Page 63 of Then Came Love
A LONG WHILE later, after enjoying a delicious pasta dinner and taking Coco for a walk, Jordan was tucked against Jax’s side on the couch, with Coco curled up beside her. The lavender and peppermint candles they’d used in the bathroom cast shadows from their new perch on the mantel, the scent of hope wrapping around them like an embrace. She petted Coco’s head, listening to the steady cadence of Jax’s breathing. She’d never been so happy and relaxed with Todd, or maybe ever since losing her family. Was this what it felt like to be with someone who didn’t look at her like arm candy? That thought brought a pang of hurt over how much time she’d wasted.
Jax kissed her temple. “Talk to me, sweetheart. You’ve had a hell of a day. Are you okay?”
She looked at him, wondering how one man could be as manly as he was tender and caring. “I think so. Right now I’m happier than I’ve ever been. I’ve never had this.”
“You and Todd never cuddled on a couch?”
She shook her head. “He wasn’t a cuddler. He was a lot more attentive in college, but he liked going out and being entertained, which makes sense given his secret sexual proclivities. You know, I thought he was being protective of me, because he’d stay by my side and push me a little out of my comfort zone to attend parties. Now I think it was just to show me off. Not that I think I’m all that, but…”
“You are all that, sweetheart, and so much more.”
Her heart filled up. “I love that you think so, but it’s even bigger than just what he and I had. This whole evening with you has been wonderful and cathartic. I feel like I can breathe with you. I don’t have to hide my hopes or insecurities. I’ve had to do that on one level or another with every relationship I’ve ever had.”
“I’m glad you know you never have to pretend with me, and you don’t have to with my family, either. I know you trust my parents, but my siblings and sisters-in-law are some of the most loyal and supportive people you’ll ever meet, and you could use a little more support in your life. Girlfriends to confide in. But maybe don’t talk about our bathtub habits.”
She giggled. “Is once considered a habit?”
“No, but I’d like to make it one.”
He nuzzled against her neck, and a thrill chased through her. She loved everything about them, but they were moving so fast it brought a little trepidation. Not that she wanted to slow them down, but she was just aware of it. “Can I ask you something?”
“Always.”
How could one word make her feel so good? “How did you know I needed you tonight? I felt so betrayed, and you’re the only person I wanted to talk to, but as I said earlier, I didn’t want to unload on you. And then there you were, like someone tapped you on the shoulder and told you I needed you.”
“It was hell staying away from you the past few days, and I guess you could say someone did tap me on the shoulder, giving me the excuse I needed to come see you.” He shifted beside her, so he could see her face. “When you first told me about Casey, I reached out to a private investigator friend of my cousin’s. Reggie Steele is one of the best in the business, and he called me today. That’s why I came over.”
“You did?” She sat up, her mind reeling.
“Yes, and I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, but—”
“I don’t care. I’m glad you did it. What did he say?” Please let him find her.
“He said there was evidence of another vehicle at the crash site, but the evidence was lost and never processed.”
“What does that mean? Is that bad?”
“I don’t know, and I’m not sure he does yet, either. But if you’re interested in talking with him to discuss the possibility of moving forward with a new investigation, I can set that up.”
“I am. When?” Her heart was racing.
“One evening next week.”
“Any day. Whatever works for him. You’ll be there, right? Please?” Her words came fast and anxiously.
“Of course, every step of the way. Finding Casey, or finding out what happened to her, has become as important to me as it is to you. But do you want to talk with your aunt and uncle first?”
“No. I won’t do anything major without discussing it with them, but what would I say right now? That we’re meeting with him? I don’t even know what that means yet. I’m nervous, scared, and hopeful about meeting Reggie, which kind of makes me anxious, and I don’t want to do that to them until I know what Reggie has to say.”
“You’re so careful not to make waves for them.”
“They took me in and raised me when they didn’t even want children of their own. They never made me feel like an imposition, but I have always tried not to be too much of a burden.”
“So careful,” he said softly. “I love that about you, and I think in this case, it’s a smart move.”
“Okay, good, because I don’t know up from down right now. I can’t believe you talked to a PI. Thank you.” She threw her arms around him.
“One day you’ll realize I would do anything for you.”
His words were laden with so much emotion, her heart crawled out of her throat. “Will you stay with me tonight?”
He cocked a grin. “I wasn’t planning on leaving.”
“Oh. I guess I’m not used to that, either.” Todd had always seemed in a hurry to leave.
“That makes two of us.” He brushed his lips over hers. “I’m going to enjoy discovering new things with you.”
“Oh, you are, are you?” she said playfully.
“Hell yes.” He ran his hand along her thigh and brushed his scruff down her cheek. “Dinner was great, but I’m hungry for dessert. My girl spread out on the dining room table sure is enticing.”
She gasped in surprise, but that didn’t stop her neediest parts from throwing an anticipatory party. “Jax.”
“Does that mean you’ve already christened that table?”
“Ohmygosh. No.”
A wolfish grin appeared, and he scooped her into his arms, both of them laughing as Coco jumped off the couch to follow them. Jax gave his pooch a serious stare. “You stay.” Coco plunked onto her butt, and Jax’s eyes blazed back to Jordan. “So I can make you come.”
He sealed his mouth over hers in a kiss full of dirty promises and so much more.
