Page 35 of Beaten

He nodded, but I wasn’t sure he believed me. Then again, he probably did. He’d known her a long time, and I was sure he knew she was more into having adventures and trying new things than partying just for the sake of it.

We filled the rest of the time back talking about high school and college. I told him about my job as a web page designer slash social media manager and how much I loved it, especially since I could set my own hours and work on projects all over the world, all while working from home.

Jamie told me about his time on the police force, and then starting Sheppard & Sons Investigations with his father and Jack, who was a silent partner while he finished his tour in the Army. It surprised me when he said it was just him and his dad working out of John’s house in the beginning.

I asked about his twin sister, Madi. We weren’t really friends and only did things together because of our families, but I knew she and Jamie were close. Jamie beamed as he bragged about how great Madi was doing in the Navy.She was earning her nursing degree and was thinking of resigning her commission and looking for a job in the private sector. Madi had been quiet in school, at least compared to Jamie and Jack. Well, mostly Jack. Jamie was social, but wasn’t as outgoing as Jack, and he didn’t take risks. He hadn’t wanted to ruin his chances of getting into the police academy.

I thought it was weird that Jamie was the only Sheppard who hadn’t serve in the Military, even his dad served in the Marines before joining the Parker County PD. Not that I judged him for it. He’d gone to college on a full scholarship, graduated early, and went straight into the police academy. Being a cop was all he’d ever wanted. Jack wanted that too, but hadn’t earned a free ride, so he joined the Army and took advantage of the GI Bill to pay for college.

When we came to a natural pause in the conversation, the soft music and steady hum of the tires on the pavement lulled me to sleep. I woke when I felt Jamie gently squeezing my shoulder.

When I noticed Doug parked outside the house, I asked, “I thought Doug was going to get my car?”

“Change of plans. AJ and Jack had some business to take care of in the area, so they’re doing it.”

“When did you find out?” I asked, a little snappier than I should have.

“Meg sent a text while you were napping. I was going to tell you when you woke up, but you noticed Doug before I could.”

“Sorry. I-”

“Please don’t apologize.”

I nodded; if I opened my mouth, I’d probably apologize again.

“They should be back in a couple of hours. I’ll let you if it changes.” He smiled. “Call if you need anything. Now, go get some rest.”

“Thanks, Jamie. You too.” God, I sounded like an idiot. “I meant get some rest, I’m sure you won’t need me.” I laughed nervously.

“Thanks,” he smiled, “bye Emily.”

“Bye.” I got out and walked to the front door. My mom must have been watching for me because she opened it before I could put my key in the lock. I turned and waved to Jamie, who was waiting to make sure I got inside. Even though Doug was parked across the street.

We have a date. Not a real date, but it’d still be fun. I just need to ask Ashley if she wants to go with the group.

After a long nap, a hot shower, and some delicious homemade pot roast, I felt almost human again. I texted Ashley to tell her it wouldn’t be a problem for us to go to the fair. Then I typed, erased, and retyped at least four attempts at mentioning that Jamie asked if I,we, wanted to join him, Jack and Meg. I didn’t want to imply that he’d asked me out on a date, because he hadn’t.It’s just a phrase. Just a group of friends getting together, that’s all.

I settled on phrasing it like it would be easier for them to do their jobs if we all went together.

Jamie asked if we want to go to the fair with him, Jack, Meg, and AJ. I think it’d be more fun to go as a group instead of them following us around. What do you think?

I didn’t tell her I’d gushed like a schoolgirl in a teen rom com when I told Jamie we could all go together.

Sounds fun. Is AJ as hot as Jamie?

*eye roll emoji* Is that all you can think about?

No. Well, maybe. It’ll be more fun if we each have our own hot guy to hang out with.

I don’t even know if he’s single.

I might like the idea of having a hot, protective guy to hang out with, but knew I’d actually be alone. I was too tired to argue with her about her insinuation that Jamie and I would be hanging out as a couple, so I didn’t. It was enough that I knew we wouldn’t be.

I’m still down. It’ll be fun. Is Jack's fiancé nice?

I only met her once, at the office, but she seemednice enough.

Cool.

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