Predator - A Stand Alone Suspense Romance(59)

“Five,” she squeaks.

“I’ll be outside.” I give her another kiss, and then let her go. “We can eat at the diner, celebrate your job.”

“Okay,” she whispers, and her eyes dart to Joshua.

“Later,” I say to Joshua who’s gawking at us. Let him try and fuck with her now.



Cara~

It’s funny how nice people can be to you if they’re scared of your husband. Not that Damian is really my husband, but they don’t know any different.

Joshua did a total one-eighty after that stunt Damian pulled, kissing me in front of him. So at least I’m not being treated like shit anymore, which is always a good thing.

The last thirty minutes really drags out, and every time I look at the watch only a minute has crawled by.

I’m hungry and tired. I glance at the clock again and a wave of relief washes over me when I see it’s one minute to five. I watch the seconds tick by and then I walk to the front of the store.

“Bye,” I say uncomfortably, not sure if I can call him by his name.

He smiles at me but the smile doesn’t extend to his eyes. “Bye, Nina. Have a good night.”

“T-thanks,” I sputter and then I rush out of the store. Damian is parked right in front and he’s leaning against the driver’s door with his arms crossed over his chest.

He pushes his body away from the car and walks toward me. “Hey, gorgeous,” he says, sounding gruffly.

He reaches for me and then pulls me into a hug.

We’re standing in front of the hardware store.

My boss can see us!

Everyone can see us.

My eyes widen as Damian leans closer to me. I feel his breath on my cheek. His eyes flick over my shoulder at what I’m sure is my boss, and then they flick back to me, and oh my freaking word, it’s so hot.

He presses a kiss to my lips and then guides me around the car.

I’m so stunned by his caveman behavior that I only gather my senses when he stops at the diner.

“Gorgeous?” I ask, lifting an eyebrow. “And what’s with all the kissing?”

He takes his seatbelt off and opens the door. “You’re gorgeous, and you’re my wife. I’m just kissing my wife hello and goodbye. It’s what normal married couples do.”

He gets out of the car leaving me confused. So he’s only kissing me for appearances sake?

Shit, I’m starting to think I imagined the kiss on the beach.





Damian~

Fuck, it gets hot here. I wipe the sweat from my forehead and then screw in the last of the screws for the landing. Once I’m done, I stand back and look at what I’ve achieved today. The landing is perfect. I’ve given Mr. Taylor enough elbow space as well.

I pack up my tools and then walk into the house. “I’m heading home, Mr. Taylor.”

“Would you like to stay for some milk and cookies?” Mrs. Taylor asks from the kitchen. She baked today and it smells mouthwatering.

“No thanks, Mrs. T. I have to go get Nina.”

“Of course. I’ll keep some for you for tomorrow. You have a good night.”

I wave and then rush to the car. I don’t want to be late picking up Nina. I have a little surprise for her.

Just as I stop in front of the hardware store, she comes out. She looks a little tired but she smiles happily when she sees me. The work is good for her. It’s not the job I would’ve chosen for her, but it keeps her busy.

She gets into the car and I lean over to her. I press a kiss to her lips. “Hey, Gorgeous. How was your day?”

It’s becoming routine, the hello and goodbye pecks. I tell myself it’s only for appearances, but yeah, total bullshit.

“It was good. The rest of your lumber order came in so you can get it when you drop me off tomorrow morning.”

“Oh, good!” I drive to the local car dealership. I had a talk with the sales guy and he found a truck that I can trade the car for. I can’t be a handyman and not have a truck. “I’m trading the car in for a truck. It would suit our environment better,” I tell Cara.

“Oh. Okay.” When I stop in front of the dealership she scrunches her nose. “Can I wait outside?”

“Sure.” I go inside and find Ben. “You have it ready?” I ask, hoping this will be a quick transaction.

“Yeah,” Ben points to the table that’s overflowing with paperwork. “I just need to make a copy of your license while you sign a few things.”

I take a seat and then he hands me the documents with a pen. “Just sign where I’ve marked with an x.”

I hand him my license that’s in the name of Alex Jackson and I make sure to sign in that name too. One screw up and our lives could be at risk.

The whole transaction takes about fifteen minutes before I get the keys. “You’ll see it parked out front. I had it washed but you’ll have to put in some gas.”

“Sure.” I smile and reach out my hand to him, “Thanks for all your help.”

Cara is standing outside, just staring off into space. I take her hand and point to the truck. “There’s our new wheels.”

I open the door for her. She tilts her head and then looks at me. “Does it come with a ladder?”

Laughter bubbles over my lips and I take hold of her hips, lifting her into the truck.