Page 71 of Still Afraid

“Maybe you should answer it. This isn’t prudent behavior anyway.”

He lowered himself back down to her and gave her a quick passionate kiss before lifting himself off of the bed and striding to the door. Whoever it was better not need much attention. She was right that they weren’t being wise, and he’d resist the desire to go back in the bedroom with her, but …

He took a deep breath before nudging Poirot away from the door and opening it.

Josh wasn’t ready for who was on the other side. “Breana.”

He wanted to bark like Poirot and ask her what she was doing here. Though his self-control felt non-existent, he managed to muster some.

“Hey, Josh.”

He didn’t know what to say. He didn’t want to give her an in to manipulate him into doing anything for her. Her showing up was highly inappropriate, but he didn’t want to be rude.

“What brings you by?” And how did you know where I lived? Why would you come here? Thankfully, he kept the last two questions to himself.

Poirot nudged around the door and growled deep in his throat.

“Don’t mind Poirot.”

“I wanted to see you.”

What was she after?

“Can I come in and talk to you?”

“I’m sorry, but no. Especially now that you’ve visited me as a patient, I can’t have you inside my house.”

“What, you don’t see other friends?”

“We aren’t friends, Breana. I met you once in order to arrange details for a venue for my wedding.”

She stepped closer and opened the screen door. “I know, but—“

Chloe came up beside Josh and tucked herself under the arm holding the door. “Who is it?” She stiffened. “Breana.”

“Oh.” Breana somehow sounded shocked to see Chloe.

“Are you really surprised my soon-to-be wife is here?”

“I kind of thought maybe you had called it off since you haven’t rescheduled your wedding.”

Chloe let out a dry laugh. “Rescheduled? Why would we do that? We found a different location. We have family coming in already. Everything is set. I’m sorry we can’t get married at your venue now, but we aren’t putting off our wedding because of a tornado.”

Josh let go of the door and lowered his hand to Chloe’s shoulder, holding his trembling fiancée close. “I’m sorry, Breana, but if you don’t have a specific thing we can assist you with, I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to leave.” He was done being polite. If this woman was going to cause Chloe distress, he’d literally kick her if necessary.

Chloe could feel Josh growing agitated with Breana. Yet somehow he stayed a perfect gentleman. Maybe becoming a little more blunt but still kind.

Breana pushed anyway. “Seriously, Josh. I think that tornado was an omen you should take seriously. It ruined your wedding, but it brought us together. You can’t deny fate. You two don’t belong together … but us? We have the chance at a beautiful future.”

“No. You can leave now. And if you don’t, I’ll call the cops.”

That was harsher than Chloe expected, but when Josh reached his done point there was no playing around any longer.

“Fine.” Breana slammed the screen door and stormed back to her car.

Chloe’s lungs loosened, and she wrapped her arms around Josh’s waist as he pulled her into a hug.

“Are you okay?”