Page 91 of Second Chance for Mr. Alden

His eyes narrowed. “That’s only a week away.”

“My thirtieth birthday. If this fucking dipshit isn’t caught, I’m coming out of hiding, and ending this once and for all, Alden. I’m done locking myself away and waiting for them to come for me.”

He rubbed his hands up and down my arms. “Okay, we’ll figure something out.”

I nodded, finally feeling better that an end was in sight.

***

ILINKED MY ARM THROUGHAlden’s. We were still sitting in our seats at the movie theater, waiting for most of the crowd to dissipate before we got up and left. I reached into our big, buttery bag of popcorn and tossed a handful in my mouth.

“Talk to me.” I leaned back in my chair. I really wanted to prop my feet up on the chair in front of me, but I was too short for it to be comfortable.

Alden grabbed my legs and swung them over to rest in his lap.

“For that kind sir, this is for you.” I picked up a piece of popcorn and held it in front of his mouth.

He opened his lips wide enough for me to place it inside. Once I did his lips wrapped around my fingers, sucking for a second before letting go.

I moaned. “I think we need to eat more popcorn at home, James.”

“Anytime, babe. What do you want me to talk to you about?”

“I don’t know.” I thought about what I didn’t know about James Alden. “Why did you become a bodyguard?”

“A few buddies of mine in the Marines had gotten out and worked for a security company. When they heard I’d gotten out and was taking care of Lexi, they asked if I’d consider joining them. With our training, it was a perfect fit, and I enjoyed the work. The money was good, and it helped me provide for Lexi.”

“Do you ever work for that company now?” I realized even though I was paying Alden, I might have fucked up other contracts he had by making him work for me.

He shook his head. “No, I’m entirely freelance right now. I’ve been saving to start my own security company. There are a few guys I’ve spoken to that are interested in joining me.”

“James, that’s amazing. I’m so proud of you.”

“Thanks. It’s a lot with startup costs and equipment.”

“When do you think you’ll get the ball rolling? I could provide an excellent reference for any future clients.”

He squeezed my calf. “I think you might be biased.”

“Just a little, but seriously. I’d love to help you get the word out. I don’t know if you’ve realized it, but marketing is my jam.”

He chuckled. “I’ll keep that in mind.” His hand drew a figure eight pattern on my thigh. “I’m not sure. I’d thought soon, but with Lexi thinking of opening a second store, and me needing to co-sign a loan for her...”

“Damn it, Alden. I wish she’d let me give her the money for that.”

“Jess, she doesn’t want to overstep. You’ve already done so much for her.”

I made a mental note that if this investor didn’t buy into Lexi’s new store, I would be her investor. I know why Lexi didn’t ask me. I’d fronted her the money for the first location and every time we talked about her paying me back, I tabled the conversation. Now she was looking elsewhere for money and Alden was considering putting his dreams on hold.

“It’ll all work out.” Alden smiled as an employee entered the theater to make sure everyone had departed, signaling it was time for us to go.

I may not have a magic wand, but I’d be damn sure the people important to me got their wishes and their dreams coming true.

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