Absolute Trust - Jeana E. Mann Page 0,65
pain in his expression brings tears to my eyes.
“Good.” Taking my face between his palms, he gives me a long kiss. The glide of his tongue through my mouth tingles all the way down to my toes. He deepens the kiss, pressing his lips against mine, like he’s trying to absorb me. The desperation in his touch stirs my emotions, leaving me breathless and wanting more. He runs the tip of his nose along mine. “I have some things to take care of at the warehouse today. I’ll be late getting home.”
“Okay.” I’m still dizzy and bewildered from the passion of his kiss. “I’m meeting Loretta this afternoon.”
“Take Gage with you.” The intensity in his stare burns through me.
I roll my eyes. “Like I have a choice. He doesn’t even let me go to the convenience store alone.”
“Good. Gage can always be trusted. If you need anything—anything at all—you let him know.” His expression hardens. “I mean it, Jag.”
“All right.”
He clears his throat and stands, giving me one last long look before leaving. I watch him disappear through the door, feeling unsettled.
Loretta sits on a wood bench beneath the spreading branches of a willow tree. The crisp fall air ruffles the messy bun piled on top of her head. A touch of sunburn glows on her nose. She smiles as I slide into the seat next to her. “Good afternoon, Jagger.”
In the grass at our feet, I drop the tote full of cash next to her identical one. “You too, Loretta.”
We fall silent while a jogger passes on the trail in front of us. The park bustles with activity. Children shriek and giggle on the playground equipment. Mothers with strollers and diaper bags chat as they watch their kids dart around the green lawn. Loretta’s wearing a casual, flowered dress with a pretty pink sweater around her shoulders. I’m dressed in jeans, tennis shoes, and a sweater. We probably look like normal suburban friends enjoying the great weather instead of successful jewel thieves.
“This is it for a while,” I say. “We had a fire at our store and lost everything. It’s going to be a few weeks before I’m up and running again.”
“Oh, gosh. I’m so sorry.” A little blonde girl with pigtails skips up to us for a sip from Loretta’s water bottle then races back to her siblings on the monkey bars. “Ray, stop pushing your brother,” Loretta shouts to one of her boys before turning back to me. “Was anyone hurt?”
“No. We’re all good.” I don’t want to go into the story again. After rehashing the details of the blaze to multiple people during the past weeks, I’m ready to move on with my life. “It’s just put a crimp in my business.”
“Okay. Not a problem. Actually, I’d like to take the kids somewhere nice for a few days. The beach or something.” She tucks her hair behind her ear, her gaze focused on the four towheaded kids in front of us. “The divorce has been hell on them.”
“Have you reached a settlement yet?”
“Yes, thanks to your friend.” Her smile widens even more. Cash used his resources to put the fear of God into Loretta’s ex. Apparently, the high-powered attorney had an affinity for prostitutes. A few scandalous photos tipped the tables in Loretta’s favor. “He signed over everything to us. Even his Porsche. When his girlfriend found out, she left him.”
“What comes around, goes around.” A fly buzzes around my ear. I wave a hand to shoo it off. “I’m glad it worked out.”
Loretta exhales a sigh of mingled relief and exhilaration. “You have no idea how much better I feel. If I can repay the favor, please let me know.”
“Seeing your smile is repayment enough.” Although we aren’t close, I’ve grown to like Loretta and look forward to our monthly chats.
“I emailed pictures of the jewelry pieces for our next mark. Just let me know when you’re ready to move on them.”
“Sounds good. I’ll be in touch, okay?” I shoulder the strap of the tote. Loretta walks away to attend to her children. I flatten a hand over my eyes against the bright sun and scan the street for Gage. The Escalade is parked across the street, but the driver’s seat is empty. He must’ve stepped into the coffee shop for an espresso. The man has a serious addiction to caffeine.
I cross the grassy field, heading in the direction of the vehicle. My thoughts are consumed with Cash and Loretta, the arson of my building,