The Freelancer – Chapter 84

I successfully managed to avoid thinking about Jenna for the majority of the day, but when I saw her in the strappy black dress she was wearing to the reunion my mind flooded with everything I fought so hard to suppress.  I made a conscious effort to block out the previous evening from my mind.  Without a doubt, it was the single best night of my entire life.  It wasn’t easy to have something like that and know you would spend the rest of your life without it.  

I actually thought I could trick myself into believing I’d come to terms with what I would have to do, but I realized now that I was a damn fool.  How could I put the woman I loved with every ounce of my being behind bars?

At three-thirty this morning, I awoke in a cold sweat, sick over what I’d have to do to her.  It occurred to me that I could tell her I was onto her, that I could give her the chance to get away, that we could still be happy together after this night.  Of course, I also knew it was a desperate plan born out of the sense of hopelessness settled upon me.  Banks would have me locked up before we made it out of Texas. The Mexican border was maybe a day’s drive, but we’d be lucky to make it out of the metroplex.

“What?” Jenna asked, eyes wide with concern.  She did a mini turn as if she were trying to see what was on her that was causing my frown. “Do I not look okay?” She craned her neck the other way for inspection.  “I knew I should have shopped for my own dress instead of wearing the one Elaine picked out. I might have something else I can wear.” She bit the inside of her lip. “Do I have time to change before we leave?”

“No,” I answered, my voice calm despite my inner turmoil.  I couldn’t help grinning at her. Even if she was a terrorist, she was cute when she was nervous.  “You look amazing.  Are you ready to go?”

“Are you sure?  I really look okay?” She glanced down at herself. “This dress is showing a lot more skin than I’d usually…”

“You’ve never looked better.”  I moved towards her and drew her into my arms, intoxicated by her scent.  “We don’t have to go to the reunion, you know.”

What the hell was I saying?  I had a team waiting for me.

“I know, but I’ve actually got something to show off having you with me.”

“Me?”  I pulled away to meet her eyes.  “Jenna…” I shook my head.  “You’re a successful author with a law degree from Harvard.  You have plenty to show off.”

Her dark eyes glistened.  “True…but you’re the best thing to ever happen to me.”  She fussed with the knot of my tie.  “Even though what little family I have left is right here, I’d follow you to the edge of civilization just to wake up in your arms.”

I couldn’t do this. Pretending I didn’t love this woman was out of the question. Arresting her was impossible.  It didn’t matter what she’d done. She could change.  I could change.

“Let’s get out of here.”

Her expression changed at the urgency in my voice.  “Yeah, okay.  I’ve got the reunion tickets in my purse.”

“No.  I mean, let’s really get out of here.  You’re done with your book and my case…study on this company couldn’t be going any worse.  Let’s just get in the car and drive.  No set destination, no luggage.”

“You want to go on a road trip?  Now?”  She stepped back out of my arms.  “Is everything okay?”

“Everything’s perfect.”  I stroked her cheek.  “I have you.”  I pulled her lips to mine, kissing her with fervor, mouth begging in silence for her agreement.  Resting my forehead against hers, I said, “I love you.”

“Okay.”

I nuzzled her neck with my nose and brushed my lips across her shoulder.  “It’s customary to say it back.”

“No…well, of course I love you. I’m saying okay, let’s go. No destination. No luggage.  Just each other.”

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