Chapter Thirteen
Girls’ night!
Usually, Roxanne was the one spearheading the gatherings, with every detail planned and coordinated.
Not this time. If not for the reminder on her phone, she would’ve forgotten.
Her time and mind had been preoccupied with Jonah in the last few weeks.
They’d seen each other almost every other day with Jonah abandoning his strict rule of no dates during the week.
Initially, their girls’ night was planned for weeks ago, but when Cassie’s daughter got sick, they moved it.
With their busy lives and responsibilities, scheduling plans and keeping in touch was growing harder.
She’d texted with everyone, but she hadn’t told them about Jonah.
In fact, as far as anyone knew, once Jonah fixed her car, it was the last she’d seen of him.
Emory had called the next day asking how it went.
Roxanne had been vague and hadn’t mentioned their date.
If Emory knew, her whole family would know.
Roxanne wasn’t interested in fielding a barrage of questions and a full-on interrogation from her brothers. She enjoyed being in a romantic bubble with Jonah.
Roxanne popped the top off her beer and took a sip, eyeing her sister-in-law, who was pacing around the kitchen with her phone pressed against her ear.
“Yes, always a pleasure,” Cassie said and immediately hung up.
All the girls seemed concerned with her tone. Not Roxanne. She knew who’d been on the other line. It was hard to have sympathy for Cassie when she’d been in the same hell for the last few months.
“You okay, Cass?” Sadie asked.
“Yeah,” Emory snorted. “That exit seemed anything but pleasurable.”
Cassie sat at the kitchen table and sighed. “Bride from hell.”
Sadie darted her gaze between her and Cassie. Roxanne understood the confusion. It was well known that this was her primary client. Roxanne had bitched about Melody Rollins enough. No one would soon forget.
“I thought you were handling her wedding, Rox?” Sadie asked.
Roxanne folded her arms and smirked. “I am, but she decided that just one of us wasn’t enough, so she’s been calling Cassie when I tell her we can’t do something. It’s like dealing with a child who tries to pit their parents against each other.” She lifted her beer. “Good times.”
“I hate her.” Cassie groaned, slumping in the chair.
“We all do, Cass. But,” Roxanne forced a smile, “only a few weeks left.”
Roxanne’s phone was on the counter near the stove when it started ringing. Emory grabbed it and widened her eyes, staring down at the screen.
“Jonah is calling you?”
Roxanne had every intention of telling the girls about her and Jonah tonight. She’d waited long enough. But she’d hoped to ease into the conversation, not get called out. She rushed forward, reaching for the phone, but Emory tucked it behind her back.
“I thought he fixed your car.”
Roxanne glared, clenching her jaw. “He did.”
“Then why is he calling? Is there something you’re not telling us?” Emory wiggled her brows.
Roxanne ignored the taunting and reached around her back, grabbing her phone. On the fourth ring, she answered and made a beeline for the living room.
“Hey.” Her breath slightly hitched, and she felt the heat rise from her chest to her cheeks.
“How’s it going?”
“Good.” She walked toward the window, peering out onto the street. “I’m at Sadie’s for girls’ night.”
“Oh, right, you told me that last night. I’ll let you go.”
“It’s fine. I have a few minutes,” she blurted and immediately cringed at her eagerness to stay on the line. Show a little self-control, girl. “How was work?”
“Had two guys call out, so busier than usual. How about you?”
“Quiet. My bride from hell has decided Cassie is her new victim, so she left me alone most of the day.”
His deep chuckle echoed through the line. Roxanne had filled him in on Melody Rollins during a late night in his shop. They’d had a few of those. Jonah would work, and she’d hang out. They weren’t the most exciting dates, but they’d become her favorite.
“I should let you go. You still up for taking a ride with me to check out some materials? I can pick you up tomorrow around six.”
“Can you swing by my office? I have a client who needs to pick up some paperwork.”
“Yeah, I’ll see you at six.”
“See you then.” She tapped her screen with excitement swarming in her belly. She’d spent close to every other day, and some nights, with Jonah since their first date. Surely, getting butterflies would’ve died down. Not yet.
She spun around to find all the girls standing in the doorway. She should’ve known. Roxanne eyed the women and narrowed her gaze.
“Really? Eavesdropping?”
“How else are we going to get our information if you won’t tell us?” Emory scowled.
Roxanne rolled her eyes and started toward them, but Cassie stepped in front of the group and pointed to the couches.
“Sit! I’ll bring in the drinks and food. Then you’ll tell us everything.”
Sadie giggled and raised her hand. “And I have a lot of questions, so we’re going to be here a while.”
Roxanne expected nothing less. While the girls headed into the kitchen to retrieve the snacks, Roxanne made her way to the recliner. It was only fitting she take the only single chair centered in the room. She’d probably be answering questions as if she were on trial.
Emory sat at the end of the couch, directly next to her, eyeing her carefully.
“Tell me you’re sleeping with him,” she demanded.
Of course, that would be at the top of her list for inquiries.
“I’m sleeping with him.”
“Gah!” Emory slapped the arm of the chair, grinning like she’d just won the lottery. “I knew it. I knew you’d get together. I might’ve even secretly prayed for it.”
“You prayed for me to hook up with him?” Even for Emory, it was a little over the top.
“Don’t pass judgment on what I discuss with God.”
Roxanne snorted, shaking her head. This would be a long night. She had to set boundaries, knowing their questions would be intrusive—especially Emory’s.
Cassie and Sadie walked into the living room, balancing the snacks and drinks, and set up everything on the coffee table.
“We have to wait for Kenzie. She should be here any minute,” Sadie said.
Roxanne took a sip of her beer but felt eyes on her. She angled her head, looking over at her best friend. Emory smiled, staring at Roxanne.
“What?” Roxanne asked.
“Your kids are going to be ridiculously good-looking.”
The girls burst out laughing just as Kenzie walked in, glancing between all the women.
“Whose kids?”
Roxanne shook her head, and Emory spun around to the door. “Rox and Jonah’s. They’re banging!”
What the … When had the term banging made a comeback? And can we retire it? Roxanne playfully slapped Emory’s arm, which did nothing to deter her.
“Am I lying?” Emory smirked.
“Wait!” Kenzie rushed to the couch, bracing her hands on the back. Her eyes were the size of saucers, and her mouth gaped open. “You and Jonah?”
Roxanne slowly nodded. Kenzie was practically bouncing on her toes with the news. She pointed at Roxanne, grinning.
“I knew it!”
“We want all the details, Rox.” Emory narrowed her gaze. “And don’t you dare leave out the good ones.”
Roxanne sighed.
This was going to be a long night, and she had the feeling her boundaries would be crossed at least fifty times.
Saddle up, girl.
****
Jonah pulled into the rear parking lot of Roxanne’s office.
Much like her brothers’ bail bonds, it was a storefront on Main Street.
It was prime real estate in the area, so she must’ve been doing well.
They never discussed finances, but he was positive she lived comfortably.
Jonah may have had a few years on her, but it was hard not to compare himself to her and other people.
They all had different circumstances and responsibilities, but every so often, he wondered what life would’ve looked like if his parents and brother hadn’t died.
He parked in an open spot and rounded the front of the building.
There was a back entrance, but he wasn’t sure if it was intended for employees only.
It gave him a reason to check out the entire setup.
The bell rang when he walked into the small lobby area.
It was brighter than he expected, with several floral and linen tables that looked more formal than any event he’d ever attended.
It was an impressive showroom. A lot classier than mine.
There was a large, high-countered desk in the back next to a long hallway.
He assumed it was the receptionist station, and that the offices were in the back.
As of now, he was the only person in the lobby.
He was about to walk to the hall when the bell rang again, and he glanced over his shoulder.
A man walked in, probably close to his age, dressed in a dark suit.
He scanned the room, his gaze landing on Jonah. “I take it you don’t work here?”
Do I look like I work here? Jonah had stopped at home for a shower and changed his clothes, but he was wearing his usual uniform of jeans, work boots, and a flannel with the sleeves rolled up.
That seemed to be of interest to the man standing a few feet away.
He looked over his tattoos, and his lips twisted in what could only be described as slight disgust.
Fuck off.
Jonah straightened and folded his arms. People were so judgmental until they found themselves intimidated. For full effect, he tightened his muscles, which defined their bulk. The man averted his eyes and walked toward the reception area.
“Rox? Babe, you here?” He shouted.
Jonah clenched his jaw, scowling at the man whose back was turned. Babe? Who the hell was this guy? Within seconds, he caught movement coming from the hall, and Roxanne walked out. She smiled at the man, but it seemed forced, as if it took great effort to be cordial.
The man spread out his arms and moved closer.
Without thinking, Jonah did the same. Roxanne jerked her gaze to him, and her eyes glimmered.
This was genuine. Vastly different from the attention she showed the asshole.
Jonah steeled his features to keep from gloating.
Jealousy had never played a part in any of his relationships. Until Roxanne.
She gave him a short wave, then turned back to her client and held up a folder. “I have a hard copy of all the details for the event, as well as drives.” She handed it to him. “Take a look at them and let me know if you need any changes.”
He side-eyed Jonah and turned slightly, lowering his voice. “I was hoping we could go through everything tonight. Over dinner, maybe?”
Jonah clenched his teeth watching Roxanne’s reaction.
She seemed caught off guard but quickly recovered from her shock.
“I’m sorry. I have another engagement for tonight.
But once you look over everything, you’re welcome to come in and we can discuss it.
Just call me and I’ll set up a time that works for you. ”
It was interesting to watch her maneuver around his advances. She did it flawlessly, as if she’d done it many times.
“Alright then.” He cleared his throat and walked across the room to the door.
He didn’t even glance Jonah’s way. Jonah, on the other hand, watched his every move like a predator following its prey.
Once he walked out the door, Jonah turned around to find Roxanne directly in front of him with her lips twitching. Clearly, she was amused.
“You look like you want to kick his ass.”
If it were an option, he’d consider it.
“He seems like an asshole.”
She cocked her head and squinted. “Rich asshole.” She wrapped her arms around his waist, clinging to his chest. He knew his jealousy was showing like an illuminated sign.
“So? Are we on a time crunch or do you have time for a tour?”
Shit! The place was forty minutes away and closed at eight.
He was cutting it close considering how large the warehouse was and all it had in stock.
Jonah took too long to answer. It was as if she read his mind.
Roxanne stepped back and winked. “Raincheck on the tour. Just give me a minute to get my things.”
Fuck!
“We've got a little time.”
Liar!
Roxanne glanced over her shoulder, eyeing him.
“No, we don’t. You can see it another time. You’re not going anywhere, right?”
No. He’d stay as long as she’d let him.
“Besides, we need to grab the perfect wood.” Her sultry smile had his jeans tightening. “What if someone else gets the wood you want?”
Much like her brother Bogs, she thoroughly enjoyed using the word wood in every reference to his projects. Joking and teasing were second nature with Roxanne, and he welcomed it.
“You love saying that, don’t you?”
Roxanne laughed and rushed down the hall.
This was all happening fast, and everything in his head was telling him to slow down. But he couldn’t. Roxanne had become a drug of sorts. An addiction. He wanted and needed her.
But in the back of his mind, a dark cloud was looming.
If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.