Jinx grabbed the keys to her truck from the basket by the door, slid her purse over her head, shrugged her favorite coat on, and then went into the garage. She double-checked she’d locked the door before rounding the front of the Ford. She’d go into town, get breakfast and a pot of coffee, then hit the market for some necessities.
She lingered inside the closed garage for a few minutes before hitting the door opener. The leathercreaked under her grip as she waited for the huge bay doors to open fully.
“Will I ever stop looking over my shoulder?” She let out a dry laugh. “At least I’m smart enough to know how to back in so I don’t have to back out every day.”
Chapter Five
Viking looked at the grave and felt his heart breaking all over again. His little girl didn’t get a chance to grow up and learn all the things girls go through as they become teens and then adults. Hell, she didn’t even get the opportunity to lose her first tooth and have the tooth fairy visit her. He’d looked forward to all the things, all the firsts. Because of the selfish actions of her mother, his baby wouldn’t get to do or see any of the things he’d planned.
“If I could turn back time, I would, little one. I’d go back and take you away from her, the laws be damned. I would do so many things differently. You were my little girl to protect.” He let out a shuddering breath as tears flowed from his eyes.
With one hand, he wiped his thumb over the dates marking her birth and death. “I miss the feel of your tiny little hands reaching out for mine when we walked, and the sound of your laughter. God, you filled our home like the sun. I miss the way your eyes would light up the second you woke up and saw me, as if I was your whole world, your comfort, your safe place. What you didn’t know was that you were allthat to me. I miss the nights you’d wake up and call for me. Those midnight cuddles, the soft rhythm of your breathing, were so damn reassuring. I loved the way you fell asleep on my chest. I remember the first time I held you. Everything in my life became clear in those moments.
Now you’re gone, and I can’t seem to find the way past my grief and loneliness.” He looked up at the sky and saw the clouds moving. His jaw clenched. Next to Sarah lay her mother’s grave. He never spoke to her when he came. Although he understood drugs made people do dumb shit, he couldn’t forgive her for taking his daughter from him. Not yet. Maybe never.
“You were such a selfish bitch. My family says it’s not healthy to continue to hate you, but fuck it, I will hate you until I die, I think. I have one comfort, and that’s knowing you ain’t up in heaven with my baby girl, worthless whores like you don’t get to pass through the pearly gates.” He wouldn’t believe she’d get to live in eternity with their daughter while he didn’t.
Yet time moved on, faster than he could hold, and still all he saw was his baby girl forever young, forever lost to him.
If he could go back, even for a day, he’d hold her a little longer, a little tighter, kiss her forehead a little softer, and whisper how she made him so happy.
He brushed at his face with the back of his hands, letting out a puff of cold air. The morning light got brighter. “If I could give my life for yours, know I’d have given it in a heartbeat.”
The presents he’d selected wouldn’t be left behind since he didn’t want them to get damaged by the weather. Like every year, he’d drop them off at the local shelter, hoping another child would get them and find some joy.
Viking sat in a corner booth at the only restaurant that served coffee and a decent breakfast. Not that he was hungry, but he needed something to do, so sitting in a mostly empty diner fit the bill.
“You need a refill, hun?”
He looked up at the waitress, giving a nod. The bell over the door jangled, drawing his attention.Several pairs of eyes moved to the petite woman who moved with effortless grace toward the counter.
“Hiya, Jinx. I’ll be right with you.”
“Thanks, Weezy. I need a pot of coffee with a long straw, cream, and sugar. You know, all the good stuff,” she laughed.
Viking found himself chuckling at her words. Jinx’s head turned toward where he sat, their eyes locking on one another. His cock jerked beneath his jeans. Fuck. He’d never had such an immediate reaction to a woman before. It shook him, especially since she was literally covered from head to toe in layers of fabric, yet his dick seemed to give zero fucks.
He didn’t understand the pull she had on him. Hell, he needed to get laid. Surely that was all it had to be.
With monumental effort, he pulled his eyes away from her laser-focused ones, staring down at his hands. At that moment, he could use his own pot of coffee, minus the straw and sugar.
“Hey, want some company?” she asked, looking at the empty bench across from him.
Viking jerked, shocked he hadn’t heard her move so close to him. He nodded. “Be my guest. I’ll warn you, though, I’m not the best at the whole talking over food.”
She shrugged and took a seat, smiling as Carla came to take her order. “Same as usual,” Jinx said.
“You come here often, I see.” Viking lifted his coffee cup to his lips, hiding a smile as he sipped.
“Usually on Saturdays,” she agreed, eyeing his plate. “You know, the pancakes are amazing when you actually eat them.”
He snorted. “I’m aware. I have a lot on my mind.”
Jinx looked away. He noticed several diners were trying not to stare at the two of them.
“People tend to gossip when they notice things that aren’t the same as usual,” Viking said in a low growl.
Jinx shook her head, letting out a huff. “Trust me. I’ve learned that the hard way.”
