Page 61 of Dreaming About Forever

She’d just sat down at the table when the phone in her pocket rang, and she pulled it out to see Lillian’s name. She wiped her mouth with a napkin and stood. “I’m sorry, I need to take this.”

“I’ll make you fresh eggs when you get back,” Vicci said over her shoulder.

Alicia grabbed the flannel shirt off the back of the chair as she left the kitchen. She needed armor before heading back into the battle.

21

JORDAN

Sitting in the quiet kitchen, Jordan read the email from Nathan again. His boss had always been straightforward and clear, but it wasn’t Nathan’s fault that Jordan’s attention was elsewhere. Alicia would be ready for church in a few minutes, and he’d spent too much time trying to guess which color she’d wear and how her eyes would light up when she saw him.

Because there had definitely been sparks kindling between them–no matter how much they pretended there wasn’t anything going on.

Just because it didn’t have a label didn’t mean a relationship didn’t exist. Their connection had blown past the professional line a long time ago and was currently waving and laughing at the line as it disappeared into nothingness.

Jordan pushed his fingers into his hair and grabbed it by the roots. He wanted his client–needed her. He couldn’t imagine letting her walk away. His feelings for Alicia were so messed up he couldn’t see a safe way out.

Heavy footfalls sounded on the porch, and the front door opened as his dad shouted, “Jordan!”

“In the kitchen,” Jordan answered, smoothing his hair back into something presentable.

Jordan’s dad stepped into the kitchen and did a quick look around. “Just you?”

That was a very telling greeting. Jordan sat up straighter in his chair at the table. “Just me. What’s up?”

“It’s Chuck. He cut every line along the north fence.”

“Are you serious? That’s at least a quarter of a mile.”

His dad nodded. “All of it.” He rested his forearms on the back of a chair and let his head fall.

“I’ll help get it back up,” Jordan said as he stood.

“You’re already dressed for church. I’ll call Clint.”

Jordan fisted a hand at his side. “I can help.”

“I know you can, but Alicia has to stay with you. I understand you’re not home on vacation. You’re working, and that’s important.”

Jordan looked to the door leading out into the living room where Alicia would appear at any moment. “Thanks for understanding.”

“I just wanted you to know what we’re up against. Chuck doesn’t care about property, and I’m not sure he cares about much else. He’s getting bolder.”

“What’s the latest on the lawsuit?” Jordan asked.

His dad shook his head. “There are half a dozen restrictions in place, but he plays by his own rules.”

“He thinks he’s above the law.” Jordan had met quite a few people like Chuck in his lifetime, and they all walked a dangerous road, skirting the law all while sticking their tongues out at the justice system.

His dad took a deep breath. “You need to consider Alicia’s safety.”

“Is it that bad?” He’d expected Alicia to get tired of the ranch and be long gone by now, but she loved it here. While she could spend her vacation anywhere in the world she wanted, he had a feeling she wasn’t going to be excited about the possibility of leaving.

His dad shrugged. “I’m not sure, but you need to be aware.”

Alicia’s footsteps set a rhythmic pace on the stairs.

Jordan closed his laptop and stepped around his dad. “Thanks for the heads-up. Call me if you need me.”

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