Page 12 of Raven's Claw
That this wasn’t the beginning of forever, but the start of goodbye.
Kash pushed aside the thoughts.He needed to clear his mind, or she’d pick up on the tension.She hadn’t bolted yet.And if he played his cards right, he might be able to steer her onto another path — one that involved him and his buddies rallying around her.For now, she needed to believe he was still in the dark.
He took a breath, pushed his shoulders back, then knocked on the door.“Jordan?”
The handle jiggled before the door opened amidst a curtain of steam.It took a moment for the room to clear, her terry-clad silhouette taking shape within the mist.
“Damn.”
There was no other way to describe her.Smooth pale skin.Strong firm muscles.Her long brown hair curling around her face, making her baby-blue eyes seem twice as bright.
She arched a brow, looking too damn sexy as she smiled, slowly moving over to the doorway.“Damn?”
He coughed.He hadn’t realized he’d said the word out loud.“I…” He chuckled.“That seems to be my go-to where you’re concerned, today.And I meant it exactly how it sounded.”
“I guess there are worse things you could say.”She nodded at the clothes.“Are those for me?”
He held them out, drinking in the floral scent of her skin mixed with a hint of coconut in her hair.“They’ll be big, but…”
“Big sounds pretty perfect.”She glanced behind her.“I have to admit, I didn’t expect Foster to have soaps and shampoo that didn’t smell like pine trees and bad decisions.”
“Pretty sure that’s Mac’s influence.While I haven’t been deployed with Beck for several months, I can assure you he’s never smelled as incredible as you do after a shower.”He motioned to the pile of clothes stacked on the counter.“Can I take those down and get them in the washer?”
She bit at her bottom lip, looking as if no one had ever offered to help her, before.“You don’t have to do that.”
“It’s the least I can do after forgetting you only had that bike.”He leaned against the frame, getting dangerously close.“Though in my defense, I can’t really be held responsible for anything after that kiss.”
A hint of pink burned up her cheeks.“And here your buddies claimed you were awkward.”
“Glad to know they’ve got my back.”
Her smile fell a bit.“More than you know.”
Had he imagined the pang of sadness in her voice?“I’ll get these loaded then meet you downstairs.”
He forced himself to turn — head down the hall.He made his way to the laundry, tossing everything in then starting the cycle.Jordan was already descending the stairs when he made his way back to the sitting room.
Foster walked in from the kitchen, a couple beers in his hands.“I realize you probably have other plans, but you’re both welcome to stay.We’ve got enough food to feed an army.”
Kash stilled.He didn’t want Jordan to feel trapped, especially if his hunch was right and she was already on the verge of running.Her gaze darted to the door then back to the hallway leading to the kitchen as laughter erupted in the other room, the scent of fresh bread wafting through the air.
Kash nudged her.“Jordan…”
She reached over and gave his hand a squeeze before looking at Foster.“Are you sure?Because I’ve seen you all eat.”
Foster placed his hand on his chest.“Ouch.And I promise we got extra just for Zain.”
“I heard that.”Zain’s voice carried to them from the other room.
“I damn well hope so.I practically yelled it.”Foster offered them both a beer.“Anyway, you can join us, or you can grab a plate and run, seeing aschefRamsayhere burned his masterpiece.Your choice.”
He didn’t wait for either of them to reply, heading back into the other room.
Kash tugged Jordan closer.“We don’t have to stay.I can grab some food and?—”
She placed her finger across his lips, silencing him.“It’s fine.”She removed her hand as she took a step before she stopped and looked back at him.“No one’s going to try and kill me though, right?Because that might get awkward.”
His mouth gaped open, a slight ringing in his ears as he stared at her.Wondering if she’d really just admitted she was an operative.
