Jared (The Protectors #2)(30)

“That’s what he said, but he did.” Tessa’s smile was sad. “With my best friend.”

“You want me to kill him?” Jared tried to hide his anger behind humor at the man who had held Tessa’s heart and maybe still did.

“If you would have asked me that months ago I would have jumped at the offer.” Tessa just shrugged her shoulder. “Now I just don’t care, but thanks. It’s kind of sweet….I think.” Glancing up at him as if trying to make her decision stick she finally turned away from him. She had to. She couldn’t take a chance, the cost was too great.

“I sure as hell ain’t giving up after that kiss Red.” Jared gave her fair warning as she walked away.

Chapter 13

Awkward did not even come close to describing the feeling she had about seeing Jared this morning, but the smell of the coffee filtering up the stairs into her room was too much temptation. Why had she told him about having her heart broken? It had been humiliating then and it was humiliating now. With a sigh she swung her door open and headed downstairs. One thing she wasn’t was a coward. She may be a dumbass, but never a coward.

To her surprise Jill and Adam both sat at the table while Jared stood over the stove…barefoot. How in the hell can a man’s bare feet sticking out from his faded jeans be sexy?

“Good morning.” Jared smiled over his shoulder, his eyes roaming up and down her body in slow appreciation. “Coffee’s ready if you need a pick me up.”

“Thanks.” Tessa nodded making a bee line toward the counter keeping her eyes on the coffee pot and off the way Jared’s snug jeans rode low on his hips. Grabbing her favorite ‘I drink coffee for your protection’ mug filling it with hot steamy coffee she took a deep breath filling her senses with the aroma.

“You want an omelet?” Jared smiled at her when she turned around.

“You have to eat one of these Tess.” Adam pointed at the huge omelet with his fork before taking another hearty bite. “Where did you learn to cook like this?”

“When you’ve been around as long as I have you pick stuff up.” Jared replied with a chuckle. “You could say I’ve mastered a lot of things.” His heated eyes landed on her.

Tessa had just taken a sip of coffee which came sputtering back up, her eyes narrowing at Jared who was leaning against the stove his eyes gleaming. He was not going to let the book issue go…the jerk.

“How about it Tessa? You want a taste of my….” His grin became downright wicked. “omelet?”

Tessa rolled her eyes at his double meaning. “Think I’ll pass.” She took another sip of coffee eyeing him over the rim.

“You don’t know what you’re missing.” Adam replied not taking his eyes from his plate.

“She sure doesn’t.” Jared gave her a wink before he turned serious. “You know I don’t think I’ve seen you eat anything since I’ve been here.”

“She don’t eat.” Adam frowned. “Not since that * kept on her about losing weight.”

“Who, the sheriff?” Jared slammed the spatula down.

“Yeah. He was always here trying to run the show, telling Tessa how to..”

“Adam shut up and finish your breakfast.” Tessa broke in giving her brother the evil eyeball.

“I’m finished.” He pushed his empty plate away.

“Okay, then shut up.” Tessa countered putting her empty coffee cup in the sink. “I’m sure no one wants to hear about Sheriff Otis Bowman. I know I sure as hell don’t.”

“Otis?” Jared snorted. “His name is Otis?”

“Otis T. Bowman. And he’s a real *.” Adam sneered.

“With a name like that I guess he is.” Jared snickered.

“He’s given Tessa so many tickets since she broke it off with him it ain’t even funny. He always finds a reason to harass her and now since this has happened…” Adam flashed his fangs, “he likes to give me crap. He says he will stop when she forgives him. I’m surprised he hasn’t been around. He’s going to have a cow when he finds out about you guys.”

“He ain’t going to like it.” Jill’s soft voice broke in. “I’m glad you didn’t marry him Tessa.”

Embarrassment heated her cheeks. Everyone in town knew that the day they put Gramps in the nursing home was the day she found her finance and best friend in bed together. She had been so upset about Gramps she had wanted to talk to her best friend and went to her apartment. Her suspicion spiked when she saw Otis’s car. Everyone but her had known they were messing around.

“Yeah, me too Jill.” Tessa smiled at the girl who rarely spoke. “And on that note I’m out of here. Is there anything you guys need at the store. I can get a few things now. I have to get my last check out of Bobby and I don’t know how easy that’s going to be.”

“Did he fire you?” Adam frowned.

“No, but I’m sure he will as soon as I show up for my shift.” Tessa grabbed her checkbook and keys. “I’m just going for basics now, but if you need anything I can try to get it.”

Jared pulled a wad of cash out of his wallet. Counting out a few bills he handed them to her. “Here. Get everything you need.”