Targeted Risk (R.I.S.C. #7) - Anna Blakely Page 0,34

door snick closed behind her.

“What’s going on?” She spun on her heels, crossing her arms at her chest and waiting for his answer.

His chocolate eyes stared into hers. “I told you. It’s work.”

“I thought you said you worked for a security company.”

“I do.”

“It’s Sunday, Jay,” she pointed out. “What business could you possibly have to do on a Sunday?”

Swallowing, his gaze didn’t waiver from hers. “Never said it was a Monday through Friday gig, Jules. Plus, I’ve been off the last several days, or haven’t you noticed?”

Oh, she’d noticed, all right. And she’d enjoyed every single minute with him. But that wasn’t the point.

“I thought you brought me here so you could protect me. You said I’d be safer here than in Houston.”

“I did. And you are.” Jay covered the distance between them in three long strides. “This wasn’t planned, and I’m not thrilled about having to leave you here, but it’s something I have to do.”

Mulling over the unexpected situation in her head, Juliet remained quiet. Picking up on her obvious apprehension, Jay rested his hands on her shoulders and gave them a gentle squeeze.

“Derek’s not just a co-worker, Juliet.” He shared a bit more about the other man. “He’s my friend, and I trust him with my life.” Jay cupped one side of her face. His thumb caressing the skin there as his eyes locked with hers. “More importantly, I trust him with your life.”

She bit her bottom lip nervously. “Promise you’ll be back tonight?”

Jay leaned inward, his kiss releasing the delicate skin that had been caught between her teeth. “I promise,” he whispered solemnly.

“Okay.” Juliet nodded in agreement. Not that she really had much choice in the matter.

One corner of his perfect mouth rose. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“Trusting me.” His deep voice seemed to fill her soul.

Lifting onto the balls of her feet, Juliet pressed her lips to his. “I do trust you, Jay. I know it doesn’t seem like it since I lied to you before about Schreiber talking to me. I still feel like an ass for not telling you sooner.”

“Why didn’t you?” There was no bitterness in his question, only genuine curiosity.

She shook her head and shrugged. “I don’t know. Knee-jerk reaction from not knowing who I can trust, maybe?” And now that you’re back, and we’re...us again...I don’t want there to be any secrets between us. I saw what that sort of thing did to my parents, and I don’t want us to have that kind of relationship.”

The truth was, he was the only person she’d ever really trusted. Which was crazy, since she’d only known him a relatively short while before everything went to hell.

Still, from that first moment when her brother had introduced them, Juliet somehow knew. It was as if she’d been waiting for him her entire life...and then, she’d lost him.

He’s here, now, Jules.

Something strange flashed behind Jay’s eyes, and he looked as if he wanted to say something. She didn’t give him the chance.

Instead, Juliet wrapped her arms around his neck and went in for another kiss. This one was deeper. More meaningful, somehow.

Because you love him.

The tiny voice was right. She may not be ready to say the words, yet, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t still show him. Make him feel just how much he meant to her.

Much too soon, however, Jay began to pull away. When she groaned in protest, his chest vibrated against hers with his soft laughter.

“As much as I hate leaving you...”

“Then, don’t,” she blurted desperately, then mentally chastised herself. Juliet did a lot of things, but desperation was not typically one of them.

“I have to.”

“Fine.” She pretended to pout. “At least promise me you’ll be careful.”

A corner of Jay’s mouth lifted into a sexy half-smile. “I promise.”

Relieved, she drew in a breath and gave him a playful push. “Then, go on. The faster you leave, the faster you’ll be back.”

“I like the way you think.” His mouth curved into a sexy grin. “Want me to wake you up when I get home.”

Her insides tingled. “You’d better.”

A tiny squeal escaped the back of Juliet’s throat when he snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her to him. She was about to ask what he was doing when his mouth slammed against hers. When Jay pulled away, Juliet was fighting to catch her breath.

Kissing the tip of her nose and then rested his forehead against hers. “I’ll be back before you know it.”

“Be careful, Jay.”

“Always.”

After another quick peck, he turned toward the door.