AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She seemed to understand, because her smile faltered a little, her eyes pleading with him not to force that conversation. Not yet, not now.
“I brought my running stuff,” she said in a husky voice. “If you’re interested.”
“In kicking your ass?” he said, rallying to keep the mood light even as his chest felt heavy. “I still maintain you cheated yesterday. Insisted I bring the dog, who slowed me down on the home stretch.”
“Pathetic, blaming poor Winston,” she said, rolling over to the edge of the bed and standing, arms stretched above her head, before she reached for her overnight bag.
Apparently hearing his name, Winston thumped at the other side of the door.
Luke sighed and rolled out of bed as well. “Guess that’s my cue. Coffee before or after the run?”
“Coffee before, breakfast after,” she said, shimmying out of her nightgown and pulling on a black sports bra.
Luke was pulling on running shorts when Jordan’s cell rang. She dug around in her purse until she came up with the iPhone, her face wincing at the name on the caller ID. “It’s my boss.”
Ah. “She’s up early.”
Jordan shrugged, her eyes still on the screen. “Not so much. It’s past eight in New York.”
New York.
Her home.
“I’ll get the coffee started,” he said, acting casual as he pulled a running shirt over his head. “Take your time with the phone call.”
Luke stepped into the hallway, closing the door just as he heard her say, “Raven, hi!” in a tone that was far too bright and false.
There was a tension in her voice, and he understood it. Work was paying for her to be in Montana to recruit him—not sleep with him. And no matter how bright her smile, he knew her well enough now to see the guilt that lurked in her eyes. The tension written all over her face at the knowledge that they were on borrowed—no, stolen—time.
Winston’s wagging tail thumped against Luke’s leg, and Luna made a rare upstairs appearance, meowing loudly and rubbing against his other shin.
As though the animals were trying to reassure him that they’d still be here when she left.
And he never doubted for one second: Jordan would leave.
—
“What the hell, Jordan,” her boss said into her ear. “I’ve been trying to get ahold of you for days.”
Raven sounded annoyed but not pissed, which was better than Jordan had expected.
“I know, I’m sorry. I’ve…”
What?
Been spending more time with Luke—in bed?
Learning that not only was Luke not a candidate for Jilted but neither were his first two brides? That one was happily married, the other a lesbian in love with her best friend?
That she should have been back in New York days ago?
Maybe even weeks ago?
“I
t’s been busy,” she said, wincing at the lie as she pulled on running pants. “And, actually, Raven, there’s something…I want to be honest.”
“?’Kay,” Raven said distractedly. “Hold on just a sec.”
