Page 18 of New Beginnings
“You got it, Prez.”
Without any more words, I headed out with nothing but exhilaration moving through me. I was one step closer to finding out the truth. I was one step closer to fulfilling my promise to my wife and son.
DO I WANT TO KNOW
Rebel Pierce
Before my sister left, she asked me a shit ton of questions about J.D. before I got tired of dodging them and pushed her ass out the door. Now, I was running around my place like a chicken with my head cut off because I had no clue what time J.D. would be here.
I wasn’t a slob, but I wasn’t a neat freak either. Sometimes, I did my work on the couch in my living room or in the dining room. So, I had shit strewn everywhere including file folders, ink pens, post-it notes, and the pizza box from dinner last night.
When I negotiated my contract with the government, one of the things I splurged on was a one bedroom, two bath apartment. I wanted something spacious, and the Blue Ridge skyscraper checked all the boxes. The open floor plan of the apartment was enhanced by its high ceilings and large windows, providing a breathtaking view of the city, especially at night.
Although it had everything I’d been looking for, my sister and our parents tried to convince me to buy a house. That was way too much room for just me. I had no plans on ever getting married or having children, so I didn’t need a house. That dream belonged to my sister, not me. Buying a home would be a total waste of my money.
Standing in the middle of my living room, I spun around in a full circle, checking every corner to make sure I’d got all my shit out of the way.
The sudden sound of the doorbell made me startle, my heart racing.
Why the hell am I so nervous?
“He’s just a client,” I said. “He’s just coming to get information about his wife. Calm down.”
I took in a deep breath, then released it as I made my way to the front door of my apartment. Without looking through the peep hole, I opened the door. J.D. stood there with his hands buried deep in the pockets of his black jeans.
The man wore the hell out of a pair of jeans.
His gaze traveled down my body, lingering for a moment before returning to meet my eyes. I was in a tank top, shorts, and barefoot. I was wearing my usual attire when I worked from home, but perhaps I should have opted for a different outfit.
A look of concern crossed his face, his mouth twisting into a frown. “How did you know it was me?” he asked.
“Umm, I just assumed it was you. I wasn’t expecting anyone else.” I stepped to the side and pulled the door open wider. “Would you like to come in?”
He said nothing but walked inside and I shut the door behind him.
“You should start asking who it is before you open the door for strangers, Rebel,” he said as he looked around my place.
As I rolled my eyes in annoyance, I headed towards the kitchen, aware of his presence right behind me. He smelled so good. Like leather and spice.
“Would you like something to drink?” I asked, ignoring him.
I was a grown ass woman. The last thing I needed was someone trying to lecture me on how to take care of myself, especially when they had no clue about my life.
“You should still be more careful.”
“You sound like my father.”
He chuckled. “Could be because I am a father. I’m serious. There are a shit ton of assholes in this city.”
“Are you one of those assholes?”
He shrugged. “What do you have to drink?”
“Water, tea and beer.”
“What kind of beer?”
As I pulled open the fridge, a blast of cold air hit my face, and I peered inside to see what I had. I wasn’t much of a beer drinker, but I tried to keep some on hand for the guys when they came over to work on cases. They did better work when they were buzzed.
