Page 57 of A Touch of Frost
“Girl, please.” Black Widow cut in. “We’re not going to even think about time—not today Beelzbob.”
I chuckled. “I thought it wasnot today, Satan.”
“Semantics.” Black Widow shrugged.
“You don’t think any less of me for falling like this, do you?” I asked after a little silence between the two of us.
Black Widow shook her head. “You’ve been alone for a long time. And besides that, Jesse seems like one of the good ones. You’re experienced enough now to know when a relationship feels right—feels different.”
I nodded. “Widow, I’m thinking of heading back state-side.”
“About time.”
I hung my head. “I don’t want to lose Jesse. If I stay here, I know the distance would be murder on our new relationship.”
“Would going back make you happy?” Black Widow asked. “You shouldn’t make this decision because of a man. Go home because you feel it’s something you want, something that would sit well with your soul.”
I bounced her with my shoulder and laughed softly. “You’re right. But I can’t keep running forever, right?”
“That too.”
Inhaling the salted air, I popped the last of my sandwich into my mouth and chewed. A million thoughts swirled around inside my head at the possibilities. If I went back state side, there were so many things I’d have to get done. But none of it scared me as much as being with Jesse—being vulnerable, being his woman.
“He scares me, Widow.”
“He should.” She replied. “My father always told me that when love is real it should terrify the hell out of you.”
“Why?”
“Because then you won’t take it for granted.” Black Widow replied.
“Can I ask you to help me with something?”
“Of course.”
I cleared my throat and shifted to face her. “I know you can’t stay here for much longer.”
“Tex is friends with my C.O.” Black Widow grinned. “He said take as much time as I need. I wasn’t going to push my luck—but if my homie needs me, my homie got me. Talk to me.”
“Um…” I rubbed the back of my neck. “Lingerie.”
. “Wait, are you asking me to go shopping?” Black Widow arched a brow, then gasped dramatically. “Oh! My! God! Wait, not only that, are you asking me to take you girlie shopping?”
She gasped again—more dramatic this time.
My cheeks flushed. “When you put it like that.”
“I’m in!” She squealed. “Do you haveanyidea how long I’ve been waiting for this day!”
“Seriously?” I didn’t see how shopping could be such a big deal. “I mean—it’s only shopping.”
“Only shopping? For shame Abigail Ryder!” Black Widow hugged me tightly. “We’re gonna give Jesse Ackert a small stroke!”
“We don’t want to kill him!” I groaned. “We’re trying—”
“To rock his world.” She sat back to frame my face and drop a kiss to my nose. “Got it. No death. Just boner. We got this.”
What have I done?
