know the rhythm of the forest. If something seems off, it probably is. Don’t second-guess yourself.”
“You’re scaring me.”
“Good. If you’re a little afraid, you won’t take chances. Someone is out to hurt you. I don’t want to see that happen.”
“Me either.”
“Woman, you have the sexiest damn underwear. I don’t know whether to be pleased I get to see you in it or jealous about who you bought them for.”
“I bought them for me. Most of my clothes I get on consignment, so when I buy something new for myself, I make sure it’s something I really like. Something that makes me feel pretty.”
“Trust me, it works. Come on, if you don’t get covered up soon, I’ll never get to work.”
“And would that be such a bad thing?” she teased, using a little extra wiggle as she pulled on her shorts.
“I have a crapload of work to get done today and tomorrow if I want to enjoy my day off. And I plan on enjoying it right here with you. In bed. Taking off those panties that make you feel so pretty and showing you how effective they are.”
Tingles sparkled through her body like her blood was made of soda water. An entire day in bed with J.T.? She might just die from heart failure. But what a way to go!
“Makes me wish I had my car back so I could make a run into Canton and hit Victoria’s Secret.” She looked around for her purse and remembered it was in the truck still. “I guess I’m all set, but speaking of my car, what happened to it?”
“I had it towed to Al’s. He’s going to let me know if he can fix it or if he’ll have to tow it to Canton.”
“Great. Looks like I’ll be without wheels for a while.”
“Then consider me your chauffeur. Your limo awaits.”
She laughed and followed him outside. As she waited for him to open the truck door for her, the hairs on the back of her neck stood up. She had the nervous feeling someone was watching her.
Shaking it off, she climbed in and buckled up. It was probably just her imagination, and even if it wasn’t, they were headed into town anyway. If anyone was watching the house, they’d be watching an empty one.
Nadya was surprised to see Bill’s truck in the driveway when J.T. dropped her off, then she remembered it was Saturday. Wow, one week of vacation and she was already losing track of the days. Of course, a hell of a lot had happened in that one week. She’d found out the identity of her father, reconnected with Mary Ellen, faced down some of the women from her past and fallen back in love with J.T.
Whoa! Back the truck up!
Good sex, great sex even, did not equal love. She needed to keep her head on straight if she wanted to go back to New York relatively heart-whole.
“Keep your cell phone on you, not in your purse. I’ll touch base with you throughout the day and let you know if I’m going to be late. I have to go out of town for a bit this morning, but I should be back sometime this afternoon.”
“I think I’ll survive without you. It’ll be tough, but I’m strong.”
“Smart-ass.”
“You love my smart ass,” she shot back as she unbuckled her seatbelt.
“I surely do.” He pulled her close for a kiss. “Be careful. Keep your phone on. Don’t be afraid to call if something seems off.”
“I’ll be fine. Go, or you’ll be late to work and they’ll blame me.”
He waited until Mary Ellen opened the door and waved to him before he backed out of the driveway. As Nadya watched him pull away, she also saw curtains twitch on either side of the street. The phone lines would be buzzing early today.
“I feel like I should charge admission for the show y’all are putting on just by J.T. dropping you off on my front stoop,” Mary Ellen said as she ushered Nadya inside.
“I’ve seen dead bodies cause less of a stir in New York City.”
“Auntie Nad! Auntie Nad!” Billy ran down the hall and latched onto her legs. “I missed you. Mama said something bad happened to your car and Uncle J.T. was going to take care of you because you were sad. I’m sorry your car got hurt.”
“Lord, child, let her get in the door. And to think, you’re my quiet boy.”
“It’s okay.” Nadya detached him from her legs and squatted down to his