Southern Romantic-Suspense Boxed Set (Southern Romantic-Suspense Novel Book 0)

by Carmen DeSousa

  Lost in daydreams of coming back over the years to visit their honeymoon spot, she smiled. Not sure what she was thinking, but obviously content with her happiness, Jordan smiled too and gently squeezed her hand in his.

  They walked onto several expansive vistas to take in the surrounding peaks. Jordan pointed in the direction of the tallest. “That’s Mount Charleston, and over there is McFarland Peak.”

  “They’re beautiful, Jordan.” Both of the peaks were snowcapped, and Jaynee couldn’t help but marvel at the majesty.

  Because of the strenuous hike, the trail was secluded, and they saw only one other hiker who trekked by them swiftly with his dog — a chow-chow — following obediently by his side. She was sure there was a leash law, but it didn’t bother her. She could see he looked to be a skilled hiker and was sure it wasn’t the man’s first time either.

  After a couple of hours hiking, Jordan led them to an isolated piece of ground obscured by the trees from the trail they’d just traversed, but still overlooked the desert floor below. He spread out the blanket, allowing them both to sit, and then handed her one of the protein bars and a bottle of water. They ate in silence, absorbing the solitude of the surrounding Toiyabe National Forest. It was so serene and quiet.

  Jordan trailed his hand down her back. “I selected this trail because it was supposed to be the most private. Are you enjoying it?”

  “It’s beautiful, so serene and quiet,” she said, voicing the words she’d just contemplated.

  He reclined back on the blanket, pulling her down beside him. Out of the breeze, the sun felt warmer as it caressed her face. She removed her jacket, making a pillow for under his head. She had his arm, which was perfectly comfortable.

  Birds chirped, and she heard a few squirrels scurry through the wood.

  Jordan pulled up on his side, but secured her head with his arm. His other hand moved over her stomach and tenderly moved her t-shirt up just above her navel. He trailed his fingers with slow motions over the soft area there. Her body quivered under his touch as chills ran rampant down her arms.

  “Jaynee ...” he started, but then stopped.

  She waited a second, but he didn’t continue. “Yes?”

  He ran a finger over his eyebrow, smoothing it, in what looked to be a nervous gesture. “Do you want children?”

  The question startled her; she hadn’t expected him to ask about children of all things. She shouldn’t want kids after everything she’d been through, but she knew someday she did. “Yes, I do,” was all she could think to say, wondering if he wanted to have children. It was probably something they should have discussed before jumping into a marriage, but love made you do silly things sometimes.

  “Do you think it’s possible you could be pregnant right now?”

  “What? No!” she blurted out a little too loudly, sitting up immediately. “Why in the world would you assume that?” She definitely wasn’t expecting this conversation.

  He shrugged. “Well, we didn’t use protection, so ... wouldn’t it be possible?”

  “You sound as if that would be a good thing.” She couldn’t keep the shock out of her voice. Would he really want her to be pregnant?

  “And you don’t? I thought you said you wanted to have kids.” He narrowed his brows. “But I’m confused, why do you think it wouldn’t be possible?” He sat up swiftly, his gaze now boring into hers.

  His sudden distress surprised her. He did want her to be pregnant. What could he be thinking? She was still in college. Pregnant ... was he insane?

  “I’m on the pill, Jordan, that’s why. Do you honestly think I wouldn’t have taken precaution these last two days if there’d been any chance of becoming pregnant?”

  “But why ... why would you be taking birth control? I thought you didn’t date.” His eyes, narrowing in confusion again, quickly turned to dark suspicion.

  Jaynee fought to control her emotions. She wanted to be furious at his conjecture, tell him it was none of his business why she was on the pill.

  “It’s not what you’re insinuating, Jordan. I had no intention of having sex anytime soon.” She huffed out a breath and shook her head. She didn’t really want to talk about her womanly issues. “My doctor prescribed the pill to regulate my periods. As it turns out, I’m glad he did.” As though mortified by his insinuation, his head lowered, and she inclined hers in response. “What are you thinking, though? You’d want me to be pregnant?” The last word came out as an oath.

  His eyes softened, and immediately his features were apologetic. “That makes sense. I apologize. That was rude for me to insinuate such a thing, and it’s clearly none of my business what you did before we met.” His eyes were truly regretful and obliging as he pulled her back into his arms. “But yes, I would like that. I’m twenty-seven, and I’m ready for children. You’re right, though; you’ll want to continue your college. But I promise you, even if you didn’t, I’ll provide a good home for us and a family.

  Jaynee couldn’t help but relax at his comments, knowing he was a hopeless romantic at heart, obviously. “We have time, Jordan. There’s no rush. Besides, I like the idea of having you all to myself for a while,” she murmured, touching his cheek with her fingertips.

  “I understand. I’m just excited about our life and ready to move ahead.” He rubbed tiny circles on her back.

  “You’re the most wonderful man.” She leaned in to kiss him. “It’s just hard for me to comprehend that you want things that most men don’t. I always hear about men being afraid to make a commitment. How did I get so lucky?”

  He huffed out a laugh and shook his head. “I think you deserve a little good fortune, Jaynee. And I’m happy to be your Prince Charming if that’s how you view me ... even if I don’t always act charming.” He laughed at his comment then pulled her back into his arms.

  They were quiet again. Was that their first argument? No, it was a misunderstanding. Children ... she wasn’t even twenty-two. What could he be thinking? Her mother had her when she was nineteen; of course, she wasn’t a good representation of what was normal. She would never be like her. Maybe that worried Jordan. No ... he couldn’t possibly think she’d be anything like her mother. But maybe he thought she wouldn’t want children after her experiences.

  She didn’t want to voice her concerns. It was too comfortable sitting in silence. She realized one of the situations of marrying quickly — you discover secrets after it’s too late. All the quirks were hers, though; she couldn’t find fault in him. Not that she was trying, but there certainly must be something. She giggled at the notion, trying to find fault in her husband. He did like to be in control of everything, as he’d already admitted. But in a good way, she amended.

  A rustle in the trees pulled her from her mental wanderings. She looked up at Jordan; his eyes were already there.

  He placed his finger to his lips. “Shh, be very still. Maybe they’ll come closer.”

  Did she want whatever it was to come closer? If he wasn’t troubled, she surely had no reason to feel nervous. He pulled her further to his side of the blanket so she could see what he was looking at.

  “What is it?” she asked in a hushed tone.

  “I’d hoped we’d see some, but didn’t want to mention it in the event we didn’t. They’re wild horses.”

  “Really?” she asked too loudly, excited by the prospect. Three majestic heads popped up from the grass they’d been eating. “Wild horses,” she whispered. “How cool.” One had a chestnut-colored mane cropped to his neck, but the other two had long ebony-black manes that swayed down their necks.

  When the horses finally moved along, they were able to speak again. They hadn’t tried to make contact; instead, they simply enjoyed the opportunity to watch the magnificent creatures in their natural state.

  “Jordan, do you have horses?” she asked abruptly.

  He laughed. “No, but we can if you want; our property is plenty large enough.”

  “Really, we can?”

 
“Whatever you wish, my love. Let’s start heading back; there’s something else I want to show you.”

  They descended the path faster than their ascent. She had to move fast to keep his tempo, but finally he slowed his pace. Could they have made it back to the start already? That’s when she heard it — a waterfall.

  “Jordan!” she exclaimed. “I love waterfalls!”

  He stood behind her, his arms wrapped around her waist as they stared at the magnificence and splendor. Something about a waterfall entranced her, especially in the desert. The breeze created as the cascading falls pounded the river below caressed her body like a cool embrace. And the sound of the crashing water drowned out all other noises as it beat the rocks beneath the waiting river’s surface, lulling her into a trance. The natural beauty was simply breathtaking and therapeutic.

  Her eyes glazed over just a tad at the thoughtfulness that Jordan had put into their week. “Thank you,” she whispered.

  He bent his head over her shoulder, kissing her neck. “I love them too.”

  ***

  Kenny drove by Caycee’s house several times yesterday, throughout the night, and again today. Neither her Focus nor the dude’s F-150 had moved. No wonder Brian was infatuated; she must be a nympho.

  He’d stopped by Caycee’s work late Saturday, assuming she would be working on a weekend. She wasn’t. That was all the information he’d gotten from the witch upfront. Amy, the girl’s nametag read, refused to tell him anything.

  Now, Kenny just stared at Caycee’s Grandmother’s house. Brian had told him she lived across the street. The older woman had come out a couple of times. Once to get the mail, another to putter around in her garden for a few minutes pulling weeds. Maybe he could offer his services, do some chores around the house. He could be pleasant when he wanted. Whatever he did, he had to do it quickly. He’d promised to meet Brian during visiting hours today, and Brian would be upset if he didn’t have information.

  Kenny pulled into the driveway of her grandmother’s house. He saw her scrutinize him through the blinds with concern, evidently not used to company as so many old folks. Maybe he should visit his grandma; she and his baby sister had been the only family members that had been kind to him growing up. The only ones he’d loved back.

  The old woman opened the main door but kept the storm door closed between them. Sad, he thought. If he’d meant her harm, that certainly wouldn’t stop him.

  “Hello, ma’am, I was doing some work for the Johnsons ...” he started. He’d seen her neighbor’s name on their mailbox. How convenient, how stupid. All some people needed was association to make them feel comfortable. “ … and was wondering if you needed any odd jobs done around your house? I’m sure they would provide you a good reference.”

  “That’s polite to offer, young man, but my son handles all my upkeep.” She smiled sweetly, just like his grandmother.

  “How ’bout the lady ’cross the street? The Johnsons mentioned she was single and may need help around her house?”

  “Oh, that’s Caycee, she was only renting. No, she won’t need any help. She left yesterday ... she’s getting married and moving away.” Her face looked a little concerned, but she smiled anyway.

  Kenny worked to control the distress that surged up inside him. “Wow, that’s something ... where’d she move to?” he asked offhandedly, as if it weren’t important, just making conversation. Surely, this old woman didn’t get many visitors and would love to talk about her granddaughter.

  The expression on Caycee’s grandmother’s face changed. She may be old, but she wasn’t ignorant. Just like his grandma. “I couldn’t tell you even if I knew. She asked me not to tell anyone. Goodbye, son, have a good day.” She shut the door in his face. Just like his family.

  Crap! Brian is gonna be furious. Kenny drove to the jail, fearful the entire trip. Would Brian give him up now? Would he break his end of the bargain because he’d failed?

  Kenny waited in silence in the pale-gray slathered room. Claustrophobia washed over him as his eyes darted around the concrete-block visiting area that had no windows and only a single exit leading to freedom. He could never come here. He could never let them incarcerate him. It would kill him. The thought of being in a cell was no different from what his father had done to him — the beatings, the darkness, and worse, the screams from his sister. He could never handle it.

  He sat stock-still as Brian stepped to the window and picked up the phone. “So, what d’ya have for me? Who is he? Did you talk to her?” He wasted no time in chitchat.

  “Not quite, but I did what you said. I waited for her to leave work, then asked her if she’d read the letter. She acted as if she didn’t know what I was talking about, so I got a little persuasive, roughed her up a bit. You know?”

  “You did what?” Brian lurched to his feet, pressing his fists to his temples as if he were able to come through the glass but then regained his composure. His mouth twisted. “Don’t you ever put a hand on her again, do you hear me?” He was calmer, but his words still came out in a rush of anger. “No one touches Caycee but me. Do you understand? That’s all you were supposed to get across.” Brian continued to seethe, but he pulled himself together, sinking down in his chair before officers intervened on Kenny’s behalf.

  Kenny wasn’t sure what to do. If he told Brian that Caycee was getting married, would he forget about her and move on with his life? Not much of a life it was behind bars. If he didn’t tell him, he wouldn’t know ... at least until they released him, then he’d come after Kenny.

  “Brian ...” Kenny started with trepidation. “I’m sorry, man ... it’s over ... it’s too late.”

  “What do you mean?” He bristled. “What’s over? What’s too late?” His tone was demanding ... frightening, even behind the glass separating them.

  “Her ... Caycee, she’s gone. She’s moving away and ...” Kenny gulped “ ... look, man, don’t shoot the messenger. I’ve kept tabs on her for almost six months. The only thing she did was work and go to school. Now all of the sudden, she’s having coffee with some schmo, and then he’s with her every minute for four days and now —”

  “Now ... what?” Brian barked into the mouthpiece. “What happened?” he repeated, enraged. “Say it! What happened to Caycee?” Brian slammed the phone against the partition separating him from freedom. The guards started toward him, clubs drawn, ready to inflict pain.

  Kenny winced at the scene, deciding to assuage Brian’s concerns. “Nothing happened to Caycee, Brian, she’s okay, but ... she’s married, dude.”

  The conversation halted as Brian slammed the phone against the glass again. The waiting guards had had enough and dragged Brian from the room, each man latching onto one of his arms.

  “No!” Brian’s tortured peal pierced the air as if Kenny had thrust a knife into his heart.

  Kenny knew without a doubt Brian would call tonight, tell him he would turn him over as his accomplice. He should leave town. But where would he go? He left the jailhouse distraught, his head lowered, hoping no one recognized him. All he wanted was to seep into the ground, disappear, and start a new life.

  Chapter Thirteen

  After returning from their hike, Jaynee decided to take a nap before dinner, but awoke to a dark and quiet hotel room.

  Only the soft blue lights of the Venetian’s gardens shone through the cracks in the curtains. Her hand patted the space next to her, searching for her husband, but came up empty. Instead, she heard crinkling as her hand stumbled on a piece of paper. She flicked on the lamp, her heart skipping fearfully. Had he left her? Had he decided it was too much? Oh, God, please, no. Her breath caught in her throat as she unfolded the hotel stationary.

  My Beautiful Wife,

  I made reservations for seven at Emeril’s, which I hear is quite delicious. I anxiously await your presence downstairs. I thought of waiting, but I knew we would never make it out of the suite. I hope you don’t mind, I purchased you a gift. I couldn’t resist. The dress will
look fabulous on you. It will bring out the green in your eyes, and oh how I anticipate removing each button to reveal what’s underneath afterward. My heart longs for your arrival. Please hurry!

  Yours forever,

  Jordan

  P.S. Too formal? Just trying to be the Prince Charming you think I am.

  :)

  Instantaneous relief melted through her. How could she have considered for a second that he’d left her? And how cute he was.

  She saw the dress hanging on the back of the door. When did he ... How had he had time to shop? She must have slept longer than she thought, or maybe yesterday ... the woman at the boutique.

  The evening gown was an elegant deep emerald green. It had a plunging neckline with delicate gold buttons all the way down where they met the bottom of the dress which was cut in an upside down V, and then the rest of the gown angled to floor length. Next to the dress were other accompaniments. A box she assumed held shoes and another she wasn’t sure of its contents. She reached for the package and lifted the top. It contained an entire ensemble of what she could only imagine she was to wear under the dress, also in deep green.

  Blood coursed through her veins; she felt as if her heart would crash through her chest. Everything seemed surreal but beautiful. She thought of Jordan waiting, and her mind soared.

  Her hands shook in anticipation, making it difficult to apply her makeup. She really didn’t need any; her face was still glowing from the facial and the sun today. She applied a little eye shadow, just enough to bring out the green ... as he’d suggested. She opted for a neutral peach slightly brighter than her skin tone, lined the rims of her eyes with a darker bronze color, and lastly applied a layer of mascara.

  The lingerie fit flawlessly, which somehow she never doubted. The dress followed every curve of her body without clinging. The V-neck plunged enough to be sexy without showing excess cleavage, and the cut at the bottom opened high enough to see the front outline of the lower half of her legs. The shoes were black velvet with straps around the ankles and an attractive high heel.