Southern Romantic-Suspense Boxed Set (Southern Romantic-Suspense Novel Book 0) Read online

  The one person he wouldn’t have minded coming was her grandmother, but she’d just had surgery and wasn’t able to walk yet. Jordan assured them he would call if there was any change, but now he didn’t feel like talking to any of them. They were just as much responsible for Jaynee’s situation as he was.

  He recognized the same people who had been in the small waiting area designated for ICU that he’d seen earlier. The one couple had come, left, and returned. But one visitor, like him, seemed to be a fixture. As if in a trance, the man kept his eyes lowered. He’d stared at the same page of a magazine for untold minutes, as though he weren’t actually reading it. He wasn’t wearing a ring, so maybe he was waiting for news of a friend or relative.

  Jordan glanced up at the TV, willing it to break, since he hadn’t been able to find the remote. If he had to endure one more loop of the news broadcasting on the local channel, he would go insane. It was the identical transmission over and over. At least they hadn’t picked up Jaynee’s story yet. Reporters would have a field day with that tidbit of information. He could hear it now, Cop’s wife suspiciously found shot in their home after an argument.

  Jordan was about to lose his sanity, when finally, Doctor McMullen stepped into the handkerchief-sized waiting area. The other man looked up in anticipation too. He’d been waiting as long as Jordan had for information.

  “Jordan, you can come with me now.” The doctor’s tone was solemn. Jordan was unable to read if the news was good or bad.

  Doctor McMullen walked in silence alongside Jordan as they headed toward Jaynee’s room. As much as Jordan wanted to bombard him with questions, he held his tongue. If Jaynee had died, the doctor would be walking toward his office, not her room, he assured himself.

  “Jaynee is stable now, Jordan. You can go inside.”

  Jordan searched the doctor’s eyes for the truth, fearful he might discover it. “What happened? All the monitors were normal. Her eyes were moving under her lids, and she looked as though she were coming around.” He spat out the questions, hoping the doctor would give him some assurance.

  “Jaynee’s ICP, short for intracranial pressure, shot up. To give you an example, a normal ICP reading for someone who has a bad headache is around four to five. The worst headache you’ve ever experienced is around eight to nine. After surgery, Jaynee’s ICP had been hovering around twelve to fourteen. The reason we’ve kept her in an induced coma. The alarms sounded because the pressure on her brain increased to over forty.”

  Jordan dropped his head, shaking it, hoping he was still in his nightmare. He looked back up at the doctor who hadn’t continued. The doctor had more bad news. Jordan could sense it in his eyes. “What does that mean?”

  McMullen took a breath before continuing, “We had to remove a piece of her skull and some fluid to lower the pressure, Jordan. She’s stable now. Not where we would prefer, but we’ll take it, considering the alternative.”

  The alternative ... Dead. He couldn’t imagine it. Jaynee couldn’t die. He dropped his head in his hands. This couldn’t be happening. These things happened to other people. Not them. Was the doctor hiding something else?

  He looked back at his eyes. He was proficient in reading people. His job demanded the skill. “What’s going to happen now? Will she wake up, or will you keep her in a comatose state? Will she be okay?” Desperate for any positive information, the words rushed from his lips.

  “If the pressure remains normal, we’ll wean her off the medication in slow increments. Then we’ll have to wait and observe.” The doctor turned and walked away, leaving Jordan with his reason for living wrapped up in additional wires and covered by thick hospital blankets.

  Jaynee hated her feet covered. He reached down and untucked the blanket and sheet from the bottom of the bed before sitting beside his wife.

  Resting his head against the side of her bed, he felt the tears track noiselessly down his face again. He’d assumed she was through the worst and was returning to him. He felt uncomfortable talking aloud, but they’d insisted he needed to talk to her. Did she want to hear his voice? Maybe he was upsetting her.

  “Jaynee, love, I’m here for you, as always, as I promised from the start. You don’t have to explain anything; just return to me, please. I told you before, nothing else matters but you. I love you. I don’t care what happened. I only want you back in my arms, and I know you want me too. I know you still love me.” He ran his fingertips over her skin, caressing her arm. There was nothing else to say.

  “Would you like me to sing to you? I heard a country song the other day. It’s sad in the beginning, but it has a happy ending. It reminded me of us. It’s about a husband who’s asking his wife if he still gives her everything she needs and does he get another chance.”

  In a low whisper, Jordan sang the words in Jaynee’s ear. He didn’t like his voice, but she’d always commented how much she enjoyed it and how she thought he sounded like Garth Brooks. He reflected back on all the occasions they’d sing together driving to the mountains. She loved singing, and he loved listening to her ... it meant she was happy, even when she was singing sad songs.

  He tried to remember the words to other songs; mostly he only recalled the choruses. Jaynee had always laughed when he filled in whatever words sounded right or his incessant singing to the pets.

  He now wondered if everything had bugged her. Had all his quirks she laughed at actually annoyed her? He shook the thoughts from his head. No ... not his Jaynee. She wasn’t phony. Her honesty was one of the first characteristics he’d liked about her.

  It was something entirely different. Something from her past ... it was the only logical explanation. Nothing else made sense. He knew she loved him; they’d been destined from the moment they’d met.

  Jaynee struggled with the immense blanket smothering her, wondering why she couldn’t just throw it off.

  She hated feeling trapped. She didn’t even like her feet covered in bed. Jordan was the opposite. He’d have his side of the bed sheets and blankets tucked in tightly, while she kicked them off as soon as she climbed into bed, no matter how cold it was. And they always kept it cool inside the house; she couldn’t breathe with electric heat.

  The pain had subsided somewhat, and she could hear murmurs again, or was it singing? Was Jordan here? Why couldn’t she see him? Didn’t he see her smothered by this awful blanket? He knew she was claustrophobic, knew she hated feeling trapped.

  She listened to the surrounding sounds. Yes, it was definitely Jordan singing in a hushed whisper, but also something else, an annoying buzzing and beeping.

  Then it hit her. She was in the hospital.

  The reason he was beside her ... why he wasn’t uncovering her. Was she dying? Did they assume she wasn’t alive?

  Jaynee tried to recall the last thing that happened, but there was nothing except Jordan. All she remembered was Jordan. He was angry, but she couldn’t remember why, and then he wasn’t. He’d kissed her, and they’d made love. Their bodies entangled together afterward as they always did, his arms wrapped around her. He was her strong tower. She felt safe in his arms, but there was something else.

  She was afraid, but she couldn’t remember why.

  Chapter Six

  Five years ago ...

  Jaynee awoke in Jordan’s arms, surprised that she didn’t feel uncomfortable physically or mentally. He’d stayed overnight and hadn’t attempted anything. She peeked through half-opened lids to see if he was awake.

  He was staring out the window, but obviously sensing her stir, he turned his gaze to her. “Mornin’, darlin’,” he drawled, his baritone voice deep and raspy from not speaking yet. A glorious smile spread across his face as if he’d won some incredible honor.

  She smiled up at him, astounded he hadn’t altered his position overnight. She assumed he would have come to his senses and realized what a basket case she was.

  She cleared her throat. “Good Morning. Did you sleep well?” She knew he couldn’t have.

>   “Never better. I thought we fit perfectly together.” He pulled her closer to demonstrate, slid his arm underneath her, and sat up with her in his arms. “However, I do need to brush my teeth. I feel rough. I don’t suppose you have an extra toothbrush?”

  Realizing she may have morning breath too, Jaynee inched her way out of his arms and stood up before speaking. “Actually, I do. Would you like to take a shower, too?”

  Jordan stood up beside her and pulled her back into his arms, brushing her hair off her neck. “You don’t mind? I could just go to the hotel.” He looked down at her, his eyes forlorn. Hoping, she assumed, she wouldn’t ask him to leave.

  “Don’t be silly ... my grandmother and neighbors have already seen your truck. It’s not as if you can sneak away. You might as well get cleaned up.” She pulled away from him, then walked toward the bathroom. “Just let me grab my toothbrush and anything else I’d rather you not see.” She giggled at the thought. She didn’t want him to see any panties hanging on the shower rod or some other embarrassing female paraphernalia. She wasn’t accustomed to having company. “Would you mind walking across the street to meet my grandmother for breakfast?” She called from the bathroom.

  Jordan stepped inside the doorframe of the small room, startling her. “You want to introduce me to your grandmother?”

  She shook her head and let out a small laugh. “Well, yeah, naturally ... I told you she’s the most important person in my life.”

  He grabbed her waist and pulled her to his body. He buried his head against the nape of her neck. Chills ran down her spine as he worked his way up her throat with small kisses. He pushed back her hair so he could continue kissing the line of her jaw up to her ear. His breaths quickened. “Thank you, Jaynee, for giving me a chance. You won’t be sorry. I’m going to love you like no one has ever loved you.”

  She sucked in a ragged breath, feeling as if she would collapse any second. Jordan was rocking apart her world. Love? She pulled back to look at him, certain he would decipher the trepidation in her eyes.

  He touched her cheek with his large palm. “I’m scaring you, aren’t I? Do you want me to stop?” His eyes, filled with nothing but sincerity, searched hers for an answer.

  “Yes ... No...” She rested her head against his broad chest. “I mean, yes, you’re scaring me. But, no, I don’t want you to stop.” She stepped back from his embrace. “Get ready, Jordan. I’ll call my grandmother and tell her we’re coming over for breakfast.” Her vision blurred as she tried to focus on the wall behind him. If she looked at his face, she was positive she would break down again. Love her like no one has ever loved her ... That wouldn’t be too hard; no one had ever loved her.

  Jaynee picked up her toothbrush and paste, pulled out a toothbrush and some other new travel-sized items from her toiletry bag for him, and then left the room. Walking into the kitchen dazed, she picked up the phone and dialed the only number she knew by heart.

  Her grandmother’s gravelly voice answered after the first ring.

  “Hi, Gram. I’m bringing company over for breakfast ... Yes, he belongs to the gigantic truck outside, but before you ask ... No, nothing happened it was just late ... I know ... I remember. Listen ... Gram, please listen to me. This is serious. I think I just met the man I’m going to marry —” Jaynee stopped her words dead in their tracks, but it was too late.

  His strong arms encircled her waist. “You didn’t leave me any toothpaste.” His voice was a low whisper in her ear. He smiled down at her as his arm reached around her shoulder to the tube of paste still clutched in her hand. Squirting some out on his brush, he kissed her neck and walked away without uttering another word.

  Oh, dear God. I can’t believe he heard me. He had to have heard me.

  “Gram, are you there? I’m sorry ... No, not him. I already told you he’s out of my life forever. We’ll be over in a little while. Please don’t mention anything about him.”

  Jaynee hung up the phone and stood at the kitchen sink, just staring out the window. Had he heard what she’d said? Of course, he’d heard her. Oh heavens, what would he think? Now he’d definitely run for the hills of North Carolina.

  Did she believe what she’d said, though? Was Jordan the One? She’d never believed that about any man, even the one she’d dated for several years.

  Those same muscular arms circled around her again. He brushed the hair off her neck and buried his face between her jaw and shoulder.

  Maybe he hadn’t heard her ridiculous proclamation. She turned in his arms, ready for a fresh kiss. Her insides were still churning from the ones he’d given her last night, and she was ready for more.

  Leaning back from her lips, though, he narrowed his eyes. “So ... who is he, and where can I find him? This man you’re going to marry.” His voice was lighthearted.

  He had heard her, but he wasn’t running. She tried to act casually, as if that were even possible. “Oh, just a guy I met who seems perfect in every way. Except for the minor detail that he eavesdropped on a private conversation.” She brushed nonexistent dust off his shirt, then raised her eyebrows.

  “Did you mean it?” His voice was deep and earnest as he stared intently into her eyes.

  No doubt, she was crazy about him. Only apprehension that he’d hurt her made her cautious. She gulped down the lump of fear lodged in her throat. “I think so.” She did mean it, as crazy as it sounded.

  Jordan pulled her closer. His mouth covered hers. She already knew his kiss. How his tongue would part her lips and gently circle around hers. He was incredible. His mouth, his body, his heart. And for some reason, he wanted her.

  He scooped her up and carried her back to the sofa. She longed to feel his skin on hers. It had been too long since she’d felt wanted. She began unbuttoning his shirt, and again he stopped her. This time by smoothly moving her hands around his neck.

  “We’re expected across the street,” he chided with a chuckle.

  Attempting to unravel him, she batted her eyelashes. “We have thirty minutes.”

  A smile flashed across his face. “I don’t know what you’re familiar with, darlin’, but half an hour won’t even be a warm-up.”

  Jaynee caught her breath. Again, like the first night, he’d turned her flirting around on her. “Umm ...” She was speechless as fire burned through her.

  He ran his fingers along her jaw, coaxing her to him. “I want you too, but not like this. Just kiss me again,” he insisted, but then kissed her, his arms tightening around her waist.

  Her body burned with pleasure. Never had she wanted a man so much, and twice he’d told her no. It didn’t offend her, though; she knew he wanted her too. She could feel that need in his kiss and hear it in the low groan escaping his throat.

  He pulled back after they’d gotten lost in the kiss. “Go take a shower before I lose my willpower and we stand up your grandmother. That wouldn’t make for a good first impression.”

  He pushed her away, but held onto her hand, kissing it, and then let it fall after a few seconds.

  Jaynee hurried through her shower.

  She toweled off, sprayed on body mist and deodorant, dabbed on a hint of mascara, fluffed her hair with her hairdryer, and she was ready.

  Easing her way out of the bathroom, covered only by a towel, she glanced toward the living room. She should have remembered a robe. Jordan smiled, but remained on the couch as she made her way to the bedroom.

  Did she want him to follow her into her bedroom? Yes, but conversely, no. She liked the idea of waiting. That half an hour warm-up comment got her blood racing. Undoubtedly, he knew what he was doing.

  Slipping into her favorite white dress, she glanced at herself in the mirror. It was a little late in the year for a sundress. But it was unseasonably warm, and she liked the way it looked on her. Her Portuguese heritage gave her a natural glow that contrasted with the white dress and showed off her tan the best. She hoped Jordan would appreciate the dress also.

  She opened the bedroom do
or and found him standing in the hallway, waiting patiently.

  “May I?” he asked as he stepped past her and into her bedroom. He gave a quick glance around the room. “You’re clean, but not a freak about it. I like that.” He sat down sinuously on the edge of her bed, pulling her with him so that she was standing between his legs, his hands resting on her hips. “Are you skipping school today?”

  “It appears I am,” she said.

  “How ’bout work ... do you have to work this evening?”

  “At five.” She heard the disappointment in her own voice and knew he wouldn’t miss it. “I need the money. Friday night is big bucks.”

  “So, should I show up and distract you again?” He flashed that same devilishly handsome grin he had yesterday. The man made her blood boil just by smiling.

  “Not tonight,” she said, smiling despite herself. “That’s the late shift, so I’ll be busy from the moment I clock in. But if you like, I’ll meet you at the Starbucks around ten o’clock.” He nodded, and she moved in closer. “And then, we’ll have all day Saturday and Sunday if you still want an actual date. I’ll even get ‘gussied-up’ for you,” she said, quoting his words from the first night.

  “Better than this?” He flipped the ruffles on her dress. “I can’t imagine. Maybe you shouldn’t. We might not make it out the door. Speaking of which ... let’s go. I have a grandmother to impress, and I don’t want to be late.”

  Jaynee let them into her grandmother’s house. It was normal for her to walk right in, but never with a guest. The aroma of Linguica permeated the air as soon as she opened the door. Jaynee glanced back at Jordan for his reaction.

  An intrigued and delighted look lit up his face. “What is that?”