Please Remember Me by Wendi Zwaduk Read Free Book Online Page A

life, she’d just asked and received. What if Mrs Pennywood and Sparky, whoever that was, didn’t like her? Her stomach roiled. What if she wasn’t cut out to take care of anything other than her credit cards? What about the car that seemed to be wherever she was? What did this person want?
    Marlon cupped her chin with his thick fingers, bringing her gaze to his. The heat from his touch warmed her blood. “Hey. You’ll be fine. She’s a nice lady who probably wants someone to take care of her dog since she can’t get out much and her niece works full time. You’ll be great, Jaden Marie. I’m sure.” His thumb brushed over her lips. “I’m right here and I won’t let you give up.”
    Hearing her name on his lips sent a bolt of confidence ricocheting through her system. She ignored the ill-feeling skittering up her spine and asked, “Then how do we get to the Oceana?”
     
    Although his common sense dictated he should let go and keep his distance from her, Marlon held her hand tightly. God, nothing had ever felt so right in all his life. Was he crazy? Or maybe in love? No, no. Time to switch thoughts before he got himself in trouble and did something he’d regret. He shifted. Damn. An erection pressed against his zipper.
    Blowing out a long breath, he switched his attention from the tent in his jeans. He directed her down the side streets to Linden Avenue. “Did she say three twenty-two? That should be right up here.”
    She afforded him a sideways glance and parked in front of the crumbling brick building. Only after she’d engaged the brake and switched off the engine did she speak. “I guess you probably do know the entire town if you’re the sheriff.”
    “I grew up over in Jarvis, and hung out here in Crawford during high school. I know my way around both towns.” She rolled her eyes, making him want to kiss the sass right from her mouth. Running his fingers though his hair, he sighed. “Do you want me to go with you? They might want references.”
    Her brows furrowed. “References? For an apartment? Why? I can’t steal it.”
    “In case you can’t pay your bills. They will want to make sure you’re a good risk.” Distress clouded her eyes. Hooking his finger under her chin, he placed a light kiss on her nose. “Don’t let it scare you. Everyone starts out with no references—even former celebrities. I’ll go along and vouch for you.”
    “Okay.” Her lips parted. “Thanks.”
    He shivered. That one kiss wouldn’t be enough. He longed to taste her all over. Aw, crap. He couldn’t look at an apartment with a frickin’ stiffy. Better back out and get his hormones under control. “Jaden?”
    Without warning, she threw her arms around his neck and squeezed. “I know we haven’t done anything yet, but thank you.”
    Rubbing his hands up and down her back, he marvelled at how perfectly she fitted against him. The erection grew beneath his jeans. Shit. Well, no, not bad, but not good for going out in public.
    Leaning back a few inches, she stared into his eyes and licked her bottom lip. “Marlon, I think you have a problem. Should we leave? I don’t want to get a man of the law into trouble with public indecency.”
    A belly laugh ripped from his throat. All he could think about was getting into her pants and she took the edge off by making another joke. “I’ll try to control myself. Why don’t we see these apartments?”

Chapter Six
     
     
     
    Plopping down in the bucket seat of the Benz, Jaden blew out a long breath. Grief. The Oceana was nice, but way too expensive for her budget—and without furnishings. The Brooks looked okay and was a better fit for her price range, but no one-bedroom units were available. She could max out her credit card, but with no job, she couldn’t pay it off. Drat. Living within her means grew tougher by the minute. She chided herself. I’m not running back to Daddy. I can do this.
    She checked the dashboard clock. Crap. Two forty-eight. “I wish