Page 42 of A Soldier's Destiny
Chapter 15
It had been non-stop since they’d opened. The line seemed extra-long, or maybe it was just that she was dragging from lack of sleep. But oh man, was it worth it. Rori didn’t think anything could knock the smile off her face. She was sure everyone who saw her could tell she had sex, but she didn’t care. Jasper had moves she didn’t know existed. Sneaking a glance at him as he waited on customers, she couldn’t believe how they’d spent the night. They’d made love in more ways than she’d known were possible, and the soreness between her legs reminded her just how much he’d taught her. She’d thought his six-pack was something, but holy crow when his jeans came off she wasn’t sure he’d fit. He was built like one of the heroes in her novels, except he was real.
The two of them were running on caffeine and the high from an amazing night of sex, but now that the day was over she was feeling it. Thank God she’d finished the wedding cake yesterday.
“Okay, that was the last customer. I locked up the front. What’s next? The usual?”
“First up is delivering the cake, it needs to be there by four. I don’t want to hold up the reception, these people aren’t getting any younger.”
Jasper snorted. Oh my God, it was so snarky. One night of mind-blowing sex and she was a new woman. She liked this version of herself. Hopefully, she hadn’t shocked him too much.
“I can’t believe you just said that.”
“I can be horrible at times. But I try to behave around other people.”
“I like this feisty version of you. I’ll have to keep you up all night screaming my name more often.”
“I guess we’ll have to see. Can you back the van up to the rear door? It’ll be easier if we don’t have to carry it too far.”
“Will do. But I’ll carry the cake. You stay inside until I come back in, okay? I want to be able to keep an eye on you.”
“I think you’re over-reacting. Nothing happened all day.”
“Yeah well, we haven’t been outside since four a.m. either.”
While he went to move the van, she rinsed out the coffee urns and packed up some more macarons for their picnic. He’d won the bet and dinner would be a picnic on the beach.
“The van is as close to the door as I can get it. Ready?”
“Yeah. But be careful with that. I can’t whip up a new one.”
“Don’t worry.” Jasper picked up the huge cake and she followed him outside and watched as he carefully put it into the built-in box she’d had custom made. After he closed the doors they got into the van. He’d wanted to drive, but she insisted it was easier for her since she knew where they were going. Thankfully he’d given in.
Taking the turn from the parking lot onto Main Street was a slow process, but Rori wasn’t going to take any chances with the cake. Then not even two seconds later, as soon as the van was out of the parking lot, Jasper yelled, “stop.” She hit the brake pedal, but nothing happened. They didn’t slow down, didn’t stop, the van just kept going.
“There’s something wrong. It won’t stop.” Thank God it was too early for rush hour, even in Willow Haven when it hit five p.m. there were a lot of cars on Main Street. Then she remembered the traffic light about a mile up the road. Panic churned in her stomach. Breaking out in a cold sweat, she was about to freak out. What if she hit someone? “What do I do about the light?”
“It’s okay, Angel. Just hold on and listen to my voice. We’re going to turn, and when I say turn, don’t think just do it. Okay?” His hand covered hers on the steering wheel, and his calm helped ease some of her panic. Poor Mrs. Evanston was never going to have her wedding cake. “Rori, concentrate. I swear you’re going to be okay. Just focus on my voice and do what I ask.”
“Okay. I’m trying.”
“I know, and you’re doing a great job. Just hold on for a little longer. I’m going to pull the emergency brake. The van should slow down, but it might pull to one side. Are you ready?”
“I think so.”
“Okay, hold on. I’m engaging the brake now.” Rori held onto the steering wheel for dear life as the van jerked to the right. It slowed but didn’t stop.
“It didn’t work. Now what? What are we going to do?”
“Easy, Angel.” She was afraid to look away from the road, terrified someone would step into the street and she’d hit them. She’d just had the van checked a week ago and everything was fine. How could this be happening?
“It was done deliberately.”
“What?” She hadn’t realized she’d spoken out loud, but he confirmed the thought that was running through her head. Who could hate her so much that they were trying to kill her?
“Stay calm, watch the road. Do you trust me?”
“Yes, of course.”
