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“You working all night again, Aunt Maude?” Jackson asked.
The woman nodded. “Where are you taking Ms. Greene?”
“I’m not telling. You’d have it posted on Facebook before we were out the door. Besides, we don’t want people knowing our business.”
“You mean all the time you’re spending together?”
Jessie felt a chill cover her body. “Maude, it’s not what you think,” she lied. But it was exactly what the woman thought, and Jessie knew it, too.
“Hun, it’s none of my business. You’re my guest. That’s all I know.” Maude winked. “Besides, you two look great together.”
Jessie felt her shoulders relax. “Thank you.”
“Go have fun, kids.”
“We will.” Phoenix turned to her and grabbed her hand. Warmth shot up her arm and through her body. “You ready to go?” Every word that came out of his sexy mouth warmed Jessie up. His strength and vigor was evident in every syllable.
“Yes, I am.” She looked back at Maude, who was staring intently at the laptop screen. Then she turned to face Phoenix. “Do you mind if we don’t hold hands outside?”
He released her hand, and she instantly missed his touch. “I mind, but if that’s what you want, I’ll consent until we’re in my truck.”
She nodded, knowing how foolish it was to agree to his demand but wanting to submit to him with all her heart. “Okay.”
“Follow me, angel.”
They walked out of the hotel and headed to his truck parked across the street.
The sun hung low in the sky. She was glad to be out from under the mine and in the open. When they got to his truck, Phoenix opened the door for her. He was a rugged cowboy, a talented artist, and a wicked lover. But he was also a gentleman. I might as well throw in the towel. No woman can resist this man, at least not one like me. Holding back anything from him would be out of reach of her skill.
She hopped up into his truck. She watched him walk back to the driver’s door. He opened it and got in the cab.
“You don’t have to sit so far away.” He patted the middle of the bench seat, urging her to move closer. “I want to have you within easy touching distance.”
“Someone might see.” Jessie looked around the street. There were only a few people out, and none were looking at them, thank God. That could change in a flash if she moved to the center of the cab. “We have to keep things quiet. You will do that for me, won’t you?”
His eyes narrowed, giving her a sinking feeling. Finally, he nodded. “I will.”
She felt the weight of her worry lift. “Thank you, cowboy.”
“But the second we get out of town, I want you next to me. No arguments, understand?”
“Yes.” She wanted to be near him, too. More than wanted...craved. “Where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise. I hope you’re hungry, Jessie.”
She realized she hadn’t eaten in several hours. “I am. Starving actually.”
“Good. I’ve got something special in mind for you.”
When they passed Carlotta’s Liquor Store and Tarot Card Reading Room, Jessie moved next to Phoenix. She closed her eyes and leaned her head into his chest. His body felt good and sturdy—male.
Phoenix clicked on his iPod connected to the radio. A country ballad filled the cab of the truck, and Jessie hummed with the tune. She began to relax. The day had been harrowing. Some food and a little rest was what she needed.
After about fifteen minutes of driving on a dirt road, they came up the hill, where a large oak tree stood alone. Phoenix parked the truck a few steps away from the tree. To one side of the oak, a large blue blanket cloaked the ground. In the middle of the covering was a wicker basket surrounded by some pillows.
“Phoenix, you did this?” she asked as they stepped out of the truck.
He smiled. “I thought you might enjoy a private picnic more than a busy restaurant. I have crackers, fruit, cheeses, and a bottle of Chardonnay.”
