General Joe (Magnolia Ridge #2) - Alexa Riley Page 0,4
worked up.” My words are jealous and I hate each one of them.
“I’ve been this hard since you sent me that first letter, and you know it,” he growls.
From the sound of his voice I can’t tell if he’s mad or not.
“Well, that must be uncomfortable. I sent that first one a while ago.”
Joe’s lips twitch and I try to fight the blush creeping up my neck, but it’s impossible. That first letter was mild in comparison to the ones I sent after; each one was bolder than the last.
“Still a brat, I see.”
“A brat would mean I’m still a child.”
“No, I think you can be a brat at any age.”
“Can we get up?” My eyes sting with tears, but luckily I can hold those back.
He stares down at me for a moment and I think he doesn't want to do it, but eventually he lets out a deep breath and shifts off of me. He pulls me to my feet with him and I fall into his arms. My hands land on his chest and I swear every time I see him he gets bigger. I can’t stop myself from rubbing my fingers across his wide muscles.
“I missed you,” I breathe out.
“I missed you too.” His arms tighten around me.
He didn't miss me enough to say goodbye the last time he left. No one ever says goodbye. “I couldn't tell.”
His jaw goes tight. Why is he the mad one? I didn't up and disappear on him. I’ve been here the whole time.
“You know I had to go.”
“No, I didn't.” I shake my head. “You willingly left. You made your choices.” I can’t keep the hurt from my words, but this time I’m not running, I’m pushing.
I let out a small scream when my feet leave the ground and his mouth comes down on mine. My fingers dig into his shirt and I’m in shock for a moment before I realize what’s happening.
He kissed me. My first kiss.
“Open your mouth,” he orders, and I do.
His tongue sweeps in as he takes the kiss he demanded. I whimper when his cock digs into me and he pulls back too soon. I slide down his body until my feet hit the ground and now my mouth feels swollen. I don’t think I kissed him back at all—he just took what he wanted.
His arms drop from around me as he steps back. “Even sweeter than I thought you’d be.” His tongue comes out and grazes his bottom lip. “You better run faster, Bunny, if you think you can get away from me.”
Excitement bubbles up inside of me before I turn and take off on a dead run. I have no idea where I’m going, but this time I’m the one that leaves without saying goodbye.
Chapter Three
Joe
I pull up outside of Twice Read Tales as I see Kayla rush through the doors. It’s almost like she can feel me hot on her heels and she’s right.
After last night and kissing her, I didn’t sleep a wink. I made sure she got home safe and I let her have the night alone. It’s going to be her last night alone if I’ve got anything to say about it.
The first thing I did when I got back into town was buy that old farmhouse she loved outside of town. The one that backed up to the pond with the big oak trees and wraparound porch. I remember going out there with her several times when it used to be owned by her great aunt. After she retired and moved to Florida it sat vacant and needed some work. I’ve been having people fix it up for me for the past couple of years, knowing one day I’d want to gift it to her. But after everything that’s happened since the last time I left, the only thing I’ve imagined in that house is the family I’m going to make with Kayla.
The house is ready and so am I. It’s time to bring my girl home and start that family I know we’re both desperate for. When she was a kid she talked non-stop about having ten kids, and now I vow to give her every single one of them.
I jump out of my truck and go across the street and into the shop. There’s a chime on the door that sounds like a security system, and I’m happy to know at least she’s safe in here.
“Can I help you?” I recognize the brunette behind the counter