by Debra Webb
Thankfully he’d had the foresight to put in a call to Ian en route. The police had shown up within minutes of J.T.’s arrival at Rebecca’s home. Paramedics had gotten to the scene in record time.
Rebecca’s criminal activity would be sorted out soon. J.T. wasn’t completely out of the woods with the authorities, but with the Colby Agency’s help, that would be resolved in time.
For now, his only concern was Eve.
“In case I haven’t told you,” he said as he settled on the edge of the bed next to her, “thanks for saving my life.”
Eve sighed. “You said that already.”
Another smile tugged at J.T.’s lips. “I guess you won’t be able to collect the rest of your fee, considering you helped bring down your employer.”
“Truth is, I’d already been paid in full. Even if I hadn’t been, it wouldn’t be a big deal.”
She wouldn’t look at him. He understood the tactic—she didn’t want him reading her eyes.
He toyed with the hem of her gown. “When you’re released, you’ll be on your way, I suppose.” Holding his breath, he focused on her face to wait for the answer. He wanted to see what she was feeling. He needed to see…to know.
“I suppose.”
Still no eye contact. But her voice spoke volumes. Too quiet. Too subdued. Not Eve at all.
“You could stay,” he ventured.
Her gaze shifted to his. “Why would I stay?”
This was the moment. The one where he had to take that leap of faith, no matter that she’d let him down before. She had her reasons. Reasons he didn’t understand, but their lives had been different. He couldn’t hold that against her.
“Because I—” he hesitated “—I want you to stay. I still have that wedding ring and the fancy tux.” He shrugged. “It would be a shame to waste them.”
“You don’t even know my full name,” she argued, showing some of that strength he recognized.
He took her hand in his and felt it tremble ever so slightly. “So what’s your name?”
Five, six, ten seconds ticked off.
“Evelyn Shelby. I was born in Winnetka. I moved to Phoenix when my parents died.”
His heart lurched. That she’d opened up to him that little bit was a major milestone. “So this is home. Sort of.”
“Sort of.” She stared at their joined hands now.
“Then staying here would be like coming home,” he offered.
She searched his eyes, hers carefully shielded. “I’m not the person you think I am,” she warned. “I’ve lived on the edge of the law for most of my adult life. There are risks involved with having me in your life. The past could come back to haunt me. Change might not work for me.” She blinked, tried to keep the uncertainty hidden but failed. “You should think long and hard about taking on all that baggage.”
“I’ve already thought about it.” He squeezed her hand. “I’m prepared to accept the challenge. That is…if you’re up to it. If you’re afraid…” He let the challenge hang in the air.
The ghost of a smile played across her gorgeous lips. “I’m not afraid of anything, J. T. Baxley. Never have been.”
“I’ll take that as a yes.” He leaned down, brushed his lips across hers.
“Definitely.” She reached up, traced his lips with a fingertip. “Yes.”
There would be potholes ahead, J.T. was certain, but the destination would be more than worth the bumpy ride.
ISBN: 978-1-4268-3823-1
THE BRIDE’S SECRETS
Copyright © 2009 by Debra Webb
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