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Jeanette’s heart jumped at River’s deep voice. He stood in the doorway to the apartment, looking as yummy as ever with his messy black hair and sinful green eyes. He wore a pair of tight, dark jeans that molded to the length of his muscular legs, and a black short-sleeved T-shirt. He oozed male confidence and sexual prowess. River had a dark and savage quality about him that had always drawn Jeanette. And, as usual, he looked good enough to lick. He clutched an overnight bag in one strong hand, and his patented grim expression was firmly in place.
Lucy gave River a stern look. “And how long have you been standing there?”
River strode to the couch and dropped the bag onto the far end of it. “Long enough to know that Jeanette ought to have her head examined if she thinks I’m just going to walk away. Not my style.”
Jeanette arched a brow and shook her head. “I would tell you how incredibly arrogant you sound right now, not to mention how terribly rude it is to eavesdrop, but it’ll have to wait until the room stops spinning.”
Right away, River was contrite. “Tell me what to do to make you feel better, damn it,” he bit out. “I feel useless as hell here.”
Love me, she thought. Just love me.
Instead, she said, “I’m fine, really. There’s nothing to do.”
“I should probably get going,” Lucy piped up. “I have a bunch of errands to run before I can get home and relieve Reilly. I left him alone with the twins. Another couple of hours and he’s bound to be wrecked.”
“Give the babies a kiss for me,” Jeanette said.
“Ditto,” River replied. “From their favorite uncle.”
A small hint of envy invaded Jeanette’s heart. Lucy had what Jeanette so badly wanted—a loving man and two terrific babies. Lucy deserved every last drop of happiness, though. She hadn’t had the easiest upbringing, with a father who didn’t want anything to do with her and a mother who’d died in a car accident when Lucy was very young. It was one of the threads that had tied Lucy and her together as friends these past few months, ever since Lucy had met Reilly. A drunk driver had stolen both of Jeanette’s parents’ lives. When someone you loved was ripped away from you and you weren’t prepared, didn’t get to say good-bye, it left a hole in your heart. Lucy understood what that was like. Now the woman walked around with a grin twenty-four hours a day. Reilly made her happy, and that was as it should be.
“I will.” Lucy leaned down and gently hugged her. “Take care, and let us know if you need anything.”
“Thanks, for everything.”
Lucy turned to River and frowned. “Be gentle. She’s been through a lot.”
He bent and kissed Lucy’s cheek, then said, “I’m a regular pussycat.”
Lucy snorted. “Yeah, right,” she replied as she turned and left.
River looked back at Jeanette. “Did you take anything for the pain?” He sat next to her and put his arm around the back of the couch, his thick, muscular legs spread out in front of him. When he began to gently massage her shoulders, Jeanette sighed and leaned into him. This close, Jeanette could smell his clean, masculine scent, with just a hint of aftershave. It’d always been hard to resist that potent mix of male aggressiveness and spice.
“The doctor called in a prescription,” she said around a yawn. “I’m sure it’ll kick in soon.”
He frowned. “Maybe a hot shower?”
“Nope, already tried that.”
He cursed under his breath. “One question—did they get the asshole?”
“Actually, no,” she replied, catching his angry expression. “He took off after I kneed him in the crotch. I gave the police a description, and they’re on the lookout. I’m not really holding out hope, though.”
“Shit,” he muttered. “So, this guy got your purse, which means he knows your address. Did you cancel your credit cards?”
“Yes, he knows where I live, although I don’t think it’ll matter.” She quirked a brow. “Don’t muggers usually just want quick cash? I had all of forty dollars on me. So the joke’s on him.” She tried to lighten the mood, but judging by River’s expression, it didn’t help one iota.
“And your credit cards?”
“All taken care of. I will need to get a new driver’s license, unfortunately. And before you ask, yes, I’ve already called the bank. They’re sending me a new debit card.”
“I still don’t like the idea of him knowing where you live. You aren’t safe here, sunshine.”
Oh God, it was too much. His nearness, his concern—it all wrapped around her like a warm embrace. She couldn’t keep an emotional distance with River on the best of days. Definitely not now when her defenses were down. “There isn’t anything to worry about, River.” She stood and started for the kitchen. When he followed her, she turned. “And will you please stop hovering.”
He closed the distance between them and took hold of her chin. “I will hover as long as it’s necessary, so you might as well get used to me being around.”
She crossed her arms over her chest. “You expect me to get used to having a constant shadow?” Jeanette didn’t bother to add that River was the most gorgeous shadow she’d ever seen. And it was that very thing that had her feeling all wound up inside. It had to stop, because it was ruining her plan to stay angry with him.
