He chuckled as we went back into the house. He brought me into his room where he pulled open his drawers and pulled out a T-shirt that said Quantico on it. I promptly pulled off my shirt so I stood in only my bra and jeans and smirked. He turned around gritting his teeth, pulling out a pair of plaid pajama bottoms and white T-shirt.
Win for me.
When he was done, I was already in only his shirt and slipped back the covers.
“You sure you don’t want to join me? There’s plenty of room in this monster-sized bed.”
He stood stock still and breathed through his nose, one of his hands in a fist, the other clenched around his change of clothes.
“Suit yourself.” I shrugged and made a big deal about bending over to fluff the pillows so he’d get a nice shot of my hipster panties that were cut high at the ass to show a little cheek.
I didn’t win him joining me in the bed like I hoped, but he did tuck me in and lay a hot kiss that had me squirming and reaching for him before he pulled away, kissed my forehead, and said, “Sweet Dreams.”
I fell asleep thinking about Jonah wearing only his PJ bottoms and how I planned to enjoy removing them from his gorgeous body in the near future. Stupid Helen screwed up huge, but I’d be there for my sullen FBI guy, and it would be me he’d rush home to in order to bury his burden in something sweet one day.
The connection I felt to Jonah Fontaine was thrilling and exciting. I wanted to know everything there was to know about him. I wanted to share all my highs and lows, and the craziness that was my family by choice. I wanted to sit and eat Italian meals with his parents and maybe even one day work at the family business. This was just the start of us but what he gave me tonight about the worst experience of his life, proved that we were heading somewhere important. I felt deep in my bones that we were meant to meet that night. He was chosen to be my savior and I wondered if there was more to it.
Fate.
Destiny.
Soulmates.
I didn’t know for sure, but I knew there was a lot I’d do and risk, in order to one day be the woman that was having sweet dreams sleeping side by side with Jonah.
The next morning, I woke to the sound of incessant buzzing. Without opening my eyes, I reached my arm out and patted around on the end table until I found the culprit. Blindly, I fumbled through unplugging the offender and brought it to my chest as I slipped back into dreamland. It worked for all of a minute before the damn phone buzzed against my sternum and I groaned, opened my scratchy eyes, and looked blearily at the thing.
My fucking sisters.
All of them texting me as if it were their job. Apparently, you don’t forget to check in with them for a full day when a madman is after you.
I sighed, pushed up to leaning against the headboard, and started to go through the list. Sonia of course was first. As I scanned the list of unread messages I saw that she had her BFF and right hand man Quinn on the task too as there were several from him as well. I opened Sonia’s first.
Where are you?
Why haven’t you checked in?
This is so like you.
You’re scaring me, Simone.
Please call me.
Simone? I’m activating the tree.
Oh shit. The tree. Fuck my life. That’s why my phone was blowing up. Next in the string of a bazillion texts was Quinn.
Your sister is in a snit. You better call her.
Your sister is unbearable not knowing where you are.
Dammit Simone, I can’t deal with her tears.
You are so off my chocolate almond butter clusters list for Xmas for this.
Call your fucking sister woman.
Then Blessing’s texts.
I know you’re blowing off your sisters because of hunky Agent Fontaine but seriously, you need to check in with your sisters. Sonia has lost her shit. I blame you. Love your face bitch.
Next was Addison.
I hope the reason you haven’t checked in is because you’re too busy drowning your sorrow in Jonah. Can you send out a quick “I’m alive” text. Sonia’s driving us bonkers. Love you.
Then Liliana and her sweet self.
You’ve got us worried. Please call or text. Te quiero mucho.
I got a bunch of the same from Genesis and Charlie. No Tabby of course, because she was MIA, which was really starting to piss me off. I wondered if I could talk to Jonah about my concerns and we could do a drive by or something.
There was only a single voicemail. I clicked on it and pressed the phone to my ear.
“Hello, my darling girl, I’m sure you’re just fine spending the day with Agents Fontaine and Russell, but can you please call your Mama and check in. I’m very concerned that I haven’t heard from you all day. I know you’re processing all that happened, but you have us all worried. I love you, sweetheart, and I very much look forward to hearing from you soon.”
Oh shit. My eyes teared up as I pressed the button to call Mama Kerri.
“I’m so glad you called.” Her tone was filled with relief and instantly I felt like a heel.
“Mama, I’m sorry I didn’t call. Time got away from me and…”
“I understand. You’ve had a lot happening. Your sister Sonia however is not taking your independence well, as ever.” She laughed and it sounded like a pretty melody, floating along my frayed nerves and soothing them.
“I’ll text everyone next. I can’t deal with her brand of crazy this morning. It’s too early.”
“For you I’m sure it is. What’re your plans for the day?” Her warm voice sounded in my ears and it soothed my shaky nerves.
“I want to go to Auntie Delores’s and work. I need to make some money. Especially now that I won’t ever be going back to my apartment. I’ll have to start all over, but I do have some great news!”
“Oh? Do tell.” I heard the sound of her moving around her kitchen, then pouring what I assumed was tea from the kettle into her cup.
“Well, yesterday Jonah and I spent the day at Navy Pier. Just letting go, you know?”
“I do. And can understand the need to do something upbeat and positive, especially during a time like this.”
I nodded in agreement even though she couldn’t see me. “Then after, he took me to his parents’ house for dinner.”
“Really?” Her words rose in surprise. “That’s very forward of him.”
“Right! And a big fat whopping step toward more, in my opinion.”
“It is, baby. Sounds like you had a good time meeting his folks?”
“They’re awesome. His mom is little and Italian and makes the best spaghetti and meatballs and his dad fixes up classic cars. He’s working on a 1969 Charger right now that would knock your socks off, Mama. It’s bad ass.”
“Don’t say ass, darling. It’s not becoming.”
“Sorry. Anyway, that’s still not the best part.”
She chuckled. “Well get to it, my lovely. I’m not getting any younger.”
That had me laughing and getting out of bed to hit the restroom.
While I peed, I told Mama about the job opportunity.
“Chicklet, that is good news. Will you have time to finish the course before the woman leaves?”
I finished my business and then held the phone to my ear so I could wash my hands.