Page 69 of Fairy Tale Lies
“What?” Jacob growled.
“I remember Greta from high school. She was a sweet girl and seems like a lovely woman.”
“Your point?”
O’Brien might be a decent guy, but Jacob wasn’t in the mood for a heart to heart. He needed to get the hell out of this Godforsaken city.
“Don’t judge her too harshly because of her mother’s stupidity.”
Jacob shouldered past O’Brien. Easy for him to say. He wasn’t the one behind bars, thanks to his girlfriend’s mother.
~ * ~
Greta caught sight of the police station doors sliding open and Jacob emerged. He pounded down the steps, shoulders hunched and hands curled into fists at his sides.
She was frozen to the pavement as his arctic gaze flickered past her and rested on her parents standing by her side. He turned away from them, from her, ready to walk away forever.
No.
“Jacob, wait!” Greta rushed to him, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist. She couldn’t let him leave without a word, without her.
He stiffened but didn’t pull away. Then, like a balm to her soul, he sighed and returned her embrace.
“I’m sorry,” she choked, burrowing into his chest and finding it difficult to speak through the misery of the past and the relief of the present.
After a slight hesitation, he kissed the top of her head. “It’s fine, love. I know this isn’t your fault. And you came here to make things right.”
Greta leaned back to peer into his eyes. “Did you think I wouldn’t follow you?”
He shrugged and gave a weary smile. His lack of faith hurt more than his recent and brief icy demeanor.
“There was no way I was leaving without you, though I have to admit, the person most helpful was my father.”
“Charles?” Jacob’s eyebrows rose. “I figured he’d come here to tell me, in person, that he shredded my contract. He looks pissed.”
“His anger is directed at my mother, not you. I guess someone working here saw my name on the arresting papers and called my father. He arrived shortly after me, storming in and demanding your release. Said he had proof you didn’t steal the Rolex. Then proceeded to give Mother a tongue-lashing.”
“What proof did he have?”
“Do you remember Anna Kincade, Blake’s office assistant?”
Jacob nodded.
“Remember, she was with us when I gave you the watch?”
His forehead creased before smoothing. “Oh, yes. I forgot Anna hadn’t left when you gave me the watch. How did she pass this along to your father? How did she even know about the arrest?”
“She was with my father when his friend from the station called. Anna was willing to come in as a witness.”
A glint of mischief flashed in Jacob’s eyes. “Wow. They were working late, especially for a holiday.”
Huh. He has a point.
Greta smiled. “Maybe I need to lecture my father concerning romances in the workplace.”
“Maybe,” Jacob agreed. “Anyway. I’m surprised.”
“Why?”
