Page 64 of Broken
Craning to look at him, Ethan smiled, then he slipped his thumb back into his mouth and laid against Prescott.
In that moment, Prescott knew he could never send this child away. If he did, it would be the worst thing he could ever do.
Time to man up and do the right thing.
* * *
Jacqueline
A Secret Serviceagent drove Jacqueline home, where she left her packed suitcase, drove to work, and struggled to focus on her projects. Her thoughts kept drifting to Prescott. Why would Z pair her with him? Why him? Why continue to punish her for something that happened months ago?
Jacqueline could help Z from her desk in the Bay area. There was absolutely no reason for her to have to partner with Armstrong in order to do her damn job.
As the afternoon ticked on, she was surprised Z hadn’t called her to demand she get her ass on that plane.
Her supervisor passed her cubicle, then reappeared. “I thought you were flying to DC. What happened?”
“Change of plans.”
“Everything okay?”
“Oh, sure,” Jacqueline lied. “It’s all biz as usual.”
It was after six when she headed out, stopping at the gym. Over an hour later, she grabbed carry-out from her favorite seafood restaurant. Her stomach had been growling during her entire workout, and she couldn’t wait to enjoy her dinner with a glass of sauvignon blanc.
Feeling like a pack mule, she entered her apartment building, her computer bag, gym bag, and handbag slung over her shoulders, her take-out bag clutched in her hand.
Like the other day, Jeff waited on a sofa, head down on his phone. Anger slammed through her. She wanted to scream.
How is he not getting the message?She’d never pinned him for a stalker, but he was fast becoming one.
He glanced up, did a double take, and his face split into a grin. “Finally! I was beginning to wonder if you’d left town.” He glanced at her take-out bag. “I’m starving. God, I hope you bought enough to share.”
She glared at him. “How did you get in?”
“I walked in with one of your neighbors, like, three hours ago.” Jeff stood. “Not complaining. You’re definitely worth it.”
A tenant said hello on her way to the elevator.
Jacqueline set down the bags, fished out her cell phone. “I’m calling the police if you don’t leavenow, then I’m getting a restraining order. I broke up with you. How are you not getting—”
“Jack, everything okay?”
She whipped her head in the direction of the very familiar—and extremely sexy—baritone.Ohmygod, it’s Mac.
Her heart started thumping hard and fast in her chest, their gazes locked on each other.
“Yo, dude, who you calling Jack?” Jeff asked.
Jacqueline regarded the small child in Mac’s arms. When she locked eyes with him, the little one smiled at her.
He’s adorable.
“Who’s this cutie?” she asked.
“My nephew.”
It was thrilling to see Mac standing there, the intensity of his fiery gaze sending ripple after ripple of excitement thrumming through her. Then, reality jumped to the forefront and the excitement turned to exasperation. Herformerlover was someone she despised with a passion.
