Page 6 of Her True Blue
“Wow,” I chuckle out loud. “You’re either quite the animal lover or just a sucker for a cute face.”
Her eyes land on my mouth, eyelashes batting against her cheeks, which flush with a cotton-candy pink blush.
Jordana chews at her bottom lip. An action and image that proves to be difficult to get rid of in the hours ahead, all the subsequent thoughts of what I could do with that mouth of hers. Those generous and supple lips, with their satin finish and glossy texture.
I clear my throat and she cocks her head to the side.
“I’m definitely a sucker, that’s for sure. I can’t help myself. I have a soft spot for those eyes that look at me like I can do no wrong. So different than most humans I know.”
A puppy bark grabs our attention, as we both look down at the pen where the little runt is being dog-piled by his siblings, all three times bigger than him.
“I guess there’s bullies in every living form,” I note, recognizing the concern in her comment, leaving me to wonder what happened in her past to make her think that way. And if it has anything to do with the man currently jailed up in Denver. “But luckily, there’s always someone that will have your back, too.”
I point out the female alpha in the pen, who quickly overpowers the male alpha in the bunch, diverting his attention from the little brown runt.
“Hey, by the way,” I stammer, like I’ve never asked a woman out on a date before. “I was wondering if you’d be interested, that is, if you don’t already have plans with anyone else, if you would like to attend the carnival and fireworks with me tonight? I’m off duty at five, and since you’re new to town, I thought I’d provide my expert tour guide services for you.”
Jordana looks between me and the puppies, as if deciding whether my offer is worth her time or consideration.
The smile that finally washes over her face is brighter than the flash of rockets on a clear July 4thnight. And it sets off a blast of fireworks of their own in my belly.
“I’d love to. Otherwise, I’d probably just be home with the kids.”
“Kids?” I ask reflexively. I didn’t realize she had children.
She giggles sweetly, gesturing toward the animals. “Yes, you know, the animal farm I have at home. They make my dating life non-existent.”
“Well, hopefully we can fix that.” I wink and head off to finish my rounds.
Jordana
The datewith Cord is unexpected and completely out of the blue, taking me by surprise and leaving me conflicted as to what to do about it.
He’s a cop and I’m running from my criminal ex-boyfriend.
There’s no doubt we share some crazy chemistry. Even yesterday after the robbery while I was in a dazed and confused state of mind, Cord made me feel something I can’t even describe.
Secure.
Safe.
Protected.
I stare into my closet before choosing the floral pink and yellow strapless sundress and a pair of wedge sandals. The weather today was perfect, the sun hot with minimal clouds, and tonight should be just as great. After feeding the animals I let Bella, my rescue pit-bull, out into the backyard to do her business. Since bringing her home, I’ve not had one bad or sleepless night. She sleeps at the end of my bed, guarding me against any and all harm that could befall me. Fear of being found.
Those fears are real when you have an abusive and deranged ex-boyfriend who at any moment could be freed from prison and track you down. Compromising everything you’ve ever worked for.
The nightmares have started up again, though, after the robbery yesterday. I know the man that robbed me wasn’t Trever, but the fact that he knew my name, leads me to believe there must be some connection. Or maybe there isn’t and it’s just someone who looked up my information in the town directory or bank website.
Either way, I told the FBI the truth about the man, including the description of his characteristics and features. What I didn’t mention, however, was what the man said right before he left the bank. His promise to come to my home and violate and kill me. Yeah, that’s exactly what nightmares are made of.
My hands tremble as I open the back door of my cottage home to let Bella back inside, handing her a treat from her treat can.
“Good girl, Bella. You watch the house while I’m gone tonight, okay? You do your job and you’ll get extra belly rubs when I get home.”
Her sweet pink nose nudges at my hand in appreciation for the treat as I rub her clipped ears the way she likes. Someone had used her for dog fights before she was rescued, and her sweet ears are a gnarled, chewed-up mess. Poor girl. I look exactly the same, only on the inside, where it’s hidden from others. Scarred and marred from an abusive past.
Cord wasn’t kidding when he said there are bullies in every breed, but mostly in my experience, it’s only humans who use their cruel ugliness to hurt others.
