Page 22 of Before the Storm
But this felt different. It felt good. It made her come alive. As if she’d been coasting through life, never really experiencing anything, only going through the motions of living.
She cupped his face and planted her mouth against his but had no idea what to do next.
She froze, horrified at what she’d just done.
Until his arms wrapped around hers and his tongue flicked inside her mouth, wrapping around hers in a forbidden dance. Melting against his body, she let instinct take over. This was what a kiss was supposed to be like. It was a hot fudge sundae on a warm summer day.
He pulled away, running his fingers through her hair, gazing into her eyes as if she were the only thing that mattered in the moment.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.” He smiled. “Go get some sleep. I’m sure you’re tired.” He leaned over, lifting her bag from the driveway.
Taking it, she turned and did her best to walk without falling over. She used the code to enter the garage versus using the outside stairs. Glancing over her shoulder, she waved before hitting the button. She darted up the stairs, tears filling her eyes.
How had this happened? She shouldn’t allow herself to become entangled with a man like Phoenix. Not only was he wayout of her league, but she wasn’t equipped to be dating anyone. She could barely comprehend the rules of the outside world, much less know how to navigate the uncharted waters of dating.
But she didn’t think she could stop this if she tried.
And she didn’t want to.
It was the fairy tale she so desperately had dreamed of ever since she’d said goodbye to Anne Marie and Jason.
5
“Ican’t be the one to fire Pam.” Phoenix leaned back in the chair, still staring at the security footage. “And there’s still the issue of bringing in the police. I have no idea how Janelle is going to react to that.”
“Why didn’t you tell Janelle what you suspected last night?” Maverick asked from the sofa across the room.
“Because I was concerned it was an ex-husband or boyfriend that had caught up to her based on some of her reactions to me and how she is in general.” Phoenix raked his fingers through his hair. “I didn’t want to spook her about someone slashing her tire until I knew that’s what happened.”
“I still can’t believe Pam went to those lengths,” Nelson said. “We all know she’s got the hots for you, but that’s taking things way too far.”
“Hell, the second she showed up at Phoenix’s place unannounced was going too far.” Maverick stood and strolled toward the window. “We can’t let this continue and what Pam did was criminal.”
“It’s vandalism, which is a misdemeanor. She’ll get a ticket. A fine. She’ll have to go to court, and Janelle can get a restraining order,” Phoenix said. “Possibly, if she chooses to pursue it.”
“Little brother, you have grounds for one as well.” Nelson cocked a brow. “I highly recommend you file one.”
“I’m considering it, but my first concern is Janelle.” Phoenix peered over the screen. Pam leaned against the bar, chatting with one of the busboys. She hadn’t been happy about the change in her schedule. Especially when she hadn’t picked up the majority of Veronica’s hours. She believed she was entitled to those. She begged and pleaded with Jack to tell her who hadstolenthem from her and all but accused Janelle. Pam went as far as to demand to see the new schedule, but Jack had told her that she would have to take that up with Phoenix and his brothers.
So far, all three of them had dodged the question through the breakfast rush while they sorted out the footage.
“Is Janelle coming to the restaurant?” Nelson asked.
“She doesn’t feel comfortable driving my truck, so I asked Dad to pick her up,” Phoenix said. “The only thing she knows right now is that there is a problem and we need her here.”
“Have you called Jared?” Maverick rested his ass against the desk.
“No. I contacted Stacey. I thought a female state trooper might be less threatening to both women. She’s in the parking lot. I asked her not to come up until after I had a chance to speak with Janelle.”
“What if Janelle doesn’t want to pursue anything?” Maverick asked.
“We’re still firing Pam over this. We can’t have employees bullying co-workers.” Phoenix let out a long breath. “Not only is that behavior childish, but it’s unacceptable.”
“Agreed,” Nelson said.
“Dad texted. They just pulled in. I need to let Jack know so he can keep Pam in the kitchen while Janelle comes up here.”
“That’s a good plan,” Nelson said.
