Page 29 of Protection for Nichole

“We will.”

“I’ll be home soon.”

“Mmm, I like that you call this home.”

Her stomach did some weird butterfly thing. “I feel that way. I don’t know when I started thinking of it as home, but I do.”

“I like that. Go get some food and get some sleep. We’ll talk tomorrow.”

“I have dinner with the publisher tomorrow evening. I’ll text you when it’s over.”

“I’ll be up. And I…I want to say this, and it’s not just because you’re gone.”

“What?”

“I love you.”

She sighed, the butterflies increasing as a shiver worked through her. “I’m glad you said that because, honestly, I love you, too.”

Jesse let go of a huge breath. “I’m glad you feel that way, too. I don’t know much, but I want this relationship to grow.”

“Same.”

“Go get food. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

The call ended, and she dropped back to the mattress, hugging a pillow close. Jesse had changed things for her. Writing books would be preferable to traveling the globe all the time. She loved tracking down stories, but there were plenty of stories that needed coverage in the US and plenty that deserved more time than just a short article.

After a moment of hugging herself because Jesse loved her, she grabbed her phone and pulled up an application so she could submit an order for food. She didn’t want to go out and get wet or have to deal with other people. The rain had hit off and on all day, leaving everything a wet mess. Eating in her room was much preferable. Also, staying in would give her time to do some research on the publisher. One thing was for sure, she wouldn’t betray the promises she made to Jesse. Even if she wrote a book, she wouldn’t reveal any secrets she learned from being rescued by the SEAL team. That was locked away forever.

Being honest with Jesse was more important than her job. There was a time she wouldn’t have said that. Taking down Zabel had been one of the biggest things she’d done, but it had also taken a personal toll because she’d had to lie to him to get the story. She didn’t like the feelings that came with betraying people. With Jesse, she would be honest, and hopefully, that would be enough.

Chapter 25

Jay steppedfrom the car and waved at Thario. Frog came down the steps, wagging his tail like he was the happiest dog in the world. His little doggy smile made Jay wish he had a dog. He couldn’t do it with his schedule, so he would just have to love on Frog.

He squatted next to Frog, petting his head and loving on him. “Sure, Frog, I’m here for you because you’re the bestest boy in the whole world.” Frog’s mouth pulled back even more like he was smiling. Before meeting Frog, Jay hadn’t known if dogs could smile, but Frog looked incredibly happy he’d come to visit.

“Jay, Sharp, what’s up?” Thario called out.

“Just stopping by to say hello.” Jay stood and started on his way up to the porch, surprised when Thario stood. His foot hung in midair for a second. “Wow, you’re looking good with those legs.”

Thario chuckled. “Still not getting the ladies.”

“They don’t know what they’re missing.”

Worry crossed over Thario’s face. “Anything up? Is Danika okay?”

Sharp nodded. “She’s good. No issues. She wants to make sure you’ll be over on Thanksgiving.”

Thario nodded. “Of course. I wouldn’t miss it.”

“Good. Have you taught your dog to get beer for guests?”

Laughter boomed from Thario. “No way. That’s for me. I can’t have him giving away all my beer.”

They all laughed as they headed inside. Jay hadn’t known Thario well before the incident, but knowing Sharp meant Thario was an extension of their get-togethers.

Sharp sobered as soon as they were inside. “I’m here about Jinx.”

---