Deadly Valentine by Jenna Harte Read Free Book Online

Seeing Asa like that-" she let her words trail off.
    He nodded. "It's been a difficult night. But you were upset about seeing me before all that."
    "I have a new life now."
    "You talk like I'm secret you don't want anyone to know about. Is that why you want me to think you and Deputy Dan are an item?"
    "What makes you think we're not. Daniel loves me."
    "That's painfully obvious. Poor sap."
    "Jack!" She nearly laughed because it was true. But she didn't want to encourage Jack. "I care for him too." That wasn't a lie. She did care for Daniel. He and his parents were like family. They were the only people she connected with at an emotional level. They had been there for her as a teenager and again three years ago when her life unraveled and she needed a safe place to fall.
    "Maybe. But you aren't in love with him. Why did you want me to think you were?"
    "I never said I was."
    He gave her a chastising look. "You didn't correct me when I asked. Why is that?"
    What could she say? Because I didn't want you to think I'm available? He hadn't cared when she was available. He would laugh at the idea that she thought maybe his flirtation meant more.
    "That part of my life when we knew each other is over. I've moved on."
    "Moved on." The tone in which he repeated her words let her know she hurt him. She knew he would have been annoyed at her, but hurt? That didn't make sense. He was the one that pushed her away. He studied her with stormy eyes. "I've missed you." He said it so softly, his eyes shining with sincerity.
    She closed her eyes as his confession sent a mixture of pain and guilt. She thought she'd blocked out all memories of her old life. But seeing him again, his affable smile and gorgeous eyes made her realize that she had missed him too.  But she couldn't give him the words, which only increased her guilt.
    "Well, you may have moved on, Tess, but I haven't." His words clipped out in frustration. "I've waited for this day for three years."
    "Why?" Tess had only wanted to think the question, but wasn't able to prevent it from escaping into the open.
    "Did I really mean so little to you?"
    "No."
    "You meant something to me, Tess. You always have."
    She began to wonder if she was sleeping or worse hallucinating. The interlude between her and Jack was just the type of thing she'd have dreamt, but would never have imagined to happen in real life. The reality was that she hadn't meant enough to him. His behavior now made no sense.
    He leaned back and gave her a crooked smile. "You look like a deer with your eyes caught in the headlights."
    That's how she felt.
    "Now isn't the time for this discussion," he said. "You need to rest. We'll talk when you feel better."
    Tess was pretty sure she didn't want to have the conversation ever. But since it sounded like he was about to leave, she let it go.
    "Is there anything you need? I can get you some pain reliever or something?"
    "No, thank you," she said "I just want to sleep."
    He nodded but didn't move. "I'll be on the couch if you need anything."
    She started to protest, but the look in his eyes told her it would be mute. "There's a blanket in the hall closet."
    He grinned, pleased that she'd surrendered the battle. This time she saw the kiss coming and put a hand on his chest to stop him. He took her hand and brought to his lips. The loopy lou it caused in her stomach had nothing to do with the flu. "See you tomorrow," he said
     
     
     

Chapter Eight
     
    Jack shut the door to Tess' room, holding the knob to quiet the latch as it clicked shut. He listened through the door for movement. It would be just like to her to get up and try to make him leave after all.  If she did, she'd be disappointed. He wasn't going anywhere. Not now. Not ever if he could help it. Still, he hoped she would get up and check just to give him an excuse to sit with her.
    He'd always planned to see her again, although he'd been surprised to find her standing in Asa Worthington's foyer. It was a strange