Relief washed over Josie. She stood on shaky legs. “I’m going home tonight?”
“Yes, but you have to be back to the courthouse in the morning at ten.”
“I will be.”
The Sargent led her down a maze of halls and then into the foyer. Her next shock was seeing Devin. Her heart swelled with joy. He’d come, late, but at least he was here. When he opened his arms, she ran into them.
His warmth wrapped around her. “You’re really here, and you’re so warm.” She cuddled closer and then pulled back. “I must smell terrible.”
Devin brought her close again. “You don’t, and if you did it wouldn’t matter. All I care about is holding you in my arms.”
“All right, you two lovers. I’ve signed the papers. We can go. I’m sure Josie wants a bath and some sleep before morning. It’s midnight now.” Hunter hurried them out to the car.
Josie sat in the middle and Devin put on the heat when she kept shivering. “Call your mom and let her know we have you, and we are on our way to their house,” Hunter suggested.
Thank goodness her parents were on her fast-dial list, since her hands were shaking so badly. “Mom”— Josie’s voice trembled—“I’m on my way to your house. They released me for the night.” She swallowed around the knot in her throat.
“We’re all waiting for you,” her mother said.
“Thanks.” Josie clicked off her phone.
Devin’s arm tightened around her. She laid her head on his shoulder. She glanced up at him.
“Don’t let them put us in a separate room. I need you to hold onto if I’m going to sleep at all.”
“I promise. We’ll stay together.”
“I know I’m acting like a baby.”
“No, you are the bravest woman I know. Most would be in hysterics way before this. You have managed to keep your control. I’m proud of you.” Devin kissed her lips and sweet warmth ran through her blood.
“I’m finally getting warm.”
Josie walked into her parents’ home between Hunter and Devin. Her mother and stepfather gave her a subdued greeting. Lacey ran to her and hugged her.
“You must be exhausted,” Lacey said.
“I am, but I’m so glad to be out of that place.”
“Why in the world didn’t you come to me at the first?” Alex asked. His tone was gruff. He’d never spoken to any of them in such a tone.
Josie moved closer to Devin. “I didn’t know what to do. I feared he’d carry out his threat, and he has.”
Her mother shook her head. “This is going to be so embarrassing for all of us. Alex especially will be affected.”
“I know, Mom. I’m sorry. I can’t go back and do it over.”
“Are you hungry?” her mother asked.
“No, I want to shower and go to bed.”
“Who is this?” her mom asked, looking at Devin.
Devin stepped forward. “I’m Hunter’s brother, Devin, and I’m Josie’s fiancé.”
Josie stared up at him. Maybe she heard him wrong, but no, Lacey and Hunter were staring, too.
Mrs. Bernheart shook his hand. Then she glanced at Josie. “You didn’t tell us this either.”
“It just happened, and with everything else I just didn’t mention it.”
“How did you get released this late?” Alex asked.
“I met a judge on the plane. He made some calls and got her released. He’s going to take vacation time and help Hunter with her case.”
“Which judge?” Alex asked, and frowned at Devin. “I tried a number of them, but they didn’t want to get involved.”
“Have you heard of a criminal court judge by the name of Nigan Rey?” Devin asked. The surprise on her stepfather’s face told Josie and everyone in the room that he had.
“I tried him first, but he was on vacation. He’s held in high esteem. You’re lucky, Josie. If he wants to help your case you may have a chance.”
“Sir, we are going to see the right person goes to jail, and it isn’t going to be Josie,” Devin stated emphatically. “And if I might add, she needs you and her mother’s support, not your condemnation.” The anger in his voice was clear to everyone in the room.
Alex stepped into Devin’s space. “How did you get the judge to agree to help? I know Rey would never take a bribe.”
Devin clenched his fist. “He knew of me because of my bull riding. He’s seen me ride.”
“My goodness.” Josie’s mother put her hand to her throat. “You are engaged to a bull rider. Where has my sensible Josie gone?”
Josie straightened her posture and stuck out her chin. She stopped Devin from responding. “Away from home I’m becoming the person I always wanted to be. And I don’t need your support. With the Garrison’s and the judge’s help, I’ll do fine on my own. Devin, please call a cab. I want to stay in a plush hotel tonight.”
Hunter stopped Devin from calling. “She can’t. We gave this address as where she’d be.”
“Of course, she can’t. People would talk about us even more,” her mother said. “You two can have the attic room where Lacey and Hunter stayed last time.”
“I know the way. Come on, Devin. I need a shower.”
Once they were in their room upstairs, Devin pulled her into his arms. “Damn baby, when you come out of your shell, you do it all at once.” He beamed at her.
Josie grinned. “I did, didn’t I?”
“You made me proud. Let’s go get a shower and get some sleep. As it is, you’ll be exhausted tomorrow.”
In the shower, Devin washed her arms, body, and legs. He gave special attention to her breasts, and when he lightly pinched her nipples a flicker of desire curled in her belly. He cupped her face and spread kisses all over it. His gentleness had her heart swelling with love.
Devin pulled her legs around his hips and put her back against the wall. He stared into her glowing, green eyes. Then he confessed why he didn’t fly with her initially.
“You’re afraid of flying?”
“Yes, ever since my parents died in a plane crash. You are the only one who could get me on a plane.”
“You must really like me,” Josie said.
“No, I really love you.”
She grinned and kissed his firm, warm lips. “And when exactly did you ask me to marry you?”
“Don’t you remember? I sent you a telepathic message from my first plane ride.” His eyes sparkled with mischief.
“I guess the message couldn’t get through the jail walls. Perhaps you might ask me in person.”
His hard cock pulsated against her pussy. “As soon as I finish loving you and we’re out of this shower. I might get down on my knees.”
“Then hurry up. I want to feel your hard dick inside me.”
“I always obey the important women in my life.” He grabbed the condom off the shelf where he’d placed it and sheathed his dick. Then Devin placed his cock at her opening and slid in slowly, stretching her pussy to accommodate his wide girth.
“Ah, that is much better,” she purred.
Devin kissed her neck and along her shoulder as his cock thrust in and out at a leisurely pace. Her arms were tight around his neck and he nibbled on her earlobe.
“Faster,” she whispered. “We haven’t much time.”
He plunged in deep and hard then moved faster as she’d requested. Her pussy walls clenched tight around him and heat rushed through her veins, warming her completely.
The wave of pleasure rolled over Josie, sending her into a sparkling, blissful place. Her pussy rippled around his pulsating cock, and she screamed his name as he leaned forward and kissed her hard.
When Devin’s and her breathing slowed, he carefully let her legs down. He brushed his lips over hers. “Darlin’, it gets better and better.”
He lifted her out of the shower. Then he took a soft towel and dried her. “Run jump in bed. I’ll be right behind you.”
Josie did and as soon as he’d dried he came to the side of the bed. T
hen he knelt beside her.
“Josephine Donnelles, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Her heart pounded in her chest. She’d never thought this day would come. Her fingers trailed across his face. She loved his smile, at least the one he showed now, and she loved him.
“I love you, Devin.” She bit her lip. “Are you sure this isn’t just a sudden thought, and you won’t regret later being married to a scaredy-cat and an older woman?”
“I knew when I got on the plane nothing short of loving you would have gotten me there. My terror is real. Yet I was willing to fly to get to you.”
She sat on the side of the bed and tears ran down her cheeks. “I never thought I’d find you. A man like you only existed in my imagination, and then when we did meet you seemed to like me, but the next time you didn’t want to have anything to do with me. It was disappointing and hurt me.”
“Darlin’, I won’t hurt you ever again. I was fighting my own feelings regarding commitment and marriage. I told myself you weren’t my type. You were frightened of so much, but I realize you are a logical, take-your-time, and not-make-a-mistake type of person.” He grinned. “I think a little of me is already rubbing off on you, and some of your caution is doing the same to me.”
Josie gave him a big smile. “With such an eloquent explanation, how can I say anything but yes?”
Devin picked her up and swung her around. Then he kissed her and laid her on the bed. “I promise you’ll never regret that yes.”
He got in beside her and pulled her close to his warm body. “Go to sleep.”
Her last thought was, no way will I sleep.
Chapter Nine
Hunter knocked on the bedroom door, waking them. “Get up. Josie, your mom is cooking breakfast. After we eat, we have to head to court,” he said through the door.
A sleepy Devin answered, “I’m going to shower to wake me. Josie’s just waking.”
“See you all downstairs in a few moments.” They heard Hunter going down the steps.
Josie stretched. “I can’t believe I slept, and I didn’t have any bad dreams. You must be good for me.” She leaned forward and kissed him. “Go shower. I’ll be right behind you.”
As soon as they’d dressed they walked to the dining room hand in hand. Her mom had put a platter of bacon and sausage on the table. There were also plates with sliced tomato and toast and a bowl of grits. The others already had a plate with their eggs.
“How do you two want your eggs?” Josie’s mom asked.
“I’ll have my eggs over easy as usual,” Josie said.
“I like scrambled if it’s not too much trouble,” Devin added.
“My cook is excellent. She’ll have your eggs and the platter of biscuits out in a moment.” Her mom walked to her chair at the opposite end from Alex. “Have a seat and drink your orange juice,” she said to Josie and Devin.
Just as Josie raised her glass, her mother added, “Alex and I will be in the courtroom whenever you are there. We must show a united front to the press. I called Renee last night. She will take off whatever days are necessary to be with us.”
“You don’t have to do this, Mother. I can see how you and Alex feel. I don’t want you to be uncomfortable.”
“We are not doing this for you, but to save Alex’s reputation and power in this crazy community we live in.”
Josie paled at her words. Any appetite she had left her. “I’m not hungry. I’ll get my things and wait for you all.”
“You will sit down this minute and eat,” her mother commanded. In the past, Josie would have instantly obeyed. This time she shrugged and walked out of the dining room and up the stairs to repack their suitcases.
Devin wasn’t far behind. He carried a tray with two filled plates, juice, and coffee. “You need to eat, honey. Without food you might faint. You don’t want to show any weakness in court. Will you eat to please me?”
He sat the tray on a small table with two chairs that had been placed by the windows. Devin pulled out a chair and waited.
“For you, I’ll try.”
“I’m starved, but I couldn’t sit at the table any longer. Lacey was furious about what your mother said, and so was Hunter. Everyone ate in sullen silence. The cook fixed this for me.”
The food did smell good and with only Devin for company she ate all the food and drank her juice and coffee. “Thanks, I feel stronger, less shaky.”
“Good girl. We’ll get through this together. I’m going to find us a nice hotel suite near the courthouse. We’ll stay there until this is settled. And I’ll rent a car for us.”
Josie walked to his side of the table and sat on his lap. She kissed him and said, “I don’t know how I’d have survived all of this without you.”
“You would have. You’re becoming stronger every day.”
“Perhaps, but it’s much better with you here.”
Devin hugged her tight. “We have to go downstairs. It’s time to leave.” He took her hand and stayed by her side.
Lacey and Hunter got in the front seat and them in the back. Devin explained he wanted to rent them a car and stay at a hotel.
“Josie doesn’t need the added stress her parents are putting on her.”
“I agree. We’ll see about the car and hotel later,” Hunter said. “Maybe you and Lacey can go looking while we’re at court this morning. Will you be all right with that?” Hunter asked Josie. “This morning session should be short, and then we’ll meet with Nigan Rey at his townhouse. We can take a cab.”
“Sure. I want to know we have a hotel room for tonight,” Josie said.
Devin squeezed her hand. “Hunter will take good care of you for me.”
“I know.” She put her head on his shoulder. “Just knowing you’re in town makes me less anxious.”
* * * *
Heath had made a ten o’clock appointment to speak with Mr. Ruby of Ruby and Odon Financial Services. The receptionist smiled when he arrived.
“I’ll let Mr. Ruby know you’re here.” She buzzed her intercom. “Mr. Ruby, Mr. Garrison has arrived.”
She clicked off and stood. “He’ll see you now.”
Then she escorted Heath to the door.
Mr. Ruby greeted him with a handshake. “Come in. Would you like a cup of coffee?”
“No, I’m fine thank you.”
“Have a seat,” Mr. Ruby said. He motioned to the white chairs in front of his desk. He sat in his chair, facing Heath.
“I’ve heard of you and was surprised you were in Washington and wanted to meet with me. Dare I hope we may be of service to you and your family’s organization?”
“Actually I recently hired one of your former employees, Miss Donnelles.”
“Ah, I’m sorry. I had no idea she was siphoning funds from our accounts until her supervisor discovered the discrepancy after she left.”
“I believe her former boss took the money. He threatened her to not tell anyone of the missing funds.”
“You are being taken in by a pretty face and an unlikely story,” Mr. Ruby said. “Mr. Dolan Lerones has an impeccable reputation.”
“How long has he been working for you?” Heath asked.
Mr. Ruby puffed out his chest. “We do not give out personal information on employees as you are well aware, and I resent you trying to put the blame on him.”
Heath stood. “It would look better for your firm if you found the person responsible for the theft. If I do, I’ll let the papers know how uncooperative you were, and how you praised Mr. Lerones’s credentials.” Heath turned and briskly walked out.
He’s given Ruby something to think about and worry. But his visit didn’t help Josie much. He punched in Devin’s number.
“Hi, Devin. Where are you?”
“I’ve been looking at hotel suites with Lacey. We’ve found one I think Josie will like, and I’ve rented a car. My next stop is a jewelry store to buy an engagement ring. Do you want to join us?”
“No, but I
’ll meet you for lunch at one.” Heath named a restaurant and Devin asked Lacey if she knew of it.
Heath added, “I want you to come alone.”
“That sounds mysterious. Okay. Lacey will show me where the restaurant is located and I have a GPS. I’ll drop Lacey back at the courthouse after I sign for this suite, and then I’ll find a ring for Josie and meet you.”
* * * *
Devin turned to Lacey when he ended the call. “I don’t think the visit with Josie’s boss went well.”
“If her old boss supports Josie’s supervisor then that’s another strike against her,” Lacey said.
“Don’t say anything to her. Just tell her I had other business to check into when I dropped you off.”
“All right, but I hope we get a few breaks soon,” Lacey said. “My spirits are dragging. I expect Josie’s are too.”
Devin was lucky and found a set of rings he liked at the second jewelry store. He took off for the restaurant as soon as he bought them. He was able to find his way back to the restaurant with only making one wrong turn. He hated all these one-way streets.
Heath wasn’t there yet, but he’d made a reservation. The maître d led him to the table. “Would you like a drink, sir?”
“I’ll wait for my brother. Just bring me a glass of iced tea for now.” He didn’t want to have more than one drink so he’d wait for Heath to join him. The atmosphere was one of higher-echelon customers, a quiet, dim room, with soft music and many potted plants in strategic areas. If you didn’t want to be seen, this was the place.
He closed his eyes and ran through all the information they had to help Josie. It wasn’t much. He thought about the man who had caused this mess. Josie had described him as cocky, and Heath had disliked him on sight. Heath had guessed his age at late thirties or early forties. If he was getting a divorce, as he’d hinted to Josie, then he might need money. Or was he even married? Neither Josie nor Heath knew much about him.
“Are you asleep?” Heath’s voice had him opening his eyes.
“I can figure out problems better when I shut out the world. This quiet environment was conducive to thinking.”
The Unexpected Bride [Brides for the Garrison Brothers 2] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Page 7
