Page 41 of Taken

I checked the peephole out of habit to verify it was Jack before removing the door stop alarm, unhooking the chain, and unlocking the dead bolt. I pulled the door open halfway, too embarrassed to ask him inside. My rooms were clean, but dingy from years of use and neglect, and in desperate need of an update.

Jack was holding a bouquet of bright daisies, pale yellow roses and other yellow and orange flowers. The heady fall scent filled my nose as he handed it to me.

“Hi.” I choked out as my gaze shifted from the flowers to Jack. He was breath-taking, literally. I couldn’t breathe.He’s out of my league. I can’t believe he wants to take me out.

I took a second to appreciate how good he looked. He wore a dark sport coat over a pale mustard button-up shirt, which brought out the gold flecks in his eyes. The top button was unbuttoned, revealing a hint of chest hair. The snug fit of his black pants showed off his muscular thighs. Jack waited until I finished my appraisal and met his eyes before saying, “Hi.”

I shifted on my feet as he scanned me from head to toe and back again. “You look amazing.” I clutched the flowers in front of my chest, enjoying the sensation of his gaze tingling across my skin.

No one had ever made me feel like that before. “Thank you.”

“Should we put those in a vase?” Jack asked.

I brought the bouquet to my nose and inhaled the warm fall scent. “They’re beautiful.”

“Beautiful flowers for a beautiful lady.”

Time ticked by as I stood there, holding the flowers in front of me like a shield, searching my brain for something intelligent to say.

“I assume there’s vase is inside.” Jack said.

“Right, yes.” I snapped out of it and stepped back. I didn’t want to invite him in, but I couldn’t think of a good reason to say no. At least it was clean.Thank God it’s temporary and I won't have to be embarrassed much longer.

Jack shut the door behind him and waited. I knew he’d assess my rooms while I searched for a vase.

“Good idea to use a door alarm. You can never be too cautious.”

“Thanks.” I put the flowers on the counter. “I’ll find a vase later. We don’t want to be late.” I didn’t want to admit I didn’t have a one. I could buy one tomorrow.

Jack opened the door and held it for me. “After you.”

“Thank you.” Jack turned towards the parking lot while I locked the door, almost like he was standing guard.

Jack opened the door for me when we got to his truck. When I struggled to step up, he reached out and steadied me. “Have I told you how amazing you look?”

“Thanks,” I blushed, “You look great too.”

Chapter 23

Jack

“Are you excited about picking up your gun tomorrow?” I asked as I pulled out of the parking lot.

“I am.” She paused and looked out the window, then turned back to me. “And a little nervous. Thank you for coming with me.”

“Happy to help.” I sat up straighter, thrilled she wanted me to go with her. I made a mental note to pack my cleaning kit so I could teach her how to clean her new gun before shooting it. “If you want to take it for a test run, I can stick around.”

“That’d be great. Thanks. I know it’s the same as the one you let me shoot, but this one will be mine and I’m excited to try it. Is that weird?”

“Not at all. I still get excited when I buy a new gun.” I flashed her a quick smile before turning back to the road.

We made small talk the rest of the short drive to the restaurant. Meg told me she was searching for a studio apartment and had found a couple she wanted to check out.

“Good to hear. I can check out the crime history of the areas you’re looking, if you’d like.” I was glad she was apartment hunting. The extended stay wasn’t ideal.

“Thanks. I’ll let you know which places I’m interested in.”

I told her about my last stake out job. “It’s never as glamourous as it appears in movies. We’re trapped in a car, sometimes for several days, staring at the same things and eating nothing but take out. At least this time AJ was with me, so it wasn’t too bad.” A guy hired us to find out if his wife was cheating. I was happy to report we didn’t find any evidence of her being unfaithful.

---