"For killing a cop."
"He wasn't a cop."
That couldn't be right. "But I saw a radio in his car."
"He was a volunteer cop through the Citizen Policing Program. It's how he was able to stay one step ahead of us and move so freely about the station.
"Oh." She closed her eyes as fatigue washed over her. It really was over. She was finally free.
"Lucy?" she asked, suddenly worried about her cat. The last time she'd seen her, she'd been hiding under the couch.
"She's fine."
Jessica smiled and drifted back to sleep. When she woke again, she was surprised and pleased to see Adam still in the chair bedside her bed, sleeping. She stared at him for a long moment, wondering if he'd leave her now and go back home, wherever home was. Her heart ached at the thought that she might never see him again. She couldn't imagine going back to her empty apartment alone, couldn't imagine having to say goodbye. Tears moistened her eyes as loneliness, profound and all-encompassing, stole into her heart.
"Does it hurt?" he asked, suddenly awake and looking at her.
"Yes," she admitted.
He stood. "Where? I'll get the doctor."
She touched her heart. "Here."
He sat back down, leaned forward, and took her hand. "Why?"
"I'm afraid."
"Sweetie, you don't have anything to be afraid of. Not anymore."
"But I am." She thought she'd miss his eyes the most, and the way he looked at her—full of warmth and caring.
"Why?" he asked softly.
"Of having to live my life without you."
He leaned forward and smiled. "Now why would you think you would have to do that?"
She held tightly to his hand, afraid to let it go. "The case is over. The killer is dead. There's no reason for you to stay. You can leave. And then it occurred to me that I have no idea where you live."
He smiled and kissed her. "I live in New Orleans, and I would love for you to come spend time with me at my place."
"You would?"
"I was hoping you would. I think you would love it. Like the city itself, my house is brimming with all the different colors and textures you've been missing. I'm a mean cook, and I would like nothing more than to wake up each morning to a strong cup of chicory coffee and you."
"Can I bring Lucy?"
He laughed. "Absolutely."
"Then yes, I'd love to come see your place."
"Good, because I made you a promise that I'd never let anything happen to you, and I intend to keep it."
"But the killer's dead. You don't have to protect me anymore."
"True, but that doesn't mean I'm ready to let you go."
"Promise?" she asked, suddenly believing it could be true, that she could have a life filled with happiness, love, and color.
He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. "Promise."
Dear Reader~
Thank you for reading Eyes Wide Open. I’ve always been fascinated by people with psychic abilities and love that with the Phoenix Agency we can read stories about characters with a wide range of talents.
If you enjoyed this story, please leave a review on Amazon!
Acknowledgements~
I want to thank Desiree Holt for creating such an awesome world and allowing me to be a part of it. I also my critique partners, Gail Ranstrom and Vicki Wilkerson. I can’t imagine writing a story without you!
Cynthia loves connecting with readers ~
First published in 2003, Cynthia Cooke is a USA Today Bestselling author who has published 20 novels in 12 different countries with Harlequin, Entangled, and Amazon Kindle Worlds. She has a deep affection for romance stories and playing in the ocean. On her best days you can find her on the beach with her notebook, a novel in hand, and her dog, Angel, by her side.
Embrace the Seduction and prepare to get naughty and have a little fun!
“Cynthia Cooke is an amazing and talented writer who captures your heart from the beginning of her books to the ending!.If I could give this book more then 5-stars I would!” Rose 13 – Amazon Reviewer
“Cooke keeps readers on the edge of their seats. . .” –Alexandra Kay, Romantic Times Magazine.
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Other Books by Cynthia ~ For a complete list go Cynthia’s Amazon author page www.amazon.com/author/cynthiacooke
One Last Kiss ~ Tina Folsom’s Eternal Bachelors
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town – A Christmas Novella
All Bets Are On– Fun and sassy Paranormal Romance
Deadly Secrets Loving Lies~ Sexy Romantic Suspense
Bodies In Trouble (Body Movers Kindle World)~ Sexy Magical Mystery
Running With Wolves (The Colony Book 1) – A Nocturne Paranormal Romance
The Phoenix Agency: Eyes Wide Open (Kindle Worlds Novella) Page 8