36 Hours Serial

As a devastating summer storm hits Grand Springs, Colorado, the next thirty-six hours will change the town and its residents forever….

For Her Eyes Only Part 3

Jessica’s visions have continued unbidden since she blacked out at the lodge the night of the storm. She doesn’t know if the vision of Stone Richardson dead is real or fantasy.

For a cop like Stone, being in the line of fire is part of the job. That doesn’t stop just because the woman he loves has a vision. He needs to keep investigating the mayor’s murder, whatever the risk.

So much is at stake now that they’ve found each other again. And neither can see the future with certainty, or predict when danger will strike.

Don't miss the continuing drama in Grand Springs with Cinderella Story by Elizabeth August.

Dear Reader,

In the town of Grand Springs, Colorado, a devastating summer storm sets off a string of events that changes the lives of the residents forever….

Welcome to Mills & Boon exciting new digital serial, 36 Hours! In this thirty-six part serial share the stories of the residents of Grand Springs, Colorado, in the wake of a deadly storm.

With the power knocked out and mudslides washing over the roads, the town is plunged into darkness and the residents are forced to face their biggest fears—and find love against all odds.

Each week features a new story written by a variety of bestselling authors like Susan Mallery and Sharon Sala. The stories are published in three segments, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and the first segment of every three-part book is free, so you can get caught up in the mystery and drama of Grand Springs. And you can get to know a new set of characters every week. You can read just one, but as the lives and stories of each intertwine in surprising ways, you’ll want to read them all!

Join Mills & Boon E every week as we bring you excitement, mystery, fun and romance in 36 Hours!

Happy reading!

About the Author

Sharon Sala is a native of Oklahoma and a member of Romance Writers of America. She is a New York Times, USA TODAY, Publisher's Weekly and Waldenbooks mass-market bestselling author of eighty-five-plus books written as Sharon Sala and Dinah McCall. She's a seven-time RITA® Award finalist, Janet Dailey Award winner, five-time National Reader's Choice Award winner, four-time Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews winner and a four-time

For Her Eyes Only Part 3

Sharon Sala

www.millsandboon.co.uk

The devastating rainstorm has passed, but the effect on Grand Springs will last a lifetime. Jessica sure hopes not. She hit her head during the blackout and now has visions. She started with seeing Mayor Olivia Stuart murdered and now she just saw the love of her life covered in blood and dying while people were standing around doing nothing to help him. Stone doesn’t believe her—but he’s a cop and cops get shot. How can he ignore her when every other vision came true? Their life together has just begun and it’s about to be taken away.…

Contents

Chapter Nine Continued

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Epilogue

Chapter Nine Continued

Stone Richardson slammed his butt into the seat of his car and jammed the key into the ignition. He never had liked Mondays.

“Good morning to you, too,” Jack Stryker said.

“Buckle up,” Stone muttered, but it sounded too much like “shut up” for Stryker to argue.

His partner continued as if nothing was wrong.

“Okay, we know that the last word out of Olivia Stuart’s mouth at the hospital was ‘coal.’ And we’ve got a map detailing the area where the consortium’s lease for strip mining is expiring. We’ve got an agenda—try and see if there is any connection between the mayor’s last word and the business to which she was so opposed. If we find that, we might find her killer. Now all we need is an attitude adjustment.”

Stone started the car, yanking it in gear and leaving rubber behind as he peeled out of the parking lot.

Stryker glanced at his partner, then down at his watch.

“So, it’s gonna be like this, is it?” When Stone didn’t answer, Stryker glanced at his watch and slid a little further into the seat. It was going to be a hell of a long, silent day of police work.

* * *

“Easy does it, Miss Hanson. One more stitch and they’ll all be out.”

Jessica squinched her eyes shut, wincing against the tug to her scalp as Dr. Howell removed the last stitch.

“And that does it,” he said, dropping the bit of stitch, as well as his instruments, into a nearby pan. Moving her hair aside, he swabbed alcohol on the area. Peering closely at the results of his handiwork, he gave her a pat on the arm. “Except for the haircut, you’re good as new.”

She blinked and thrust her hand into her hair in embarrassment.

“Oh, I didn’t mean your new style. I meant the cut I gave you.” Noah flicked the end of a straggly lock away from her ear. “Yours is quite fetching.”

He stepped back and looked at her more closely as his nurse moved in, swabbing the healing wound with a last dab of disinfectant. “You know…that hairdo really changes your appearance. You remind me of someone, but I just can’t think who.”

The nurse looked up to see for herself. “Hmm, you know, Dr. Howell, you’re right. It really did change her appearance.”

Jessica resisted the urge to stick out her tongue. She already felt like a sideshow freak, and now they were speaking of her as if she wasn’t even there.

Noah suddenly snapped his fingers and a smile spread over his face. “I know. I know. You remind me of Charlize Theron”

Jessica smiled. “Thanks.”

Defeated by the past week’s events, as well as by and the fight she’d had with Stone early yesterday morning, Jessica slumped where she sat.

“If only the rest of Grand Springs could see me like that. All they see is some crazy witch.”

Noah frowned. He’d heard the gossip about Jessica Hanson, and about her visions coming true, and while he’d like to think it was nothing more than that, he’d been far too close a witness to her first correct prediction to scoff. Olivia Stuart did have a needle mark on the back of her leg, just as Jessica had proclaimed. Olivia’s death was not natural. Someone killed her.

“You know, an old professor told me something once that I’ve never forgotten,” Noah said. “He said, as long as you know who you are, it doesn’t really matter what the rest of the world thinks about you.”

Jessica sighed. “I guess that’s my problem,” she said softly. “I don’t know myself. Why would I expect the rest of the world to get a grip when I’ve lost my own?”

“I could recommend some therapy, if you think it would help.”

She grinned wryly. “Unless your shrink has a crystal ball on his desk, I don’t think we’d have much to say to each other.”

He almost laughed. “You’ve got a good attitude. I’m sure everything will work itself out.”

Jessica left the doctor, minus her stitches, but still carrying the wound Stone had left in her heart. And, after a week off at home, it felt strange to be going back to work. Her nerves tightened as she turned into the parking lot at Squaw Creek Lodge. Mr. Dolby knew she was due in today, but she dreaded the confrontation. Yet when she walked in her office, the familiar surroundings went a long way toward helping her relax.

As she hung her jacket on a hook, she couldn’t help but glance down. One thing had changed, and for the better. The bloodstain on the carpet was gone. And it looked as if whoever they’d called in from temporary services hadn’t moved a thing. There was no work stacked on her desk, nothing seemed out of place. She started to relax. Maybe for once, something was about to go right.

A bouquet of fresh flowers was on the corner of her desk. She lifted the card, a smile of appreciation spreading across her face as she read. It was a “welcome back” bouquet from the staff. She leaned forward, inhaling the aroma of sweet peas and roses and baby’s breath, then looked up as the door suddenly opened.

It was Sheila, carrying a cinnamon roll and a fresh cup of coffee.

“Shoot,” she said. “I didn’t know you were already here. I was going to surprise you.”

Jessica pointed to what Sheila was holding. “If that’s for me, I’d be glad to go out and come in again.”

Sheila giggled. “You better not. It smells so good, I might break down and eat it before you got back.”

“Then, thank you,” Jessica said as Sheila set it down on her desk.

There was a long pause as the two women looked at each other, each remembering how Jessica had a vision of Sheila’s kitchen on fire and alerted Sheila so fast that the firemen were able to save the house.

Finally, Sheila waved her hand. “Eat. Drink. You’ll need sustenance to prepare yourself for Dolby’s new do.”

Jessica thought of the manager’s last hairpiece and grimaced. “Don’t tell me he’s changed it again.”

Sheila arched an eyebrow. “I won’t have to. When you see him, believe me, you’ll understand.”

It was nearly noon before Jessica had a chance to see what Sheila had been talking about, and when she did, she was heartily glad she’d been forewarned.

Jeffery Dolby was strutting as he came toward her. Jessica knew she was staring, but it was impossible to stop. He’d dyed his eyebrows to match the new hairpiece. Wiry and yellow, it sat on his head like a straw nest on the forked branch of a tree; firmly planted, but out of place. Jeffery Dolby had gone blond.

“Miss Hanson, welcome back, welcome back!” Dolby said, and thrust out his hand, engulfing hers within his grasp. “Sheila said you were here, but we’ve been so busy this morning, I haven’t had time to welcome you personally.”

Jessica bit the inside of her mouth to keep from grinning and fixed her focus on the bridge of his nose, rather than what was above it.

“Thank you, Mr. Dolby. It’s good to be back. Oh, and the flowers are beautiful. Please give everyone my thanks.”

He smiled and pointed to her head. “I see you got your stitches out.”

She fingered the edge of her hairline and the small scar that would soon be concealed with a new growth of hair.

“Yes. This morning. And I can’t say I was sorry to see them go.”

He patted his hair and then did a little two-step, as if shifting gears before moving on.

“I trust all was in order in your office when you returned.”

She tried looking at his chin instead of the fuzzy blond hair above his nose, but it was no use. No matter how hard she tried, her gaze kept moving back to the changes in Dolby’s appearance. When she met his gaze, she realized he was still waiting for her reply.

“Oh! The office! Yes! Everything was fine, and thank you for giving me the week off to recuperate.”

His eyebrows wiggled like yellow caterpillars on a fishhook. “Think nothing of it. If you find yourself with slack time, don’t hesitate to take the occasional early day home until you feel you’re back to normal. You’re a fine employee. We’d hate to lose you.”

She nodded. The idea of going home early now and then might be wise, especially until she got back in the swing of a regular routine.

“Well now,” Dolby said, patting the front of his suit. “I’ve a luncheon meeting. I mustn’t be late. Again, welcome back.”

He strode away, leaving Jessica alone in the hall. Only after he was completely out of sight did she let herself react. She smiled, then chuckled, and then laughed outright. And she was still giggling to herself when she turned the corner and walked straight into Stone Richardson’s arms.

“Oh!”

Her gasp was as much from surprise as from the unexpected contact. When his fingers curled around her arms to steady her, she found herself wanting to throw her arms around his neck and give him a welcome he wouldn’t forget. But then she remembered the way that they’d parted, and all her joy in seeing him again was tempered with reserve.

Inside, Stone was scared half out of his mind. The last thing on earth he could face was losing Jessie Leigh.

“I didn’t mean to scare you.”

She searched the intensity of his gaze. He looked as miserable as she felt, and she reached out and touched the side of his face.

“And I didn’t mean to scare you, either.”

At that moment, both knew they were no longer referring to their near miss in the hall. They were talking about Saturday night and the unexpected way in which they’d parted early yesterday morning.

“Forgive me?” Stone asked.

“If you’ll forgive me.”

Stone kissed the side of her cheek, and then took her in his arms and stole the breath from her lips. Someone whistled at the end of the hallway. Stone groaned beneath his breath as he broke their connection, then smiled down at her, noticing as he did that something had changed.

“Your stitches are gone!”

“Out this morning. Now all that’s missing is some hair and…” She hesitated. She’d almost said “a few brain cells,” but after the other night, making jokes about her dreams was no longer funny.

Stone knew what she’d been about to say, and while he didn’t like to think about the consequences, he knew better than to tell her she was crazy. She’d already proved them wrong on all counts.

“I won’t forget what you told me,” he said. “I’ll be careful, I promise.”

She laid her cheek against his heartbeat. Like Stone, it was steady and strong.

“I like a man who keeps his promises,” she said softly.

He held her close, cherishing the trust, as well as the love, that she’d given.

“I hate to kiss and run, but Jack’s waiting for me out in the car. We’re on our way to Hal Stuart’s office, and then out to run down some more leads.”

Jessica ran her hand along the front of his jacket, and when she felt the bulge of his shoulder holster, she gave it a comforting pat.

“Call me.” There was more question than request in her words.

Stone grinned. “No way, honey. When I ‘reach out and touch someone,’ I want to do it the old-fashioned way. I’ll see you tonight.”

He left her standing in the hall, which was right where Sheila Biggers found her.

“There you are. I’ve been looking all over. Do you still want to do lunch? I’m starving.”

Jessica’s heart was lighter as she followed Dolby’s administrative assistant out the door.

And the days crawled toward the end of the week.

* * *

It was Friday afternoon, less than thirty minutes to quitting time, and none too soon for Jessica. Nowadays, she lived for the nights and Stone’s arrival at her house. While nothing more had been spoken between them with regards to their future or lack thereof, Jessica was holding on tight to the bits and pieces of himself that Stone was willing to share. And every time she thought of his ex-wife, she fought an urge to curse. That woman had done a number on him he couldn’t seem to forget.

Tonight, though, the routine was going to change. Stone was going to cook, and at his apartment. She wasn’t sure whether it meant he was tired of pretending her cooking was great, or if he was just being the gentleman and paying her back for all the meals he’d scrounged at her house during the week. All she had to do was drop the monthly reports by Mr. Dolby’s office and she was through for the day.

Her steps were hurried as she started down the hall. Her hand was on the doorknob to Dolby’s office when the door suddenly swung inward and a woman started out.

“Oh, Jessica! I didn’t see you there.”

Jessica grinned at the tall, dark-haired woman. “That’s because the door was closed.”

Nina Lindstrom managed a smile. And Jessica returned it easily. She and Nina had known each other for years.

“I see you haven’t lost your sense of humor,” Nina said.

“That’s about all that’s still where it belongs,” Jessica muttered, more to herself than to Nina, and followed the other woman into the hall.

Nina glanced at her friend, and Jessica could tell that she was wondering how much of what she’d heard was true, and how much of it was just gossip.

“So, how have you really been?” Nina asked. “I heard you were a victim of our famous storm.”

“That’s a kind way of putting it,” Jessica said. “But, enough about me. How are you doing?”

Nina’s shoulders drooped. “Not so good,” she said. “The diner has closed for repairs, and it’s pretty common knowledge that the Olsens aren’t going to open it back up.”

Jessica frowned. She knew Nina’s life had been tough since her husband’s death, but losing her job as a waitress at the Olsens’ diner would hit her hard.

“How are the kids?”

Nina smiled, although her voice sounded a bit shaky. “Exactly how you would expect three kids under the age of nine to be. Rowdy and loud.”

“Were you applying for a job?” Jessica asked.

Nina nodded. “But there aren’t any openings, and I need something now.” She shook her head and looked away, unwilling to let on how desperate she really was.

“Maybe something will turn up,” Jessica said.

“I don’t know. Grand Springs is in such an uproar over the mayor’s death, and businesses aren’t doing so well right now.” Then Nina put on a brave face and smiled. “If you hear of something, will you let me know?”

“Of course,” Jessica said, and touched Nina’s arm in what was meant to be a comforting way.

But at the moment of contact, everything changed. Images flashed in and out of her mind, like slides on a screen. One after the other, in rapid succession without any explanations in between. And with each one she saw, her impression grew that Nina Lindstrom would soon experience a drastic change of pace.

Nina tensed. “Jessica, are you all right?”

Jessica jerked, blinked, and then took a deep breath as her hand dropped to her side. She looked up at Nina with an angelic smile on her face.

“Don’t worry. I have a really good feeling that something is going to turn up…and soon.”

Nina sighed. “I hope you’re right. I could use some good luck for a change.”

Chapter Ten

Jessica stopped in front of the door to Stone’s second-floor apartment, giving herself a final check before ringing the bell. Her dress was new, and although she felt a bit self-conscious in the flowing, old-fashioned style, it gave her courage the boost it needed. This thing that was between her and Stone was so powerful, and so unexpectedly sweet, she was afraid to trust it could last.

The aroma of burning charcoal and cooking food drifted into the hall. It was all the impetus she needed to let herself be known. With her hand poised to knock, the door suddenly opened, and Stone swept her into his arms and into the room before she could blink.

“How did you know I was there?” Jessica gasped.

“Honey, I’m forever psychic where you’re concerned.” And then he laughed and kissed her hello before putting her down. “And I was standing on the balcony when I saw you come through the courtyard.”

She grinned. “You cheated.”

“All’s fair in love and war.”

A little ill at ease at being here with him, instead of on familiar ground, she ran a nervous hand over her hair and then smoothed the front of her dress.

Stone watched her with open admiration, letting himself absorb the fact that she was in his home.

“You look beautiful,” he said softly, fingering the gauzy fabric of her dress. “The blue matches your eyes.”

Jessica blushed, but was determined not to let him get ahead of her tonight. “You look pretty good yourself. And you smell good, too. What is it called? Eau de smoke?”

He laughed and pulled her close, nuzzling at a spot beneath her ear. “Damn, but you’re sassy tonight.”

Jessica wrapped her arms around his neck, leaning into his strength and smiling with satisfaction. Food was on the grill. She was in Stone’s arms. What more could a sane woman want? And then the thought slipped. Dare she assume she fell under the category of sane?

Stone’s heart was melting by degrees. This crazy tousled-haired woman was making him nuts. Once more, he nuzzled against the curve of her neck, then bit, not hard enough to hurt, just making his mark on her.

“Ow,” she muttered, and slapped him lightly on the arm. “If you’re that hungry, then I suggest you finish cooking our food. I’m not on the menu tonight.”

Stone circled the jut of her breast with the tip of his finger, grinning when she blushed a shade of hot virgin pink.

“Not even for dessert?”

To Jessie’s credit, she met his gaze without flinching. “I’ll let you know later,” she drawled, then pointed toward the patio door behind them. “Is that supposed to be smoking?”

Stone spun, took one look at the white clouds billowing out from beneath the hood of the cooker, and bolted.

“Obviously not,” Jessica said to herself, and followed him outside.

“Everything’s fine,” Stone said, and handed her a plate. “Here, hold this.”

Jessica took the plate and then stood and watched him work as several minutes passed. But when he made no move to put anything on it, she couldn’t stand the suspense any longer.

Stone was poking a fork in the steaks with studied intent when she spoke.

“Stone?”

“Hmm?”

“Why am I holding this plate?”

He looked up and grinned. “I didn’t want our food to burn, and I figured you would need something to hold to keep your hands off of me.”

Stunned by the audacity of the man, all she could do was sputter. He laughed aloud and took the plate she was holding, setting it on a nearby table.

“You have real staying power, Jessie Leigh. I’d just come to the conclusion that you would have held it all night.”

She arched an eyebrow and leaned against the railing in her sexiest pose. “There are some things I might do all night, but holding platters isn’t one of them.”

This time, she had the pleasure of seeing him dumbstruck. Finally, he turned back to his cooking, shaking his head and muttering something beneath his breath about needing his head examined.

Pleased that she’d gotten in the last word, she turned and gazed out across the courtyard and to the pool beyond. The apartment complex was a grouping of four separate buildings, but they shared the spacious area in between.

Flowering shrubs bordered the base of the buildings, while pebbled walkways linked them together in a maze of winding paths. Tables with colorful umbrellas dotted the grassy areas between the paths, and just beyond, the sparkling blue waters of the pool beckoned.

A couple walked hand in hand toward the building directly opposite, and as they opened the door to enter, a small boy, who appeared no more than three years old, darted out between them, making a break for the outside like a puppy gone wild.

Jessica grinned as the child rolled and tumbled around on the grass, jumping and hopping and waving his arms. Even though she was high above him, she could see that he was talking to himself. As the moments passed, she kept expecting a parent to join him. Although the courtyard itself was enclosed, there were far too many hazards awaiting a toddler alone.

When he darted toward their building, she leaned over the balcony, somehow convinced that she must keep him in sight.

Stone was taking up the last of the steaks and happened to look up as she leaned. Almost dropping the platter, he grabbed her arm half in jest, half in earnest.

“Easy, honey. You’ve already had one nasty bump on your head. You don’t want to fall from up here.”

“Stone, look.” She pointed to the toddler who was dawdling toward the fenced-in area around the pool.

He followed her direction and frowned. He’d seen the child and the mother before, but had no idea who they were, or where they lived. And while he was debating with himself about what he should do, Jessica suddenly gasped.

“He’s going to fall in the pool.”

Stone looked again. The child had turned away from the fence and was digging under some shrubs with a stick.

“No, honey. Look, he’s playing by that bush.”

She wrapped her arms around herself and started to shake. “No, no, no. Not there,” she moaned.

In that instant, Stone realized what was happening. Jessica was seeing something that had yet to happen. Without looking back, he bolted through his apartment and out of the door, running down the stairs as if his life, and not the child’s, depended on it.

When the door slammed behind Stone, Jessica jerked in shock, realizing he was gone. She gripped the balcony rail until her knuckles turned white. And even though she knew Stone must be on his way to the rescue, she feared it would not be in time. Already the child had made his way through an unlocked gate and was circling the pool with absent fascination.

When he drew back and tossed his stick in the water, she unconsciously reached out, wanting to stop the inevitable and knowing it was an impossible feat.

The stick hit the water with a splash, and the child shrieked with delight. But when it began to float out toward the middle of the pool, Jessica saw a frown creasing the little boy’s forehead. She held her breath, counting the seconds between the time the child leaned over, and when he tumbled headfirst into the deep end of the pool. At that point, her scream pierced the silence, and then she ran for the phone.

Jessica’s scream was the first thing Stone heard as he burst out of the building. All he could think was, Don’t let me be too late.

The child didn’t even float, and was already sinking when Stone hit the water headfirst. Down, down, he dove, reaching out, stretching his arm to lengthen his grasp. And when he caught fabric—and then the tiny, limp arm—he encircled it fiercely, locking his fingers in a grip that only death would have freed, and began swimming up toward the lights dancing on the water above.

He broke the surface of the water with the child held high in his arms. Afraid to take time to look down, he made for the edge of the pool with the child in tow, and as he reached the side, the child was torn from his grasp.

Breathless and shaking, he pulled himself out of the pool just as Jessica initiated the first sequences of CPR. Her hands were shaking and her face was ghost white, but she wasn’t missing a beat. It was just what Stone needed in order to catch his breath before he could help.

“Did you call 911?”

She nodded and continued to work.

Moments later, when he could breathe without gasping, Stone crawled to his knees and bent to the child.

“I’m okay,” he said quickly, taking over the motions from Jessie without breaking the rhythm. Already the sound of sirens could be heard in the distance, and then soon, another, much sweeter sound came. The sound of a child choking, then coughing, then crying.

Jessica dropped to her knees and covered her face with her hands, knowing if she never did another important thing during her lifetime, this would be enough to carry her through.

Suddenly, paramedics burst on the scene. When they got to the child, Stone gladly relinquished his role of rescuer and leaned back on his knees, still shaking from an onslaught of emotions.

And even as Stone was drawing in deep draughts of much-needed air into his lungs, the little boy was breathing on his own and asking for his mother.

Stone groaned beneath his breath as he got up. He would like to have a talk with her himself. What the hell kind of a woman would let a toddler out unattended in a place like this?

Someone touched his shoulder and he turned. It was Jessica. He grabbed her hand, and in that moment, the connection they had was as strong as when they made love.

“My God, Jessie.” For the moment, it was all he could say.

“Mommy. Want my mommy,” the child cried.

Stone squatted beside him, gently smoothing the wet mat of hair from his forehead while the paramedics began strapping him on the gurney.

“Where is your mommy, son?”

The little boy’s gaze was frantic, his motions jerky as he tried to pull free of the restraints. “Sleepin’. Mommy sleepin’,” he cried, and tugged at the strap across his chest. “Want my mommy!”

“He came out of that door,” Jessica said, pointing to the back of the nearest building.

“He’s plenty stable, and we’ll be a couple of more minutes,” one of the paramedics said. “If you could find her, it would speed up the process a lot when we take him in.”

Stone got to his feet. “I’ll find her.”

Jessica was right behind him when he went inside. He started down the hallway, shouting aloud.

“Police! Open up!”

Doors opened and people peeked out, curious as to what was going on. Before he could explain what he was about, Jessica suddenly grabbed his arm and started running toward the stairwell. By now, he knew better than to ask why.

They exited on the third level. Jessica was out of breath and there was a stitch in her side that she kept trying to ignore. But she knew, as well as she knew her own name, that the drama of the evening wasn’t over yet.

“Here,” she said, pointing to a door on their right that was standing ajar.

Stone pushed his way inside and then stopped in the doorway, staring in disbelief at the young woman who was slumped on the floor, a hypodermic needle next to her hand.

“Son of a bitch,” he muttered as he knelt at her side.

Jessica moved through the apartment as if she’d been there before, heading for the refrigerator with unerring intent. And when she opened the door, the small vials sitting high on a shelf only confirmed what she already knew. She grabbed one on the run, dropping back to Stone’s side and shoving it in his hand.

“Stone. Look! She’s not an addict, she’s a diabetic!”

Ashamed of the fact that his first instinct had been to distrust, he thought of the paramedics already on hand.

“Stay with her,” he ordered.

Jessica stayed, partly because he’d asked, and partly because she’d been led here by a power she didn’t understand, and there was nowhere else to go.

* * *

Water stood in puddles from the front door to the bedroom beyond, marking the trail where Stone had walked as he’d gone to change his clothes. Their uneaten food was on a corner of the cabinet, while outside, the waning smoke from the grill dissipated into the night air.

Jessica sat huddled in her chair, rocking back and forth in mute defeat. While she was thankful beyond words that both mother and child would survive, the knowledge that she was no longer in control of her senses was more than she could bear. Trying to live with this thing was going to drive her insane.

There was a touch on her shoulder. She looked up.

Stone held out his hands and she moved into his arms.

“Here, sit with me,” he urged, and sat down where she’d been, holding her safely in his lap. His voice was near her ear, and the quiet, confident tones went a long way toward calming the depression in which she’d fallen.

“You did good, honey.”

Her lips trembled as she laid her head on his shoulder.

“I want this to stop.”

There was such defeat in her voice that Stone panicked, and then held her that little bit tighter.

“I know, Jessie, I know. And I wish there was something I could do to make it all better.”

“Oh, Stone. So do I.”

Outside, the world went on as if nothing had happened, while they sat locked in each other’s arms, wondering what else she would she see, and what else might go wrong.

A half hour passed, and it was moving on to the hour when Stone seemed to kick into gear. He kissed the lobe of Jessie’s ear, then deposited her on her feet.

“You…stick the steaks in the microwave. I’m going to mop up my mess.”

“But—”

“No buts,” he said. “It’s over. You’re here. And I’m damned hungry. Feed me, woman, before I turn on you, instead.”

A small smile tilted the edges of her lips, and he grinned.

“What? You don’t fancy being my dessert?”

This time, Jessica heard herself laughing. It wasn’t much, but it felt good just the same.

“I already told you about that dessert business,” she said.

Convinced that, for the moment, he’d pushed her as far as she needed to go, he turned.

“I’m going to get a mop.”

He had just stepped out on the patio to the adjoining storage room when the phone rang.

“Hey, Jessie, get that for me, will you?” he called.

She picked up the phone on the third ring.

“Richardson residence.”

A very pregnant pause lingered after a near-silent gasp.

“Hello? Who’s calling, please?” Jessica repeated.

“I want to speak to Stone.”

The woman’s voice was stilted, sounding almost angry as Jessica put her hand over the receiver.

“Stone, it’s a woman. She sounds upset. Says she wants to talk to you.”

Mopping at the puddles with manly disdain for neatness, he frowned, then shook his head.

“Ask who it is,” he mouthed.

“May I ask who’s calling?”

“Tell him it’s Naomi, and I don’t like this third-party interrogation one bit.”

Jessica blanched. “It’s your ex-wife, and she says she doesn’t like this third-party interrogation one bit.”

Stone grinned, and when he did, Jessica’s spirits lifted.

“You tell her I’m busy, and unless she’s been kidnapped or bleeding to death, I don’t need to know.”

Jessica’s eyes were dancing. “He says to tell you…”

“I heard what he said,” Naomi muttered. “And you tell him— No. Never mind. I must have been out of my mind to even call.”

By now, Jessica was grinning widely. “She says, she must have been out of her mind to call.”

There was a distinct click in Jessica’s ear.

“She hung up.”

Stone was leaning on his mop with a silly grin on his face.

“Then that means you can do the same.”

Jessica hung up the receiver, and then stood, watching as Stone returned to mopping up the water he’d dripped.

“Umm…Stone?”

“What, honey?”

“Does that happen often?”

He glanced up. “What? You mean her calling like that?”

She nodded.

“Oddly enough, I hadn’t heard from her in years and then she called a couple of days ago. That call was the second time this week. The first time she called to tell me she was getting married. Knowing Naomi, it didn’t amount to anything but boredom or curiosity.” Then he shrugged. “This time, who the hell knows.”

“Do you still love her?”

There was such uncertainty in her voice that Stone dropped the mop and, within seconds, had her in his arms.

“Jessie Leigh, compared to the way I feel about you, I’m not sure I ever did.”

Jessica bloomed as the microwave dinged. “I think the steaks are hot.”

Stone lowered his head. “Oooh, honey, so am I.”

Hours later, the digital dial on Stone’s clock was registering 12:45 a.m. as they came up for air.

Stone brushed the hair from Jessie’s eyes and then ran his hand possessively over her bare midriff.

“How do you feel about a midnight supper?”

Jessica stretched and then smiled, like a well-fed cat who had its owner right under its paw.

“But you’ve already had dessert,” she said.

Stone got up and reached for his jeans, ignoring his nudity, as well as the interested look from the woman in his bed.

“I know what I’ve had,” he drawled. “But it’s my place. My bed. Here, I make the rules.”

“Somehow, that doesn’t seem fair.”

He looked back, cocking an eyebrow as he gave her an appreciative stare.

“You know what, sweet thing? Tonight, lying there in my bed, all mussed and rumpled, you’ve come close to giving me heartburn. Now, I know my limitations as well as the next man, and I know if I don’t get something substantial into my belly, I’m going to fade on you fast.”

“Does that mean we can’t do it again?”

He grinned. “Pretty much.”

She rolled out of bed. “I guess I’m getting hungry, too.”

He laughed. “I thought you’d see it my way.”

Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.

Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».

Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес.

Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.