The Rebel Returns. Michelle Douglas
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to carry her up all of those steps, why should she complain? She wasn’t feeling exactly steady on her feet. Tomorrow would be plenty early enough for her to prove her independence, even if she had to be aided by those confounded crutches.
Her head rested on his shoulder as he moved up the steps. Beneath the moonlight with the warm breeze swirling around them, it would be so easy to let her guard down. If she closed her eyes and inhaled his masculine scent, she could let herself get swept up in this very romantic scenario. Not that she had any intention of making a fool of herself again. If there was any more kissing, it would be Jax who made the first move.
One night here and then she’d return to her apartment to finish recuperating. Being situated in the middle unit of a young people’s complex, tenants were coming and going at all hours of the day and night. She wouldn’t have to worry about being alone. They’d be around if she called out for help. Yes, that would work. One night with Jax and then they’d go their separate ways.
Her thoughts turned back to Robyn, who was more than a neighbor—more like the sister Cleo never had. It was nice to have someone in her life now who cared. She’d told Robyn that she’d be home sometime that night. She really should let Robyn know that her plans had changed. She didn’t want her to needlessly worry. Cleo reached for her phone but realized she didn’t have it.
“Jax, I left my phone back at the bungalow.”
“It’s for the best.”
“What? But I need my phone. How am I supposed to contact people and let them know that I’m okay?”
“They’ll just have to wait. Phones have GPS tracking units in them. It’s possible that thug could track us down that way. Don’t worry. I got a disposable phone for emergencies.”
The hairs on the back of her neck lifted. “Jax, how much trouble are you in?”
ALONE AT LAST.
Jax gently lowered Cleo down onto a long white couch in the expansive living room. He regretted having to let her go. There was something so right about having her slight figure curled up next to him. It’d taken every bit of willpower to concentrate on climbing the stairs instead of turning his head and kissing her.
His gaze dipped down to her lips while remembering how sweet they’d tasted. This wasn’t right. He should be worried about the man who’d run into Cleo at the hotel, not contemplating repeating their kiss because the one they’d shared earlier had been far too brief. And even worse, it had left him anxious for more of her touch.
He’d never had a woman distract him to this extent. What was so unique about Cleo? Could it be the fact she’d always been forbidden fruit? After all, she was one of Hope Springs’s highly respected Sinclair clan whereas his own family had been barely tolerated.
The attraction appeared to be all one-sided as Cleo sat up and looked around the expansive room. “Did you see those posters in the hallway? This really is an honest-to-goodness movie star’s house.”
“Are you saying you doubted me?”
Her gaze darted around the room. “Look at the mantel. There’s an award. Do you think he’d mind if I touched it?”
“I don’t see why he would have to know.” When she went to stand, Jax placed his hand on her shoulder. “I’ll get it for you.”
“Can you believe we’re here? And look over there.” She pointed to the wall to the left. “There’s pictures of him with actresses and politicians. Look at that one of him with the president.”
Jax chuckled at Cleo’s awestruck face. He retrieved the gold figurine, surprised to find it was rather heavy, and handed it to her.
“I just can’t believe you’re friends with him. Can you get me his autograph?”
“I’m sure that can be arranged. Now sit there and don’t move. I’ll be back.”
“Wait.” She looked up. “You promised we’d talk.”
“And we will right after I get our stuff. Just enjoy checking out that award.”
The events of the day were catching up to him, and he couldn’t wait until he got Cleo settled in bed. He inwardly groaned at the thought of her stretched out on some silky sheets. He gave himself a mental shake. That wouldn’t and couldn’t happen. Being a total gentleman tonight was going to be a feat all of its own.
Jax made a few trips to the car and deposited the final items next to the couch.
Cleo eyed up the stash. “What is all of that?”
“Things you’ll need while we’re here.”
“But both of those bags look full. What did you buy?”
He handed over a shopping bag and she peered inside. Her lips formed an O and he realized too late that he’d given her the pink bag. Still, the color filling her cheeks matched the bag and made him smile.
“Don’t worry. I didn’t pick out the lingerie. Marylou helped me out.”
Cleo’s thin brows rose. “Marylou? You mean the woman from the restaurant? The one you rescued from that rude guy?”
He nodded. “She said that if I ever needed anything to ask. I couldn’t risk going back into the Glamour and I didn’t want to risk going to your place, so she discreetly picked up some of my things from the bungalow and bought you some essentials at the guest shops.”
Cleo grimaced and adjusted her leg. “You’re making this sound like we’re going to be here for more than just tonight.”
He glanced at his watch, realizing it was time for her pain medication. “We are. But don’t worry. I have plenty of groceries.”
She sat up straight. “I can’t run off with you. I have responsibilities. People who will be worried about me.”
“Listen,” he replied as he got to his feet, “I’m not any happier about this than you are. But until the police track down this guy, we’re staying put. Now it’s time for your pain meds. I’ll be right back.”
“Jax, you’re being ridiculous. I can get these things for myself.”
He headed for the kitchen, ignoring her protest. Why did she have to be so stubborn? Couldn’t she relax and let him take care of her? Did everything have to be a struggle?
He returned quickly, handing over the glass and the medication, which she took without so much as a comment. He sank down into the armchair across from her and folded his arms behind his head.
“You have to admit staying here won’t be so bad.” He was trying to convince himself as much as her. He leaned his head back. One by one the muscles in his body relaxed. “Even the furniture is comfortable.”
He closed his eyes. This was the most relaxed he’d been in a long time. Was it the house? Or was it the company—Cleo’s company—that had him thinking about the here and now instead of the uncertainty of his future?
“I’m still waiting.”
Her voice startled him as he started to doze off. He lifted his head to look at her. “Waiting for what?”
“For you to explain why we’re here. Who’s the ape that’s hunting you?”
Jax ran a hand over the evening stubble trailing down his jaw. “I honestly don’t know who the man is. But the police are on it now. With the aid of the surveillance cameras at the casino, they’ll be able to identify and locate him.”
He hoped.
“But you do know why he’s here and what he wants.” Her eyes grew round. “Jax, what did you do?”
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