Page 60 of Bad Situation

Eli digs into his pockets and before I know it, his truck lights up and beeps. He turns me to him. “Get in. I’ll be there in a second.”

I turn to Gabby and Jude—a man whose name I’ll remember for as long as I live—and start to explain, but Eli interrupts. “Jen. It’s okay. I promise. Get in the truck.”

Gabby grabs my hand and pulls me away from Eli. “I know how busy you are. Cam told us about your job, but keep in touch. We’re family now.”

I give her a hug because she doesn’t give me the choice not to even though her very pregnant belly takes up all the space. “Sure. I’ll, you know … call. Or text.”

“See you later, Jen. I looked into your case after Cam told me about it. It’s shit and I’m sure it’ll be cleared up soon,” Jude assures me.

I stare at him a second, not believing what just transpired, but whatever. I’m tired and need to go home, but still try to give Jude a half-smile and mutter, “Yeah, that’s what they all say. I’ll be glad when it happens.”

Then I turn to Eli’s truck and reach down to pull my shoes off, something I should’ve done earlier so I don’t ruin them traipsing through the grass.

I’m sitting in the truck and have no clue how much time has passed because my eyes are closed and I’m trying my best to quit spinning. When I hear Eli climb in and start up the engine, I let my head roll to the side and open my eyes but don’t say a word.

He puts it in drive but we don’t move because he leans in close over the console. “Jude is cool. It’s all good.”

“I thought he was cool, too, until I found out he works for my archenemy.”

He doesn’t argue, but he does smile. “Am I your archenemy?”

“I don’t know what to think about you.” I sigh and close my eyes.

“Hey,” he calls for me and I drag my eyes open. “How was the wedding?”

I shift but keep my head leaning on the headrest because it’s just too heavy to hold up. “It was beautiful and perfect and I’m jealous.”

He frowns. “I’m pretty sure they’ll throw you a gig just like that or bigger someday.”

I shake my head. “I’d never want all that. I’m jealous of Cam. He’s happy. Not that he doesn’t deserve to be—he does. He deserves everything. They’re in love and are having a baby and going to Hawaii and are going back to live a simple life in the middle of corn fields. There are days I’d kill for simple.”

He raises a hand to cup my face. “Spent my childhood trying to keep myself out of trouble. Had to fight for a scholarship just for a chance at a better life. I competed against some of the best in the academy to finally get placed in a decent position. Then I had to watch my back twenty-four-seven while I was undercover. Now I’m in deep with you, who I shouldn’t even be talking to much less giving orgasms to. I wouldn’t know simple if it walked up and kicked me in the balls.”

This makes me smile, even though it’s a small one, and I reach up to touch his hand on my face. “Simple sucks.”

“Fucking overrated,” he agrees.

I turn his hand in mine. “Yeah. Everyone else is missing out on the fun stuff.”

He leans in and puts his forehead to mine. “I’m going to kiss you now and then I’m going to take you home.”

I nod. “I’ll be asleep before we leave the ranch. There’s no maybe about it. I’m so tired.”

He takes my face in his hands and, just when I think he’s going to kiss me, he says, “Your ass looks good in that dress.”

“I knew you were an ass man.”

“The rest of you looks good, too.”

“Thank you.”

“Fucking beautiful.”

“Are you going to kiss me?” I’m anxious for his lips on me again.

He pulls me close and I get what I want, what I’ve thought about all night, wishing he was with me and not the secret that would get me in trouble with my legal team and possibly get him fired. His lips move on mine and this kiss is different than any other he’s given me. Gentle and seeking, his tongue swipes my lips and I open for him, tasting him like he’s tasting me. He takes his time, as if sitting in a pasture on my parents’ property with cars pulling out around us isn’t the big deal that it is.

When I lean into him for more, he pulls away and looks me in the eyes. “I’m not leaving you tonight.”

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