Jackson (The Love Family Series Book 8) by Kate Allenton Read Free Book Online Page A

to the locker area and can grab the stuff.”
    Jackson nodded. That would work, in and out with little fuss and attention. “And if you encounter any problems, then what?”
    “I leave, and we wait for Avery. You should park behind the building, just in case, and I’ll use the back exit closest to the locker room.”
    Jackson reached over and grabbed her hand, entwining their fingers. “I still don’t like it.”
    “The employees know me. I’ll be fine.”
    That still didn’t ease his mind or his racing heart as they got closer to the business district. Traffic had picked up, and men and women in suits walked the streets and sat outside cafés eating lunch. They were too open, easy pickings if the wrong person noticed them. “In and out, right?”
    Jackson pulled into the back parking lot and turned the car around for an easy exit. He shoved the gear into park. “I wish it was me going in, instead of you.”
    “Quit worrying. In and out. I’ve got this.” Scarlett unbuckled her seatbelt, leaned across the seat, and kissed his lips. The bold move threw him off guard, giving her time to slip from the SUV. The little minx.
     
    ****
     
    Scarlett kept her head down and quickened her step down the alleyway toward the entrance. Her heartbeat quickened as anxiety coiled through her body just from being out in the open. A killer with a gun could be nearby. Act nonchalant and play the part. You are just a girl going to a spa. No one the wiser. Her heartbeat slowed as she stepped into the spa and the door behind her closed. She was safe for now. The familiar scent of lavender drifted to her nose and the calming serene music filled her ears, easing her worry. A rock waterfall dripped nearby. The spa exuded peace and calm. Scarlett channeled her inner diva.
    “Ms. Denton. It’s a pleasure to see you again.” Trisha, the blonde receptionist glanced down at her book and ran her finger down the list of names. “I don’t recall seeing your name in the appointment book.”
    “I don’t have one.” Scarlett smiled and raised her brows. “I was hoping Ramona has an opening. I’ve had a week from hell and need her to work her magic on my muscles.”
    “I’m sorry, but she’s booked the entire day.” 
    “Don’t be silly,” Ms. Faircloth, the owner, said while walking out of her office. “Ms. Denton has priority here. Rearrange one of Ramona’s clients with another masseuse.
    “I do?” Scarlett asked.
    “Of course.” Ms. Faircloth gestured toward the hall.  “I’ll take you back personally.”
    Okay, this was just too weird. Ms. Faircloth had never acknowledged Scarlett in the three years she’d been a client. “Ms. Faircloth, you must have me confused with someone else. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not complaining. I just…”
    Ms. Faircloth lowered her voice. “You’re here for locker 519, aren’t you? Rosie and Mr. Salvatore said that you’d probably be the one showing up and I was to personally escort you to the locker room.”
    “Really? When did they tell you that?”
    “She called today,” Ms. Faircloth said. “If you’ll just give me the key, we’ll get you squared away.”
    “She called?” Impossible unless the dead had learned to use phones or there was a medium nearby. Butterflies erupted in Scarlett’s stomach as her heart raced. No way was she handing over the key. She gazed frantically around the hallway, searching for an escape.
    “Yes, dear?”
    Scarlett slowed her step as the neared the restroom facilities. “Uh…I need to use the restroom.”
    “Sure. I’ll wait.” Ms. Faircloth’s eyes narrowed and she smirked. The owner was on to Scarlett’s attempt to stall.
    Scarlett lifted her hand to her stomach and groaned. “I might be awhile. I had a burrito for lunch.”
    “I’ll be here.”
    Of course she would. Her quick in and out was thwarted.
    Scarlett glanced down the hallway at the people walking around. Ramona walked out of a room, her mouth parted, before she