Page 42 of Dreaming About Forever

Jordan took the seat beside her and clasped his hands in front of him. “I don’t. I can’t imagine my parents doing something like that to me, and I can’t really say I have an ex who badmouths me. Especially not to the entire world.”

She rested her head in her hands. “I know it’s just words. I’m used to people saying bad things about me. It just doesn’t get easier.”

Jordan tightened his grip, fighting the urge to reach for her. “He doesn’t deserve a single thought from you. Forget what he said.”

She ran her hands through her hair and sighed. “Thanks. I’ll keep trying to figure out how to do that.”

“You should get some sleep,” he said, hoping the distance between them during the night hours would curb his need to be close to her.

“Thanks. I’m headed that way.” She stood and pushed the chair back under the table. “You coming?”

“Yeah.” He followed her out of the kitchen, turning off lights as they made their way through the house.

Following Alicia to bed was dangerous. They’d be parting ways at the top of the stairs, but when she was the last person he saw before closing his eyes at night, his mind liked to play tricks on him.

She stopped just outside the guest bedroom and turned back to him. “I had a great day. Thanks for that.”

“Not sure I understand how meetings, clothes shopping, and decorating make up a good day.”

Alicia wrapped her arms around her middle. “I love hanging out with you and your family. I didn’t realize how much I needed this.”

Jordan swallowed back his response. Caroline was right. He wanted someone in his life. Knowing his job schedule and destructive past weren’t good for a relationship didn’t change the pull he felt toward Alicia.

She rested her back against the doorway as if waiting for something.

Nothing could happen. He couldn’t get involved with a client, no matter how much he wanted to lean in. It didn’t matter how gorgeous and sweet Alicia was, he couldn’t compromise her safety and his job.

But the pull toward her stole the breath from his chest. The lift in her chin and her waiting eyes said, “Come get me.”

He had to put distance between them. And doors. Locked doors.

“You should get some rest,” he said, shoving his hands into his pockets.

Alicia straightened and opened the bedroom door. “Good night.”

Jordan watched her disappear into the darkness, swallowing his disappointment.

15

ALICIA

Jordan offered Alicia a hand as she stepped out of the truck. The parking lot was dark and packed with vehicles, but the small red-brick school was lit up like a lantern, shining from the inside out.

Alicia hadn’t ever been in a real school, and the building wasn’t anything like she’d expected. Schools on TV always looked big, with green lawns stretching out in front of them.

Half the town milled around in the lot, making their way toward the entrance where they would be funneled inside for the show.

“Caroline said our seats are about halfway up on the left side,” Vicci said behind them.

Jordan stayed half a pace behind her, but she could feel his strong presence. She didn’t think anyone in Redemption Ridge would be a danger to her, but knowing Jordan was with her allowed her to truly relax and enjoy the evening.

“I’m gonna go talk to Connie over there. I’ll meet you two inside,” Vicci said as she veered away from them.

They were approaching the entrance when a petite brunette woman turned and caught sight of Alicia. Her eyes widened, and her mouth opened.

Looks like at least one person in town knew who she was.

The woman slapped the man beside her on the shoulder. “Look!”

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