Page 40 of Protection for Nichole

“Good. I always want what’s best for my writers.” Lana glanced around. “I’ll let you get back to packing. I’m looking forward to our lunch at the end of the week. I’m glad you’re still willing to write for us, though I know it will be more limited.”

She nodded. “I’m thinking about doing a book. I spoke with a publisher, and it seems like a good deal. I just need to decide what I want to do.”

“Well, investigative journalism is a lot like researching for a book.”

Nichole’s lips screwed up to the side. “I’m not sure I’m ready to head back into the field where something bad could happen again.”

“I get that. I wouldn’t want you in danger again. That was scary.”

She nodded. “It was. And thank you for stopping by.”

“Sure. I’ll see you later in the week.”

They hugged and Nichole went back to packing up her life. Living here, if she could call what she did living here, had been an interesting time in her life. She hadn’t wanted to settle down, hadn’t given anyone time enough to get close. If she had, she would have missed this opportunity with Jesse.

Close to eight that evening she headed out to find food. The weather was so different from what she experienced in California. The cold wind cut right through her clothes. She’d grown used to the sun and warmth. It was weird being here and not with Jesse. She missed his smile and his love. He had changed her for the better.

After grabbing food, she texted Jesse, hoping he was available to talk. She hadn’t heard from him yet, and worry filled her. What if they didn’t work out? She was closing up her life here, and if he rejected her, she would have nowhere to go. Would he decide she wasn’t worth it once he got to know her better?

Chapter 35

Jay wastired of Apple’s attitude. He wasn’t doing anything to harm their unit, but he was being a jerk. When they got off work, instead of going home, he followed Apple and parked in his driveway.

Apple had moved into a small duplex not too far from Jay. When he’d first moved in, they’d been excited that they were so close. Now, it just felt weird.

He’d blocked Apple in, and the second the door to Apple’s truck opened, Jay could tell he was hot. They were going to have strong words. Hopefully, they wouldn’t get into a fight.

“What the fuck are you doing?” Apple yelled as he stalked back to Jay’s car.

Jay stepped out and closed the door. “We need to talk.”

“You need to get your ass out of my life.”

Jay shook his head. “No, because you’re the one who is putting me front and center by being such an asshole about Nichole.”

Apple shook his head. “She’s going to fuck you over. You’re just too pussy whipped to see that she’s using you.”

“What makes you think she isn’t into me?”

“Please. Why would some superstar reporter want you?”

Jay swallowed over the anger, not wanting to react badly. Apple was already hot enough for both of them.

“We had a connection, and now we’re exploring it. Right now, she’s in Chicago getting her stuff. She’s moving in with me.”

“What?” Apple’s mouth fell open like he couldn’t believe that Nichole wanted him enough to give up her life in Chicago and move here.

“I trust her. I love her. She isn’t going to fuck me over. Nichole is a good person.”

“What happens when she starts digging for information?”

“Listen, Apple, I know what happened in your past is clouding your view of what Nichole is to me.”

Apple snorted. “Pasts, now, whatever.”

Jay paused, stopping the words he was ready to say. Something was off. “Wait. Is she in contact with you again?”

Apple frowned. He said nothing, but his expression said enough. The guy wasn’t just dealing with something from his past. He was dealing with it right now.

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