a shower. Not coffee. As she paced the room, she glanced at the clock.

It was still early. She didn’t want to call anyone, worry anyone at this time of day. Chase’s wedding was this weekend. What if she hadn’t heard from him by then? Cringing, she pictured the Sonics, and Darcy and Nikki, all looking at her in pity, an empty chair beside her. She knew Gavin wouldn’t show up with her replacement on his arm.

She hoped.

The coffee was beginning to churn in her stomach, and her head throbbed. She had to get away, even if for just a day. She called the office and cleared it with Phil, and then tossed the cell on the kitchen counter as she went into the bedroom to pack.

Tossing a few things in her bag, she left a message for Terrell to feed the kitty, and then got into her car and started for the Jersey shore. Escape was all she could think about. She had done this before: when she found out about Zach, she’d gone to the beach and spent some time alone to get over the pain. The ocean had a calming effect on her, and the solitude had helped her to heal. Even though she didn’t have a reservation, she wasn’t concerned. She would find a place to stay.

She always did.

–

Gavin sat on the examining table while the physician looked at the results of his new MRI.

“It looks good,” the doctor announced. He glanced at the baseball player, who exhaled the breath he’d been holding. “The cut is superficial. And the surgical scar has healed nicely.” He put his hand on Gavin’s thigh. “Push up against me.”

Gavin complied, and the doctor repeated the muscle testing before standing erect and giving him a reassuring smile. “You got damn lucky. I don’t know how this occurred, but the cartilage looks excellent. And whatever physical therapy you’ve been doing has been working really well. Your muscle tone is good, reflexes…You appear much stronger than someone who had this procedure just a few months ago.”

“Thank God,” Gavin breathed, and shook the doctor’s hand in gratitude.

“If you start to notice any redness or swelling, call the office immediately. And let this heal up before going back to physical therapy, or any kind of workout. Any questions?”

“No. You’ve made me a happy man.”

“I wish all my cases were so easy.”

Gavin left the office, a strong sense of relief surging through him. He was going to be all right. The previous evening now seemed like a bad dream, and even though his knee ached when he walked, that was to be expected until it healed. But to know that the injury was nothing permanent meant everything.

He couldn’t wait to tell Jessica, and as soon as he got into his Jeep, he synced his phone and called her cell. He had been deliberately waiting to make the call, unwilling to upset her without having any answers. And while the urgent care doctor had tried to reassure him, he knew they would need the MRI results to really understand where things stood.

Now that he had a clean bill of health, his thoughts went back to the previous night when Kristin had crashed the party, certain that she knew it was over between them. It was only when he’d faced her and stated it in no uncertain terms that she finally seemed to comprehend the truth.

And after she had kicked him, she couldn’t get out of New Jersey fast enough. Kristin was not the kind of woman to face up to what she had done to him. Now he didn’t worry about her showing up anymore; he was only worried about Jess.

The phone rolled into voicemail, and he left a message. Glancing at his watch, he realized she was probably working. So he swung by the ballpark, intending to find her and explain everything.

“She’s not here,” Phil said from one of the cots as he tended to a player’s sprained elbow. “She said she needed a few days off.”

Dumbfounded, Gavin stared at the man in bewilderment. “She just called out? No other explanation?”

Phil looked at him sympathetically. “I guess this is a female version of a man cave. She probably just needed a break.”

Gavin nodded, and then turned on his heel and left the room.

One thing he knew for certain: no way in hell was he taking Phil’s advice. Left alone for a period of time with nothing but doubt, who knew what Jessica would decide?

It wasn’t worth the risk.

–

She found the perfect place, a charming little cedar-shingled cottage on Long Beach Island nestled within a stand of tall pine trees, only a few blocks from the ocean.

Normally, she would have had to bring her own sheets, but the owners had left some linens and towels, and she had remembered to bring her own pillow, so she was in good shape.

The place was decorated in light blues and white. There were a couple of comfortable armchairs covered in a ticking fabric in the living room along with a love seat, a coffee table, and some reading lamps. There was also a fireplace, and she could imagine being here in the winter when the weekend warriors were long gone, watching the snow fall as the flames flickered.

The kitchen was rustic, but there was something cozy about it. The countertops were made of wood instead of the fashionable granite, and the sink was an old farmhouse style. It suited the house with its rough paneling, high beams, and beachy feel. It didn’t escape Jessica that the place reminded her of what she had described to Gavin as her dream home.

That thought tightened her heart. Could it really be over, all of her hopes gone? She cringed as she once more pictured Gavin in Kristin’s arms. He’d said Jessica was the woman he cared about, but once he was with his old girlfriend again, who knows what had happened?

Suddenly she needed to be outside, alone, to breathe the fresh air.

Thankfully, the beach wasn’t crowded. As she walked along the white sand, she heard the gulls cry overhead, saw them winging against a bright blue sky. Sandpipers ran toward the water, and when the tide turned they scampered back as quickly as their toothpick legs would allow to escape the frothy sea.

Her body began to relax, and her mind stilled. Breathing deeply of the salt air, she felt the early summer sun on her shoulders and the cool pebbly sand between her toes. It was good to be away, to breathe the briny air and hear waves crash to the sand as they had for centuries, tumbling rocks and seashells in their relentless path.

When was the last time she had just taken a day off? Too long. Her life had been a cyclone of emotion the last few months, and she needed to simply slow down and take stock of her situation.

Gavin had turned her world upside down. At first he had been her patient, then her friend, and now her lover. Even after she’d sworn off athletes, she’d had no choice but to let this man into her life and heart. They were compatible on so many levels, and in spite of their intentions, they both seemed irresistibly drawn to each other.

Was he gone?

That was hard to believe, the way she’d come to know him. And yet, Kristin had been his main squeeze not very long ago. If he hadn’t come to New Jersey, would they still be together, a couple? What had gone through his mind when he saw her last night? Had it all come back for him? The feelings they had once shared, maybe the life they had planned together?

She fumbled inside her sweatshirt for her phone and discovered it was missing. Belatedly, she remembered she’d left it on the kitchen counter after calling her neighbor. So she didn’t know if Gavin had tried to contact her, wouldn’t know until she got back.

But maybe that wasn’t such a bad thing. She could walk as much as she desired, stop for a bite when she got hungry. For twenty-four hours, she would do exactly what she wanted and not worry about anyone else. It would also give her some time to think about her own feelings.

If nothing else, she had a plan.

–

“Is she there?”

Gavin didn’t want to put Jessica’s brother in the middle. But after calling her for hours, he was afraid she had done something reckless.

And Nikki knew nothing. He hadn’t wanted to bother Darcy so close to her wedding, but Nikki assured him that Chase’s fiancée had no more idea where Jessica had gone than she did.

Rory sounded confused. “No, I haven’t heard from her. Why, did something happen?”

He couldn’t blame her brother for being protective.

“My ex-girlfriend showed up in New Jersey last night. We were at a party, and Kristin crashed it. She was hanging on me like we were still together.”

Rory whistled. “Some of these girls are bat-shit crazy.”

Gavin breathed a sigh of relief. Jessica’s brother understood. “Jessica left before I had a chance to explain. And when I went by her office today, she wasn’t there. She seems to have disappeared. I was hoping she went to see you.”

“Nope. She hasn’t called me.” There was a long pause. “I remember when she and Zachary broke up, she took off and went down the shore by herself. I bet that’s where she is, Long Beach Island.”

“Thanks.”

Gavin clicked off the cell. Rory had helped him in more ways than one. That was all he could ask for where Jessica’s brother was concerned.

The rest was up to him.

Chapter 34

She woke as the fresh morning sunlight streamed into the cottage.

At first Jessica didn’t know where she was. Blinking, she gazed at the unfamiliar surroundings, and felt the crick in her neck from sleeping in the chair. Her Kindle had slipped to the floor, and the knitted afghan was tightly wound around her body.

A seagull laughed outside, and she suddenly remembered. Driving to LBI. The party. Kristin.

Her stomach became a knot.

The last twenty-four hours came back to her like an old movie, and as she stretched her aching joints, she knew her little break had helped her to understand one thing:

She was in love with Gavin. And the time she had spent with him was precious. If that was all there was to be, somehow she would live with it. For she knew he wasn’t a player, or a cheater, or the kind of man who would knowingly break her heart. So if he decided to go back to Kristin, it would be because that was where his heart lay.

And if that was the case, so be it.

But her head still throbbed, and she desperately needed coffee. Vaguely she remembered walking for hours, stopping in a little bar for a burger, and then heading back to the cottage. She’d intended to read for a bit, but must have fallen asleep. Yet in spite of her aches and pains, she felt better. Her mind was settled.

Instead of fussing with the coffeemaker, she decided to go out. There was a little breakfast place right around the corner, sure to have caffeine, so she tied on her sneakers and started for the beach.

The day was even more beautiful than the one before. The early morning sunlight sparkled on the ocean, rendering it silver, like beadwork on tulle. Herring gulls rested on the beach, their feathers fluffed comfortably around them against the breeze, while their laughing cousins found their breakfast amid the clams.

Slowing to a walk on her way back, Jessica found the shop, ordered a large coffee, and took it with her, letting the clean air and sunshine clear her brain.

At least Chase and Darcy would have a beautiful wedding day, she thought as the sun warmed her face. Her heart softened as she thought of them pledging their vows to each other, promising eternity.

She thought she’d found that. That was the most disappointing thing of all, to think that just the day before yesterday, she’d had everything she ever wanted in the palm of her hand…her dream man, a job she loved, a place she called home.

That was, until the beautiful model showed up and claimed Gavin.

As she approached the cottage, she saw someone standing on the step as if waiting for her. Jessica squinted, and picked up her pace. Had the Realtor rented the place to someone else already? Or maybe it was the homeowners? Yet as she got closer, her heart began to pound.

Gavin.

She had to look twice to make sure she wasn’t dreaming, but when he glanced in her direction and grinned, the coffee dropped from her hands and she ran to the doorway as fast as she could.

“What are you doing here?” She was breathless when she reached him, and a sudden fear gripped her. Had he come to tell her that it was over, that he was going back to Kristin?

His eyes answered her and he grabbed her, swinging her up in his arms. “Do you know how many Realtors I had to see before finding the one that rented to you? Why the hell didn’t you answer your phone?”

Joy. The emotion shot through her, stung her eyes, filled her with happiness as her arms settled over his shoulders for a kiss. “I forgot it,” she explained, when he slowly lowered her to the ground. “I left it at home. I didn’t realize it until after I got here.” “Ah.” Some of the tension seemed to leave him. “I got here at eight. When I arrived, most of the places weren’t even open yet. But I found a restaurant down the street and a waiter remembered a beautiful redhead had come in the night before, so I figured I was in the right vicinity. Then I finally located your Realtor, after banging on at least ten doors.”

“I can’t believe you did all this to find me!” She gazed at him in wonder, her heart so full she thought it would burst.

“I have to admit I wasn’t sure what I would do when I saw you.” His eyes narrowed threateningly, revealing his concern. “Next time, talk to me. Don’t just disappear. You scared the shit out of me.”

His mouth met hers once more in a kiss that took her breath away. Relief flooded through her as she realized nothing had changed. Not Gavin, not her. Emotion welled up inside of her, warm and glowing. She loved his man, and if that made her naive, so be it.

When he finally eased from her, she saw his eyes, dark and glittering with emotion.

“Why did you leave?”

“I didn’t know what to think when I didn’t hear from you. And your ex is so gorgeous, I wasn’t sure—”

“Yeah, she’s a real beauty. Unfortunately, she took a shot at my knee. I wound up going to the urgent care.”

“What?” Jessica’s green eyes grew wide, and she glanced down at his leg.

Gavin nodded. “I saw my doctor today. He said it’s only a superficial wound.”

“Let me see.” She didn’t wait for him, but quickly knelt down and rolled up his trouser leg. He helped her undo the bandage, and when she examined his injured flesh, she sighed in relief.

“It doesn’t look deep. How did the MRI look?”

“Good. He said I was lucky.”

“How does it feel when you walk? Does it hurt when you bend your knee? How about—”

“Enough!” Gavin said, pulling her into his arms once more. “I am fine. But why would you think I would go back to her? Don’t you understand?”

“What?” She looked genuinely puzzled.

“You and Kristin are like night and day,” he said, shaking his head as if stunned that she didn’t see what was so obvious to him. “It was you who got me through a really rough time. Not just your work with the therapy, which made all the difference, but the rest. You helped me accept my injury, adjust to a new place, and settle in with the team.”

“Oh, that’s nothing,” she said dismissively, her face getting warm at his praise. But he continued, not letting her pull away.

“Exactly. To you it’s nothing. Because you give all the time, without expecting anything in return. I see it day in and day out. You help anyone who needs it, never even questioning whether or not you should. And I know you’re not ready to hear this, but I can’t help it. I love you.”

Her eyes stung with tears, and her throat tightened convulsively. Even though she had just come to the same conclusion herself, it was startling to hear Gavin put it directly on the table. She waited for the fear, the uncertainty, to send her into panic mode. But it was gone. The fragments of it seemed to fall away like a shell and now, an overwhelming happiness flooded through her.

“Well,” she said after a moment, struggling to get her emotions under control. “I guess that’s a good thing, because I feel the same way.”

“Are you sure?”

Jessica nodded. “Yes, more than sure. I’m absolutely certain.”

“Then you’ve made me the luckiest man alive.” He kissed her soundly once more, and when she was breathless, her legs like jelly, he grinned and offered his arm. “Shall we? We have a wedding to go to.”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Gavin followed her inside, insisting on helping her with her bags. Glancing around the rustic beach cottage, he gave her a speculative grin.

“Wow. This is exactly what I pictured when we talked of a place at the shore. Why don’t we see if it’s on the market?”

“Really?” Jessica’s mouth opened in surprise.

“Sure.” The smile grew warmer. “Looks like I’ve become a Jersey boy after all.”

–

Chase and Darcy’s wedding, as Jessica predicted, was wonderful. She and Gavin had plenty of time to make it back from the shore, get dressed, and then head to Trinity Church. They were escorted to the same row as Jake and Nikki, Brian and his wife, and Ryan Wakeman, the former first baseman for the Sonics, with his wife.

And even though she had seen the dress, Jessica was still awed when Darcy walked down the aisle, positively glowing. The term “radiant bride” seemed coined for Chase’s soon-to-be wife, and even the ace pitcher waiting at the altar couldn’t take his eyes off her.

Darcy had but one attendant, her best friend, Cara. The maid of honor despised dressing up, favoring jeans and tee shirts. But in a simple navy-blue sleeveless gown, carrying a bouquet of white lilies, she looked young, beautiful, and totally appropriate.

“Do you, Darcy Hamilton, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

As the early evening sunshine poured into the church, shimmering through stained glass, Jessica thought that this ritual never got old. The candles flickered as Darcy turned toward her groom, the light shining on her blond hair and veil. There wasn’t a sound in the room when she whispered, “I do.”

Chase was a little more firm in delivering his vows, but there was a catch in his voice when he promised Darcy to love her for eternity. And when the minister acknowledged that he could now kiss his bride, the pitcher wasted no time in taking his beautiful Darcy into his arms.

Jessica heard a few of the Sonics wolf-whistle as Chase made the most of his kiss. By the time Darcy stood erect, the blonde was blushing furiously, although no woman had ever looked happier walking down the aisle with her arm linked through her husband’s.

A warm feeling welled up inside Jessica as the couple made their way outside the church, the organ music playing overhead. When she looked up, Gavin was gazing at her, his eyes dark and glittering with a similar emotion.

“That will be us one day,” he said, answering her thoughts. When he saw her startled glance, he grinned. “That is, when you stop running scared.”

“I am not!” she said, giving him an indignant look.

Gavin lifted her hand and pressed a kiss on the back of it with a grin. When her eyes met his, he smirked once more. “When are you ever going to stop falling for that?”

It was Jessica’s turn to smile knowingly. “How do you know I ever did?”

She had to hold back her laughter at his expression. He could silently threaten her all he wanted; it was far too late. She was on to his game. This man loved her, and she loved him back. More than that, she trusted him.

And that, to her, was worth everything.