Page 15 of Protection for Nichole

Chapter 16

Jay slumped into his chair,blowing out a breath as he stretched his hands over his head and grabbed his phone, hoping Nichole had emailed him. If he frightened her off, he would regret it forever.

“That was a shit workout,” Apple said as he plopped down across from Jay.

Jay had gone strong, like the other guys, and had his ass handed to him. Their workouts kept them in fighting shape, so though it had been bad, he’d welcomed it. “It was hard.”

Squat walked up and snorted. “Stop your whining. It wasn’t that bad.”

Apple rolled his eyes. “You’re short. Burpees and squats aren’t as hard for you.”

Shine stepped in laughing. “Apple, I think you should do some more burpees right now just because you’re bitching.”

Apple shook his head as he stood. “Fuck no. I need to take some stuff over to the offices. I’ll be back later.”

“Hey, while you’re going, deliver this.” Griz held out an envelope for Apple, who happily took it. “Thanks, man.”

Apple waved and headed out. Jay went back to his phone to check the messages he’d received. Excitement slid through him as he spied a reply from Nichole. He sat forward as he clicked on the message, his heart picking up speed as he started reading.

Hey, thank you for that note. I’m on a flight from London, so I can’t talk. I hope you really were serious about me visiting. I booked a flight to San Diego. The details are listed below. I arrive early in the day and can get a ride. I just need to know where to go. Thank you for everything. I don’t think I have the words to express my appreciation. I’m looking forward to seeing you. Nichole.

Jay knew he had an idiotic grin on his face when Sharp tapped his desk. He sat up, trying to look serious, but Sharp wasn’t buying it.

“What’s that look for?”

Jay glanced around, seeing that all the guys were staring at him. “Um, I guess she’s coming out here. Her plane lands tomorrow.”

“Whoa, that’s amazing. And you really knew this woman?” Shine asked.

They’d had sex, but that wasn’t the only reason he wanted to see her. That week had meant something to him. “Yeah, I knew her.”

Squat cleared his throat. “And you aren’t going to tell us what happened?”

Jay shook his head. “Hell no. She’s too special.”

Griz came close and sat on the edge of Jay’s desk. “Do you think she’s the real deal?”

Jay shrugged. He didn’t want to hope too much, but he did think she was the real deal. She was as close to the real deal as he’d ever come. If he had that week to do over again, he wouldn’t have walked away without her information.

“She has the potential to be the real deal. I want to find out.”

Sharp stepped over and squeezed his shoulder. “We’re happy for you. I hope she is. I hope you find someone like Danika.”

Shine turned to Sharp. “How is she?”

“Danika is great. She’s happy. She’s starting classes at the college next week.”

“What is she studying?” Squat asked.

“She wants to work in medicine, specifically physical or occupational therapy.”

Squat nodded. “I could see her doing that. She’s good with people. She handles customers easily at the bar where she works.”

Shine nodded. “Yeah, she is good with people.”

Griz stood. “Jay, if your woman is okay with it, I think we’d probably like to meet her.”

Jay nodded. “I’ll ask.” A part of him was worried about her meeting the guys. They were good men, and he really didn’t need to worry, but she was an investigative journalist. He hoped they didn’t give her a hard time about that.

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