Page 20 of Something Borrowed

That hadn’t stopped him from thinking about her. The thoughts weren’t every waking moment – but they were there. Just before bed he found his mind would drift to her and begin to wonder. He still couldn’t grasp how he’d been fortunate enough to get the girl that got away and to hold onto her despite alienating circumstances. There had been one email he couldn’t forget, he saw the words in his mind when he closed his eyes for sleep.

‘One day, you’ll be home and we’ll fall asleep in each other’s arms again, like lovers should.’

It was after that he pictured them lying together as they had for two short days. He hadn’t even realized he’d missed touches like a cuddle until she’d reminded him what they were like. He couldn’t help but feel like what they had was the end game. It didn’t matter that he had only been two days – he’d known her most of his life and he’d always wondered what it would have been like to be with her. He’d had a taste of Adrianna Laurant and he wasn’t interested in letting hergo.

“Donovan!”

Out of habit he bolted out of the chair. He hadn’t realized how far into his mind he’d retreated as the others had begun and had their calls. Nodding, he walked into the small, private phone area and blew out a breath as he sat down. In his heart he knew the only person that he could call, but a small piece of him longed to hear Adrianna’s voice, and to assure her he was well because he knew she would have heard of the small attack.

Grabbing the satellite phone off the unpainted wooden table he punched in his father’s number as he dropped into theseat.

“Jaxon, is that you?” His father’s worried voice called out after only onering.

He couldn’t help but smirk. Leave it to his father to notice the strange number and realize it was hisson.

“Yes, Dad, it’sme.”

“Thank Jesus, Mary and Joseph.” His father breathed.

Jaxon could practically see him crossing himself. Growing up in New Orleans had meant staunch, boring visits to church each Sunday. When he’d been old enough to decide for himself, he’d chosen to forgo traditional views on religion. He believed what he believed, and he worshipped in his own way – which had almost killed his very Catholic father.

“You heard then?” he was a little worried Adrianna was the one who’d toldhim.

“It was on the news, yes. Felt like if you’re dating the anchor I have to watch.”

Jaxon wasn’t sure if he should have laughed or cringed and he realized how ridiculous it was he was even thinking about that at a time like the present.

“That’s nice, Dad.”

“You’re fine though?” Anxiety laced the question.

“I’m fine. Every one of us is, though I’m injury free if that’s what you’re asking.”

He heard the giant exhale from his father and for the first time really worried about if he was going to give his dad a heart attack oneday.

“Good. I can’t ask for more than that. Well, I could, I’d rather you put this all behind you and come home. There’s more than enough space for you at the office.”

It was so very like his father to leap to that conversation and he couldn’t help but smile. “Not this time, Dad. How are you doing? My time is short.”

“I’m fine now that I can hear your voice. I’ll be sure to let your sister and Adrianna know ittoo.”

“Thanks. Haveyou . . .”

“Have I spoken to Adrianna?”

He suddenly felt like he was twelve instead of twenty-eight. “Mhm.”

“I have. I keep telling her there’s got to be a better man for her than one that runs around with guns and lives all over the world, but do you know what she toldme?”

“What, Dad?”

“She told me that she didn’t wait nearly fifteen years for you to not see this through. Smart girl you’ve got there. Make sure you come home and steer this in the right direction.”

“I plan to, Dad. I plan too.” A sharp knock on the door told him his time was up. “I have to go, Dad. Tell Kailey I love her and I love you too. If you can, tell Adrianna I owe her a call anytimenow.”

“You’ve got it. Remember to tuck and roll if you have to dodge any bullets. I love you, Son.”

Blowing out a breath he ended the call. It was nice to hear his father still worried about him, but it was even nicer that Adrianna hadn’t been blowing smoke up his ass the last time they’d spoken.

Pushing up out of the chair he pulled the door open and nodded to Johansen, stepping out so he could step in. In a few days he would request a call. He’d make certain he let Adrianna know he was in it as much as she seemed to be, and to tell her little things about himself that the woman he could easily fall in love with shouldknow.

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