Page 62 of Her Rugged Guardian

When he laughed, so did I. “I’m glad to hear that. I don’t think bailing you out of jail is on the agenda. That’s right. You’re buddies with the sheriff. Never mind.”

“Ha. My brother asked me to practice with my old team.”

“Do it.”

“I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”

“You’re right in that I don’t know anything about the game, but what I know about you so far is that if you don’t fight the demons, they’ll eventually destroy you.”

“It might be too late.”

“Nope. I don’t buy it. My mother once told me it’s never too late to begin a new chapter in life.”

“And my mother told me that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”

“You’re incorrigible,” I teased. This time our laughs were easier, the tension passing.

I wanted to offer something more appropriate, but I didn’t have a chance before my phone rang from the kitchen, the interruption unnerving. I hated the cold shiver but after the two earlier phone calls from unknown parties, the line dead both times, I was at the point of changing numbers. I should have done that anyway after leaving DC, but it had been one of those details that fell way down on the list. Now I was regretting it.

When I didn’t budge, Jake narrowed his eyes. “Aren’t you going to get that?”

“Why should I?”

“Because the call might be something important.”

Why I didn’t share my concerns with him I wasn’t certain, but I hesitated long enough it stopped ringing. I breathed a sigh of relief but that was short-lived, the second ring coming just ten seconds later.

He cocked his head, still staring at me. When it became apparent the caller wasn’t going to hang up this time and my voicemail was determined to betray me, he rose to his feet, heading for the kitchen. He was staring at the phone as he brought it back.

“It seems Jessica is dying to get ahold of you.” As he tossed me the phone, he winked. “Something you’re not telling me?”

“Very funny, tough guy.” As I pressed my finger across the screen, I hoped he didn’t see the relief crossing my face. “Hey, girl.”

“You worried me. You didn’t call me back,” Jessica huffed.

“I didn’t get a message.” Which was a little white lie. I hadn’t answered because I knew she’d grill me about Jake. I wanted to keep him in my private black box for a little while longer, including from the gossipy town folk.

“Right. Tell me another lie. How are things?”

“Good, girlfriend, but not a good time. Can I call you back?” The look of amusement on his face was cute but annoying.

“Does that mean you’re with that hunky contractor guy? How is he anyway?”

“He’s delicious but I gotta run. I have company.” Her question and the way he was studying me caused another warm flush along my cheeks.

“Oh, girl. You work fast. I love it. You know what they say. The way you get over someone is to get under someone else. Please tell me that’s what you’ve done.”

“Mmm… Maybe.” The way he was looking at me was hysterical. I didn’t know a person could have that many frown lines.

Her squeal was loud enough even Jake lifted his eyebrows. “You rock, girl. You need to tell me everything. Then you can shove it in Stephen’s face.”

“I will tell you everything,” I teased, making faces at him. “Eventually.” It was fun to tease him.

“Maybe I can’t wait to slip it to Stephen,” Jessica cooed.

“You are one bad girl but I’d enjoy watching.”

Jessica snorted. “So would I. Talk to you later. Don’t forget about me or I will hunt you down in that tiny town of yours.”

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