Page 105 of Jagger

At least another two glorious days had passed without any additional difficulties. Almost as if things were getting back to normal.

The black cloud was still there, but I was better able to deal with my fears.

I’d enjoyed spending time at the house and had even taken the opportunity to forward my mail to Jagger’s address. It was risky, although Joel shouldn’t be able to find anything out about the post office box I’d rented in Baltimore. Although I wouldn’t put anything past him, fighting the post office regulations shouldn’t be in his purview.

I could at least admit I’d enjoyed almost every minute of my time spent in Danger Falls. It almost felt like home. Between spending time at the clinic, still helping Hunter at the resort and fabulous nights with Jagger, the anxiety was starting to drop off.

With a new burner phone, I’d had zero threats. Now, besides Jagger and Hunter, the only other person I’d given the number to had been Esme.

And the wench hadn’t called me back. It wasn’t like her not to return my call. That was the only thing on my mind as I jumped into my SUV after dropping Cally off at daycare. As soon as I had my seatbelt on and the gear in drive, I dialed her number, the Bluetooth hands-free kicking in immediately.

“Hello?”

Esme’s voice sounded like her phone had been dropped in the middle of a trashcan full of water, but I knew her sexy tone when she was exhausted. “How many hours did your asshole of a boss make you work?”

“Don’t ask,” Esme said, her yawn loud. “Why are you calling me so early? What time is it?”

“Almost ten and that’s not early. Time to rise and shine, little spitfire.”

“Well, since I didn’t get into bed until six in the morning, not too bad.”

“The last time we talked about your fabulous job, you weren’t open for breakfast.”

“We still aren’t. That doesn’t mean Jeff wasn’t in the mood to berate the entire staff after an almost botched dinner with a bigwig. The bossy mysterious jerk stayed until almost three in the morning. He and buddies were drinking up a storm and the kitchen staff couldn’t leave since he kept ordering food.”

“Let me guess,” I told her as I glanced into the rearview mirror. My old habits of feeling like I was being followed and watched would be tough to break. “You almost poured a bucket of water on him.”

“I came close but settled for a shot of expresso. He was none too happy since my aim at his crotch was a direct hit.”

“Ouch! I’m surprised you have a job.”

“Oh, I’m sure the lectures will continue, especially since the Middle Eastern jerk and his entourage spent almost sixty thousand dollars.”

“What? Is that even possible?”

Esme chuckled. “Darling, I do create the finest food on the East Coast. Expensive too. But you gotta pay to play.”

It was so good to talk to her. “How about taking a few days off and coming to visit?”

“You know I’d love to, but Jeff would kill me.”

“Aren’t you due some vacation time?”

“I’ve been working here four months. I doubt it. Why? I can tell you have something up your sleeve.”

The girl knew me too well. “It’s just the resort needs a chef and I thought of you.”

“And live in a place called Danger Falls? I don’t know if the town could survive if I took the job.”

“I’m here, remember. They’re surviving me.” I headed to Poppy’s Diner to pick up a few muffins for the doctor, his one nurse, and sweet receptionist. It was the least I could do for the time Doc Welby had taken with me while still performing his duties.

“Oh, good point. Hey, if the job’s online I’ll take a look at it, but I love it here, even if I have plans on castrating Jeff at some point. I wonder if human testicles would be considered a delicacy?”

“You are cold and cruel, which is why I love you. Think about trying to get away for a weekend. The drive is really beautiful. Plus, you’ll have a fabulous place to stay in.”

“Would I get to meet your hot roommate?”

“You would.”

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