Southern Romantic-Suspense Boxed Set (Southern Romantic-Suspense Novel Book 0) Page 23

  Jaynee felt a shiver travel down her spine as he said the words and kissed her below her ear. With Jordan, it seemed her exposed neck was the most erogenous part of her body. He made her blood race every time his warm breath caressed her neck and shoulders. She forgot about the surrounding assembly and wondered if she could feign a headache and leave her own wedding reception.

  The song ended and another started. Her Uncle Adam approached, requesting a dance with the blushing bride. Jordan obliged and handed her off to her uncle. From her uncle, she danced with several other waiting arms, including Bobby and then John.

  About a minute into the song, Jordan thankfully interrupted their dance by tapping on John’s shoulder. She didn’t know why, but John made her feel uncomfortable.

  “Hey, man, you mind returning my wife?” he asked when John didn’t let go of her.

  “What? You want to monopolize the loveliest woman in the room?” John called over his shoulder, twirling Jaynee away from Jordan. “We just started dancing.”

  Jordan didn’t move from the floor. Instead, he positioned himself with his arms crossed over his chest, a stern look on his face. “Actually, I do,” he retorted, but his smile was light, and John twirled her back toward Jordan.

  She wasn’t good at confrontation, and she certainly didn’t want to cause strife between Jordan and John. They probably always acted like this, though. Jordan had mentioned something about that earlier. Jordan wouldn’t be jealous of his best friend; he wasn’t insanely jealous like her ex. She chastised herself for even thinking of the two in one sentence. They were like day and night, good and evil.

  Jordan smiled as he folded her into his arms. “Thought I was going to have to fight off the wolves; I warned you that you were stunning.”

  Jaynee tried to make her words light, but could only manage a wistful half-smile. “Are you jealous, Jordan?”

  “Of John? Always. He’s somewhat of a ladies’ man. Always gets the girl ... always the most popular.”

  “Not this girl.” She scowled. “He’s your best man though ... why would you be jealous?”

  “I’m not really jealous. I just couldn’t stand seeing you in the arms of another man ... even my best friend, well okay, especially John,” he clarified, laughing. “We may be best friends, but he’s a player. He’d step over my dead body if he thought he had a chance at you.”

  Jaynee cringed. “Jordan, that’s a terrible thing to say!”

  He shrugged. “I know, but it’s true. He’s my friend, but I know how some men are. Shh, let’s just dance. I’m not planning to let you go again anyway. You’re mine; I don’t intend to share. I’m kind of selfish in that respect.” His eyes narrowed, and he growled in a protective but playful way.

  “I think I need a respite after this dance anyway.” She sighed and lowered her head to his chest, allowing him to move her around the floor. She wasn’t going to have to fabricate a headache if she didn’t get something to drink soon. She was exhausted from all the dancing and had yet to eat or drink anything.

  All the standard traditions carried them through the night. They cut the wedding cake and took turns shoving too-large bites into each other’s mouth. Jordan removed her garter again — not as seductive as the first time — and launched it directly at John. Hoping, she guessed, to marry him off quickly. Jaynee sent her bouquet up in the air aimed at Lorraine per Jordan’s request. Lorraine caught it with a flourish.

  As promised, Jordan didn’t release her the entire evening. They took time to visit with all the guests, drifting from table to table.

  After a while, they sat down with a table of his cop buddies who were discussing work, stories of the road no doubt. The conversation flowed comfortably, normal anecdotes of how some guy overreacted at getting a ticket, how some women tried to get out of them. Jordan seemed to turn on edge at the beginning of another story, though. Jaynee could see he wasn’t trying to be rude, but noticed him try to make their escape.

  Jordan placed his hand on John’s shoulder, interrupting his story. “Hey, we gotta keep moving, guys.”

  “You’re the champion of this one, man, hang on for a second.” John continued with his story, “And then I come around the corner, and there’s Jordan, taking on this behemoth of a man, who was obviously possessed or on something. He must have been six-eight and three hundred fifty-some pounds and get this ... butt naked.” John held is hands up in front of him to emphasize something. “Jordan was fighting him alone, but it ended up taking six of us to arrest him.”

  Jaynee’s eyes widened in horror. Fear rushed through her body. She’d never imagined ... she hadn’t thought about Jordan’s job being dangerous. She knew he was a police officer, but she just figured he wrote speeding tickets.

  Jordan stood, pulling her with him. “I’ll talk to you guys later,” he said, whisking her across the room in seconds. “I’m sorry you had to hear that, Jaynee.”

  “What happened?”

  “Nothing happened,” he shrugged, “same thing that always happens happened. I get the bad guys, put them away, and within days they’re set free again to terrorize the city. I don’t see that kind of action anymore; that was on midnight shift. Morning shift is boring.”

  “But ... why was he naked?”

  “God only knows,” he grumbled, his face a mixture of pain and frustration.

  “Jordan, have you ever been shot at?” Jaynee asked suddenly, finally realizing how dangerous his job was.

  He sighed, looking deep into her eyes as he lowered her onto a nearby chair, kneeling in front of her. “I’m a cop, Jaynee. I work in Charlie-Two, the second worst district in Charlotte.” A contemplative look washed over his face as he continued, “Yes, it’s dangerous. But I’m a good cop; I don’t make mistakes. And as I said, I’m on morning shift now. It isn’t as dangerous.”

  She didn’t miss the fact that he hadn’t answered her question.

  Jaynee’s eyes filled with tears as she felt panic bubble up inside her. She knew something awful would happen. Something terrible always happened. She wasn’t allowed happiness. Jordan was wonderful, which meant she’d lose him.

  “Please don’t cry, Jaynee.” He wiped her cheeks. “Idiots!” he seethed. “This is why cops don’t associate with civilians. They don’t know how to interact with normal people.”

  Jaynee flinched at his words, unfamiliar with him raising his voice. The last time had been outside her work, after the men had attacked her.

  He rubbed her arms to soothe her. “I’m sorry, but honestly, love, I’m careful.” His voice had returned to its normal level.

  “Jordan, things don’t pan out for me like normal people. I’ve had a succession of misfortune since I was born. And now, I’m wondering if this is some cruel joke the universe is playing on me ... letting me fall madly in love so I can be left heartbroken.”

  “Jaynee, as flattering as that is, that is the silliest thing I’ve ever heard.” He covered his mouth to keep a laugh from escaping. “The universe is not out to get you.”

  “Feels that way,” she mumbled.

  “I know, darlin’. I’m sorry. But trust me ... nothing is going to happen under my watch. Besides, I’ll be able to quit eventually. The business is doing superb, and I have a reason to be home now.”

  She gazed up at him. “Promise?”

  “I promise to be extra vigilant, and I swear I won’t allow anyone to hurt you ever again. Let’s get some fresh air; maybe we can find someplace to hide.”

  He stood, offering her his hand. She took it, but then leaned against his side, allowing him to wrap his arm around her waist and lead her through the back doors to the lake below.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  This morning ...

  Today was the day Jordan had been waiting for. Doctor McMullen had explained that Jaynee’s swelling was staying at the levels they wanted, and they were slowly going to bring her out of the drug-induced coma they’d kept her in since her arrival Saturday morning.

  T
he doctor had also said that he felt optimistic about the fact the swelling had stayed down, but based on the exit point, he was concerned about her personality. Jaynee could wake up and not have any emotions, he explained.

  That was impossible, Jordan thought. Jaynee was the most expressive person he knew. She cried when she saw things happy or tragic. She loved deeply, heart and soul, giving all of herself. She hated injustice with a passion and expressed her opinion, no matter what people thought of her, in any situation. To imagine Jaynee without a personality was absurd, but he took heed of the warning and knew he just needed to pray.

  He was sure something had happened to Jaynee. She couldn’t have fallen out of love with him; nothing could thwart a love like theirs. If he hadn’t been so foolish Friday night and gone out drinking, he would have figured it out. He’d been so lonely, night after night coming home and her not wanting him. The day of the incident, he’d been angry after their brief discussion the night before and a situation earlier in the day. And like any brainless friend, John had dragged him out of the office to go get drunk with him and Ronny.

  John and Ronny had insisted Jaynee was seeing someone else and that Jordan should confront her. Once the idea had planted itself, Jordan knocked back one too many drinks and was ready to fight the world.

  Lorraine had known he was upset earlier and had called him to see if he was okay. He’d told her he wasn’t, and she’d picked him up, promising to have his truck retrieved the following day.

  When he crawled into Lorraine’s car, too drunk even to buckle up, she reached over him and clicked the seatbelt into place. Though he’d been drunk, he remembered their conversation.

  “Why are you so good to me, Lorraine?” he asked, slurring his words.

  “Because I love you, Jordan,” she answered automatically.

  Jordan knew it was the truth. She’d always taken care of him, just like his sisters. She’d always told him the truth about every woman he’d ever dated. She’d always been there for him, taking care of the business. He sank back in the seat as she drove, hoping to clear the buzz from his head. The car felt as if it were spinning. It was a thirty-minute drive back to his house, hopefully long enough he could sober up before confronting Jaynee. He decided he would demand answers. No more of this walking-on-eggshells crud he’d been dealing with for the last two months.

  When they pulled onto the long gravel road leading to his driveway, Lorraine stopped at the bottom of the hill. Although still drunk, he knew he wasn’t in his driveway. His head lolled over, attempting to bring her face into focus. Then he saw something in her eyes as she leaned toward him, her face only inches from his. It could happen so easily. The anger in him transformed, as another emotion took its place. But it wasn’t for Lorraine, even drunk he knew this.

  He opened his mouth to speak, and she tried to stop him, but he pulled back, feeling very alert. “I love her, Lorraine. I love Jaynee. I always have, and I always will.” He dropped his eyes from her poignant gaze. “I’m sorry. We shouldn’t be here. Please, just take me home.”

  Lorraine jerked upright, obviously embarrassed. But she shifted the car back into drive and started up the road. She pulled up close to the house and let him out.

  If only he’d talked to Jaynee, maybe this wouldn’t have happened. He shouldn’t have confronted her like that. He should have stuck to his original plan. Instead, he’d gone out drinking and then had charged into his house furiously.

  ***

  Lorraine sat outside the hospital. Pat had called earlier, informing her they were going to bring Jaynee out of the drug-induced coma today.

  What would Jaynee remember about Friday night? What would she tell Jordan? She should have told Jordan she was there the night Jaynee was shot, but she wasn’t sure how. What would he think? Would he believe she was responsible for his wife’s shooting? She needed to do something quickly.

  ***

  Brian was in the main waiting area of the ER when he overheard the news.

  Caycee’s mother-in-law had ventured downstairs to make phone calls to other family members who weren’t here, he suspected. He was wild with worry. He’d overheard discussions she might have brain damage. Would she be the same woman? What would Caycee remember about their conversation? Had she spoken to her husband about his visit?

  ***

  The words blurred on the page. Unable to concentrate, he slammed the folder closed.

  Pat had called everyone, requesting they pray for Jaynee. Evidently, they had some concern of whether she would awake with normal brain function. He needed to go there. His insides burned at the thought. Jordan remained with her around the clock; he never left her side. It wouldn’t be possible to get into her room unnoticed. He could go there while Jordan was there; he’d appreciate it if he showed up. But that wouldn’t accomplish anything. He needed to see her alone.

  ***

  Jordan held Jaynee’s hand tightly as though he could protect her just by holding her. He watched with anticipation as her eyes fluttered under her lids.

  “Jaynee, love, I’m here.” Tears welled up in his eyes again. “Please, Jaynee, come back to me. I love you so much.” He couldn’t stop the trail of salty tears streaming down his face. He didn’t want her to see him like this if she woke up, but he couldn’t impede them. And he’d always thought he was tough. He was, in all areas but one — Jaynee. He couldn’t lose her; she had to be okay. He honestly didn’t know how he could go on living without her. His chest felt as if a black hole had formed that if something were to happen to Jaynee, he would implode and cease to exist.

  Jaynee could hear Jordan whispering in her ear, the way he always did to wake her in the morning.

  He hated when she overslept; he was accustomed to getting up hours before her. It must be Sunday, the only day they had the morning together.

  She tried to open her eyes, but they felt glued shut. Even if she could open them, she didn’t know if she wanted to. She had a pounding headache. She needed to sleep a little longer. She tried to roll over, but she couldn’t feel her body; it felt as if it were detached.

  Then she remembered she’d wanted to tell Jordan something. He’d sidetracked her when he came home. He was upset, and she understood. She attempted to form the words. She knew it was important she explain everything. She concentrated on the words, trying to arrange them in her head. She felt as if she could, but then she was out of strength. She didn’t know if she got anything out before she fell back into her dark abyss.

  Jaynee’s hand twitched in his, then she mumbled a few words. The only word that was decipherable, though, was ‘baby’.

  “I’m here, Jaynee.” His voice cracked at the overwhelming joy of hearing her voice. He rang for the nurse who came within seconds. “Jaynee spoke; she squeezed my hand. Get the doctor,” he demanded. The nurse ran out of the room.

  Jordan was thankful for such simple blessings but was confused. Why had she said ‘baby’? She never called him baby, and at the beginning of their marriage, she’d asked him not to call her by the endearment. He’d passed it off as not being important, but now he wondered. He pushed the thoughts out of his head. Jaynee loved him; he knew it with all his being. She’d heard his voice and responded.

  The doctor entered the room and walked directly over to Jaynee. “Has there been anything else, Jordan?” The nurse hurried around the physician, proceeding to take his wife’s vitals as Doctor McMullen checked her eyes and studied the monitors.

  Jordan tried to push away the thoughts of whom she was calling out for. “No, she just squeezed my hand and muttered a couple of words. She called me baby, but that was all I could make out.”

  In his peripheral vision, Jordan saw a man in dark clothes walk slowly past the room. He knew it wasn’t one of the hospital personnel. It looked like the man who’d been in the waiting area for the last few days, but he couldn’t be sure. What had surprised him, though, was that it looked as though the man had been smiling, as if he’d just received good ne
ws.

  Dr. McMullen patted Jordan’s shoulder, slicing through his thoughts. “That’s excellent.” He nodded, seemingly satisfied with this news. “It will take time, she will sleep plenty. But the fact she has surfaced from the coma with us just lowering her medication is a marvelous sign indeed. Keep praying, son, I think we have a real miracle on our hands.”

  His eyes were bright with enthusiasm, but Jordan wasn’t so sure. He wanted Jaynee back, more than anything. But the thought she could be calling out for another man drove him crazy. He knew who called her ‘baby’. Brian had called her baby, and she’d supposedly hated it. But maybe she just didn’t want him to call her by the same endearment her past lover had.

  ***

  Brian couldn’t remain in the waiting area any longer. He had to see Caycee, even if he just walked by her room.

  He walked by at the perfect time as it turned out. He heard her husband tell the doctor she’d spoken. She’d said baby. So she was thinking of him. He’d always called her baby. He liked the way it sounded, as though she were helpless without him, as she’d always been. She needed him. He could protect her better than her so-called husband could.

  ***

  Jordan remained at Jaynee’s side, unwilling to release even her hand. “Come back to me, Jaynee,” he implored.

  She’d heard him earlier and had responded. He couldn’t be sure if she’d called out for Brian, but he didn’t care. He just wanted his wife awake in his arms. He’d fight for her. No way would he ever give up without a fight.

  He decided to make some promises. He’d told her before that when they had kids he’d quit the force. She’d always said how much she hated that he was a cop, only because she worried so much about him. He’d made her a deal. He’d told her that when they had children, he’d quit. She’d passed on his offer, telling him she wanted children, but not until she finished her degree. It was the only thing they really ever fought over in the last five years of their marriage.