Page 9 of In Their Hearts
“Living room is this way, and we can get you settled. I’m sure you’d like to be off your feet for a bit.”
Jolee limps down the short hallway to the living room. She settles on the oversized chair. I hide my smile. She’s trying hard for some space, which is a challenge when there are two of us. I sit on the couch, the end that is closest to her. I just met her, I’m not ready to leave her. I have so many questions, but I don’t want to overwhelm her. It might be too late for that already, after watching us kiss.
“Again, I can go home. This is ridiculous, really. I have a space heater and can call someone to fix it quicker. My apartment isn’t that roomy.”
I raise my eyebrows at her. I know the few men in this town who do heating and cooling units; they are swamped. There’s no faster way unless you pay at least twice as much for someone in another town.
“Like calling your boyfriend? Or someone who’s going to charge you triple?”
Her posture straightens. “I don’t have a boyfriend.” She shoots back. “And I’m not in the market for one.” She attempts to turn away, but her giant boot gets in the way. I can see the annoyance written all over her face.
God, she’s cute, and I’m seeing for myself how deep her stubborn streak goes. I can work with that.
But I wonder what has her guard up so high, and I’m starting to understand what Clay has been working with. What’s been driving his fierce need to protect her.
“Good to know. When’s the last time you had a man in your bed, Jolee?” I really shouldn’t push, but call me interested.
Without hesitation or looking at me, she says, “Eight years.”
And she’s dead serious.
Well, fuck me. There’s so much she’s not saying. I decide to move on to safer topics as I don’t want her to shut down. This seems like progress.
“Where do you work?”
She relaxes and is probably thankful that I didn’t question that topic further.
“I work at Platinum Pleasures. I’m Star’s personal assistant. I really have enjoyed working for her. Keeps me busy and I’m pretty much the one in charge, but don’t tell her that.” Giving me a hint of a smile.
“I have a feeling she already knows that. I’m assuming you aren’t back to work yet, though?”
“No.” Jo pauses and takes a deep breath. “I’m not sure I’ll ever be ready to go back. It’s not the job, but how this happened.” She points to her foot. “I know it’s not her fault, but I don’t know…”
“I’m sorry that you were caught up in that and became used as a pawn. Makes me sick, but I’m happy to hear he’s behind bars.”
“Me too.”
There’s another long pause. I want to get to know her, but I know she needs rest, too.
“How about I put a movie on? It might be a nice distraction?” That seems to perk her back up.
“I can’t even remember the last time I watched a movie. Usually consumed by work, then crash in bed.”
“Then you’re overdue. Besides, you’re supposed to be resting so that your foot can heal. Clay gave me the impression you haven’t been doing a lot of that.”
She rolls her eyes as I search for a movie. Something light and funny.
Barely fifteen minutes into The Hangover, and she’s asleep. She needs to rest. I get up and cover her with a light blanket.
Sigh.
Now, time to see what Clay’s been up to.
6
Clay
I need a shower—and a moment—to calm down after this morning. She gets my blood going like no one else.
