Page 96 of Be Mine Forever

“Jo, can I help?”

She had forgotten Peter stood there waiting to hear her lunch plans.

“Um, no.” Jo covered her face, sneaking a quick swipe over her face before raising her eyes to face Peter. “I’m fine.”

“It’s him, isn’t it?” Peter’s kind blue eyes darkened. Concern, irritation, jealousy. Jo wasn’t sure what made them that stormy hue, but she couldn’t care enough to deny it. She was so tired of pretending to be okay.

“It’s always him, Peter.” She pushed a chunk of hair behind her ear. “Please don’t forget that.”

Ever since Dubai, Peter had been pressing her. Under the guise of work, he’d asked her to dinner. He’d started lingering in her office again. Fabricating excuses to drop by the house. As much as she hated to admit it, Walsh had been right. Taking Peter to Dubai had not made things better. In some ways, it had made things worse because her actions must have given him hope. Jo knew firsthand what a flighty bitch hope was.

“I know he’s attractive.” Peter twisted his mouth in a way that said,If you like that type.

Which Jo did. Very much.

“But he’s not worth this, Jo. Losing weight. Being depressed.”

“I’m not depressed. I miss my boyfriend, Peter.”

“But where is he? He doesn’t even care enough to call you. To let you know where he is.” Peter came around the desk to tower over her. “I wouldn’t do that to you.”

“You have no idea what is going on with us. I appreciate your concern, but Cam is working a few things out that will only make us better and stronger as a couple. I trust him to do that and come back to me.”

Peter opened his mouth, obviously armed and ready with more denigration for the man Jo unequivocally loved.

“Let’s grab that lunch, okay?” Jo stood, pushing the sleeves of her mocha-colored cashmere sweater up her arms. The black leather leggings sculpted the muscles of her legs and butt. She hadn’t meant to dress provocatively, but Peter’s hungry eyes wandered over her curves like she was the meal he needed.

“I think I’ll just grab a sandwich at the cafeteria.” Jo picked up her clutch and headed for the door. “You coming?”

Or will you stand around all day gaping at my ass?Jo had inhabited this body long enough to feel comfortable with the way men responded to it. She had just never cared about any man’s lust but Cam’s.

You wore a bright red bikini with pink daisies.

He’d remembered.

Suck. It. Up, Joanne Elizabeth Walsh. She could almost hear Aunt Kris’s voice telling her that. Calling her by her full name when Jo indulged in self-pity. Aunt Kris had always known when to push and when to pull. And when to just leave Jo be and let her figure things out for herself. Jo’s compass was spinning. All her natural instincts told her to track Cam down. To follow him. To rescue him. But that sixth sense she had gotten only from Aunt Kris told her to give him the space he requested. And to trust his love for her.

“So what did you think of that last app?” Peter grabbed a tray and passed one to Jo.

“I wasn’t impressed.” Jo grinned at the hair-netted lady who always had a smile for everyone passing through the line. “Grilled chicken salad.”

“You need some potatoes, too.” The older woman ran sharp eyes over Jo’s slim curves. “You’re wasting away.”

“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell her.” Peter collected silverware for them both.

“The salad will do for now.” Though a perfectly grilled steak with crisp veggies would be better, especially if her man had it waiting for her when she got home.

“Hey, if we sit here, I can see the TV.” Peter gestured toward the mounted flat screen. “See the scores I missed. This okay?”

“You’re such a guy.” Jo sat down across from Peter, smiling at him and slicing into the tender chicken topping her salad. “I’m not trying to be difficult with this last adoption. I just want to make sure we find the right parents for her.”

“You’ve always had a soft spot for Tiki.”

Jo grinned, unable to deny it. You didn’t play favorites, but in a small chamber of her heart where Jo kept secrets, Tiki was her favorite.

“Yeah, well, if we could just—” Shock chopped the words up in Jo’s mouth as she caught a glimpse of the screen. The sound was down, but the ticker tape at the bottom read clearly enough over the mug shot flashing on-screen.

Local known drug dealer murdered execution style in Barfield projects.

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