Page 33 of Fearless
Simms once again holds Monroe back and grumbles, “Let it go. This is a fight you can’t win.” The two men head off in the opposite direction of our guests. Just beyond Jessie and Elijah is an attendant bringing the room service that Roger ordered.
“I really do not like that man!” Jessie exclaims once she reaches the porch and watches the retreating backs of the two agents. “I went through training with Monroe, and he thinks he’s God’s gift to humanity. I put a kibosh on that when I took him down on the sparring mats. He’s hated me ever since.”
I can imagine being taken down by a pixie more than a foot smaller would bruise the ego, buthateis such a strong word, and I tell her as much. When Jessie just stares at me vacantly, like I’ve said something stupid, I add, “Maybe a rematch is in order. Show him that it wasn’t just a fluke.”
“Harper, you could take Monroe down with your skills. He would be no match for me. It would just be embarrassing for him. I’m not against putting him in his place, though. He needs to be taken down a peg or two…again.”
Elijah snakes an arm around Jessie’s tiny waist and stares down adoringly at her. An impish glint flashes in his gaze, “I know the feeling.”
Jessie smacks him in the ribs playfully. “Other than my dad, who trained us, you’re the only one I willallowto put me in myplace, Honey.”
“Allow? Surely you jest,” Elijah teases.
“Don’t call her Shirley,” Roger and I say in unison.
“I don’t mind being called ‘Shirley,’” Jessie says flippantly. “I’m as sweet as Shirley Temple and as feisty as Shirley MacLaine. Although I’m not into mysticism and reincarnation like the latter, I’m equally as original.”
“That you are,” Roger says, deadpan. In a fatherly tone, he adds, “Now, get your fanny parked on a chair so we can get down to business.”
Jessie salutes Roger. “Aye, aye, El Capitán Cavenaugh. Your wish is my command.”
Elijah whispers in her ear, but my hearing is on point and I can easily make out his words. “That’s my line,” he says.
She whispers back, “I’ll give you any royalties I make…in spades.”
Eww!“Is this what it’s like to be around married couples? Talk of royalties and movie quotes?”
Jessie bellows out a hearty laugh. “Wait until you have kids! It goes from pillow talk to diaper discussions. I’m going to enjoy the moment as long as I can!”
Elijah leads Jessie to a chair and then takes the seat next to her just as room service arrives. Roger accepts four dishes with silver plate coverings and then tips the attendant. She leaves with a smile.
Roger lifts one of the covers and then sets the dish in front of me. There is a grilled chicken sandwich wrapped in lettuce and no bun and a side salad topped with blue cheese chunks, fresh berries, and a balsamic vinegarette dressing. It’s perfect,considering I watch my carb intake. I’m not averse to carbs, but I prefer whole grains to bread and pasta. “Thank you,” I tell him.
I wait for Roger to join me, and when he does, he sets two plates on the table. His is loaded with delicious French fries and a double-decker cheeseburger. Jessie practically salivates and reaches for one of the fries when Roger smacks her hand. “Hands off, Missy. I ordered fries for you. I even got you a side of spicy barbeque sauce.”
Roger removes the lid from a large platter of French fries, onion rings, chicken fingers, and jalapeño poppers and pushes it toward her. Jessie licks her lips. “I just ate an hour ago, but this looks amazing!” she exclaims.
Elijah chortles. “If you didn’t know any better, you’d think Jessie is eating for two.”
Silence. Dead silence.
Roger finally clears his throat. “Are you sure she isn’t?”
Elijah’s face pales as he turns toward his wife, and Jessie laughs raucously and points at him. “Oh my gosh! You should see your face! I’m not pregnant, Honey.” As soon as Elijah’s shoulders relax, she reaches for a chicken finger and adds, “At least, I don’t think I am.”
Chapter eighteen
Roger
Once Harper and I finish our meals and the appetizers for Jessie and Elijah have been devoured, I bring over the last plate that’s still covered. I set it down on the coffee table and remove the silver dome, watching Harper’s eyes alight with joy when the sweet treat underneath is revealed.
“You ordered chocolate-covered strawberries!” she exclaims. Harper kisses my cheek when I sit down beside her. “Thank you for this. I was only half-joking when I said I needed chocolate.”
“Roger’s the sweetest,” Jessie says, waiting for Harper to choose a berry. Although there’s more than enough to go around, everyone present knows that I ordered these with Harper in mind.
Elijah scowls playfully, “You mean the second sweetest, right?”
“Yeah. Sure. That’s what I meant. Roger’s the second sweetest man, Harper. I got the first, and Elijah will never let me forget it,” she winks.
