She shook her head. “You do. You have. I didn’t mean that you don’t respect me. I don’t feel like I deserve it because I’m not like them.”
“That’s fucking bullshit. Just like you telling me I wasn’t the cause of Nancy’s shit, you’re also clearly self-blind, Vakker.”
“Is that a thing, being self-blind?” She gave a little sniff and laugh, which he found endearing.
“Obviously, when it comes to you, we’re creating new things.”
“So, we should agree that we’re both worthy and neither of us can judge ourselves based on what otherpeople have done or accomplished?” she asked, settling her ass on his thighs.
He narrowed his gaze on her beautiful face. “Why do I feel like you just turned this around on me?”
She looped her arms over his shoulders. “I didn’t. But if what you said about me respecting myself and all, that means you can’t beat yourself up anymore either. Deal?”
Viking stood with her, loving the way she yelped. “I think I need to remind you of who is in charge in this relationship.”
He walked around his desk to the leather sofa under the bay window. Easing Jinx down, he placed one knee on the supple dark grey surface. “I think it’s time I christen this couch.”
Two and a half hours later, Viking drove the little side-by-side up to Keys house. He didn’t need to text the other man to let him know they’d arrived, seeing the cameras along the trail as he and Jinx rode into their back driveway.
Keys stepped out on the back patio with his petite blonde wife next to him. Jinx gripped his hand like a lifeline.
“Everything is going to be fine. Believe me, whatever we find out, we’ll face together.” He slid out of his side of the ATV, pulling Jinx out with him.
“Palmer, looking beautiful as always. I don’t know why you stay with that fucker when we’ve all offered to find you a man who isn’t hooked to wires.” Viking reached for Keys hand.
Jinx let go of him, making him look back for a moment, but he was grabbed up in a back-slapping embrace from his friend.
“Ah, so glad to see you haven’t lost your sense of humor, asshole. Look, Palmer, Viking finally brought home a woman. We need to talk to her. She needs to be warned that he’s all work and no play.” Keys looked around Viking, winking at Jinx.
“Don’t listen to either of them. As you might’ve heard, they’re both full of shit. I’m Palmer.”
Viking grinned as Keys ole’ lady stepped around them and wrapped her arms around Jinx. His woman stood with wide eyes for a second, then she seemed to relax and hug Palmer back.
“It’s nice to meet you, Palmer.”
“Come on inside. Do you want tea or something harder to drink?”
“Palmer’s from the south. She thinks everyone should drink good old sweet tea. If you don’t drink that, then something is wrong with you. And yes, she makes it the good way.” Keys dodged his woman’s slap.
“I’d love some sweet tea, please.” Jinx’s smile brightened her face at the welcome from Palmer and Keys.
“If you don’t mind, I’m going to steal this fucker for a little bit. I swear it has nothing to do with you, Jinx.” Keys held up his hands.
“Go on in with Palmer. I’ll come find you when we’re finished.” Viking kissed her forehead, then turned to follow Keys into his war room.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Jinx and Palmer visited for over an hour before the guys returned. She found the other woman to be a breath of fresh air and knew if she stayed with Viking, she and Palmer would be fast friends. Like the ladies from the night before, she had truly been kind and open.
“Did you have fun with Palmer?” Viking asked as they drove over to the clubhouse.
She nodded, wondering why they were going there instead of staying at Keys to find out the information.
“What’s bothering you?” he asked, sliding his hand over her thigh.
“I don’t like waiting to hear what the fuck is going on. We went up to Keys to hear what he found out, but now I have to wait until after you talk to King or whoever. It’s like a bunch of bureaucracy, and I don’t like it. Just cut through the bullshit and give me what I want to know, even if it’s horrid.” She looked over at him. His side profile showed him gritting his teeth.
“Is that what you think I’m doing, withholding information?” he asked in a low tone.
