Page 4 of Smooth Moves
Judy blew her nose and ignored the situation with her children. “It was just so sudden. Mom was fine one day then gone the next.” A frail woman with soft, smooth hands that had likely never seen a day of hard labor, Judy possessed an air of gentility that made Jordan want to protect her. From what Judy had said, she’d grown up fairly well-to-do, married her attorney husband Gerald, and lived happily ever after since, caring for her family.
“I can’t believe little Edith will grow up not knowing her grandma.” Judy patted her flat tummy.
“Oh, when are you due?” Great. Jordan hadn’t realized the woman might be even more emotional due to pregnancy. Man, now she felt even worse for her uncharitable thoughts about Judy’s mothering skills.
Overhead, thunder boomed.
“In January,” Judy murmured. “Oh no. The rain’s here, isn’t it?”
Which is what we tried to tell you before you insisted on us laying out your mother’s prized possessions on the front lawn.“Yes.”
“We’d better hurry to get everything in the garage!” Judy had been adamant she’d wanted to organize the move, and to do so she’d wanted to see everything lined up together before the truck was loaded. Since the only way to do that was to move it all outside, the crew had accommodated her. Even though they’d all mentioned, more than once, the threat of rain.
Judy and Jordan hurried outside to see the skies open up. Heidi, Hector, and Cash double-timed through the drenching rain to protect everything with tarps while simultaneously bringing in boxes and furniture into the crowded garage. They’d already moved at least half of the large items into the truck, so they’d have space in the garage to fit the rest. Jordan hoped.
In the front yard, away from the mess, the boys and their dog played. Thank God at least the kids stayed away, frolicking in the growing wet.
Cash swore and slicked his hair back, and Jordan tried really hard not to ogle the man. But the rain made it difficult to ignore the crew’s fine physiques—at least, that was her excuse.
Hell, even grieving Judy gave the gang a second glance. Heidi had an attractive if cool exterior, a tall Nordic blond with a bodybuilder’s tone and striking bright-blue eyes. Hector was stunning, his dark skin defining his heavy muscle, his laughing eyes and wide smile a draw no matter where he went. His charming, open personality provided a nice counterbalance to Heidi’s brisk, no-nonsense approach.
And then there was Cash. Part owner of the company, yet he worked alongside the guys as if just another employee. All too easily she imagined former Gunnery Sergeant Cash Griffith in uniform. Sadly, she’d noticed everything about the man from day one. Cash exuded leadership. Though what normally came out of his mouth was either crass, obnoxious, or rude, he made people laugh and somehowwantto follow him. Hell, he annoyed her to no end, but she could see his natural fit for command.
He had legs like tree trunks, a broad chest, and thickly muscled arms she’d dreamed of holding her more than once. His short, dark hair spoke of time in the military, kept trim but not buzzed short. And that stubborn jaw had tempted her more than once to punch it then kiss it better.
Cash’s bright-green eyes seemed to be constantly on her, filling her with heat.
As they were now.
She pretended she hadn’t been staring at him so hard, and he snorted. The big, bad man who intimidated most others didn’t frighten her in the slightest. Because Cash was a protector at heart. He might swear, act gruff, and loom over everyone with that condescending smirk, but he was always the first in line to offer to help.
And he hadn’t lashed out at the kids all day, when he’d had plenty of opportunity to do so. Especially now. She groaned. “Judy, am I seeing things, or did the boys just go inside the truck?”
Judy frowned. “They were told not to do that.”
Several times today.“Hey, Cash. The boys are—”
“I see them,” he snarled. Apparently, he’d reached his limit. He stalked inside the truck, and she heard, “That’s it! You two, out, now. And take your dog with you. This is no place for kids.”
Silence reigned for a moment.
“You can get hurt if—”
Something crashed, the dog bolted, and the boys screamed. Not awe’re-having-funyell but the scared kind.
Everyone rushed to the truck, and Hector, closest to the ramp, hurried inside first.
“My babies!” Judy cried, but Heidi held her back from entering.
Jordan gasped. Inside, Cash looked like Atlas, crouched and holding the weight of a large grandfather clock on his broad shoulders and upper back while one of the boys lay under him, frozen in fear.
The other twin stood on a couch behind the overturned furniture, staring in shock.
Hector rushed to pull the boys out while Jordan helped a visibly straining Cash edge the clock off his shoulder.
“Why did the kids have to tip this thing over? Why not the lamp that weighs ten pounds? Oh my God. This is heavy.” She couldn’t believe he’d been holding it, crouched as he was, off the boy.
“No shit, Sherlock,” he said through gritted teeth.
