Page 48 of Second Chance for Mr. Alden

Nothing between us had changed. It was important I remembered that.

“Jess, I won’t let you.”

I yanked my hands away and wrapped them around my middle. “Then what Alden? Run away and hide? When has that solved anything?”

“It’ll buy us time to see if we can dig up information about who’s doing this to you.”

“And if we can’t?”

His body tensed. “Then we consider other options. Ones that don’t involve you being in the line of fire.”

I glared at him.

“Jess...” He drew out my name as though he could will a yes from me.

I huffed out a sigh.

“I’m not kidding. Do not make this harder than it has to be.”

“What? Afraid you might have to tie me down or something.” I smirked at him and leaned forward until we were only inches apart. “Be careful, Alden. I just might like it.”

His nostrils flared. “Enough.”

I gave him a playful pout. It was easier when I kept him off kilter. Throw in a few sexual innuendos and he didn’t know what to say.

I got up and stomped past him, which was far less satisfying in socks than in heels that could clack on the tile. “Fine. Let’s do it your way.” I kept my hands in front of my body so he couldn't see I’d crossed my fingers. I wasn’t a fan of lying, especially to him.

He grunted and stood up. “It’s late. Why don’t you sleep on the couch? I’ll stay up and keep watch.”

I turned and raised an eyebrow. “Do you honestly think I’ll be able to sleep on that thing?”

He sighed. “Jess, this isn’t some high-priced hotel. You get what you get.”

“Well, I don’t like it.” It was easier to act like the brat he expected me to be than to tell him the truth. With him this close, it wouldn’t matter if it was a bed made of feathers or rocks, I’d never be able to sleep.

He growled. “Seriously? This isn’t you.”

“This? This is exactly who I am.” I had to keep pushing him away. Because moments like earlier tonight when he wrapped his arms around me, that damn kernel of hope got lodged in my chest. I would soon need to rip it out with the damn jaws of life if it kept shoving itself down any further.

He didn’t want me in his life then, and there was no way he’d want me now. For good or bad, I wasn’t the same person he’d known. I’d grown up and learned the hard way that people only wanted you for what you could give them. It was better to use them first than be the one that got chewed up and spit out.

“Fine.” He grabbed the phone he’d been using to talk to Gabe and dialed a number.

I brushed past him and plopped down on the couch that looked like it had been here since the 70’s with its brown, yellow, and cream floral pattern. While I picked up the TV remote and surfed through the channels, I overheard Alden ordering us pizza, mozzarella sticks, and soda.

“I’m going to do a perimeter check. Don’t open the door unless it’s me.”

I stared at the television.

“Jess.”

I gave him a snappy middle finger salute to which I swear I heard him curse.

It was ridiculous, but I was annoyed with him. Probably more because he acted hot and cold around me rather than because he didn’t want to put me in danger. Even if it really was the best way to flush out my stalker. But for now, I’d concede to his wishes. That brief but terrifying car chase was still on my mind.

When he returned, he taped the money in an envelope outside the door for the pizza and went into the bathroom to change out of his suit.

When he emerged, I had to catch myself from letting out a purr of appreciation. Damn. It should be illegal how he made that t-shirt and sweatpants look so good. He and Sam were similar in height and build, but Alden was broader, and the way that shirt stretched across his chest made me want to rake my nails straight down until I got to that sexy V of his.

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