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“Your ex. Yeah, he did and I’m glad.” Nikita held up her cell phone. “As it turns out, my buddy in Dallas got a tip about Lyle Jones a year ago. He’s been on the Feds’ radar, but we never had anything on him. Still don’t.” Her face bunched up in disgust. “But since Lyle has known about the divorce, he’s lit up the bad guy beacon. Guess he’s pretty intent on finding you.”
The cinnamon roll in Jupiter’s hand shook slightly. She bit the inside of her cheek and willed herself to stop reacting. It was easier thought than done.
“He won’t, Jupiter.” Nikita took the roll from her and bagged it. Her eyes softened and she offered a small smile. “Macha won’t let your ex find you, and if he does, you can bet the ranch that Rubble won’t let the man anywhere near you.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“Sweetie, I’m never wrong.” She winked again. “It’s one of the perks of being me. Just ask Kevlar.”
“Ask Kevlar what?” the man in question asked, walking up to the booth.
Nikita leaned over and kissed him. “That I’m never wrong.”
He chuckled and gripped her chin before kissing her again. “Nope, she’s never wrong.”
Giving them a moment of privacy, Jupiter stepped foot outside the booth’s warmth and watched the torch being lit on stage. The crowd roared with applause and a splattering of fireworks lit up the sky. She smiled at them. The start of a new adventure for all those present. She rather liked the idea.
CHAPTER18
RUBBLE
For the firsttime in five years, no snow fell during the opening ceremony of the Xtreme Winter Games. Rubble watched the crowd from his perch above the makeshift stage in the town center. Thousands of winter sports enthusiasts were bundled up, faces aglow for the main event to begin the following morning. A group of teens snickered when the mayor started talking about the community’s efforts and maintaining the games for future generations. The kids wouldn’t be any trouble for the club. He wasn’t keeping an eye out for dumbass teenagers. He was looking for a genuine threat.
The sheriff’s deputy waved at him from the ground level. Working hand in hand with local law enforcement was key to Snowshoe’s survival. The town appreciated Macha’s security, and the club appreciated the town supporting their businesses. So long as no lines were crossed, Macha never had a quarrel with the politicians.
From his spot, Rubble could see the entire town square along with the array of booths and tents set up. Most had long lines, including Heaven’s Treats. He’d noticed Doc and Jupiter arrive with supplies. It’d been hard not to notice Jupiter and even harder to remain at his post instead of whisking her away for a kiss under the cloudless stars.
Once, he caught her staring his direction. The watchtower was lit up for that very reason. They could see out, but the public couldn’t see in. It was his idea and seemingly a good one until he couldn’t catch Jupiter’s green eyes from below.
The torch was lit on stage and was followed by fireworks. They weren’t his favorite part of the event. The bright sparks and echoing booms reminded him too much of his time overseas. War had a funny way of unearthing regrets and lost friends when he least suspected.
Breathing in through his nose and out of his mouth like the VA doctor taught him, Rubble closed his eyes for a millisecond until his heart stopped pounding in his ears. When he opened them, he saw Jupiter standing outside the bakery booth, smiling up at the fireworks. His heart clenched again, this time in a new and frightening way. Suddenly, he needed to see her, talk to her, tell her how bad he felt when she wasn’t near.
“All clear, Rubble.” The deputy said, climbing the stairs. “We’ll lock down the square for the night.” He smiled. “Go enjoy yourself. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Nodding, Rubble didn’t need to be told twice. He hurried down the steps and through the crowd. Groups of people were already celebrating the event as the band on the stage pumped out lively music.
Rubble made quick work of the sidewalk, steering clear of the beer tent at the other side of the square. He didn’t need alcohol to do anything in life, let alone tell Jupiter how important she was to him.
Reaching the bakery’s booth, he nodded at Nikita and noticed her odd smile. If he weren’t intent on speaking with Jupiter, he’d ask what Nikita was up to. Instead, Nikita hopped over to the Macha tent. He was never more grateful for the privacy.
Jupiter finished with the customers, and he stepped inside the small booth. The scent of brown sugar laced with cinnamon drifted to him and he inhaled her essence.
“I was wondering if you’d stop by.” The shy smile on Jupiter’s face was too adorable.
“My shift was over, and I thought I’d see how things were going.” He sought out her gaze, but she kept her eyes focused on the streusel bites. Not discouraged, he took a step closer and tilted up her chin. Gorgeous light green eyes stared back at him. Just like that, his favorite color changed from black to the hue of her eyes. “How’re things going, baby girl? Anybody giving you a hard time?”
“No.” She bit her bottom lip, her tell showing.
“Jupiter, tell me.”
“I, um, started receiving more text messages today.”
He searched her eyes. They weren’t spam texts. They were harassing ones. “Show me.” It wasn’t a command, but he’d fish the phone out of her back pocket if she didn’t obey.
Jupiter handed it over, a customer stealing her attention while he reviewed the slew of messages.
Lyle: You better never stop running. I’ll find you and you don’t want that to happen, pet. You’ll beg for mercy by the end. The doctors won’t even know how to fix you. I’ll take my belt and—
