Page 127 of Sky Full of Stars

“You must be Jordan,” she says, appraising him at arm’s length. “I’ve heard a lot about you, young man. And call me Sandy.”

“All naughty I hope, Sandy.”

She laughs. “Well, come in, I wasn’t expecting everyone,” she peers past us at Stone but he’ll stay outside. “I have lemonade and my famous pasta primavera, hope you boys are hungry.”

“Can you adopt us?”

She laughs at Jordan and ushers us inside. I head in last and stop in front of her. She lets the others go ahead into the wide open living area, and chuckles at Jordan’s exclamations about the size and décor of the place.

“Adam,” she says with a soft smile. “How are you?”

“Kinda terrified,” I admit.

She links her arm with mine. “She’s sleeping, but she is okay. A little banged up and she broke a couple of fingers but otherwise, physically she’s fine.”

“What about mentally?” I ask.

“Well, that’s a little trickier,” Sandy says and despite her jovial greeting, she is concerned. “She’s putting on a brave face, I know she is really worried about her friend. But that is my Jenna. She cares about others, sometimes more than herself. Very much like her dad was in that regard. Anyway, let’s get inside. Are your friends coming?” she looks back at Stone, DiMarco is waiting by the elevator.

“They’ll stay outside, they’re our security.”

“Ooo,” she grins at me. “Okay, well I’ll send out some lemonade for you, but you’re totally welcome to come in if the mood takes you.”

“It’s okay ma’am, we’ll be fine out here.”

“Ma’am,” her brows rise. “You’ll make me feel old with that shit.”

Stone chuckles but assures her they’re good. She shuts the door and leads me into the apartment. Jordan is right about how impressive it is, the whole thing is wide open, living area, dining and kitchen and in the far corner there is a huge space for her artwork. The décor is definitely bohemian and eclectic, there is no real design behind it.

“She’s been sleeping for about three hours,” Sandy says. I almost bounce on my feet. “Second door on the left,” she points to a hallway beyond the kitchen. “I’ll keep these dudes occupied. Bring her out for some food when she’s ready, she’s not eaten much.”

I nod then head the way she points and leave the others behind. I open the door and peer inside. It’s shadowy but not dark and I can see her lying in the huge bed. It looks like it was a four poster at some point but the bottom two posts have been cut off, just the top two remain with a canopy over it, nothing princess about it, the fabric is dark and expensive. I watch her sleep for a while, then pull my t-shirt over my head, kick off my boots and carefully lift the covers. I slowly move in behind her.

She wakes slowly at first then jumps, her head whips around.

“It’s me,” I say quickly. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

She visibly relaxes and I feel awful for sneaking up on her but she rolls into me, her head snuggling in between my neck and shoulder. I inhale the peach scent of her hair and pull her tighter to me. I can’t fathom the depth of feelings running through me at being able to hold her like this. I can’t seem to get close enough and she burrows against me, feeling the same.

“I’m glad you’re here,” she says, finally pulling back, and I get a look at her face.

My blood boils when I see the bruises on her cheek and chin, she shakes her head.

“I’m fine, I promise.”

“He put his fucking hands on you,” I growl. “If he wasn’t dead, I’d bring him back and kill him again.”

“Don’t say that, it’s bad enough Megan might be in trouble for this.”

I stroke her hair. “I’d kill anyone who hurt you.” I gently take hold of her hand where three of her fingers are taped and wrapped in a white bandage. “You won’t be boxing for a while, Slugger.”

“You think this’ll stop me,” she grins.

I can’t help it, I have to kiss that smile. She breathes into me as our lips touch. I inhale her in, moving my lips gently so I don’t hurt her.

“Bet this brings back memories,” she says.

“What do you mean?”

---