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

She laughed. Jordan liked to eat, she noticed. “That delectable smell is Linguica. It’s a Portuguese sausage. My grandmother’s specialty.”

  Gram leaned over the stove, flipping over pieces of Linguica. After leveling a large splatter screen over the pan, she placed several slices of fresh bread on top to steam the flavor of the sausage into the bread.

  Jaynee grinned when she looked at her grandmother. Normally she walked around in her duster, as she called it, but no matter what the age, she always tried to look good when company called. And she did. She’d even put on a little lipstick. You’d never know she was seventy-nine. She looked and acted closer to sixty. She still worked in her garden daily. Grampy, on the other hand, just hung around and slept. He’d been dying for as long as Jaynee could remember, but he was wonderful. She loved them both with all her heart.

  “Good morning, Cay.” Gram looked up at her. “Breakfast’s almost finished. Come and give your Grammie a kiss.” It was as if she was twelve all over again, but Jaynee complied. “And, who’s this?” Gram asked with a smirk.

  “Gram, this is Jordan – Jordan, this is Gram. Everyone calls her Gram.”

  They shook hands, and Jordan gave Gram one of his breathtaking smiles. It wasn’t lost on her; Jaynee could see it in her eyes. Gram had always been a sucker for a military-looking man, and Jordan certainly looked the part.

  Grampy had been in the Navy, and Jaynee was positive Gram had married him because of the way he looked in his uniform. Grampy had been on leave when he noticed her at the community pond. And according to Gramp’s story, his friend had dared him to go up and kiss Gram. Jaynee had been shocked when she heard it the first time. Who would have thought they did those things back then? But it was love at first sight. He asked her to marry him thirteen days later. They were married within a month and had been married for over fifty years. Jaynee couldn’t help but wonder if the magic would repeat itself with Jordan and her.

  Jordan ate everything on his plate, then looked up for more, which Jaynee knew thrilled her grandmother.

  “Cay ...” Her grandmother looked at her with disapproval in her eyes. “Get Jordan seconds.”

  Jaynee stood up with his plate and refilled it.

  “Thanks,” he said, offering her a sheepish grin. Then he looked to her grandmother. “And thanks for the breakfast, Gram. It’s wonderful.”

  Jaynee removed her plate and started cleaning up the kitchen.

  “So, Jordan, tell me about yourself. Where are you from, what do you do for a living? How long do you plan to stay in Florida —”

  Jaynee whirled around. “Gram!”

  “It’s okay.” Jordan turned to look at Jaynee and shrugged. “I don’t mind.”

  “Never mind, Jordan. Cay will tell me later. She tells me everything.” Her grandmother winked at her. Gram wouldn’t have cared if he had three eyes. Her single concern was he wasn’t Jaynee’s ex and that Jaynee was happy.

  Gram got up from the table and walked to the living room. Jordan followed, throwing Jaynee a quick smile, and it looked as if he might have blushed from her grandmother’s statement.

  Jaynee decided it was safe to stay in the kitchen area and finish the dishes. Only the breakfast bar separated them, so she could see and hear them. She could only hope her grandmother wouldn’t get too energetic with Jordan and start telling him her life story.

  Gram, thankfully, took a seat in her recliner while Jordan strode from picture to picture along the living room wall. “Is this you, Jaynee?”

  Gram looked up and stared between the two of them obviously taken aback by him referring to her by her middle name. She was just Caycee or Cay to the family. But undaunted by an opportunity to gloat over her granddaughter’s photos, Gram got back up and walked over to the wall, pointing out different pictures of Jaynee around the room.

  “Would you like to see some baby pictures of Caycee, Jordan? I have tons of albums.”

  Jaynee dropped the towel she was using and ran into the living room. “We’ll pass this time, Gram,” Jaynee interrupted before Jordan agreed to pore over old photo albums. He had no idea what he was getting himself into. “I want to take Jordan up to Tarpon Springs before work tonight.”

  Jordan glanced at Jaynee with understanding and acceptance, but also a look of sadness as if he really wanted to spend the day perusing old photographs of her.

  “Okay then ... have fun, kids. Jordan, it was nice to meet you. You’re welcome back anytime,” Gram said. And she’d meant it. Gram didn’t say anything she didn’t mean.

  As they walked out the door, Jordan hugged Gram. Jaynee was thrilled. Of course, she knew Gram would like Jordan. She just wanted Jaynee to be happy. It was all she’d ever wanted. Her grandmother had spent the majority of her retirement taking care of her. Jaynee was the daughter she’d never had. Gram had raised four boys and always wanted a little girl. Fortunately, her boys had turned around and had almost all daughters. Jaynee ended up being like her daughter, though, when her mother abandoned her.

  Jaynee glanced over her shoulder and waved at her grandmother. Gram had a huge grin on her face as she watched them walk away.

  Jordan waved too, then took her hand in his and brought it to his lips. “I really like your grandmother,” Jordan confessed while they walked across the street. “She reminds me of my grandmother. She’s a firecracker, isn’t she?”

  “You have no idea.” And he didn’t. No one other than Jaynee understood what tragedies Gram had dealt with in her life. Even her own children and grandchildren weren’t privy to the stories she’d shared with Jaynee. They’d always had an intimate relationship because of their similar backgrounds, even if they were fifty-seven years apart.

  “I’m glad she was there for you,” he murmured, his voice filled with compassion. He really did care about her. “So, what’s Tarpon Springs, or was that just an excuse to get me alone?” He nuzzled her neck playfully as they approached his truck.

  Jordan had changed the subject again, just as he’d done the last time he’d sensed her getting upset. Could he already read her emotions?

  She plastered a smile on her face, refusing to think about her family and all the troubles they’d caused her. Jordan made her happy, something she hadn’t felt in a long time. “The Tarpon Spring’s Sponge Docks are where the Greek sponge divers — to this day — continue to go out diving. It’s interesting. And there are several pleasant spots to get lunch on the water. I think you’ll enjoy it.”

  “As long as I’m with you ... I’ll love it.” As they approached his truck, he put his arm around her waist and pulled her to his side. He leaned back against the side of the truck and moved her in front of him. “And you’re positive I can’t convince you to call in sick tonight?” His eyes bore into hers, an attempt to persuade her no doubt. It almost worked.

  “Nope. I’m too responsible, and I really can’t afford for my manager to take away my good shifts and stations. Besides, I’m off tomorrow. I wouldn’t want you to get tired of me.”

  Jordan opened the passenger door and helped her into the cab. His hands lingered a little too leisurely on her waist just to be helpful. He was enjoying his work.

  “That’s not gonna happen, darlin’,” he said in the most seductive drawl she’d heard yet and then closed the door.

  Jaynee sighed and smiled as she watched him stroll around the front of the truck. Jordan was real, and her grandmother approved. Maybe this really could work. Maybe if she told him everything, he’d understand.

  Chapter Seven

  The night was going to drag along for Jordan. He had five hours to fill, and all he could think about was when he would see Jaynee again.

  He’d dropped her off at her house at four thirty to change and go to work. He’d wanted to take her to the restaurant and wait, but she’d insisted she didn’t want him hanging around. Instead, she said she’d call him before she left and tell him what time she’d meet him.

  He knew she left work after dark every night, but he’d swo
rn he’d seen the same car outside the restaurant two nights in a row, in the parking lot of the coffee house, and then again parked on the street two houses down from hers. The old navy blue Ford Taurus was a common car, but he didn’t believe in coincidences. Unlike North Carolina, Florida allowed window tint that was so dark he couldn’t see the driver, and that really had him nervous. Then again, it was probably just the cop in him. He saw bad guys everywhere.

  Instead of dwelling on what ifs, he focused his thoughts on their day together. The Sponge Docks were quaint. He enjoyed strolling down the street, their fingers intertwined. Although he had to admit, he hadn’t been paying much attention to his surroundings. His mind was on Jaynee and the conversation he’d overheard this morning. She’d said, “The man I’m going to marry.” When he asked if she meant it, she’d said, “I think so.”

  He’d already decided he wasn’t leaving Florida without her, and unfortunately, he did have to return home. He could stay another week; he had plenty of vacation time. But his business would start falling behind. His brothers-in-law and partner were doing an okay job, but they didn’t have his business sense. He’d given them all jobs and made them and his sisters in turn well off, but he continued to run his construction business.

  It drove him crazy that Jaynee was worried about missing a night at work. He’d led her to believe he was doing okay — actually, he’d downplayed his business — when in fact, his company built million-dollar homes. Not that she seemed to mind. She seemed fine with the fact he was just a cop. Another thing he appreciated about her.

  Plenty of girls back home were attracted to him physically, his money, and his possessions, but weren’t interested in the depth of him as a person. And he hadn’t found one he was even remotely interested in making his wife. When he did date, it was usually out of boredom or because one of his sisters had set him up with a friend.

  He hadn’t noticed anyone in the last couple of years anyway. He’d been too busy with his business. He didn’t even have to continue working on the force; his company brought in plenty of money. But he loved being a cop, and he’d hoped that soon they’d transfer him to the detective division. Working on the street every day was starting to wear on him. However, those dreams now took a back burner; there was only one thing he wanted now. He’d found the one person he needed more than anything. He just had to figure out how to secure her affections without scaring her off in the process. Her confession this morning had given him cause to hope.

  Jordan decided to take a chance. In the likelihood she felt the same way about him, and wasn’t terrified of making a commitment, he’d be ready.

  He’d been heading to the movies to squander some time when he made the decision. So he made a U-turn and headed back to a jewelry shop he’d seen earlier that looked promising.

  He would find something extraordinary and unique, not just a bauble from a national jewelry store other women might possess. She was too important. He wanted to wow her, convince her that she could trust him, make her feel as crazy about him as he was her.

  It wasn’t about which stone was the most expensive or the biggest. He wanted the prettiest diamond, and he found it in the small store. It was a beautiful custom-made ring. Exquisite, just like Jaynee.

  He locked the engagement ring in the glove compartment of his truck and went about killing time before Jaynee got off work.

  His mind wandered. Now he just had to find the precise moment to ask her to marry him. He was thankful he’d overheard her declaration; otherwise, he might not have had the courage to buy the ring.

  Jordan headed back to the movie theater to waste a few hours. Absolutely nothing good was playing, so he opted for a non-thinking, sci-fi alien movie. It would definitely take his mind off the hours until he could be with her again. Then, they’d have the entire weekend, and afterward, hopefully forever.

  The movie didn’t keep his interest. No matter how hard he concentrated, he couldn’t follow it. His mind was elsewhere. He checked his watch every five minutes. She hadn’t expected to be out before ten, and it wasn’t even nine. He needed to relax.

  Finally, the movie was nearing the end. They were sharing a moment, the human girl and the alien predator — was she supposed to like him? It was a face only a mother could love. Jordan must have missed an important part because the scene wasn’t making any sense.

  His cell phone vibrated. He glanced at the number and sighed in relief. It wasn’t even nine yet.

  He bolted out of his seat and clicked ‘answer’. “Hang on a sec, Jaynee.” He literally ran to the corridor. “Hey ... you’re early,” he finally said when he exited the theater.

  “Are you still at the movies? You can meet me at Starbucks when it’s over.” Jaynee spoke the words nonchalantly as if she couldn’t fathom the notion he’d been waiting all night to see her.

  “Are you kidding?” he burst out. “I hardly even know what I was watching. I’ll meet you at the restaurant. You haven’t left yet, right?”

  “I have about fifteen minutes. I have a couple —”

  “Good.” He cut off her words. “I’ll come and get you.” He hung up the phone before she could argue. He didn’t like the idea of her walking out to her car alone. He couldn’t discount seeing that old beat-up Taurus several times. As a cop, he’d been trained to trust his instincts. She was strong willed and probably never asked for an escort.

  As a cop, he’d received plenty of calls where a waitress had been attacked leaving work. Real-life predators knew tipped employees walked out with cash money. It frustrated him that restaurant owners and managers mandated their staff park in the furthest regions of the parking lots and rarely provided women escorts to their vehicles. With Jaynee, it was doubly tempting, as she looked appealing too.

  Jordan sprinted to his truck. After disarming the alarm, he jumped inside, turned the key, and threw the shifter into drive, stomping on the gas. The wheels squealed in protest. The restaurant was only fifteen minutes away, and Jaynee had said she had closing work to do. But the thought of something happening to her — he squelched the idea, reminding himself she did this nightly. He really needed to loosen up before he frightened her by being overbearing.

  Jaynee stared at the blank screen on her phone. “What was that all about?” she growled, unconcerned with eyes all around watching her. “I told him I’d meet him at Starbucks. Men! They’re so pushy.” She was glad he wanted to see her, but ... she waved away her frustration so she could get out of there.

  She finished her closing duties, freshened herself up, then headed out the side door toward her car at the rear of the parking lot. She realized now she’d have to wait for Jordan. She’d call him back and tell him not to come ... remind him that she said she’d meet him. She fished through her purse for her phone.

  When she finally found her phone, she realized it wouldn’t work. Jordan was chivalrous. He held open doors, helped her into his truck, and even pulled out chairs.

  Despite her earlier irritation, she smiled as she walked through the parking lot. She was thinking about Jordan when she felt hands grab her from behind, pick her up, and shove her against her vehicle. The impact with the door knocked the wind out of her, and she gasped for a breath. She couldn’t see her attacker, but smelled his rancid breath. He reeked of cheap booze. In her peripherals, she caught a glimpse of two men flanking him, but they held their distance. Her heart pounded. What would they do to her? She couldn’t live through this again.

  “Did you get the letter, Caycee?” The man pressing her to the car kept his voice muted and guttural, but it sounded vaguely familiar.

  “What letter?” She attempted to twist out of his grip, but he wrenched her arm against her back, shoving her harder into her car. Tears flooded her eyes. Brian had sent someone to follow her again. Why wouldn’t he just let her go?

  “Consider this your warning.” He let go of her, and she fell to the ground. He hovered over her. He wore his hat drawn low over his eyes. In the shadows of the p
arking lot, it was hard to make out his features, but she thought she recognized him. “He made it clear what will happen if you date other men. Maybe we should give you an illustration tonight,” he snickered, lowering his body over her.

  Tires screeched from behind him. Her perpetrator turned to look, but it was too late. Jordan had already jumped out of the truck, holding something small and black in his hand. He made a beeline for the man hovering over her. Jordan pulled her attacker off her and smashed the cylinder object into the man’s gut. The fiend doubled over, choking. Faster than she could discern how, the second man was on the ground, his leg in an unnatural position under his own body. The third coward ran off the moment his friends collapsed. The first man, still lurched over, started vomiting when the second man’s screams filled the air.

  Jordan scooped her up and carried her back to his truck, lifting her inside. After slamming the door behind her, he watched that the would-be assailants remained on the ground.

  Jaynee was in a panic. Should she call 911 to report the attack or request an ambulance? Deciding Jordan would do what he thought was best, she remained motionless inside the cab. Adrenaline rushed through her veins. Her heart nearly pounded through her chest.

  Jordan climbed into the truck and turned to her, eyes wide. His look terrified her for a moment. But he was her savior; she had no reason to worry. He’d said he’d never hurt her. “Are you okay?” his normal serene voice roared louder than she’d ever heard. His tone seethed with raw emotion.

  “Y ... yes ... I think so,” she stuttered. She wasn’t. Her body shivered uncontrollably, and she could barely speak.

  “Did they hurt you?” The words came out in a growl.

  “I’m just a little shaken.” Although her arm did hurt from him yanking it behind her, and her tailbone ached from hitting the concrete, she thought it better not to mention that, or he might go back after the thugs. She definitely couldn’t mention the reason they’d attacked her. No telling what he would do with that information.