Page 43 of First Chance
“But,” she starts before I cut her off.
“All the stuff you’ve told me and the way he treated you in front of me after he knew I was your boss.” I shake my head. “That’s not a man who gets my respect, Jo.”
“Oh my God.” She leans against the railing next to me and closes her eyes, tipping her head up to the night sky.
“What?”
“He’s horrible. He’s the most horrible person I’ve ever met in my entire life, and you’re good. You are too good for him. I knew you’d never like him,” she admits, a freeing smile overtakes her face. “No one ever believes me.”
She thinks I’m good?
“I would have believed you.”
“Maybe, but I had to let you come to the conclusion onyour own. I couldn’t crush your idea of him. Not without cause.”
“Your parents treating you like shit is enough cause for me.” She’s standing so close to me that I have to look down to speak to her. Her big, fawn eyes stare at me in relief as if weight has been lifted off her chest.
If she keeps looking at me like that, I’ll go inside and kick the Miss Teen runner-up’s ass just to keep her smiling.
And that is why I need to stay away from Jo Montgomery.
Chapter Fourteen
Jo
Iwouldn’t consider this evening a win, but it wasn’t a complete failure either. I secured donations and relationships with several people interested in helping the rehabilitation efforts of the bears and the parolees.
I felt confident and in my element advocating for these men who have become my friends. Well, coworkers. Lochlan has been kinder to me, but I won’t overstep.
He looked to be in genuine pain the entire event. By the time I found them at their table, he looked like he was being tortured. As far as I know, nobody had even spoken to him.
“Hey, boss. I need nicotine. Can you stop at the carryout?” Arizona asks on our way back from the function.
We’re close enough now, there is only one possible place left to stop before we head up the mountain to the sanctuary. It’s a mediocre gas station with a lackluster food counter that’s treasured like the royal palace because it’s the only one for miles.
“I’m not a fucking taxi driver. It’s late, we’re not stopping.”
Arizona and Jordy both groan. Seiver chuckles.
We continue driving in relative silence, other than theradio, while I inventory the snacks I have in the guesthouse. I was so busy getting ready for the event tonight that I hadn’t gone to the store to stock up.
“You want something?” He asks me suddenly.
“Oh, it’s okay. We don’t have to stop.”
He pulls into the gas station anyway. “Go on, I’ll fill up while we’re here.”
Jordy and I enter a silent race and rush the doors, barely managing to squeeze through at the same time, giggling like kids.
I like him a lot. He’s always positive and ready to laugh. He’s easy to talk to, unlike most men.
We both head toward the candy aisle, but while I’m deciding what I might want, I watch his head follow Arizona across the other aisle. “I think I might want some chips,” he announces unnecessarily.
“Then go get your chips.” I smile at him, and he nods, walking over to where Arizona is filling his hands with snacks. He offloads some of what he’s holding, and they walk over to check out together.
I try not to be jealous. One day, I’d like the simple friendship and innocent flirting. The butterflies before a first date. The anticipation of that first hug, first kiss.
I want roses strewn across the bed. A white knight and glass slippers.
