“What for?”
“You seemed a little off in court today. Can I come in?”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Why not? We’re in love, Talon. I want to spend some time with you. Make sure you’re okay.”
“I’m…”
“You’re what?”
He closed his eyes for a moment. Then, “I’m…afraid, Jade.”
“That’s silly.”
“I don’t want to hurt you.”
“You won’t.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Because I know you.”
He shook his head. “Oh, blue eyes, you don’t know me.”
“Then what do I need to know? Tell me, Talon. I love you. I want to know everything about you.”
His facial features hardened. Up went the wall.
Damned if I was going to stand here on his front porch. I walked past him and into the foyer. I knelt down and let Roger lick my face while I scratched him behind his cute little ears.
“Have you eaten yet?” I asked.
Talon shook his head.
“What’s for dinner, then? I’m sure Felicia made something wonderful.”
“She left early today. She had to take her mother to a doctor’s appointment.”
“She never leaves you high and dry.” I walked into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator door. Sure enough, a Mexican casserole sat on the top shelf, along with instructions for making it. I preheated the oven and put it in.
“Casserole will be ready in about forty-five minutes. Or”—I smiled—“if you’d rather, I can make you a grilled cheddar and tomato sandwich.”
He didn’t smile. Then he cast his gaze to the manila folder I had set on the kitchen table. “What’s that?”
“Some stuff I brought for Marj. Where is she?”
“Not sure. Just out, I guess.”
I grabbed my purse and checked my phone. Marj had responded to my text.
Sorry. Went into town to have dinner at our instructor’s restaurant with some of the guys from cooking class. Sorry to miss you. Let’s chat tomorrow.
“Looks like she’s in the city for dinner,” I told Talon.
I itched to touch him. I had been in the house for ten minutes now, and I hadn’t yet caressed his skin, kissed his lips.
My body was on fire just being in his presence.