Total pages in book: 115
Estimated words: 108531 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 543(@200wpm)___ 434(@250wpm)___ 362(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108531 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 543(@200wpm)___ 434(@250wpm)___ 362(@300wpm)
His hand went to his pocket as if to guard his phone. “You don’t have my number.”
“Oh, but I bet Quaid does,” she replied. “Imagine it. Every momma and granny with a single daughter will flood your phone. You won’t be able to hook up with a single female because you’ll be surrounded by all the ones who want to marry you. The casseroles sent to your house will be never-ending.”
Paul took a long step back. “You are a monster.”
Jayna followed him out, not caring that there were people on the street all gawking her way like they’d never seen a lawyer in PJs threatening one of the town’s scions with the possibility of true love. “I am a woman who has lived off mac and cheese and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for months. My mother still makes tuna casserole and thinks Spam is a breakfast food. Your brother promised me I could buy whatever I want at the grocery store if I could get you to leave, and I want steak. I want shrimp, and I want actual vegetables that didn’t come from a can. I am desperate, so yes, I will rain my vengeance down on your overly coiffed head.”
Paul stared at her like she might attack. “Well, then. Tell Quaid that I’ll talk to him later. I hope you enjoy your steak.”
He turned and practically ran away.
Everyone on the street was staring at her. She nodded to the blond woman with the toddler. “Good morning.”
The woman smiled. “Well, not for Paul it wasn’t. You go, girl. He’s an asshole.” She looked down at the stroller. “Don’t you repeat that. That’s a momma word. Morning, Quaid.”
“Morning, Hallie.”
Jayna turned and Quaid was standing in the doorway, an amused look on his face.
“I take it we’re having steak for dinner tonight,” Quaid said, one hand coming down to pet Luna. “I look forward to it.” His eyes moved above Jayna’s shoulders. “Well, look who it is. I’ll keep breakfast warm for you, Jayna. Good morning, Sienna.”
Jayna turned again and then her heart threatened to seize because her sister was walking down the street in the peacock blue power suit she’d bought the day before. She’d done her hair and makeup and wore her good three-inch heels, the ones she wore when she wanted to impress people.
She ran to her sister, bunny slippers and all, and threw her arms around her. “You came.”
Sienna hugged her tight. “I can do this. I can. Mom is wrong.”
“She is.” Jayna felt tears pool in her eyes as she realized Sienna was serious. “You took off the tags.”
If she’d been hesitant, she would have left those suckers on.
“I’m going to be a paralegal, so I need to look professional,” Sienna said. “Tell me I can do this, Jay.”
Jayna stepped back and put her hands on her sister’s shoulders. “You can do anything you set your mind to, Sienna. Anything, and I will help you. You are not alone.”
Sienna hugged her again. “Thank you. Where do I start? Uhm, and is this the dress code? I was thinking professional, but I might be overdressed. Did you stay here last night? I was worried because you didn’t text me back.”
“I told you I was safe and then I’ll admit I got caught up in a book I was reading. Yeah, I’m staying here, but Quaid is in a separate room so put that out of your mind.” Jayna smiled and wiped away her tears. “I will get dressed and then we’ll have Quaid show you around the office.”
She threaded her arm through her sister’s, ready to start the day.
* * *
• • •
Quaid sat in his office, still thinking about how the morning had gone.
He’d followed Jayna downstairs, ready to deal with his brother when Paul inevitably got through Jayna’s defenses. He wasn’t sure if Paul would charm his way past her or simply walk around her, but he’d known Jayna wouldn’t be able to keep his brother out.
He was wrong. She’d been an immovable wall in pajamas and slippers, her hair all soft and curly. She’d faced down his brother like a Valkyrie wielding small-town meddling as her sword.
There might not be any way to protect himself now. He had it bad for that woman.
She was both a distraction and a much-needed help.
He glanced out the open door of his office and watched Jayna handing a file to her sister, who seemed both nervous and eager. Sienna was starting to get a handle on the phone, and she was already a pro with the coffeemaker. Between the two women, he was fully caffeinated and ready to work.
If only he could focus on the file in front of him. He was due in court in a few days, where he would be facing off against the wiliest opponent he’d had in forever and all he could think about was kissing her again.