Page 25 of Jeremy
ChapterSeven
Melissa
Theweather has turned chilly and raw, perfect weather for holing up in my studioand painting, not so good for cleaning out the gutters, which Jeremy insistedon doing. He’s been out there for a few hours, working his way around my roof,scooping out the gunk and leaves. He chased me away when I tried to hold theladder for him, and I’ve been trying not to look because every time the laddershifts, my heart leaps into my throat.
Instead,I’ve retreated to the kitchen to make a pot of chili and some cornbread. If heinsists on fixing up my house for nothing in return, I’m at least going to feedhim. Woody lies in the corner with his favorite toy, giving me a look I canread all too well. Jealous little thing.
Pointingmy spoon at him, I warn, “Jeremy is going to eat with us, so you’d betterbehave. No barking and growling, mister.”
Hisdark little eyes dart to stare behind me and a growl rumbles his body. I turnto find Jeremy standing behind me, his lips twitching as if he’s holding back alaugh. More likely, they’re restraining some smart-ass remark.
“Shit.I’m going to hang a bell on you!”
Jeremytakes off his baseball cap, steps around me and washes his hands at the sink.“He doesn’t listen well. You two seem to have that in common. Gutters are done.Your roof needs some repairs. I—”
Myarms fold across my chest, and I give him my bestDon’t fuck with meglare. “You aren’t touching my roof unless you sit your ass down and eat. Idon’t know why you’ve made my place a project, but if you aren’t going to letme do anything in return, you’ll have to find another way to fill your time.”
Istand my ground as he stalks over to me, one heavy footstep at a time, hisintense eyes locked on mine. He’s got at least eight inches on me, and thoughhe’s not bulky, I’ve seen the lean muscles that live under that shirt. Hesmells amazing, a mixture of the fall air, dead leaves, and some kind of soap,all taking a backseat to the natural scent of him.
Itake a step backward, until my back is against the cabinet, and his hands landon the counter on either side of me.
Hebends over me, and his breath in my ear sends goosebumps racing up my arms. “Idon’t take direction well, Melissa.” For a half a second, I think he might kissme. His gaze stays focused on my lips as he reaches behind me and grabs a papertowel, then steps back to dry his hands. “But the chili does smell good.”
Hewalks to the table, takes a seat, and casually rests his foot on his knee,waiting for me to serve his food.
Iopen my mouth, but I can’t think of anything to say. I’m overwhelmed by the wayhe affects me, but I want to choke him at the same time. He’s so damnedarrogant and surly and fucking sexy. Why do I always fall prey to these typesof men?
Iladle us both out a bowl of chili, and place them on the table with a pan ofcornbread. I’ve barely set down the glasses of iced tea when he digs into thefood. An awkward silence falls over the room. Instead of trying to forceuncomfortable conversation, I flip on the small television in the corner. Myfavorite murder mystery show is on, and I’m not missing it just to hear himgrunt at me.
WhenI look away from the T.V., he’s staring at me. “You watchDark and Unsolved?”
Wow,initiating a conversation. How far we’ve come.
“Yeah,I can’t believe how many ways people have found to kill and get away with it.The title isn’t apt, though.”
Hiseyebrows raise a tiny bit as he looks up at me. “What do you mean?”
“Mostof the time they catch the killer, even if it’s years later. Very few areactually unsolved.”
Henods, chewing his food. “Good show, though.”
“Inever miss it. That andHow We Metare my two hours of guilty pleasure aweek.” The glint of mischief in those coffee colored eyes make me wish for farmore guilty pleasures with him. Naked, sweating, screaming guilty pleasures.Yeah, Melissa, just so he could kick you out in the morning. I need to reign inthose thoughts.
Asmirk finds his lips. “So, murder and romance?”
Shrugging,I sip my drink. “It’s the two sides of life, isn’t it? Love and Hate. Happinessand revenge.”
“Youdon’t think someone could find happiness through revenge?” His intense gazeburns into me while he awaits a response. How did this conversation turn sodeep and serious?
Igive his question some thought. Because my instant response would have beenyes. I’m thrilled Dillon is dead and if given the chance to kill Anthonywithout repercussions, I’d take it without hesitation.
“Ifthere were no consequences, sure. Prison wouldn’t make most people happy.”
“True,”he replies, and turns his attention to the screen.
Weboth watch the show, pulled in by the plot and mystery. During a commercial, Iclear the table, and I’m happy to see he makes no move to leave. Withoutasking, I set a piece of cherry cheesecake in front of him, before sitting downwith my own.
“Thewife did it,” I announce.
