by Ranae Rose
Unlike the other diners, her eyes weren’t glazed with shock. They were bright with emotion, and he felt their pull like a riptide.
He went to her. It was going to be one hell of a long day, but first he needed to know…
“Did you throw that coffee?”
She nodded, her expression darkening. “I thought of that time Zackary burnt his hands at work. I guess he did me a favor in the long run.”
Jackson almost laughed. A rough sound escaped him and whether it was from nerves, shock or both, he didn’t know. “You saved my ass.”
A smiled leapt to her lips, then flickered away. “We’re even.”
The ramifications of what’d just happened started to dawn on him, then: with that cup of hot coffee, she’d freed him.
Sanders wasn’t going to hurt his wife anymore, and he’d never get the chance to hurt his child. There was no question that he’d be behind bars, where he belonged, for a long fucking while.
Kate Sanders would get a fresh start, and her son wouldn’t remember any of this.
The burden that’d been riding Jackson’s shoulders all summer was gone, and he could finally breathe.
* * * * *
“Aldred said the department is helping Kate Sanders get set up with professional counseling,” Jackson said.
Belle looked over her shoulder at him as she stood at her stove, making pancakes just like he had the other day. “Good. I’m sure she needs it.”
The scent of singed chocolate wafted up from the pan – she hadn’t been able to resist adding a handful of chips.
“Yeah. Should help her with her fresh start – or the closest she can get to one, anyway.”
She nodded. It would be naïve to think that Kate could simply forget her abusive husband and embrace a new life full of sunshine and rainbows. Life as the single parent of a newborn was bound to be difficult, especially with her scars. But her husband had been denied bail after the previous day’s incident, and at the very least, he couldn’t hurt her physically anymore.
That fact seemed to have released Jackson from the grip of his guilt over the Sanders family’s problems.
It was almost like a fresh start for him. The dark cloud that’d shadowed his summer was gone. He seemed more at ease, and even more optimistic about his ongoing recovery.
“You look like you’re a million miles away, Belle. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong.” Just the opposite – everything seemed to be taking a turn for the better. “It’s just a lot to take in at once. The past week has been bizarre.”
He came up behind her and laid his hands on her hips. “Yeah, it has. And you’ve been through a lot.”
She had, but it could’ve been much worse. The sense of shock and betrayal over her ordeal with Zackary was still potent. But at least she hadn’t been harmed, other than the hangover she’d suffered from the drug. Thanks to Jackson and Elijah, Zackary hadn’t had the chance to live out whatever sick fantasy he’d planned. Being present during the shooting at Tempest Café had been much scarier, even if no one had been hurt.
And it was because of Zackary that she’d thought to throw the coffee at Sanders. Despite everything, she was glad he’d worked in the admissions office.
“Maybe we should go on a vacation,” Jackson said, his breath tickling her ear. “Get away from it all.”
“Hmm…” She flipped fresh chocolate chip pancakes onto a plate. “Where would we go – some place warm and relaxing? Maybe an island somewhere.”
“An island sounds perfect.” He squeezed her hip. “Not much of a change of scenery, though.”
She laughed despite herself and everything that had happened. “It’s hard to justify getting away when you live somewhere that’s most people’s idea of paradise.”
“We could drive to the mountains. I hear the Smokies in Western North Carolina are nice.”
“What would we do in the mountains with your leg still healing? Besides, you know the police department is going to want to question us about yesterday again.”
“Mmm. Right. Well… How about we spend today on Blue Mile, then? Pack a picnic and stay until the stars come out? We can cough up the cash for licenses and equipment rental to fish off the pier if you get tired of sitting on the beach.”
She could already smell the sea breeze and hear the waves, and she suddenly longed to walk into the water and let it wash over every bit of her. After everything that had happened, it would be cleansing.
“Sounds great.” She shut off the stove. “How about we go after your physical therapy appointment?”
“It’s a date.”
Something settled into place inside her, and she felt a sense of satisfaction and anticipation that had evaded her since the shooting. A day on the beach with Jackson would be perfect – it was how their relationship had begun, years ago. And they’d survived to enjoy yet another day on the Blue Mile.
He leaned even closer, until his lips brushed the top of her head. “Please tell me you’re going to wear that little blue bikini you have...”
Before she could reply, a knock came at the door.
She jumped, bumping into Jackson. He was hard, although she barely had time to notice.
“I’ve got it.” He started to move away from her, then looked down at the bulge between his hips. His shorts did nothing to hide it. “Hold on a minute…”
He turned to face the sink, where he splashed his face with cold water.
Belle tried her best not to laugh, and he gave her an unamused look. “I’m just trying to make myself presentable. It’s not easy with you around, tempting me.”
When he finally made it to the door, he looked out through the peep hole and turned to Belle. “It’s Mariah.”
“Really? She didn’t say anything about coming by.”
“Looks like she brought a friend.”
Belle opened the door to find Mariah standing on the stoop, a black ball of fur in her arms.
“A puppy? Where’d you get one of those?”
Mariah grinned. “They were having an adoption in the animal shelter parking lot.”
“Does your lease allow dogs?”
“Yes … for a price. The pet deposit is pretty hefty.” She shrugged. “I’ve always wanted a dog, and when I saw this little guy I knew it was fate.”
The ball of fur wriggled, and the puppy raised its head. Its muzzle was tan, in contrast to its midnight black body, and there were light markings above its eyes, too.
Belle stepped aside so Mariah could come in. “What kind of dog is he?”
“A German Shepherd and husky mix.”
“Wow, he’s going to get big.” He was barely the size of a small cat now, soft and fluffy looking.
“I know. He’ll make a great watch dog.”
Belle had no doubt that Mariah relished the thought of having a big dog that’d make any would-be intruders think twice before breaking into her home. The victims in those crime specials she loved so much didn’t usually have eighty pound canine sentries keeping watch.
“I already have plans for his training, but never mind that now. I dropped by because they say animals are great for relieving stress. After all you two have been through lately, I thought you might like to hold Atlas.”
Belle hadn’t held a puppy for years, but the familiar sense of delight came flooding back when Mariah placed Atlas in her arms. With hair as soft as down, he was warm and surprisingly heavy. He rested his muzzle in the crook of her arm and seemed to enjoy being held.
“This makes me want a puppy.” Belle sighed.
“When he grows up and finishes his training, he and I can come over any time you feel you’re in danger.” Mariah looked at Atlas as if he were her firstborn. “He’d keep you safe.”
“Thanks, but I plan to be much more careful in the future. It’ll be a cold day in hell before I trust someone just because I work with them again, and I might just start drinking exclusively from a flask.”
Jackson placed a h
and on Belle’s shoulder. “And you have me, Princess. I’m much meaner than any puppy.”
Belle glanced up at Jackson. “Yeah, and even when you’re back at work, you’ll only be a 911 call away.”
“That’s right.” He squeezed her shoulder.
“Do you want to hold him?” Belle turned to face Jackson, nodding down at Atlas.
When Jackson scooped the puppy into his arms, it was the most adorable thing she’d ever seen. Her heart melted layer by layer, doubling her sudden desire for a puppy of her own.
It only lasted a few moments, and then Atlas got restless. After a few moments of wriggling, Jackson set him gently down on the floor.
Atlas looked around, dropped his nose to the ground and started inspecting his surroundings. His little tail wagged back and forth as he trotted into the kitchen, probably attracted to the smell of the pancakes sitting on the counter.
“Uh-oh,” Belle said when she noticed a puddle forming on the linoleum.
Mariah rushed forward. “Crap, I’m so sorry!”
She lunged at the paper towel roll like a movie GI diving onto a grenade. “He’s only nine weeks old. I figured we’d only be here for a little while, and he’d be able to hold it.”
“It’s all right,” Belle said. “At least it’s not the carpet.”
Belle picked Atlas back up and held him while Mariah disinfected the kitchen floor as if it were a piece of surgical equipment about to be used.
“So,” she said when she’d finished and scrubbed her hands clean at the sink, “any word on that prick, Zackary?”
“He’s out on bail.” Belle stroked Atlas’ fur. “But court is coming up.”
Mariah’s eyes widened. “I don’t like knowing he’s out there after what he tried. It’s not right.”
“If he comes anywhere near her again, it’ll be the last thing he ever does.” Jackson’s voice was full of a resolve so smooth and steely, it chilled Belle’s blood.
“Anyway,” Belle said, “Jackson helped me file for a temporary restraining order, and the magistrate granted it. And if all else fails, I can throw a mean cup of coffee.”
“You’ve proven that.” Mariah nodded. “Still, I can’t wait to see him punished for what he did. What a perv.”
“Me neither. And I’ll be careful meanwhile, I promise. Plus, I’ve got my own personal hero cop.”
Jackson groaned. “You said you wouldn’t call me that in public.”
“We’re not in public.” Belle grinned.
“Face it, Jackson,” Mariah said, “you’ve saved several lives on this island. And that’s a good thing – you help restore the faith shitty cops like Sanders ruin.”
Jackson was silent.
“Plus, you rescued my best friend from the grips of a depraved pervert.” Mariah flashed a radiant smile. “You’re my hero too, whether you like it or not. They should make a documentary about you.”
“It’d have to be a posthumous documentary, because I’d rather die.”
Mariah rolled her eyes. “I just watched you cuddle a puppy, remember? You can drop the tough cop act.”
“No I can’t. Just yesterday, the love of my life brought a coffee cup to a gun fight and saved my ass from a few more bullet holes. I need all the bravado I can muster.”
Mariah laughed. “You wouldn’t want a shrinking violet, would you? Belle’s a badass – you two make the perfect couple.”
Belle turned to face Jackson and rocked up onto her toes, pressing a kiss against his jaw. “She’s right about us, although I don’t know about the badass part.”
He wrapped his arms around her. “She’s right about that too. You acted when everyone else froze. I’m going to have to start calling you Warrior Princess.”
“Well, now it’s my turn to be embarrassed. Can we call a truce on the cheesy nicknames?”
He looked thoughtful for a few seconds, then grinned. “Nah. Embarrassing you is fun.”
* * * * *
There was nothing better than a day on the Blue Mile with Belle in her bikini. Nothing.
“How about here?” She stood in the sand a few yards from the surf, striking a pose in her swimsuit, the beach bag slung over her shoulder.
“Okay.” They’d hit the beach almost every day for the past couple weeks, since the incident at Tempest. Belle had been given time off work to recover physically and emotionally from her recent ordeals, and they were making the most of it.
He set down the small cooler he’d carried, then helped her spread out the blanket.
“I’ve got it,” she said when he reached for the umbrella.
He started unpacking the cooler they’d filled with provisions for a picnic lunch.
The best Cubanos on the island, fruit salad, lemon cookies and sweet tea – it was nothing fancy, but it was perfect for the occasion. And although Belle didn’t know it, it was only the beginning of what he hoped would be one of the most memorable days of their lives.
After the unforgettable incidents they’d survived together, he was ready to add some positive memories to the list of things they’d never forget.
CHAPTER 40
“Nice breeze,” Belle said, sinking down to join him in the umbrella’s shade. “And the water’s so calm. I think this is the nicest day at the beach we’ve had all week.”
“Glad you think so.” He handed her a bottle of sweet tea.
As they ate, she watched the waves roll in.
He watched her, unable to look away. And when they were done, he took her by the hand. “Want to walk down to the pier?”
“Sure.”
They walked slowly, hand in hand. After about fifteen minutes, they stood in the damp sand beneath the fishing pier, enveloped in its sanctuary of cool shadows.
They’d spent so much time hanging out there as kids, hiding from the sun. It was also where they’d become more than just friends, even if it’d only been for a day.
It seemed like a good place to change the nature of their relationship again.
He wanted to sink down on one knee, but that’d be awkward and painful. He wasn’t willing to wait until his leg healed completely, so he turned to face Belle, still standing, and took her hand. “Princess.”
Her half smile pulled on one corner of her mouth as her gaze locked with his. “What?”
“I love you, and I want to ask you something.”
She tipped her head a few degrees to the side, and the sea breeze blew a wisp of hair in front of her eyes. “What is it?”
“Will you marry me?”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out the little black box he’d placed there that morning. The loose shorts he wore to keep his leg comfortable had also concealed the ring box.
He saw her lips part as she sucked in a breath, but the surf drowned out the sound.
“I know you’ve been down this road once before,” he said, “but this will be nothing like that. You’re already the most important person in the universe to me, and I swear it’ll always be that way, no matter what your answer is. For the record though, I hope it’s yes.”
There was a split second of uninterrupted ocean noise, and then she smiled.
“Yes. Of course it’s yes. There’s no one I can compare you to, Jackson – not from my present or my past.”
He opened the box, revealing a golden band set with a shining diamond. “I hope you like it.”
She smiled. “I love it.”
After he slipped the ring onto her finger, the smile faded away as tears started to stream down her cheeks.
He stared, dismay dimming the high of her acceptance.
He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” She wrapped her arms around him too and raised shining eyes to meet his. “Nothing’s wrong. I guess I’m just one of those people who cries at stuff like this. I’ll probably cry at the wedding too.”
“Tears of joy, I hope.”
She nodded. “Mostly. Although I think som
e of them are sad tears – when I think of how much worse things could’ve gone at that domestic call, or Tempest, and that this might’ve never happened…”
A tear rolled down her cheek, leaving a wet trail on her soft skin.
He wiped it away with his thumb. “It didn’t, though.”
“I know. And believe me, I’m glad.”
“Not as glad as I am that you said yes.”
She smiled. “You’re wrong about that.”
He didn’t agree, but he didn’t argue. He was just glad to see her smiling. They had the rest of their lives together to hash it out.
“I had no idea you were planning this,” she said after a while, her arms still around him. “You’re good at surprises.”
“I wanted to ask you to marry me the moment I realized you’d thrown that cup of coffee, but it didn’t seem like the best time.”
He was dead serious. Not only had she saved his ass with a cup full of Arabica, but she’d taken memories of someone who’d hurt her and turned them into ammunition she’d used to protect others. He liked to think that in a way, he’d done something similar when he’d stopped Sanders.
It was the twisted little bastard of a student who’d inspired her to throw the coffee, just as it was Jackson’s father who’d driven him to oppose Sanders. It made him feel closer to her, and he loved her more for her strength.
Her smile widened. “Why not? You were already down on one knee, even if you were pinning a gunman to the floor.”
“True, but there was no way I was going to let Sanders be part of this moment.”
She held him tighter, and he couldn’t hold back any longer – he had to kiss her.
Crushing his mouth against hers, he tasted her soft lips. When she parted them to let his tongue meet hers, the most satisfying bliss he’d ever known gripped him like a vise. All he could think about was that if it felt this good to kiss his fiancée, it’d all but kill him with pleasure to fuck her.
* * * * *
“I don’t want to hurt you.” Belle straddled Jackson, completely naked. Her pussy was exposed, and his hard cock rose up to meet it, the head almost kissing her lips.
