Page 1 of In His Arms

IN HIS ARMS

Romance on the Go ®

Lexie Davis

Copyright © 2017

Chapter One

One would think with a name like Paradise, the small town in Texas offered bliss to all those who visited. Unfortunately, Jessica Miller came back to her hometown to find her life in the pits. She had given up her established career back in New York City, and in doing so, gave up the life she knew. And all for what? Working at the same old diner just like in high school?

Jessica slopped the wet rag on one of the tables, each one pushing her closer and closer to quitting time. The diner closed at nine. Depending on the mess, clean-up usually lasted two hours. Tonight, however, she found the place nearly spotless. After sweeping the floor, tidying the tables, and putting the menus in order—she’d call it a night and be home by ten.

“Jessie!” Annabelle Parker, the owner of Paradise Diner, yelled from the kitchen. “You’ll never guess who’s coming to town.” Annabelle was known for heading the gossip mill. Since Paradise didn’t have media, Annabelle covered that for them, alerting everyone of the latest happenings in Paradise faster than breaking news in New York.

“Who?” Jessica asked

“Alex Gray,” Annabelle said, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. She rounded the counter with a washcloth in her hand to help Jessica.

Everyone knew about Jessica’s crush on Alex—except for Alex. Jessica had all but spelled it out for him when they’d been teenagers. Whether she complimented him on his outfit or congratulated him on an accomplishment, Alex had never noticed her keen interest. He always saw them as friends; something she realized was all they’d ever be.

Now Alex worked in advertising out in L.A. with the big dogs, and from what Jessica heard, was making the big bucks too. She’d been back only a year, but why would he come back to Paradise?

“You remember that crush you had on him?” Annabelle asked, after knocking two more tables off Jessica’s list.

“Yeah, what about it?” Jessica really didn’t want to think about Alex, or what he’s done in the past eight years he’d been gone.

“This could be your chance, girl.” Annabelle’s eyes glittered with mischief.

After the whole ordeal with Justin back in New York, Jessie wasn’t sure if she should get on the love boat again and have some guy sail away with her heart. She’d played with that fire and had the burn scars to prove it.

“Annie, I know what you’re thinking, but please stop. I’ve got more important things going on than dealing with my blast from the past.” Jessica switched tables while Annabelle continued.

“Jessie, you need to move on with your life. You came home for a fresh chance. Think of Alex as a fresh chance at love.” Annabelle smiled and rearranged the salt and pepper shakers. “Besides, he’s cute. If I weren’t old enough to be his mother, you might have a little competition.”

Jessica laughed. Never a dull moment with Annabelle around. No matter what had Jessica down—failing tests in high school after studying all night at the diner, or current problems with men in her life—Annabelle made Jessica laugh. Despite the ten-year age difference, Annabelle was one of Jessica’s dearest friends in Paradise. With an uncanny sixth sense, Annabelle knew Jessica’s thoughts—a uniqueness that started at the beginning of their friendship.

“Maybe you’d have a better shot at it than me,” Jessica said. “After all the ridiculous things I’ve done to try to get him to ask me out, the lug head never did. I really don’t think he likes me that way, Annie. So I’m just going to leave it at that.”

Annabelle tsked. “You don’t get what you want by sitting on the sidelines.”

Jessica narrowed her eyes. “Who said I want Alex now?”

Annabelle turned, but not before Jessica could see her smile. “I could tell by the way your eyes lit up when you said his name.”

“Whose name?” The deep baritone washed over Jessica’s senses. It’d been so long since she heard Alex’s voice.

Annabelle gave Jessica a satisfied nod. “Oh, never you mind. What are you doing here, boy?”

Annabelle pulled Alex into her embrace. Jessica debated whether she should ignore Alex and continue her job, or spare a few minutes to chat with a friend. She knew Alex’s reason for stopping by was to con food from Annabelle. Normally, Annie would refuse, but something told Jessica if Alex asked, Annabelle would keep him there just to annoy her.

“Well,” he paused and looked toward Jessica, who quickly turned her back to him, “I was hoping to catch you before closing for a small bite to eat.” He added sheepishly, “Please?”

Annabelle gave a playful sigh. “Have a seat. I’ll fire up the grill.” She threw some burgers on, holding a spatula up while she talked. “You tell anyone about this, though, we’re going to have rounds.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Jessica glanced over, noticed his heated stare, and tried her best to calm her heart. His stunning blue eyes entranced her, while his sexy grin melted her every time. What was a girl to do?

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