Page 6 of Jagger

Cally was starving, the few bites of food I’d provided screaming I was a bad mother.

Jagger was staring at me. I had a feeling he sensed I was on the ropes. That was putting it mildly. His kind gesture was something I never would have gotten back in Baltimore. Maybe that’s why I couldn’t find the right words.

The man towered over me. He had a look about him that reminded me of a grizzly bear crossed with a mountain man. His thick, curly dark brown hair was unruly as if he’d been running his fingers through it all evening long. In my world, men either wore expensive suits in an effort to appear rich to lure ladies into a night of passion or they were wearing scrubs, hiding their natural physique.

Not that many of them were anything to write home about. They’d likely never gotten dirt under their fingernails. Not like Jagger. He was the epitome of rough and tumble, his scruffy beard creating a slightly dangerous persona. But it was his piercing eyes I couldn’t seem to glance away from. The man was a definite breath of fresh air and I needed that desperately right now.

“Okay. Let’s get some food for Cally. Thank you.”

“Good, but no need for thanks,” Jagger told me. “I don’t like seeing a pretty young lady starving to death.”

I sensed Jagger wasn’t used to dealing with people, his stilted words giving him away. But he was trying and for that, I wouldbe forever grateful. Cally had already been through a lot, her entire life disrupted. I hated myself for being forced to do so and about a dozen other things.

“Come on,” he suggested. “We’ll head to the grill. They make the best burgers this side of the Mississippi.”

He was trying harder to seem more likable, yet his jaw was as clenched as before. His vibes were electric, his gruff demeanor likely turning off everyone who didn’t know him. But with me, I felt an odd sense of connection. Why? I had no clue and I couldn’t allow that to cloud my judgment.

Never trust anyone ever again.

As he led the way, I realized I’d never felt so uncomfortable with a stranger in my life. He was sexy, very much so in a rugged, almost mountain man kind of way. I had a tough time not throwing him glances, feeling tiny next to his six foot something muscular body. His dark, very thick shoulder-length hair couldn’t hold a candle to his whiskey-colored eyes. But they were pained, haunted.

Almost dead.

Still, my bestie would call him eye candy for the soul.

Maybe former best friend. Would I ever see her again, enjoying a night of my favorite treats including mojitos? I reminded myself for the tenth time this was best for my little girl’s life.

As well as mine.

“Who are you, Jagger? If you don’t mind me asking?”

“Meaning what?” he asked as he glanced in my direction.

“Are you the resort manager?”

He laughed at my question, shaking his head. “One-third owner.”

“Who owns the other two-thirds?”

“My brothers.”

“There are two more of you?” I realized my question could seem flirtatious and that was the last thing on my mind. No matter how hot he was or how lonely I felt already, men were completely off the radar.

At least he finally smiled. “My father might say unfortunately so.”

“Oh, cold.”

“Trust me. The man is ice cold. I took after him.”

“What a pity.”

The moment we walked into the restaurant my stomach growled so loudly Jagger looked over at me. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d eaten. He said nothing while my face flushed. I felt the heat and was embarrassed, tugging down on the sleeves of my jacket. I must look like some homeless person looking for freebies. I had to remind myself I was close to that and would be if I wasn’t extremely careful with my money.

Several of the employees greeted him as we passed, although I wasn’t certain if their extended glances were out of respect or hatred.

He headed directly for a table, pulling out the chair for my daughter. I helped her remove her jacket, putting it on the back of the chair before she sat down. Her little giggles were a wonderful sound to a mother who felt like Mommy Dearest.She’d acted like a big girl the entire trip, napping a good portion of the way. I could tell she was close to shutting down, the ache in her tummy just another reminder of the horrific actions I’d taken.

Everything was aching straight to my bones. Even my pulse had increased from continued anxiety. I yanked off my jacket, shivering almost immediately. I remained turned away from him, pulling on the three-quarter sleeves of my sweater. I hadn’t expected seeing anyone who might ask questions.

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