Under Pressure (Body Armor #1)(113)

“Yeah.” Kevin stepped away. “Want me to just get the stuff from your truck?”

“Sure, if you don’t mind. Thanks. It’s on the floor of the passenger seat.”

After giving the cat one last look, Kevin jogged out.

With gratitude shining in her eyes, Tonya sent Jesse a silent but heartfelt thank you. When she heard the front screen door drop shut, she added, not so silently, “I can pay you for the materials—”

“You heard what I told Kevin.” He scooped her in close for a one-armed hug and got her moving. “I already have everything I need.”

“Which you paid for.”

“It’s just scrap material, leftovers from other jobs. But enough to make the room work better for him.”

They were in the hallway, out of sight of adolescent attention, and to Jesse’s surprise, Tonya pressed him back against the wall.

Her hands to his chest, her face tipped up, she gave him a solemn smile. “You make it seem so easy.”

Since she’d never before initiated things, Jesse took advantage by putting his hands on her waist and keeping her close. “What’s that?”

“Dealing with him.”

“I was his age once.”

“It’s not the same, and you know it.” She took another step in and snuggled against him. “I angst over every little decision. I’m so damned afraid of making things worse for him.”

“You could never do that just by caring, by trying to improve his life.” By loving him.

Her hands moved over him, creeping up and around his neck. “He tries so hard to be tough when I know he has to be fragile.”

“Boys that age are a lot more resilient than you think.”

“He’s so...moody.”

“Honey, he’s twelve.” He kissed her forehead. “He’s been through hell, I know. But trust me on this, moodiness is not uncommon for any kid his age.”

The front door opened and dropped shut again, forcing Tonya to step back away from him. They watched Kevin cross into the kitchen, his arms loaded with cat paraphernalia.

“You gave him some direction.” She looked back at Jesse. “A way to be a part of things.”

“So you don’t mind the cat?”

“Of course not. It’s brilliant. And she’s beautiful. And you’re...wonderful.” Her face showed many emotions. “Again, thank you.”

“You’ll let me help?” He wanted her agreement. He wanted her. Hell, he was starting to think he wanted it all—Kevin included.

“If it was just me...but you got him to smile.” Her eyes glistened before she blinked fast and gave him a smile of pure happiness. “Yes, please, I would love your help.”

“That’s a start.” Hopefully, eventually, Jesse would get her to love everything he had to offer—forever.





CHAPTER TWO

TONYA COULD HEAR male laughter coming from down the hall, and it filled her heart with hope. In such a short time Jesse had performed miracles. With the house. With Kevin.

With her heart.

There was still a long way to go, at least with Kevin. But her nephew had opened up enough to show occasional enthusiasm over the changes in his room, the addition of a cat and working with “the guys.” He thought Brick, Jesse’s best friend and Merrily’s fiancé, was hilarious. He and Evan, Brick’s brother, discussed school, making that transition easier. And in his quiet, resigned way, Kevin so obviously idolized Jesse.

And why not? The man excelled at everything he did, including getting close. To Kevin, and to her.

She’d worked so hard at resisting him, denying everything he made her feel. Then he’d shown his caring for a hurt boy, diving into a situation most men would avoid, and in the process he’d forever stolen her heart.

She already knew she loved him.

He’d been clear about wanting her sexually, and even clearer that he’d be sticking around to help with Kevin’s transition.

But more than that? She didn’t know. For right now she planned to live by the motto “one day at a time.” It’d have to work with Kevin.

And with Jesse.

From the glimpses they’d given her so far, the loft bed looked like it came with the house, matching the woodwork, sturdy enough for a boy Kevin’s size, and all around...perfect. She had no doubt the dresser and desk would be the same once they were finished.

Jesse was good with his hands. Good with boys. Good with women...

He was especially good at making her adore him. For so many reasons—too many to count. Some were physical because, come on, he was a seriously gorgeous guy. Tall, fit, with dark blond hair and wicked green eyes that drew every woman’s attention.

But the emotional reasons far outweighed the physical.

Merrily nudged her. “You’re smiling like a woman with a fantasy on her mind.”

“Maybe.” Tonya sighed. “Jesse’s been over almost every night for the last six days. How could I not fantasize?” She had a feeling he could have wrapped up the work in half that time, but dragged it out to give himself a reason to keep hanging around.

Then again, other than Saturday and Sunday, he’d been putting in full days at his carpentry shop and just coming by afterward.