Dolby(23)
Author: Maryann Jordan

 

A tiny crinkle formed between her brows. “Us?”

 

For a man used to telling a one-night partner what he needed or expected and having them understand exactly what he meant, he struggled to find the right words for Marcia. “I want to see you again. This isn’t just for now. I really want to begin you and me together. Decide if what I feel and what I hope you feel is lasting. You know? Us.”

 

A light-pink blush filled her cheeks, and a gentle smile curved just the edges of her mouth.

 

“I want us to find out more about each other. Explore more—”

 

At that, her smile dropped as her breath hitched. The air was warm between them, their breaths mingling as they still fought to ease the pounding of their hearts. “I will never betray your trust, Marcia. I want to know all your secrets, everything about you, and hope that, in time, you’ll share.”

 

A flash moved through her eyes, but she snapped her mouth closed and nodded slowly.

 

He was aware he’d have to earn her trust and stood with her in his arms. Gently setting her feet on the floor, he kept his hands around her waist until she was steady. “I hate like hell to leave, but I want everything between us to go at the right time and the right speed. And if I stay, I’ll be tempted to toss those good intentions to the side. While I wouldn’t regret being with you, I’d regret not doing it the right way.”

 

Her eyes widened as her lips parted, and his chest nearly burst with pride at the look of hero worship in her eyes. Shaking his head, he said, “I’m not a hero, Marcia. I’m just trying to be a man worthy of you.”

 

Her top teeth landed on her bottom lip as though to keep from smiling, but she lost the battle, and her lips curved upward. “I think that might be the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard.”

 

“Hell, sweetheart, you write romance novels. I have no doubt you’ve written much sweeter things than I could ever think of saying. But one thing to know about me… if I say it, I mean it.”

 

Her smile slid away as her expression became serious. With her palms flat on his chest and her gaze staring straight into his, she shook her head. “Jonathan, I write many things for my fictional characters. Many things come from the heart, but the words that go between two real people who have feelings for each other in real life are the most glorious things ever heard.”

 

“Shit,” he muttered. Seeing her raised brow in surprise, he quickly added, “I’m gonna leave now before I give in to my baser instincts and scoop you up on the way to finding your bedroom. But that’s not what this is about. Not now.” He bent and kissed her lightly again, loving the familiarity of her lips. Straightening, he linked fingers with her and led her out of the office, through the living room to the front door.

 

Turning, he stared down at her guileless face and leaned over to give her one last peck, knowing the memory would have to last for a week. “I want to see you again as soon as we can.”

 

Her brilliant smile eased the ache in his chest at having to leave her. “I want that, too.”

 

“I live about two hours away, but that’s not a big deal. The problem is that I’m leaving to go on a mission tomorrow. It’s in the country, nothing major. Just security analysis for a client.” He watched the disappointment cross her face and was struck once again by how she easily offered her real emotions without artifice.

 

“Does it sound strange to say that I think I miss you even though I’ve never really had you?”

 

He shook his head. “Hell, Marcia, I already miss you, and I haven’t even walked out the door yet.”

 

She laughed, and he decided she didn’t do that often enough and wanted to be the one to bring more laughter into her life.

 

He pulled out his phone and looked at her. He entered her number as she gave it to him and sent a call to her, hearing her phone ring from the kitchen counter. “Now we have each other’s numbers. My week will be boring during the evenings. Can I call?”

 

Smiling again, she nodded. “I’d like that.”

 

Bending, he kissed her again. Then, with a promise to see her next weekend, she pulled away, sighing heavily. He jogged down to his vehicle while ordering her inside before he left. Driving down her road to the highway, he knew the past couple of hours had just changed his life for the better. Grinning, he turned up the music, already counting down the days till he could see her again.

 

 

 

 

 

11

 

 

 

 

 

“Girl, you’ve got to give me more details! Kissing Mr. Gorgeous. Right now, I’m living vicariously through you!”

 

Marcia stifled her grin at Angela’s comments. She was sitting on Angela’s kitchen stool while her friend loaded up a platter with crackers, cheese, chips, dip, and cookies. Brows raised, she knew that for Angela and Roger’s usual guests, she would create a charcuterie board that would rival any restaurant. But tonight, Angela wanted to let her hair down and simply drown her anger in junk food, which was fine by Marcia. Although she had no idea how they would eat everything she’d set out.

 

As much as she wanted to tell Angela more about Jonathan, she hated to share too much excitement in the face of Angela’s marriage difficulties. But she should have known her closest friend would recognize her hesitation and the reason for it.

 

“Oh no, Marcia. Just because my husband has turned out to be a real asshole doesn’t mean you have to hide your happiness.” Angela leaned over the counter and grabbed Marcia’s hands, her fingers lightly grazing over the scars on her wrists. “In fact, honey, you deserve to be happy more than anyone I know.”

 

Tears filled her eyes, threatening to overflow, but she fought them back and placed a wobbly smile on her face instead. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

 

“I’d like to think that you’d be a penniless author desperately trying to peddle your novels, but you and I both know that’s not true! I only helped you get your foot in the door.”

 

“That’s not what I’m talking about, and you know it. I’m talking about your friendship.”

 

Angela squeezed Marcia’s hands and grinned. “I know. And because of that friendship, you’re going to give me the details I’m craving!”

 

They carried the platter and glasses filled with wine into Angela’s family room. Her massive house had a formal living room used only when they entertained, but the family room also overlooked the ocean and was much more comfortable. As many times as Marcia had been in this room, she was always struck by how much of Angela was in the decor. It seemed Roger’s penchant for pretentious furniture didn’t extend to this room or the kitchen.