Page 43 of Love Unbound
“I can’t even handle how stupid you are sometimes,” Roxy muttered in a derisive laugh. “You’re just looking for an excuse to run again. If you fuck this up, I’ll kick your ass myself. Just see where it goes, Free. Don’t you think you deserve that after all this time?”
Free hated admitting that she was right, as usual. He was thoroughly enjoying Jodi’s company, spending time with her was as easy as breathing. It was comfortable. He’d wanted this for as long as he could remember. Free had spent the majority of his adult life running from any kind of commitment, contentto keep his feelings for Jodi to himself, buried in a dark corner. Now, his feelings for her had not only surfaced, but deepened in the last week, which terrified him, if he were being completely honest with himself. He felt at home for the first time in almost a decade. His impending departure in a matter of weeks hung like storm clouds in the distance, rolling closer each day.
He didn’t want to leave, didn’t want to leave Jodi.Couldhe stay?
Clearing his throat from the uncomfortable knot that had lodged there, he changed subjects and asked, “How are things there?”
“Meh, it’s alright. Neal showed up at work. He didn’t come in, just stood in the parking lot, and left before the police showed up. Bobby has come by every morning and evening to make sure everything is okay,” Roxy said dismissively, though Free could tell there was a hint of trepidation in her voice. “It’ll be fine, don’t worry.”
“Just be careful, please,” Free said gently.
“Yeah, yeah,” Roxy muttered. “Everybody is watching out for me. I’ll be okay.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Free repeated, then, “I gotta run, Red. I need to get to Shane’s to take care of the farm.”
“Okay, I’ll talk to you later,” Roxy said softly. “Tell her you love her, see what happens then.”
Chapter 32
Kit and Tess were waiting for her when Jodi showed up at the shop, carrying the bags of baked goods and the usual tray of coffee and tea drinks for their Monday morning get together.
Tessa came around the corner of the counter as soon as Jodi had let herself into the building, nearly jumping up and down in excitement. Her shoulder length blonde hair bounced as she came toward Jodi, taking the bag of baked goods from her hands.
“I’m sorry I’m late,” Jodi laughed contritely, and Tessa shushed her quickly.
“I don’t even care, I just want to know what happened with Mr. Sexy Cowboy!” Tess gushed, setting the bags down on the counter. Kit took the tray of drinks and passed them out, tossing the cardboard tray into the recycling behind the counter. “I wouldn’t have blamed you if you didn’t come in today!”
Jodi laughed, remembering the conversation with Free before leaving the house and blushing, which only made Tess and Kit giggle louder.
Kit’s honey brown eyes danced mischievously. “You didn’t want to leave the house today, did you?”
Jodi blushed darker, if that were possible, making Kit laugh. Stepping behind the counter and taking a drink of her iced coffee, she admitted with a smile, “Not even a little bit.”
“Is he positively yummy in bed?” Tess asked, and Jodi gasped out an astonished laugh.
“I’m not answering that,” Jodi laughed, blushing furiouslyagain.
Tessa and Kit shared a look, and Tess said, “I’ll take that as a yes.”
“Would you two stop!” Jodi exclaimed on another laugh, clapping her hands to her flaming cheeks.
“Is that a hickey?” Kit asked, pointing to one spot just above Jodi’s collarbone.
Jodi gasped, running to the nearest mirror to check. Sure enough, a slight discoloration marred her skin. She flushed again, remembering exactly when he’d left that love mark on her. She also knew of several others he’d left in places for his eyes only. Adjusting her shirt to hide the mark, she blushed again. She wasn’t sure when she’d blushed so much in her adult life!
Kit smiled and said softly, “I’m just happy to see you happy, Jodi. You deserve it.”
Jodi smiled in return. “Thank you. It still doesn’t seem real.”
Kit took a drink of her coffee, then checked the watch on her wrist. “Oh, I’ve got to run. I’ll see you girls later this week!”
As Kit took her leave, Jodi and Tessa moved around the shop, setting out that week’s new arrivals, putting together the dessert display, and preparing a large pot of coffee to brew.
At nine o’clock, Tessa turned on the lighted open sign in the window and unlocked the door. They chatted throughout the morning, until Tessa took her leave at one o’clock, as it was her turn for an early afternoon. It was a busy day, and before Jodi knew it, it was nearly six. Closing the shop just after six, Jodi made sure everything was ready for Tess in the morning before walking out and locking the shop behind her.
Feeling giddy, she walked briskly around the short block to the back parking lot to her Jeep, climbing in and starting it. She drove home, eager to see Free again. Pulling into the driveway, she felt butterflies take flight in her belly seeing his truck parkedin front of her house.
She climbed out and headed up the steps of the porch, opening the front screen door and walking inside. It smelled heavenly. Country music played from the Bluetooth speaker she had in the kitchen, and she could hear Free singing along. When she rounded the corner of the living room into the kitchen, Free spotted her. He beamed a smile and set down the spoon he was using to stir some kind of red sauce, coming toward her.
