Absolute Trust - Jeana E. Mann Page 0,3
buff chest. She slides a plate of pancakes toward him. His bicep flexes as he forks three onto his plate. “Girl, you’re going to be the death of me with all these sweets.”
“You’ll be fine.” By the light in her eyes, I can tell she really likes this guy. I’m happy for her. After the many problems with her ex-husband, she deserves a good man. She smiles, a flush coloring her fair cheeks, and places the butter dish on the counter. “A few pancakes won’t ruin your abs.”
“Looks like I’ll be running an extra mile today.” His gaze dips to her mouth. “Unless you want to help me work it off later.”
I hesitate at the doorway, unwilling to intrude on their moment. Although he seems to care for her, I can’t help worrying that she’s moving too fast. Tony rounds the island to take her in his arms and plant a kiss on her forehead. Em’s gaze reaches mine over the top of Tony’s shoulder.
Did you ask him? I mouth the words in silence.
No, she mouths back. Aloud, she announces my presence. “Morning, Jag. You’re up early. I made pancakes. Want some?”
“I’m good. Thanks.” I cover my mouth with a hand to hide my yawn.
“You look tired.” Em searches my face.
“I didn’t sleep very well. Stress, I think.” Nightmares of Kyle gave me a fitful night. Dreams of Kyle pushing me down the stairs, and the sickening sensation of falling into a bottomless abyss. I shudder and tighten the belt of my robe around my waist.
“Morning, Jagger.” Good humor glows on Tony’s clean shaved face. “Are you sure you don’t want some? I’ll never be able to eat all this food.” With a plate in his hand, he slides onto a barstool.
“Yeah, I’m sure. Carbs go straight to my ass.” Weight control has always been an issue for me. They smell great though.” My mouth waters to prove the statement.
Em perches on the stool next to Tony and nibbles on a piece of toast. They make a good-looking couple. A twinge of envy tweaks my composure. I want that for myself, but at this rate—I’m going to die alone. In prison.
“You should go for a run with us. Nothing burns fat like jogging. Not that you need it.” His gaze bounces between us, catching Em’s intense stare at me. “Did I miss something? You guys are acting weird.”
“No. We’re fine.” I drag my palms over my thighs. Em sucks her bottom lip between her teeth and looks away. Judging by the wrinkles on her forehead, the secrecy is killing her. “We had a tiny disagreement yesterday.”
“Yep. No biggie.” Em waves a hand through the air then rolls her eyes at me the second he glances away.
“That’s some car you’ve got in the driveway.” He speaks between mouthfuls of food, pausing to drag each bite through the thick syrup. “Where does a girl like you get something like that?”
“Her boyfriend bought it for her.” Em blurts out the statement, causing me to flinch. She presses a hand to her lips, horrified by her word vomit.
While Tony glances down at his plate, I scowl. What the fuck? I ask silently. She grimaces in apology. Aloud, I say, “He’s not my boyfriend.” The idea of Cash as my boyfriend brings a flash of heat to my face. God help me. I’d be a liar if I denied the notion crosses my mind now and then.
Em narrows her eyes. “He bought you a freaking classic car. If that’s not the definition of a boyfriend, then I don’t know what is.” Her disapproving tone tells me everything I need to know about her opinion of the gift, leading me to wonder if she actually wants Tony to find out so I’ll give up this craziness with Cash.
“Hold up. He bought you a car? That car?” Tony lets out a low whistle. “Damn, girl. I saw one of those go for over a hundred and fifty grand at an auction on TV. Sounds like he’s your boyfriend to me, too.”
“Well, he’s not.” In need of a moment to regain my composure, I turn my back to pour a cup of coffee. The car has been the least of my worries, but Tony’s remark brings the error in my thinking to light. People are going to have questions about a common gemologist owning an expensive classic car. If I’m going to keep it, I need to come up with a plausible explanation.
Tony shrugs. “He must really like