Page 19 of Body of Trust

“She’s grown up.” More so over a weekend than in a year. “I promise I’ll call every hour.”

I slide into my car and back out of the driveway, ignoring the stares of Sienna’s guards in the car next to me.

There are only three ways to get to my Manhattan office. Driving takes forever in traffic, and the ferry is out of the question. I like the MTA Xpress because it’s fast, convenient, and I can take a nap if I need to.

I park along the busy street where the bus to Manhattan runs and get out. There’s a black Lincoln on the corner that’s similar to Dad’s friend Rocco’s. The driver has on dark glasses and looks to be staring at me. When I glance back in his direction, he turns away as he pulls from the curb.

The screeching sound of the bus brakes gets my attention, so I jog over to the end of the line of people waiting to board. I take out my MetroCard and swipe it when I get to the machine. The driver doesn’t notice me or smile. That’s fine with me. I can use some anonymity this morning.

There’s an empty row of seats at the back. From here, I can see everyone who gets on and have the least chance of someone sitting next to me. I settle in and put my earbuds on.

The bus is pulling away when someone runs alongside and bangs on the glass door. The driver begrudgingly stops and opens the door, scolding the person for halting the bus, especially in the dramatic way they did after it had already departed.

I look down at my phone to pick some music when I remember that it’s dead. Perfect.

And just when I think my morning can’t get any worse, I glance up just in time to see the last-minute passenger walk to the back of the bus, making my jaw drop and my heart race.

Jesse takes the seat beside me. He’s wearing a white T-shirt and a black baseball cap with the brim low on his head. My heart aches, my eyes glaze, and my brain tells me to get a fucking grip.

“What are you doing here?” I ask him, my tone a mixture of concern and annoyance.

“We need to talk.”

For a girl who hates enclosed spaces, this bus just got awfully small.

Chapter Five

My first reaction is elation. He’s here and okay. Then, defensiveness kicks in.

Facing the large windows, I try to ignore him as I get my feelings in check. It’s damn near impossible. Just the sense of him being near, the way his arm rubs against mine, and the scent of his cologne have me bouncing my knees in my seat.

“How are you?” he asks.

I swallow hard and keep my eyes focused out the window. “Fine.”

“You seem angry,” he says softly.

I turn my back to him fully. His reaction is clear in the window’s reflection. With his head bowed down, he adjusts his legs in the seat. They’re spread wide and he’s fidgeting with this hands.

“Like I said, I’m fine. Made it back safely after you pushed me out of the house.”

“I know. I sat outside your parents’ house all night.”

My hair whips in my face with how fast I swivel my head toward him. “You what?”

“After I got home, I got in my car to check on you. I’ve been camping out on your corner ever since.”

“You don’t look like someone who’s been sleeping in his car.”

He runs a hand along the back of his neck. “I might have left to run home and shower before seeing you today.”

I’ve only ever seen him in his black uniform, and here he is, in jeans and a T-shirt, construction boots, and a ball cap, making him look like an ordinary joe. A very handsome ordinary joe. From his dress, husky tone, and how he’s cornered me on this bus, he most definitely does not want to be recognized.

“Quite the covert operation you have here.” My tone is snarky.

“I can’t risk anyone seeing us together,” he whispers with a sense of urgency, his voice strained.

I quirk a brow. “Is that because you work for my uncle Frankie?”