Page 15 of Their Greatest Strength

“That’s all there is to the story. It’s nothing crazy. I just . . . felt something when I was talking to her. Maybe I’m losing it.”

Because surely there’s no way Iactuallywanted the bandit to stay for another few hours just so I could learn a bit more about her.

Maybe it was how beautiful she was that had me all tangled up. It isn’t normal for someone who looked like her to just show up randomly in my living room on a Wednesday night.

I’ve been with my fair share of women, but not even one of them has been able to hook me as quickly as my bandit did. Her chestnut hair was short and wavy, framing her narrow jaw and cheeks. Matched with her green eyes, naturally pouty lips, and a sharp tongue that lashed out without hesitation, I was more than intrigued.

The distance she kept between us and the worry in her eyes with every step I took toward her was concerning. I’ve always been a pretty protective person, and this stranger, a woman I’ve never seen before and worry I never will again, had me curious enough to contemplate asking for answers I had no right to have.

Even wearing ripped leggings, a dirty shirt, and her unabashedly bad attitude, I wasn’t turned away. That says more than I can explain to my mom right now. My desire to learn about her isn’t something even I can comprehend right now.

All I know is that I want to see her again. As ridiculous as that seems.

“You’re not crazy, Jamie. I’m proud to have raised a son who is so in tune with his emotions,” Mom says.

I can’t help myself when I grin and ask, “Are you finally admitting that I’m your favourite son?”

“No. But you and Oliver have very different and just as special qualities that make you incredible men.”

“Boo,” I mutter before taking another sip of my coffee and taking another cookie from the plate.

She shakes her head, smiling slightly. “I’m very happy that you feel comfortable enough with me to tell me these things, sweetheart. I’m always going to be here for you, no matter what it is you’re going through.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

“Of course. Are you going to try and find this woman?”

I arch a brow, tapping my mug. “You don’t think that’s creepy?”

“No. It actually sounds like something a younger version of me would have done.”

“So, what was with all the questions? I thought you were thinking that I was just a weirdo for even contemplating being enthralled by a stranger!” I accuse, pointing my chocolate chip cookie at her.

She tucks a strand of blonde hair behind her ear and curls her mouth into a sly smile. “I’m your mother. Of course, I’m going to get all the facts before adding my opinion. You’ve always been more like me than your father, and this is absolutely something I would have done. Nothing is ever too far-fetched for you and me, especially not this.”

I blow out a breath of relief before reality sets back in. “I have no idea how or where to find her, though.”

“Considering how you met, I want to say that fate might intervene again sometime.”

“So, I just have to wait until then?”

“Don’t pout, Jamieson. Wait, or don’t. Just make sure you know the risks with trying to find her with more . . . unconventional ways.”

“Like hiring a PI?”

She laughs and steals my cookie. “Exactly like that.”

Waiting doesn’t sound that terrible. I’ve never been in a rush to find a girlfriend or—Shit. I’m supposed to get married in a few weeks.

Suddenly, sitting here with my mother is the last place I want to be. Maybe I could just tell her the truth. It’s not like she’ll share it with anyone.

Only my father and brother, all my aunts and uncles and cousins.

I blanch, my skin growing cold and clammy.

“Are you okay?” she asks, leaning forward and peering at me.

Clearing my throat, I stand. “I’ve remembered that I have a meeting this afternoon.”

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