Holly walked to the corner of the barn, her heart pounding against her rib cage painfully. Daisy spotted her and raced to her. Holly knelt and quieted the dog. Would Jake be as happy to see her?
From where she stood, she watched Jake use his familiar gentle manner on the horse. He spoke softly, leaning down to pat the mare’s neck and sharing a treat with the colt.
His sun-streaked hair had been cut short, making him even more beautiful.
She stood at the corner for a long time. Jake was totally unaware he had an audience. The wind whipped around the building so hard her blouse fluttered in the breeze. Silently, she walked to the railing and climbed up.
Her movement must have caught his attention, because he turned Duchess around to face her. She could see the surprise on his face, but no joy. Tears breached the surface and ran untouched down her cheeks. Her love for him filled her every fiber of her being.
He wrapped the reins around the saddle horn, sat as straight as an arrow on his horse, and studied her, silently. The breeze suddenly died down, and the air stood still as she waited for a sign or a reaction.
Had she misunderstood Alice? Maybe she’d made a fool of herself. If she had, so be it. He would have to be honest with her if he wanted to send her away. She waited, listening to the deafening sound of her heart beating. She forced herself to remain still. Jake had to make the next move.
A low moan came from deep within her heart when he slung his leg over the horse’s neck and slid to the ground. His dazzling smile blinded her as he sauntered toward her. She gripped the fence rail with her fingers and counted the seconds as he drew nearer.
He stopped in front of her, pulled her off the post, pinning her between him and the fence. Still silent, he reached for her face, wiping away the tears streaming down her cheeks. His expression told her everything she needed to know. Just as Kay had described, Jake’s eyes were full of love.
“What took you so long?” Without waiting for an answer, his lips crushed hers.
Holly slid her arms around his neck and pulled him tight. They were both grinning like school kids when they finally came up for air.
“I got a speeding ticket.”
“Of course you did.”
“I love you.”
“Of course you do,” she whispered. “I love you too.”
Holding Holly in his arms, he laughed, a sweet calm washed over him as the world finally shifted into place.
COMING SOON
Till the Dead Speak
Samantha Anderson exited the Los Angeles airport shuttle dragging her suitcase behind her. She scanned the rows of rent cars, pausing to slip on sunglasses against the glare of bright California sunlight. Under different circumstances she might have stopped to admire the green trees and many colors of the flowering shrubs, but she hadn’t come to enjoy the scenery. This was a get-in-and-get-out-quick trip.
A strong arm wrapped around her waist from behind and jerked her backward just as a black SUV brushed past them so close she felt the breeze on her face. Her heart slammed into her chest, escalating from normal to supersonic. Their feet tangled and both of them tumbled to the pavement. Samantha landed on top of a rock hard chest.
“Oh my God!” Her words whooshed out. Fear crippled her thought process as she fought to extricate herself from the strangers grip.
“Hang on.” He rolled her off his chest, stood, and then pulled her to her feet in one motion.
“That…” Her words failed her too. She took two steps back, trying to calm herself.
“I’m sorry I startled you but there wasn’t time.”
"Thank you." Samantha looked up into Texas-sky-blue-eyes. His voice, deep and rich as warm caramel, didn’t do a thing to slow the rapid kathump kathump kathump of her heart.
"Welcome to California.” He smiled and his stern expression vanished. “Are you hurt?”
“Scared the crap out of me, but I’m fine. Are you? You took the brunt of the fall.”
“That was nothing. You're Samantha Anderson?"
"That’s right.” Her knees wobbled slightly as fear circled her chest like water down the drain. “How do you would know my name?" Everything about this trip had her spooked, and he wasn't helping matters.
"Easy. I've got you." His hand caught her by the elbow. "Lincoln Hawkins." He extended his free hand. "Your grandfather was my friend."
“That statement isn’t exactly endearing.” she reluctantly took his hand. "That Charles Pearson was my grandfather isn’t something I’ve wrapped my mind around."
Her left eyelid twitched. Great, she’d never had a twitch of any kind, not before she’d heard the name Charles Pearson.
"It had to have been one-hell-of-a-shock.” He nodded his head as if he understood her situation which he couldn’t possibly.
“That’s an understatement.” A chill rushed up her arms. “Why are you here?”
“We can get into that later. Right now, we need to talk about your safety."
"My what?” She pulled her hand from his warm grasp. “I don't normally walk out in front of moving vehicles."
"I don't believe that was a coincidence."
"Why would anyone wants to run me down?" Samantha’s heart started to rumba inside her chest at the seriousness on his face.
"Did the driver stop?” The stranger’s eyebrows drew together. “Is he standing here apologizing profusely?"
She held back the sizzle of temper rising in her chest. Okay. So the driver didn't stop. That didn't prove it was intentional.
"Run your name by me again."
"Lincoln Hawkins. Most people call me, Linc. I’m convinced your grandfather was murdered. And it looks like you might be next."
The word ludicrous formed on her tongue, but she kept it to herself. No word in Webster’s Dictionary could possibly describe the past few days. She smoothed her hands over her hair and straightened her blouse.
"The attorney who contacted me in Fort Worth said Charles Pearson drowned.”
A DNA test had proven the lineage, but Samantha couldn’t bring herself to refer Charles Pearson as grandfather. Not without betraying the memory of the two men she’d grown up calling Papa and Grampy. She had one grandmother left, and all attempts to reach her had failed. Samantha was beginning to believe the first lengthy message she’d left had sent Nana into hiding.
“I haven’t convinced Hank yet, but I will.” His gaze swept the rental parking lot, constantly moving. His walk reminded her of a predator ready to pounce.
“Hank?”
“Charlie’s lawyer, Henry Davis. You spoke with him on the phone. He goes by Hank.” Linc nodded as if she should’ve known. “Look, can we go somewhere and talk? Somewhere not so…” He waved a hand through the air. “Open.”
"Surely you don’t expect me to leave my rental here, get in a car with a complete stranger and ride off?” She inched her way a few feet from him.
Linc’s blue eyes softened. “I get that you’re angry and confused, but you have friends here.”
“You’re very good at understatements. This morning I packed my bags and left my job and flew to the land of movie stars. I'm beginning to think I’ve fallen down a rabbit hole and landed in Wonderland."
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
Jerrie Alexander has truly done it again. If you haven’t read any of her books you are missing out. I have read them all and can’t for Jake’s story next. If you’re looking for something thrilling with some romance thrown in then you need to pick up Jerrie Alexander’s Lost and Found Inc series. You won’t want to put it down.
The Book Maven
I’ve never been disappointed with any of Jerrie’s books and this was no exception. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
SNS Reviews
This series features hunky alpha males who share an unbreakable bond forged back in their college years. The former military heroes put their resources and skills to good use, helping those who have run out of other options. The most thrilling part
of any Jerrie Alexander book, for me, is the villain's POV. Out of all of her villains, this one made me squirm the most.
I highly recommend this series.
Ms. Romantic Reads
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jerrie Alexander
My husband and I live in Texas with Buddy, the little dog who rescued us. I write alpha males and kick-ass women who weave their way through death and fear to emerge stronger because of, and on occasion in spite of, their love for each other.
If you enjoyed this book, please help me spread the word. Facebook and tweet your approval. A review on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Goodreads would be greatly appreciated. Send me an email if you post a review, I’d love to thank you personally.
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Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Acknowledgements
Other Books by Jerrie Alexander
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Coming Soon
What Others Are Saying
About the Author
No Greater Hell (Lost and Found, Inc. Book 4) Page 25