“Whose kids?”
Roxanne shook her head, and Emory spun around to the door. “Rox and Jonah’s. They’re banging!”
What the …When had the term banging made a comeback?And can we retire it?Roxanne playfully slapped Emory’s arm, which did nothing to deter her.
“Am I lying?” Emory smirked.
“Wait!” Kenzie rushed to the couch, bracing her hands on the back. Her eyes were the size of saucers, and her mouth gaped open. “You and Jonah?”
Roxanne slowly nodded. Kenzie was practically bouncing on her toes with the news. She pointed at Roxanne, grinning.
“I knew it!”
“We want all the details, Rox.” Emory narrowed her gaze. “And don’t you dare leave out the good ones.”
Roxanne sighed.
This was going to be a long night, and she had the feeling her boundaries would be crossed at least fifty times.
Saddle up, girl.
****
Jonah pulled into the rear parking lot of Roxanne’s office. Much like her brothers’ bail bonds, it was a storefront on Main Street. It was prime real estate in the area, so she must’ve beendoing well. They never discussed finances, but he was positive she lived comfortably. Jonah may have had a few years on her, but it was hard not to compare himself to her and other people. They all had different circumstances and responsibilities, but every so often, he wondered what life would’ve looked like if his parents and brother hadn’t died.
He parked in an open spot and rounded the front of the building. There was a back entrance, but he wasn’t sure if it was intended for employees only. It gave him a reason to check out the entire setup. The bell rang when he walked into the small lobby area. It was brighter than he expected, with several floral and linen tables that looked more formal than any event he’d ever attended. It was an impressive showroom.A lot classier than mine.
There was a large, high-countered desk in the back next to a long hallway. He assumed it was the receptionist station, and that the offices were in the back. As of now, he was the only person in the lobby. He was about to walk to the hall when the bell rang again, and he glanced over his shoulder. A man walked in, probably close to his age, dressed in a dark suit.
He scanned the room, his gaze landing on Jonah. “I take it you don’t work here?”
Do I look like I work here?Jonah had stopped at home for a shower and changed his clothes, but he was wearing his usual uniform of jeans, work boots, and a flannel with the sleeves rolled up. That seemed to be of interest to the man standing a few feet away. He looked over his tattoos, and his lips twisted in what could only be described as slight disgust.
Fuck off.
Jonah straightened and folded his arms. People were so judgmental until they found themselves intimidated. For full effect, he tightened his muscles, which defined their bulk. The man averted his eyes and walked toward the reception area.
“Rox? Babe, you here?” He shouted.
Jonah clenched his jaw, scowling at the man whose back was turned.Babe?Who the hell was this guy? Within seconds, he caught movement coming from the hall, and Roxanne walked out. She smiled at the man, but it seemed forced, as if it took great effort to be cordial.
The man spread out his arms and moved closer. Without thinking, Jonah did the same. Roxanne jerked her gaze to him, and her eyes glimmered. This was genuine. Vastly different from the attention she showed the asshole. Jonah steeled his features to keep from gloating. Jealousy had never played a part in any of his relationships. Until Roxanne.
She gave him a short wave, then turned back to her client and held up a folder. “I have a hard copy of all the details for the event, as well as drives.” She handed it to him. “Take a look at them and let me know if you need any changes.”
He side-eyed Jonah and turned slightly, lowering his voice. “I was hoping we could go through everything tonight. Over dinner, maybe?”
Jonah clenched his teeth watching Roxanne’s reaction. She seemed caught off guard but quickly recovered from her shock. “I’m sorry. I have another engagement for tonight. But once you look over everything, you’re welcome to come in and we can discuss it. Just call me and I’ll set up a time that works for you.”
It was interesting to watch her maneuver around his advances. She did it flawlessly, as if she’d done it many times.
“Alright then.” He cleared his throat and walked across the room to the door. He didn’t even glance Jonah’s way. Jonah, on the other hand, watched his every move like a predator following its prey. Once he walked out the door, Jonah turned around to find Roxanne directly in front of him with her lips twitching. Clearly, she was amused.
“You look like you want to kick his ass.”
If it were an option, he’d consider it.
“He seems like an asshole.”
