Page 124 of Jagger

Which would always make my mouth water.

“And who is this handsome fella?” she cooed.

“Jagger, the hero,” Cally answered.

“Oh, little munchkin. It’s so good to see you. And this must be the infamous Xena, the bestest hero of all.”

“She’s mine, Auntie Esme. All mine.”

Esme bent down, giving my baby girl a bear hug. As she chatted with Cally, rubbing Xena’s head, I took the opportunity to walk closer to Jagger. Maybe I was swaggering a little bit just like he did. “What do you think, big man? Is the place colorful enough for you?”

He scowled as only he could do. “Bright colors.”

“There needed to be a change from the bland tan in every room. Come on. Show me that gorgeous smile of yours. I know you have one.”

He scowled even more.

His huffing was done in jest. He’d finally started to lighten up over the last couple of weeks. When I’d found out he’d not only made payment to the attorney’s office but had also bought the clinic for me, I’d almost been angry.

Until my common sense had taken over.

He wasn’t just my hero. He was the only man for me.

I bopped his nose and he took me into his arms, swinging me around. Cally had finally gotten used to the fact this was our new home and our hero was my new guy. She’d looked me directly in the eye when I’d told her and said, “Duh, Mommy.”

“You’re pretty amazing, lady,” he told me. “Still a very bad girl, but I know how to handle it.”

“I think you’re the amazing one, but you will never tame me.”

He shook his head. “Bet me, sunshine. And you saved my life.”

“You saved mine. Several times, but who’s keeping count?”

As he lowered his head, nuzzled into my ear, nipping my earlobe, I closed my eyes briefly. The last few weeks had been incredible, except for the reporters that had kept hounding us for an interview.

Harrison survived his ordeal given Jagger’s calculated gunshot, already in the hands of the Roanoke Police Department. Somehow, I didn’t think Sheriff Young would be able to get him out of the attempted murder charges.

“A spanking later. You are way overdue,” he whispered.

I blushed.

He pressed his lips against mine.

I swooned.

He pulled me into his arms.

I melted.

He’d even enjoyed spending the holidays with his three girls, as he liked to call us. We filled his house with laughter and dirty dishes.

At least that’s what he liked to remind me.

“Now, you did agree to being best man. Right?” I gave him an evil eye.

I did so adore his heavy groans. “Yes, dear.”

After flashing him a grin, I pecked him on the lips again.

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