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.”
© 2010, Sydney Katt. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use of content will result in dragon attacks.
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Aw. That would be sweet if they just drove off into the sunset…
Ugh I feel really terrible for what I know must be coming. Jenna is going to be devastated and Jackson too- when he finally realizes she’s innocent.
I really like Jenna though I hope she doesn’t get killed
The road trip was never part of the original manuscript. It was something that just sort of happened when I was doing the final story revision. I liked the idea of them not having to deal with reality for a while.
Now is probably a good time for me to let you in on a not-so-secret secret of this series: Anyone can die at any time…even Jackson. No one is safe. Doesn’t matter if we’re in Book 8 or Book 3. All characters are fair game.
I’d like a little more description of their clothing / attire. Fill out the scene a bit. I haven’t reached the end yet, but if clothing is a factor in a scene later… might be nice to visualize it here? Doesn’t have to be crazy or excessive, just a bit more description.
Jackson is wearing a tie… okay. Suit? Color? How does it fit him? Jenna’s mental opinion of how he looks?
Jenna’s wearing a strappy black dress… long? short?, fitted, flared? wicked spiked heels or slightly more practical?
Hmm…If Jackson starts giving too much more description of what she’s wearing, he’ll probably start mentally undressing her…but I’m making a note of that for when I do the final round of edits next month.
You never can tell with him. I think Jackson’s suspicious of his own shadow!
And oh what a day tomorrow will be…
J. Nicole Whitten´s last blog ..My Paranormal Experience on New Website
Huh!!! I bet that comment will knock Jackson for a six!!!! He sure wouldn’t expect her to agree to go with him like that if he thought that she was up to something tonight….would he???
*jumps up and down* Can’t wait for tomorrow…….xxxxx