They clung to each other until his excitement wore off enough to speak without cracking.
“What was so strange with that hard thing you felt—aren't I always hard for you?” With a devious twinkle in his eyes, he held her back, examining her.
“Not in your pocket, big shot!” She giggled.
“Really? Are you saying it's not big enough to reach that far?”
“Maybe!” She knew where her provocation was headed and smiled, enjoying every second of the sexual tension it produced.
“Then let me teach you a lesson.” He pushed her back on the bed and moved on top of her. “This will be your first fuck as an engaged woman, so pay attention.”
In a minute she was gasping with pleasure, unable to think let alone pay attention to a lesson.
Neither of them were concerned with the fact that she was still married.
WEDNESDAY
Kristen couldn't stop staring at the small diamond sparkling on her finger. For the first time in years she felt fulfilled and overcome by a surreal sense of security. Her beautiful baby and his amazing father, soon to be her devoted husband. What more could she possibly want? Whatever he had done in the heat of the moment was irrelevant. He was the man who had risked his life for her—the only reason she was still breathing.
Jake was still at work when Alicia came over that afternoon. Kristen couldn't wait to flash the ring and gush about how thrilled she was. Alicia appeared flabbergasted about both and Kristen got the impression she was happy for her, yet the strange look on her face made it hard to confirm.
“Kris are you sure about this? I mean, you're not even divorced yet. Did you set a date?”
“Not yet. And yes, I'm positive. I'm sure I couldn't find a better man than Jake. And he's an awesome father.” She was becoming uncomfortable by Alicia's reaction. And suspicious. “Why? What's wrong?”
Alicia shifted her weight around, dodging her eyes. “You don't think you should take a break—give yourself a chance to heal?”
She is always so negative and so cautious it borders on paranoia. Scratching her head, Kristen sighed. “Not really. Besides, he wouldn't go for that.” Listening to her own reasoning was unnerving. Every time Alicia came back at her this way, it threw her off.
It has to be right; Jake loves me with all of his heart. Even when I lied and cheated, he never gave up on me. There’s no doubt in my mind he would do anything for the two of us. He works hard, is kind, considerate, super-hot, and a great lover. What else do I need?
“That's what I mean! He has to get over always expecting everything his way and you giving it to him because of his tantrums.” Alicia knew she was pushing her boundaries but cared too much about Kristen to drop it.
Kristen contemplated her words, frowning when she recalled Ruby’s almost identical warning.
“It won't be for a while anyway. Besides that was all because of Logan…” If I really believe it, why can’t I look her in the eye?
“Hmm, if you say so, and, since you brought it up, what about Logan? I hate talking about him—you know I can't stand his sorry ass. But what about you?” She stared at her.
“Logan?” Kristen tensed. She hadn't allowed herself to dwell on him since Nick's shooting.
“I saw the news. That was his partner, wasn't it, Nick you said?” Alicia continued.
Kristen’s eyes jolted open “Was? He died?” She and Jake had purposely avoided the news afterward. Then his proposal and the feverish lovemaking further distracted them, purging it from their minds.
“You didn't watch it? Yeah, he died. I thought I saw a flash of you on the news and I knew you were at the courthouse.”
“We didn't know he died…” Kristen stared into space, motionless.
Disregarding her disturbed expression, Alicia leaned in. “They’re linking it to Gina. They say he worked for her father, a body guard or driver, Roberto, something like that, I think...” Her voice trailed off as soon as the color drained from Kristen’s face.
“Why would he do that?” Kristen twirled the ring in amazement. Gina’s shooting? Will they go after Logan too? And what about me and Jake?
“Last I heard, they were questioning him. Did you know him?”
Kristen grabbed her head. “Who?”
Sighing, Alicia refused to back down. “Gina’s father.”
“No… I don’t get it; Nick wasn't even there when it happened. Do you think Logan's in danger?”
“I don't know Kris, and that’s exactly what I mean—it's not your concern anymore, Logan fucks up royally all the time. If you were still with him, I hate to even think about what could’ve happened!”
But I’m the one who shot her, and Jake was involved too. Gina is out of the coma and obviously talking. Kristen couldn’t control the shivers, even as she hugged her arms to her chest.
“It affects us too, Alicia. Both of us. We were there. If they want revenge...” A debilitating chill stopped her. As paranoia took over, she regretted confiding in Alicia to begin with and feared refreshing her memory with too much detail.
“I have to tell Jake.”
“Kris, wait! Don't freak out, tell him later. I'm sure you guys have nothing to worry about.”
But Kristen's mind was on fire. Maybe we shouldn't postpone the trip to Oregon. She gave Alicia a desperate look, and kept her mouth shut.
* * *
Jake sensed her turmoil the minute he walked through the door. So much for the unusual harmony, it was nice while it lasted. Is she changing her mind? Fearing the worst, he grabbed a couple of beers, desperate to ease the mental anguish.
“Nick died!” She burst out, as soon as he lay back on the couch. “It's all over the news, the guy that shot him worked for Gina's father!”
His body stiffened. “Hmm, probably just a coincidence—business deal gone bad or something. Why, you don’t think it had to do with her shooting, do you? He wasn't even there.” Pulling her with him as he sat up, his eyes landed on the ring, before lifting back to her face. It was flushed with apprehension.
“I don't know, it's so strange—why would it happen at the hearing? I’m scared they'll come after us...” She purposely avoided mentioning Logan.
“And Logan? Is that what you're really worried about?” His eyes tore into her.
How does he always get into my head? “No Jake, but it did cross my mind.” She looked away, just as his grin caught her eye. “You know we have to wait a few months after the divorce is finalized before we can get married, right?” Alicia is right, I need to stop worrying about his outbursts. Then why am I rushing to change the subject? She didn’t have to think too hard—the answer was clear: her craving for serenity that had been missing for most of their relationship was too strong.
“Of course I know that. I'm patient now, remember?” His eyes twinkled. The unusual happiness had him pumped up—he hated busting the bubble with negativity or arguments, but the sudden image of Micky nagged at him. “Can I see those papers Micky gave you?”
It took her by surprise and the concern flickered in her eyes as she retrieved the envelope. I cannot believe I never even checked the documents! What is he up to now? As a token of trust, she waited until they reviewed it together, holding back a sigh of relief. Just the usual divorce papers and retainer agreement. “Satisfied now? I forgot to check it. I’ll sign it tomorrow and send it back.”