Chapter 21
It had been two weeks since she had fallen out of that tree. She had gone to the hospital and was treated for two days. Then she went to stay at Shy’s for a week of recovery. All the bounty hunters took turns checking on her. Drake had argued with her about moving in with him.
“I want you with me,” Drake said grouchily.
“That’s moving too fast. I don’t think we’re ready for that yet.”
He wasn’t happy with that, but accepted it temporarily. However, every night Drake came over to Shy’s and he took care of Jinx, and slept with her in his arms. It had been so special and it only solidified how she felt for him. The idea of eventually moving in with him was growing on her.
The next week her mother came to visit. Her mom was quite taken with Drake and the two of them found they had something in common—their concern over Jinx’s new profession.
“Jane Jean, couldn’t you do a desk job or something?” Her mother had asked as they walked to the park across the street from Shy’s apartment.
“I’m good at what I do, and I love it. I promise I’m being careful.”
“Have you had many...accidents?”
“Surprisingly, not as many as you would think.”
They sat at a park bench and enjoyed the heat from the sun’s rays. “How are things going with Drake?”
Jinx felt color rise to her face as she thought of the last time they had made love, right before her mother came down. They hadn’t had a chance to make love in days, and her body was seriously craving his.
“It’s going good. We’re taking it one day at a time, getting to know each other better.”
“I like him for you. You two complement each other. I know he is worried for your safety, but he doesn’t try to keep you from doing what you want.”
Jinx smiled. “He’s amazing. Mom, I have never felt like this for anyone before and it’s exciting, but also a little…”
“Scary?”
“Yes.”
Her mom squeezed her hand comfortingly. “You’re in love, honey. I know it can be scary, but it’s worth all the risks.”
Wanting to change the subject, Jinx asked, “So how are things going with you and Leo?”
This time her mother was the one who blushed, “Better than I could have imagined. I never realized how considerate Leo was, but he makes me feel wonderful.”
“You deserve to have someone who treats you like that. If he hurts you, I’ll have Drake beat the shit out of him.”
They laughed and enjoyed their day. When it was time for her mother to leave, Jinx felt sad to see her go. But Drake was there to comfort her.
Life didn’t just fall into place easily. They had issues to work out. For one thing, her position as a new bounty hunter was something they discussed at length. Drake would have rather she had a safer position, but he still supported her following her dreams. He didn’t interfere—much.
****
Her feelings for Drake grew and grew until she had to confess how she felt. They were at his apartment and had just made love.
“Drake, I need to say something.”
“What is it beautiful?” He leaned up on his elbow to look at her.
She hesitated, “I’m willing to move in with you.”
“That’s great. We’ll grab your stuff in the morning and bring it back here. I promise you won’t regret it.”
“Drake, that’s not what I really wanted to say.”
