Page 63 of Slash & Burn

She huffed out a resigned laugh. “Yes I do. You even said it yourself, this is important to the library, which means it’s important for me to keep my job.”

Fuck. I ground my teeth, tugging her closer. I didn’t like this.

“I’ll be fine. I just can’t believe he bought a ticket,” she muttered in disbelief.

Of course he had. I’d seen it in his eyes at the Sea Dogs game. That asshole hadn’t liked that Jill was moving on, living her life—and doing better than she ever had while he was here.

“And that’s his mom.” She sighed, dropping her head.

I wanted to punch the guy all over again. She’d been so happy at lunch, so animated and alive. And now she was dreading what was supposed to be a fun night strutting her stuff and getting the attention she deserved. We watched as he and his mother walked up the ramp and were greeted warmly by her boss.

“I’m coming with you.”

Jill’s head whipped up. “No. Grady, you don’t have to do that.”

My eyes were fixed on the water as I swallowed. I hadn’t been on a boat or out over water since the drowning. Hell, I’d avoided seeing my folks on Peak’s because I couldn’t get on the damn ferry. But I pushed out an angry breath; I wasn’t letting her get on that boat alone with that fucker.

“Let’s go,” I said, taking her hand. A tremor worked up my arm as we started toward the group and she yanked me back.

“Stop. Just wait.”

“We’re going to miss the boat.” There were only a few people left in line to board.

“You’re shaking,” she whispered, her brow scrunched up with worry.

I swallowed again, this time not from nerves, but from how she made me feel. How beautiful she was when she looked at me with that kind of understanding. I’d never felt this weak before, but somehow Jill managed to look at me like she knew exactly what was going on, and it still didn’t take anything away from me. She’d never let me doubt that she felt safe by my side—and like she’d never leave it no matter how messed up I might get. I didn’t know how to explain it, but it was as if it didn’t hurt as much to be this version of myself when I had her hand in mine.

“I am,” I admitted, kissing the back of her hand. “But I’m also okay. I’ll be fine, because I’ll be with you.”

Working on overcoming my fear hadn’t been on my agenda for the day, but fuck it. There were only two choices here, and one of them was entirely out of the question.

“Come on.” I started walking again and Jill reluctantly fell in step beside me.

As we made our way up the ramp that led over the water, she squeezed my hand and I kept my eyes straight ahead. At the top her boss looked between the two of us, her smile growing wide and greedy. I’d been used as a marketing piece my entire career, but something about the glint in her eye when she realized I was coming, too, made me feel more dirty and used than I had in a long time.

“Mr. Holloway, what a marvelous surprise,” Cleo exclaimed, getting the attention of enough of the crowd that Jill shrunk next to me.

“Happy to join,” I said, keeping my voice low but polite. “I couldn’t let Jill have all the fun.”

Instantly I regretted my words. Jill was more than capable of doing this on her own, and I hadn’t meant to steal any more of the spotlight from her. Lord knows I already did at the events with the kids. The last thing I wanted to do was grandstand at an event that should have been hers to shine.

“Well, we’re so happy you’re here. The literacy program is an excellent example of how well we can serve the community given the resources.”

I pinned my fake smile in place while she spouted her pitch. It was aimed at everyone within earshot—which was quite the distance given how loudly she was speaking—not me.

“I think you’ve got your greatest resource right here,” I replied, giving Jill’s hand a shake. She turned her smile up to me, but it wasn’t her typical warm grin. Her eyes were narrow and I could tell she was hating every second of this. Cleo went to say something else, but I cut her off, “We’re going to grab ourselves a drink, but we’ll be back.”

Without waiting for her to reply, I turned and led Jill toward the stairs. The breeze was stronger on the top deck and as soon as we crossed the threshold of the tiny metal doorway the wind hit me in the face. It felt good.

There were fewer people up top and I scanned quickly to see if Adam was one of them. I didn’t spot him, which was good. If we could get off this boat without coming face to face with him, that would be ideal for everyone.

“You all right?” Jill asked, her hands landing on my chest as she searched my face.

It took me a second to realize what she meant; we’d pulled away from the dock and were headed out into the heart of the lake, nothing but deep water all around us.

I closed my eyes, willing my heartbeat to slow down. Between Adam and the lake it was thudding hard enough Jill couldn’t miss it under her hand.

I laid mine on top of hers, pressing down so I could feel every inch of her warm skin against my chest, and let out a rueful chuckle. “I might be rethinking this idea.”

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