Page 24 of Regards, Mia

I force a laugh, dismissing his concern. “I don’t need a bodyguard.”

Jordan blocks my exit. “You’re important around here. The state will pay to make sure you’re protected.”

Frustration builds in my chest, but I press it down. “Jordan, this is ridiculous. The budget doesn’t cover security.”

“It does if I say so. I want you safe, Mia.” He pins me with a sharp stare. “You’re vital tothis office.”

My heart softens, and some of my frustration fades. It’s good to be appreciated. It almost makes up for Jordan underestimating me.

Still…

“Thank you. But I don’t want personal security.” I stand to my full height, wishing it was more for the millionth time in my life. If I was taller, people would have to take me more seriously.

“We’ll discuss it later.” Jordan opens the door, allowing me to exit. “I’ll walk you to your car.”

I don’t attempt to argue. These threats must be bad if Jordan is so riled up. He insists on waiting until I’ve started my car before leaving the parking lot.

Jordan’s worry has me paranoid. I feel like someone is watching me, and I imagine a car following me as I pull onto Main Street.

I need a cigarette.

My emergency pack is empty, so I make a quick detour out of town. I don’t buy cigarettes at Blanchard’s because Miss Bella is nosy as hell and the worst gossip in town.

I’m relieved that the headlights are no longer behind me as I leave Mossy Oak and drive one town over, to a convenience store.

They have a decent selection of wine, and I grab a bottle to share with the book club.

“Anything else?” The clerk asks.

I point to my brand of choice. “I’ll take a pack of those, please.”

“I thought you didn’t smoke.”

My head whips around at the familiar voice, and I see the sexiest guy in town standing right behind me. Jay lowers his chin, pinning me with those gold-flecked brown eyes.

My heart crashes against my ribs at the sight of him. I don’t think I will ever get used to the sheer magnitude of his masculine presence. He’s wearing his usual black, and he’s carrying a box of condoms.

I stare at the box in his hand. It burns me up that he’s buying condoms. It shouldn’t. I’m the one who rejected him. But still…

“Planning on getting lucky tonight?” I ask.

His eyes widen, and he glances down at the box of condoms in his hands. “It’s not what you think.”

I swipe my card through the reader and grab my wine and cigarettes. “Safety first,” I say, pushing past him.

My blood heats as I stride through the door.What a player.He probably has dozens of women lined up. I was nothing to him.

Feeling justified in my decision to reject him, I turn the corner of the building only to run into a man.

“Sorry.” I suck in a surprised breath. “I didn’t see you.”

Rough hands clamp on my arms, pinning them to my sides. “You should be sorry, Ms. James,” he says with a low chuckle. “You tried to ruin my life.”

My eyes adjust to the darkness, and I see it’s Warner Mattson looming over me. He’s taller than he seemed across the courtroom, and broader. He’s wearing the clothes of a businessman—a pristine suit, a crisp white shirt, and an understated tie—but his eyes are wild.

His grip on my upper arms tightens, and he pushes me back into the shadows against the rough brick of the building.

I know I should move. I should scream. I should taser him in the nuts.

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