Page 11 of Deadly Conflicts

“I like the color,” Jake said, slipping his arm around her waist as he tugged her closer. She was a master at aversion if she wanted to distract him. He had no intention of letting her do it this time. “Six months and eight days from now we have an anniversary. It will be our second … anniversary.”

Ally briefly pressed her eyes shut as a smile so lovely it almost drowned out the sun lit up her face. “You remember that?”

“I remember every moment, angel,” Jake said, tucking a strand of brown hair behind her ear.

“But … some people might consider that schmaltzy.”

“I don’t care about those people,” Jake said. “I only care about you.”

“Oh, I love you.” Ally threw her arms around Jake’s neck as he hugged her close. He was technically working, and fraternizing on the job was frowned upon, but since James was off chasing his wife he knew his boss wouldn’t give him grief for engaging in a brief burst of playtime.

“I love you, too,” Jake said, kissing her cheek.

Ally rested with her head on Jake’s shoulder for a few seconds before reluctantly pulling away. “You’re working.”

“I won’t be working all night. We’ll have some quiet time when we get home.”

“Oh, it’s not going to be quiet.” Ally growled like a horny tiger, causing Jake to grin. He was so lost in her eyes he didn’t notice the figure moving up behind her until the stranger was almost in her back pocket.

Jake reacted instinctively and extended his hand, pressing it against the man’s chest before he could touch Ally. “Can I help you?”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” the man replied. “I’m here to talk to the girl.”

Ally swiveled quickly, gasping when she caught sight of a familiar face from earlier in the afternoon. “Vince? Wow. Twice in one day, huh?”

“I guess so,” Vince said, smiling at Ally before sliding a curious look in Jake’s direction. “This must be the boyfriend you told me about at the mall.”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Ally said, smoothing her shorts and top down. “Jake Harrison, this is Vince Dawkins. We knew each other like … forever … ago. I ran into him at the mall this afternoon.”

Jake extended his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Vince returned the gesture, although his eyes were alert as they washed over Jake’s strong frame. “Likewise,” he said. “Ally didn’t get a chance to tell me much about you – other than she had a boyfriend, I mean – because a blonde was dragging her off. What happened to her?”

“She’s running around with my brother,” Ally replied. “I’m sure they’re playing kissy-face next to a pottery wheel or something.”

“I … don’t know what to say to that,” Vince admitted, chuckling. “You’re still a ball of energy I see. I … um … didn’t realize you were dating a carny. That’s mighty bold of you.”

Jake pressed the tip of his tongue to the back of his teeth to refrain from flying off the handle. He had no idea who this guy was – other than a stranger interested in his girlfriend – but he understood exactly what he was trying to do. Ally was another story.

“Carny?” Ally snorted. “Jake isn’t a carny. He works security with my brothers. They got a call at the last minute to handle things here.”

“Oh,” Vince intoned, pressing his hand to the spot above his heart to offer an obviously insincere apology. “I am so sorry. I just thought … you’re wearing cargo shorts.”

“I was painting before I came here,” Jake replied smoothly. “It was a last minute job. The other security firm had an issue.”

“Yeah, I heard about that,” Ally said. “Poor Nathan Pixley. I can’t believe his wife shot him.”

Jake didn’t have a lot of sympathy for the man. “Yes, well, that’s what you get when you cheat on your wife.”

“Oh, no, I wasn’t saying ‘poor Nathan’ because he was shot,” Ally said. “I was saying ‘poor Nathan’ because his wife has four brothers and he’ll be a lot worse off than he is now once they’re done with him. He would’ve been better off if she killed him.”

Jake barked out a laugh, delighted. “Very cute, my angel.” He tapped her hip to move her forward. “I have to do a spin around the midway. Do you want to stay here or come with me?”

“Oh.” Ally looked conflicted.

“I can watch her,” Vince offered. “It’s the least I can do after that carny crack, after all.”

Jake was never suspicious for no good reason – and he trusted Ally with his whole heart – but he didn’t like the way Vince’s eyes roamed over her rounded backside whenever he thought no one was looking. Still, he wasn’t Ally’s keeper … or boss. “Sure,” he said finally. “I’m guessing you guys have a few things to catch up on. I’ll be close.” He leaned forward and brushed a kiss against Ally’s cheek before focusing on Vince. “I’ll be very close.”

“I don’t doubt that,” Vince said, plastering a friendly smile on his face even as his eyes offered Jake challenge. “I’ll make sure nothing happens to her.”

“Oh, I’ll make sure of that,” Jake said, the need to mark his territory practically overwhelming him. “You, however, can talk to her for a little bit before we go home … together.”

“Of course,” Vince gritted out.

“Great.” Jake squeezed Ally’s hand. “I’ll see you soon, angel.”

Ally’s face was unreadable as he turned to walk away. “You definitely will,” she said. “I think it’s going to be a loud meeting of the minds, too.”

The meaning of her words wasn’t lost on Jake as he heaved out a heavy sigh. “I’ll be back.”

“I can’t wait.”

“That makes two of us,” Vince said, his tone suggestive and smarmy.

“And that will obviously be the highlight of my night,” Jake said.