He went on before she could respond. “I wasn’t ready to hear what you had to say…about my father’s depression. I was wrong.” He hesitated a moment. “I’ve always thought of depression as being a sign of weakness. And my father is anything but weak.”
His explanation resonated with her. She’d dealt with similar sentiments before, on numerous occasions. “I understand your concerns,” she said. “There are some misconceptions surrounding mental health conditions, and you aren’t the first to oppose a family member’s diagnosis.”
“Well, like I said, I was wrong. My father’s been attending the group therapy sessions you recommended. And I can’t tell you what a difference it’s made. I feel like I have my father back now. The way he was before. I hated to think about how lucky we were that you picked up on it when I know I acted like a complete jerk in your office.” He cleared his throat. “I shouldn’t have listened to Buckman beforehand. And I’m sorry for what he put you through. I had no idea he was serious about the stuff he was saying. If I’d known, I’d have said something sooner.” Regret tinged his pronouncement.
“It’s okay.” She attempted to reassure him. He wasn’t responsible for what she’d endured. “You gave the detective what you knew. And in the end, it all worked out.”
“Yeah, I guess so. But it’s a mistake I won’t make again.” He blew out a breath. “Thanks for hearing me out today.”
“I’m glad you called. And Keith, I’m happy to hear your dad’s doing well.” She was heartened to learn of the elderly’s man progress. It was clear he’d benefit from the counseling recommendation, but hearing Keith relate how helpful the sessions had been was moving.
Hanging up the phone, her insides warmed at the sound of Chase’s familiar voice coming down the hall. She listened as he wrapped up his conversation with Mike before entering her office. They were both chuckling over something. There was no telling with those two.
“Hey there,” he said, bending down to give her a kiss. “You ready to get out of here for a while? I’m taking you to lunch. And before you ask, I already checked with Nancy. You’re free for the next hour.”
Jordan tipped her head back to take him in. “Me? Turn down lunch with a handsome date? That’s not going to happen.”
Chase’s grin—the sexy one that made her stomach flip—widened. “And I hope that it’s due to the overwhelming appeal of said handsome man and not because he comes with an offer for food.” He winked.
Jordan laughed. Then she closed the window on her computer screen and stood up. “While the offer of lunch is enticing—” she looked at him, her eyes sparkling, “—the handsome man in front of me is irresistible.” She put her arms around his waist and drew him to her.
She still couldn’t believe how much her life had changed since he’d come into it. Just as he’d planned, Chase had stepped back from taking protection assignments and, instead, had gone on to assume an instructor’s role in his business. His schedule was filled with training engagements on different aspects of security and self-defense that never took him away for long.
For her part, she now had much more balance in her days. Her passion for her practice hadn’t changed, but she was much better at leaving her work at the office door. She’d learned the hard way that life was precious, and she wouldn’t regret not having worked harder in the end. The relationships mattered most. So, in place of late evenings with records spread out over her desk, her nights were largely filled exploring the town with Chase or simply hanging around together, enjoying the tranquility that came with knowing that her stalker was incarcerated and no longer a threat to her.
Despite Derek’s revelation that he’d left no evidence behind, the police department had been able to put together enough DNA evidence that, combined with the witness testimony, had made for a strong case and a straightforward conviction. She, Karen, and Mike had yet to fill the space he’d left in their practice staff, but after what had transpired, they were in no hurry to do so. She had a feeling their next hire would be someone they knew well. Nepotism did have its advantages.
Chase broke away from what had become a heated kiss. “Keep that up and we may have to do lunch at your house,” he said huskily. “Besides, there’s something I want to show you before we go.” He tugged her toward the door.
Curious as to what he wanted, she allowed herself to be pulled down the hall. She glanced at him uncertainly when he stopped at the conference room.
He threw the door open, and they walked in. She was greeted with the chorus of a loud “Surprise!” from everyone inside. The room was adorned with several colorful streamers. In the center of the conference table was a huge bouquet of flowers.
She was momentarily speechless. Firstly, she had no idea what they were all supposed to be celebrating. Secondly, she was stunned to see her parents mixed in with her friends.
She turned to ask Chase what they were celebrating, but he was down on one knee in front of her…and then she knew. Tears sprung to her eyes.
“Jordan.” He gazed up at her intently. “When I first met you, I was completely taken aback. You were beautiful, kind, passionate—and I’ll tell you now, as crazy as it sounds, I felt an immediate connection when I touched you. It threw me off guard, because I’d never believed in chemistry like I had with you right from the start.” He paused, took a deep breath, and then went on. “But as I got to know you…despite my resolve not to—” he looked at her sheepishly, “—I realized that those traits were only the surface ones, and though they were great alone, the qualities I admired didn’t stop there. Your compassion, intellect, humor, and…patience with me—” he smiled, “—had me falling completely in love with you.”
A round of chuckles circled the room at his comment, and Jordan didn’t even try to stop the tears now streaking down her cheeks.
His eyes grew serious again. “When I couldn’t find you that night at the beach, I was desperate. I couldn’t imagine not having a chance to explore our future together—to build on what we’d started. A young man who helped me back then told me I should keep you close. What I didn’t tell him was that I had no intention of doing anything else.” He reached into his pocket and withdrew a black velvet jewelry box.
After opening the lid, he held out the most radiant diamond ring she’d ever seen. With his other hand, he gently grasped her trembling fingers.
“Jordan, I want you by my side for the rest of my life. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
At first, she just nodded. She was speechless. Finally finding her voice, she let out an unquestionable, “Yes!”
Her family and friends in the room went wild, whooping and hollering. Joy masked their faces. Her mom looked beyond ecstatic, and she had no doubt in her mind that the woman was already picturing grandchildren. She turned her attention back to the man in front of her.
Chase slid the ring onto her finger.
“Chase, it’s beautiful,” she whispered.
He stood up, now grasping both of her hands in his. “It’s a brilliant cut. The jeweler told me the intense sparkle is the result of its many facets.” His eyes softened as he spoke. “It reminded me of you.”
The End
Acknowledgements
This book has been such a learning experience for me. I’ve written all of my life and have had smaller works published over the years, but preparing a full length novel for publication was an unfamiliar undertaking. The story of Jordan and Chase wouldn’t have become what it is now without the support and critique of so many. It is with a heart filled with gratitude that I write this section now.
To my friends and family who read the earliest versions of this book, I want to thank you for taking time out of your schedules to provide me with commentary. Deanna and Melanie your suggestions and encouragement moved me to continue working to improve the story. To Deanna, I attribute the enhanced criminal elements, and to Melanie, I hope she is breathless enough for you now. I can’t tell you both how much I appreciate your
feedback.
I’d also like to thank Jennifer B. for offering to proofread the final version. You have a keen eye for detail and I’m so very grateful you provided your review and opinions. Now, it’s your turn to sing.
For everyone that reviewed numerous mockups of the cover and helped me to find the perfect one, thank you. And for creating that perfect cover, I have to thank Robin Harper of Wicked by Design– you brought the characters to life!
To Kellie, Michelle, Wendy and everyone else that I bothered with “just one more question,” thank you for always answering each request like it was the first. And even more, thank you for believing in my dream and helping me to achieve it.
To the awesome Mickey, where do I start? You were the one to initially lay eyes on a first novel by a new author. I’m sure that this is probably one of the most challenging jobs to fulfill in the editing world, but you did so with care and grace. You went above and beyond and with your assistance, I realized that what I’d thought was a completed manuscript was just the beginning. You truly rock.
To Rhonda, thank you for helping me take this novel to the next level. You didn’t hesitate to tell me what needed to change, what needed to be rewritten and what needed to be cut, in a way that didn’t alter my voice as an author. Your suggestions made Jordan and Chase’s story even better.
And lastly, to my husband, I would still be “working” on my first novel if it wasn’t for your support. Thank you for encouraging me. To my children, you are my inspiration to make dreams come true. And, to my mother, who encouraged creativity always. I love you all.
About the Author
Nicole Luckourt professed in her fifth grade autobiography that she would be a writer when she grew up. Though life has taken her on many adventures and detours since that time, she has never abandoned her desire for creating stories and breathing life into the characters and plots in her head. With the publication of Expert Witness, her childhood dream has become a reality. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, two children, and several beloved pets. Her practice in the field of psychology inspires her writing and she is thrilled to be able to combine her two passions.
Nicole enjoys hearing from her readers. You can find her on her website: www.nicoleluckourt.com, and on Facebook, Twitter, and on Goodreads. Please join her mailing list for the latest updates on new releases.
Thank you for reading Expert Witness! I hope you enjoyed it. If you did, please help other readers find this book:
1. By writing a review.
2. Signing up for my new releases e-mail on my website at nicoleluckourt.com (you can find out about the next book as soon as it’s available).
3. Liking my Facebook page.
4. Following me on Twitter.
Table of Contents
Copyright
Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Epilogue
Acknowledgements
About the Author
Expert Witness: A Romantic Suspense Novel Page 23
