by Lori Foster
Jason touched her bottom lip. “Whatever you want, honey.”
His mood confused her. He’d just seen the ugliness, but instead of being put off by it, he was warm and demonstrative. Maybe now was as good a time as any to discuss the other conclusions she’d reached at the picnic.
Taking a breath, she asked, “Will you help me with everything?”
His slow smile held a wealth of pleasure. “I’d love to.”
She’d anticipated that reply, but still she burst with happiness. “Thank you.”
“I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands. Working with you is especially satisfying.”
“I can pay you—”
His thumb over her lips silenced her. “Don’t go there.”
Since she’d anticipated that, too, she smiled against his touch. “Okay.”
“I love lending you a hand, Honor. I love being with you. You need to understand that.”
Crazy hope blossomed, full and sweet, and this time it didn’t scare her...much. He was so open, and he’d used that L word repeatedly.
“Do you...” Her courage flagged, but she rallied. “Do you maybe love me, too? Just a little?”
“I love you. Not a little, but a lot.”
That husky declaration stole her breath. She stared at him for a few seconds before she could breathe, “Yes?”
Laughing, he looped his arms around her and lifted her off her feet. “I wouldn’t mind hearing it back.”
Honor squeezed him tight. “I really, really love you, too.”
“I’m glad.” He set her back and cradled her head in his palms. “You realize this leaves us with a conundrum.”
Whatever it was, she knew it wouldn’t matter. “What’s that?”
“We’ll have two houses when we only need one.”
He just kept throwing her off balance. Pulse racing, she squeaked, “One?”
“I love you. You love me. After we get married, we’ll live together, right?”
Her eyes rounded, her heart jumped into Mach speed, and she barely suppressed a squeal. “Marriage?”
“I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
Oh my God. Now she wished Lexie was here to share the moment with her. Soon as possible, though, she’d call her.
“Honor?”
“Yes. Yes, yes, yes!”
Jason caught her to him, his mouth on hers as he made his way to the couch.
“No!” She stiff-armed him. “We’re both a mess. I don’t want to hurt your furniture.”
He thought about that, lifted her higher so she could wrap her legs around him, then pivoted around and went back to the front door. “We need that shower.”
“And then I need you.”
Still holding her, his big hands splayed over her bottom for support, he bounded across the yard to the side door that opened into her kitchen.
As he carried her inside, she said, “I can’t sell it.”
“Then don’t. I don’t care which house we live in.”
His attitude was empowering. “I want to live in your house.”
“Sounds good.” He kissed her neck, her shoulder, as he headed to the bathroom.
Honor tunneled her fingers into his cool, thick hair. “I can’t rent it to just anyone, either.”
“So you’ll wait until you find someone special. Someone who will love it every bit as much as you do.” He set her in the bathroom and turned to start the shower. “Until then, we’ll just enjoy remodeling it.”
“If you’re sure—”
He whisked her shirt off over her head. “I’m sure I love you and I want you. That’s what matters.”
Honor agreed.
* * *
It was a few hours more before everyone else closed up the picnic. By then, Jason and Honor were sitting out back, enjoying the star-filled evening sky. It was too hot for a fire, but they’d lit torches meant to keep the mosquitoes away.
Diesel slept nearby, secure, happy...much like Honor.
Sullivan and Lexie joined them first.
Unable to contain herself, Honor launched from her seat and ran to Lexie the second she emerged from the woods.
Slowly Jason stood, watching Honor as he, too, approached. He heard her talking a mile a minute, most of it jumbled praise for him.
Wide-eyed, Lexie listened with confusion. “Slow down. You’re losing me.”
Honor drew a breath.
“I love her,” Jason said, anxious to get to the point. “We’re getting married.”
Lexie went blank, then she screeched and, together, she and Honor danced around in a way that made him smile crookedly.
Sullivan hugged Honor, then clapped Jason on the shoulder. “Congratulations.”
Jason couldn’t stop smiling. “Thanks.”
Seconds later, Colt jogged into the yard, Hogan behind him.
They pulled up short when they spotted them casually talking, with Diesel back to sleep.
Confused, Colt said, “I heard a scream.”
Honor laughed. “That was Lexie.”
Cocking a brow, Hogan said, “And she screamed...why?”
Barely able to contain herself, Honor smiled up at him. “Jason and I are going to get married.”
It was a toss-up who was more excited by that, Honor or Colt. Taking her by surprise, Colt lifted her in his arms and spun in a circle.
Hogan grinned ear to ear. “Looks like I found work just in the nick of time.”
Honor froze. “Hogan, no!” She quickly disengaged from Colt. “I would never—”
“Of course you wouldn’t.” He took his own turn hugging her off her feet. “But since I was planning to move anyway, I’ll just make sure I’m gone in time.”
Honor didn’t look at all happy with that idea. As she gazed at Colt, she patted his shoulder. “It doesn’t need to be right away. Jason and I are planning to finish remodeling my house, and then I have to find the right person to live there, and—”
Lexie raised a hand. “Can I put in dibs?”
Honor brightened again, but before she could get too excited over that, Sullivan spoke up.
“You’ll be with me.”
Lexie tipped her head at him. “With you?”
Put on the spot, Sullivan glanced around at their rapt faces, then took her hand. “Come on. We need to talk privately.”
Lexie didn’t budge. “About what?”
“About how I want you to move in.”
She went still, both brows up as she drew in a breath. “You want me to move in with you?”
“Yes.”
“Because...?”
He scooped her in for a kiss; then against her mouth, with the others looking on, he whispered, “Because I’m falling in love with you.”
After the kiss, it took a second for it to sink in and then Lexie said with enthusiasm, “Oh!”
Sullivan kissed her again, fast and hard. “Tell me you feel the same.”
“Heck yes.”
“So you’ll move in?”
“Living with you will be even better than living across the street from you.”
Anxious to get her alone, Sullivan again started away.
Glancing back at Honor, Lexie said, “Don’t make wedding plans without me! I just need twenty minutes.”
“An hour,” Sullivan corrected.
Lexie laughed. “Lucky me.”
Squeezing her, Sullivan said, “I need the hour to explain how much I care, to apologize for being an ass and to tell you how amazing you are.”
Beaming, Lexie said to Honor, “So give us an hour and twenty minutes, because I have a few needs, too.”
Jason shook his head. Honor’s friend was hilariously outrageous, and pretty damn wonderful. “It’s late. Let’s all talk in the morning.”
Hand to her heart, Lexie said, “You are a fantastic man, Jason Guthrie. Congrats on grabbing a real prize.” She blew Honor a kiss. “I’ll see you bright and early.” Then she took the lead and soon had Sullivan racing h
er for his front door.
Laughing, Jason hugged Honor close. “Guess Lexie won’t be taking your house after all, but she’ll still be close at hand.”
“I’m thrilled for her,” Honor said. “And even happier that she’ll be nearby.”
Hogan cleared his throat. “If it’s okay, if you don’t mind having me that close, I’d love to take your house. I can even help with the remodeling.”
Turning with a renewed squeal, Honor launched herself at Hogan and started bouncing with him the same way she’d done with Lexie—only Hogan didn’t reciprocate. He just laughed and tried to calm her.
Hands on her shoulders, he said, “You should know that means dog hair, because even though Colt pretended Diesel was for you, he’ll be with us.”
Colt grinned. “Seriously?”
“He’s your dog,” Hogan said. “I’m not obtuse.”
Colt hugged his dad.
“I love Diesel!” Honor exclaimed, her eyes warm as she watched father and son embrace. “Of course he’ll go wherever Colt goes.”
As they separated, Hogan said, “It also means a ton of teenage mess, because on his best day Colt is seriously sloppier than Jason on his worst day.”
“Uncle Jason is a neat freak,” Colt accused around a grin. “I’m not that bad.”
“You’re perfect,” Honor told him, tears welling in her eyes. She sniffed, her voice breaking. “And I would be thrilled for you both to take my house.”
“Hey.” Feeling indulgent, Jason turned her into his chest and rocked her. Both Hogan and Colt looked devastated, but he wasn’t worried. “She’s okay,” he told them. “Just happy.”
“So very, very happy,” she agreed. She wiped her eyes and smiled tremulously.
“Because you’ll have your family so close?” Colt guessed.
That he included himself as family had Honor welling up even more. She sniffled again, nodded hard and said, “Yes.”
Jason smoothed back her hair. “That’s as it always should be.”
She agreed. “At least, when the family is this wonderful.”
Hogan elbowed his son. “We’ll have to be on our best behavior so we don’t disillusion her.”
“You couldn’t,” Honor swore. “I love Jason so much, but I love you both, too.”
“Ditto.” Colt mussed her hair. “And now you can really be Aunt Honor.”
That so overwhelmed her the tears spilled over.
“Come on.” Jason started her back toward her house. “You guys will kill the torches and take Diesel in?”
“Sure,” Hogan said.
“Then we’ll see you both in the morning.”
“Good night, Aunt Honor.”
She choked out, “Good night.”
“Sleep well, hon.”
She gave a wave to Hogan.
Grinning, Hogan and Colt headed in.
Her voice little more than a whisper, Honor asked, “Do you mind staying with me until we’re married?”
“Long as we’re together, it doesn’t matter to me.”
“Can we get married in the yard? Your yard is so beautiful.”
He smiled. “Whatever you want.”
“Do you think Nathan would play at the wedding?”
Jason had to laugh. “I’m sure the sheriff would be honored. But he only seems to know country music.”
“It’ll be so perfect.”
Though she didn’t realize it, she was perfect. Until Honor, he hadn’t known anything was missing from his life. Now, having her with him, he didn’t think it could get any better.
But just as they stepped inside, she said, “Jason?”
“Hmm?”
She peeked up at him, her eyes wet, her smile tender. “How do you feel about kids?”
Slowly, as the idea sank in, Jason smiled. “I’ve built some very cool playhouses and backyard gyms.” Life with Honor would be about love—no matter how big their family grew. And that would always make it as perfect as perfect could be.
* * * * *
The Guthrie Brothers will return in WORTH THE WAIT, from Lori Foster and HQN Books!
Meanwhile, look for UNDER PRESSURE, the first in Lori’s explosive new series.
For the men of the Body Armor agency, the only thing more dangerous than the job they do is the risk of losing their hearts.
Read on for an exclusive sneak peek...
Lori Foster
EXCERPT FROM
Under Pressure
Under Pressure
by Lori Foster
1
LEESE PHELPS STOOD in the cold early-evening air, his breath frosting in front of him, lights from the nearby bus station blinking in an annoying mismatched pattern.
Behind him, completely hidden in the shadows, his friend Justice complained, “My balls are freezing.”
Still watching the surrounding area, Leese said, “You should try wearing underwear.”
“The ladies would protest. They like me commando.”
Leese started to smile—until a shadow shifted from the right side of an alley that bisected the station from a cheap hotel. He said, “Shh.”
“This is it?” Justice whispered. “You see her?”
“Quiet.” Leese pressed farther back into the darkness, his gaze alert, his senses zinging.
A woman, small in stature, emerged dragging an enormous suitcase with a broken wheel. As it tried to pull her sideways, she relentlessly forced it through slush and blackened snow. Her narrowed gaze scanned the area with nervous awareness.
Leese didn’t move, but still her attention shot back in his direction. She stared, watchful and wary, until he stepped out.
Trying not to look threatening, Leese propped a shoulder on the brick facade of the vacated building. He glanced at her, then away, as if dismissing her.
She continued to stare.
Now what to do?
“What’s happening?” Justice whispered.
“Nothing. Be quiet.”
The girl wore jeans with snow boots, a puffy coat that covered her to her knees and a black stocking cap pulled down over her ears. Straight brown hair stuck out from the bottom.
When she finally looked away, it was to drop the suitcase and whip around, facing the way she’d come.
Two men stepped out, followed by a third.
The third smiled at her. “Going somewhere, Cat? Without saying goodbye?”
Suspicions confirmed, Leese watched Catalina Nicholson take a defiant stance. That didn’t surprise him. As soon as he was given the assignment, he’d learned what he could of her.
She came from a wealthy family of lawyers and CEOs, people with far-reaching political and business connections. They were the movers and shakers of the world, influencing other powerful people effortlessly.
But Catalina had bucked convention by becoming an elementary school art teacher, something her family hadn’t liked. She clearly enjoyed her luxuries but wanted to earn them herself. Some inheritances helped to pave the way on that, but from all reports, she’d proven herself to be headstrong and independent. Small in size but not in attitude.
Here, in the slums of Danbrook, Ohio, she was far away from her usual routine of dealing with middle-class families and their grade school children.
“That’s right, Wayne,” she said, her voice strong. “I’m leaving.”
“I don’t think so,” the man called Wayne said, and his two cronies moved to surround her. “Not just yet. Not until you pay up on all those promises you made.”
Strangely enough, Catalina looked back at Leese again, her expression a touch desperate.
Even from the distance, he felt her silent request for help.
“Stay put unless you see that I need you,” Leese told Justice. He was pretty sure he could handle things—without drawing his gun—but there was always a chance he’d cause a ruckus and then, to protect her, they’d need to make a run for it. “Be ready with the car.”
Justice grumbled, “I miss all the fun.”
/>
Stepping out, his boots crunching in the frozen snow, Leese headed toward her in a casual stride.
Relief took the starch out of her shoulders. If he could defuse things without violence, that’d be for the best. Right now the bus station was all but empty. But if a brawl broke out, for sure it’d draw attention from somewhere.
As he approached, the men all went still, attentive, before deciding he didn’t matter.
Idiots.
Leese stepped up in front of her, blocking the pushiest guy, forcing him back a step.
“Hey!”
“Excuse me.” Insinuating himself between her and the big goon, Leese insulated her from trouble, then turned to face her. Catalina was probably a foot shorter than him, and even in the thick coat she seemed slim all over. She tipped back her head and stared up at him with big blue eyes that were both wary and defiant.
By silent agreement, she trusted him, when that was the very last thing she should have done. No wonder he’d been sent to her.
Leese hefted her bag—which weighed a ton—and maintaining the casual vibe, said, “This way,” indicating where he’d been standing watch.
Without bothering to look at the other men, she drew a careful breath, braced herself and nodded in agreement.
Insane. The woman had no self-protection mechanism. She didn’t know him from Adam, but was prepared to willy-nilly saunter off with him.
When he was assigned this case, not once had he expected it to be this easy. On the contrary. Everything he’d been told had led him to believe it would be a total pain in the ass to keep her safe.
She took two steps.
The closest goon said, “This is bullshit.”
Pausing, Leese huffed out a breath. “Let it go.”
“The hell I will.”
Hearing the elevated voice, he turned just in time to dodge a thick fist. Still holding her bag, Leese landed a knee to the man’s midsection, then flattened him with an elbow to the chin.
The guy’s eyes rolled back and he collapsed like a rag doll, one leg bent awkwardly beneath him, his jaw slack.
Eyeing the remaining two, Leese popped his neck and waited. “Anyone else?”
Being wiser than they looked, they declined further violence.
As the downed man came around with a groan, Leese backed up with Catalina. “Get your friend out of the slush, before hypothermia sets in.” It was so bitter cold it wouldn’t take long for the elements to affect a body, especially when drenched in wet snow.