“It’s not even light out yet. What am I going to see that I can’t see on the internet?” She knew her tone was snippy, but she wasn’t sure if he was making fun of her for not being the world traveler he was. Some of us weren’t born with a silver spoon.
It didn’t take money or seeing the world to make her happy. She had everything she needed right in Hope Valley. The simple life, when she was off duty, was for her.
“But the sun will be up shortly, and you might as well dip those sweet toes of yours into the Pacific Ocean before we head home. And I thought you didn’t need to be to the station until eleven,” he asked.
“I don’t, but I like to at least be in the state. You never know when something will happen,” she stated.
“Okay, I promise not to let a shark bite off your pinky toe if you agree to accompany me to the beach. One hour. Trust me, I’ll have you back in Hope Valley in plenty of time to save the world.”
She crossed her arms. “Are you making fun of me?”
“Wouldn’t dare. Remember, I just heard you cuss out your sister,” he said grinning.
“I’m going to regret doing that in front of you, aren’t I?” she sighed.
He laughed. “Only if you decline my offer for the beach.”
“That, Mr. Heart, is blackmail. It’s against the law in all fifty states,” Reanna reminded him. “If I had my cuffs on me, I might have to detain you for—”
“Oh, I like the sound of that.”
“Detain?” she asked.
He chuckled. “Cuffs. Maybe you can borrow a set from the San Diego police department and we can try them out on the flight back.”
“You’d let me handcuff you? I have a hard time believing that.”
“Why is that?” he asked.
“Because you don’t seem like the type of man who relinquishes control,” she stated.
He leaned over and said, “I believe when I let you pour chocolate fudge down my chest and lick it off, that was relinquishing control.”
Reanna laughed. “Are you forgetting that you flipped me on my back, and proceeded to do the same with the ice cream?”
“Oh yeah. I guess you’re right. So maybe we put the cuffs on you,” Jerry suggested.
“Me?”
“Yes. Saves time and it’ll be more fun,” he added.
“Fun for who?” she asked. “I’m not fond of being restrained either.”
“Then I guess you’ll just have to agree to the beach without any consequences for me.”
“I’ll go with you to the beach, but only because you were kind enough to fly me three thousand miles for nothing. I won’t even hate you if a shark does bite off my pinky toe.”
“I’ll kiss it better if he does,” he smiled then got up. “Now let’s hit the beach before anyone else gets there.”
“We are really going to walk the beach in the dark. It doesn’t sound smart.” Or safe.
He took her hand and said, “I’m sure you’ll protect me.”
Reanna glared at him. “You’re laughing at me again aren’t you?”
Jerry nodded. “Sorry. I’ve had you quivering in my arms and moaning with pleasure. You’ll always be my delicate flower to me,” he said.
Your flower? He was sending some serious mixed signals. Friends. Lovers. Have to be in Boston, and yet here with her. Why? Did he have a girlfriend and she was the one on the side? Shit. I never even asked. It was a bit late to do so. And if he did, wouldn’t Shanda have told her? Then again, how would Shanda know, she was just marrying into the family. This was all new to her as well.
This was something she needed to talk to him about. Clear up what was going on between them. Of course this might not be the moment for that. Definitely when we get back.
“Hope the water is warm,” she said.
“Why am I getting the feeling you’re not fond of the ocean.”
“I’m not,” she said flatly.
“You live in the ocean state,” Jerry commented.
“And I saw enough shark movies as a kid too. They never end well. I’m not about to make national news because I was eaten alive,” she stated firmly.
“You do know I said we were only putting in our feet right?” he asked.
“And you obviously haven’t watched enough movies to know that sometimes that’s all it takes.” She noticed him biting back any more comments, but she also saw the smirk. Let him laugh, but I’m the one going home with all ten toes.
When they got back to the Heart Jet, Reanna finally relaxed. There was no way she was going to admit she’d been scared the entire time on the beach. It was an irrational fear, and she understood that, but it didn’t make it any less real. What Jerry didn’t know was sharks were only one of them.
The jet took off and they could remove their seatbelts. “You can breathe now. We won’t even be flying over an ocean till we hit Rhode Island,” Jerry said.
“I wasn’t holding my breath,” she said.
He chuckled. “I was worried you were going to turn blue.”
“I went all the way in up to my ankles. That was more than you had asked for,” she said. “And I didn’t even say one word when the waves got bigger and practically pushed me over.”
“Not one word as you jumped onto my back and wrapped these sexy legs around me,” he said squeezing her thigh.
“Are you telling me you don’t have any fears?” she asked. It was only fair that she learned some of his as well.
“Everyone does,” he said.
“And yours is?” she prodded. He was quiet, and she wondered if he was pondering his answer or thinking of a way out. “Well?” she asked.
“I’m afraid of having a marriage like my parents,” he said.
That wasn’t anything she expected to hear, but there was nothing about his expression that hinted he was joking. So she sat up straighter and asked, “Your parents aren’t happy?” It was a very personal topic, but he brought it up. And part of getting to know someone was talking about things that sometimes weren’t comfortable.
“Happy? I guess it depends on what makes a person happy. They both have what they want,” he said.
She could push and she was sure he would divulge more, but his parents weren’t all that important to her right now. She wanted to know more about him. “What makes you happy Jerry?”
“A successful business deal.” Then he laughed. “Guess I’m like my parents.”
She didn’t know them, but from what she’d seen of Jerry, there was so much more to him than work. Maybe she could help him see that. After all, they had a long flight home, and although the jet was luxurious, it wasn’t private enough for her to get real comfortable.
“Was this trip business?” she asked. He shook his head. “Or last night?” Same response. “Because I could be wrong, but you seem happy and we never spoke about your job at all. Well I briefly overheard you talking when we first met, but that’s not the same. So if you asked me, there is more to you than you want anyone to know.” Maybe more to you than you’re willing to admit to yourself too.
“Are you out to make detective?” he asked.
She smiled. “Deflecting is a sign that I am either close or right. Which is it Jerry?”
“I am different with you than I usually am,” he stated.
She waited for him to add more, but nothing came. So she reached over and touched his hand, “I don’t know who you are with everyone else, but I like who you are with me.” She meant that. He made her feel comfortable, safe, and happy.
“That’s good, because we have a long flight,” he joked.
She knew that was the end of whatever serious conversation she was getting out of him. That was okay. There was no reason to rush to know everything about him. What fun would that be?
“Maybe I should get a few hours of sleep while you work?” she suggested.
“I think that is wise, since you’re working overnight tonight.
“Yeah. You never know when Mrs. Grossman is going to ca
ll with one of her urgent issues again.”
“So the toad wasn’t her first?” he asked.
Reanna sighed. “The first that day. She’s lonely. We are her connection to everyone else. I just wish she could find another outlet besides calling us and making up issues.”
“Should I call the station if I’m missing you too?” he asked.
That sent a warm feeling throughout her. You miss me? They’d seen each other three days in a row. How much more time could they spend together? “I wouldn’t recommend that. My captain frowns upon people calling in a false report.”
“Okay, I’ll make sure I have something valid like Mrs. Grossman does,” he teased.
Reanna smiled. “I think I’m going to give her your number next time I go out on a call. You’d love chatting with her, and this way you won’t be lonely either.”
Jerry glared at her. “Has anyone ever told you that you can be a brat?”
She nodded. “It comes natural. And for the record, like you, I hate to lose.”
“So I have noticed. Now get some sleep, and I’m going to get some work done.”
Reanna nodded and pushed the button for the chair to recline. As she rolled onto her side she said, “Maybe if we get back early enough I can cook you dinner.”
“I don’t know about you, but by then, I’m going to be starving. If you forgot, you didn’t want to eat before we boarded again.”
“Oh yeah.” In a softer voice as she started to drift off she added, “Pizza sounds good too.”
Chapter Six
Jerry wasn’t used to being with a woman who was so dedicated to her career. Reanna wasn’t a woman he could just pick up the phone and call any time. And she sure wasn’t one who would drop everything either. He respected that about her. She might not admit it, but she was as driven as he was, they just chased different things.
But Jerry found himself worrying about her. Granted, Hope Valley didn’t have much of a crime rate, but even in the smallest of towns, things could go very wrong. He didn’t want Reanna to be caught in the middle of it when something did.
When she sent him a text and it was after midnight, his heart felt like a lump in his throat.
ARE YOU AWAKE?
Even if he wasn’t, he was wide awake now. YES. IS EVERYTHING OKAY?
She sent, CAN I CALL YOU?
He’d been resisting that urge all day. But she’d told him what a rough week this was going to be for her. Never easy switching a shift when you’re used to sleeping at night. YOU CAN CALL ME ANY TIME.
His phone rang immediately, and she said, “Jerry, I got a call today from…your mother.”
“My what?” he had to be hearing things. Why would his mother call Reanna? No one even knows she exists. “What did she want?”
“She asked me to dinner on Thursday. I guess it’s a surprise for Shanda and Kenneth.”
Well at least Reanna had a clue as to what was going on at the family dinner. “Did she say what type of surprise?” Heart men didn’t like surprises of any kind.
“From what I gather, it’s an engagement party. I’m invited because I’m in the wedding party. But to be honest with you, I don’t want to go,” she stated.
Me either. “Why not?” He knew his reason, but wanted to know hers.
“First of all, I’m supposed to be on duty. I can see if I can switch with someone, but it is short notice. And secondly, I won’t know anyone there except for you and Shanda.”
“Since the party is for Shanda and Kenneth, it sounds like you belong there. But if it’ll cause you issues to change shifts, then just let her know you can’t attend. I’m sure there are others who can’t either. As you said, it is short notice.”
“It’s not an issue really. I don’t have a clue what to expect. The one person I’d ask would be Shanda, and I can’t because it’s a surprise. That leaves me to ask you,” Reanna said.
He wanted to help her, but honestly had no idea either. “Seems my mother left out some information for us as well. Why don’t I call her and ask for the details and I’ll call you back?”
“Goodness Jerry. You can’t call your mother at this late hour,” Reanna said.
“How about I come and take you out to dinner tomorrow night and I can update you then?” he offered. “Hopefully that gives you some time to sleep when you get off your shift.”
“Jerry, aren’t you getting tired of driving here from Boston all the time? I could always meet you in the middle somewhere.”
And then I don’t get to hold you like I want to.
“It’s no issue. Does six work for you?” he asked.
“Yes, but I would rather eat in if that is okay. I have a new recipe I have been dying to try. It’s a no pasta, pasta dinner,” she said.
He didn’t care what she cooked. It wasn’t dinner that appealed to him. “Should I bring anything?”
“No. I’ve got it covered.”
“Not even dessert?” he teased, knowing damn well how much she loved that.
“I think we’ll skip dessert tonight. If I keep eating like I have the past few days, I’m going to get as big as a house,” she laughed.
“Only if you don’t work it off afterwards,” he said playfully.
She giggled. “Well then. Can you be here at five? I wouldn’t want to miss my workout because I need to leave for the station.” He heard her patrol car radio announce something, then her siren blared as she said, “I got to go. See you tomorrow.”
Reanna ended the call. He wanted to protect her, keep her safe, but he couldn’t. Reanna was doing her job, and all he could do was hope nothing happened to her.
Jerry knew he wasn’t going to get any sleep. His mind was racing. He got up off the bed and grabbed some clothes. Clark was right. The gym is a good place to work out one’s frustrations. Thankfully his was open 24/7.
When he pulled into the parking lot, he expected it to be vacant. Instead, there were quite a few vehicles there. He scanned to make sure Clark’s wasn’t one of them. Tonight wasn’t the night for dodging his questions. This was a time for him to do some thinking. Grabbing his bag from the trunk, he headed inside. An hour on the treadmill should be enough. If not, he knew he was in trouble.
Even increasing the speed on the treadmill wasn’t helping any. The facts didn’t change. He’d met Reanna less than a week ago and yet was seeing her more frequently than any woman he’d dated. Jerry could tell himself they weren’t dating, but what else could it be? He called her, asked her to dinner. Sounds very much like dating. Now she was cooking for him. Crazy, but that felt more intimate than actually having sex with someone. At least in his head it was.
He’d set the ground rules with Reanna as he had with other women. Probably because he’d never had any intention of seeing her again. Yet she’d become a daily habit, one he wasn’t ready to break. The facts were, eventually he needed to. Reanna was right, he couldn’t spend two hours going from Boston to Hope Valley every day. It hadn’t, but would eventually interfere with his business. Jerry never let anything or anyone do that. Reanna had the potential of being the first. He needed to put a stop to it before that occurred.
He’d meant to talk to her about it before, but something else always came up. Or was that his excuse because he knew once they had the conversation, this, whatever it was, would end? The timing wasn’t right now. Reanna was going to his family home. There was no way they would be able to hide the fact that they know each other. And if any of them even suspected that they might be lovers, well, it’d be like opening Pandora’s Box and there wouldn’t be any going back. Jerry couldn’t risk that. It sucked, but the after-dinner conversation wasn’t going to be light and fun. He knew what he had to do. I shouldn’t have started something I wasn’t willing to finish. It fucking isn’t fair to Reanna, but life rarely is.
Jerry didn’t make bad business decisions, but letting himself get involved with Reanna sure as hell was a bad personal one. Thankfully, he had time to plan what to say so she didn�
�t get hurt.
If such words even exist. The word sorry wasn’t part of his normal vocabulary. He knew that word needed to be highlighted in the talk he was going to have with Reanna. Even that wasn’t going to reflect how he felt.
Jerry stopped the treadmill. Fuck. How could he express it when he wasn’t sure himself? I’m going to need a sparring partner at this rate. Running ain’t doing shit.
Reanna loved cooking. It was her escape when she was stressed. So why was it that her kitchen was filled with black smoke from baking her spaghetti squash? Jerry was going to be here any minute and right now, it looked like they would be eating grilled cheese sandwiches.
It wouldn’t have been so bad, but she had just got done bragging to him and now this happens. Why my first meal? Hopefully this wasn’t setting the tone for the evening. Reanna opened the window, grabbed a towel, and tried blowing out the remaining smoke. “Come on,” she coughed.
“Are you okay?” Jerry’s voice shot out from behind her.
She spun around and choked out the words, “When did you get here?”
“Shortly after you decided to burn your house down, apparently,” he said as he started opening up a few more windows. “What were you trying to cook that smells this bad?” he asked.
“Spaghetti squash. It’s only a vegetable. It shouldn’t smell like this.” The smoke was still coming out of the oven even though she’d turned it off. “You might want to go in the other room before I open the oven. The smoke is only going to get worse.”
Jerry said, “I’m not leaving you alone in here. Tell you what, you open and I’ll take it out.”
“Fine.” She tossed him the oven mitts. Once he had them slipped on she said, “Ready?” He nodded. When she opened the door, he reached out and pulled out the tray holding the squash and held it up.
“Where do you want it?” he asked.
“The sink,” she said and followed him. When he put it down she added, “It doesn’t look burnt. I don’t get it…”
Jerry headed back to the oven and said, “I think from now on, we eat out.” His voice was filled with disgust.
Just Trust (The Reluctant Heart Book 2) Page 8
