“It did cross my mind that this might be a play to get her alone,” Axel admitted, eyes narrowing at the thought.
He heard Jenna’s breath hitch at his comment, and his heart squeezed.He gazed her way and noticed she seemed on edge, her concern evident on her face.She was trying to be brave, but he could see the worry in her eyes.
“We can both come out,” Axel suggested, unwilling to leave Nick stranded.
“If you both come out, someone could be watching her place and do some damage while you’re gone.I think it's best I stay here.I’ll sleep good knowing I’ve got the dog, and she’s a good watchdog.You should see her chase down the rabbits out here,” Nick said with a laugh.He didn’t seem scared or concerned.That was a good thing.
“You should stay inside the ranch house with Jenna tonight,” Nick suggested.
“Like I’m some kind of watchdog?”he teased.
Nick chuckled, catching Axel’s meaning.
“She’s a grieving widow and now her neighbour is dead.You might want to keep your pecker in your pants, Axe.”
“You have such a nice way with words, my man,” Axel said.The jab hit close.His self-control around Jenna was getting harder by the hour.
“Yeah, I should have been a writer.There’s a storm coming.It’s lightning to the north.I gotta get the animals in.I haven’t been able to locate a tire pump, but Sam has a bunch of tires in his barn, I’m sure some will fit the truck.Like I said, I’ll stay here tonight and keep an eye on things.Will call you in the morning.You just take care of Jenna.”
“Am I detecting a bit of interest?”Axel asked, knowing full well Nick was quite interested in Jenna.
Besides, Jenna didn’t belong to him anymore.He’d lost that claim when he’d gone off to prison.The thought stung, and regret gnawed at him as it always did when he thought about screwing up his past.
“Gentlemen don't tell,” Nick replied, humour lacing his voice.
“Okay Mr.Gentleman, we'll leave it at that.Just be careful, Nick.”
“Always.Say goodnight to Jenna from me.”
“Nick says goodnight,” Axel said as Jenna watched him, a frown on her face.Then she smiled.Her smile was soft, warm and it wasn’t for him.The realization hit harder than he expected.
“Good night, Nick!Sleep well!Don’t forget to feed Daisy!”she called.
“Man, she has such a nice voice,” Nick said.
“There’s much more that’s nice.”Axel teased.
He grinned when Nick swore.
“And what about me?Don’t I get a good night?”
“Goodnight to you too, you lucky watchdog,” Nick answered.There was a chuckle that followed and then the line went dead.
Lucky watchdog.Like hell he was lucky.He felt anything but.Desire without permission was its own kind of torment.
Nick wasn't going to be around tonight to help with his sexual frustrations, and Jenna was hands off.
His heart tightened.Knowing he would spend the night under the same roof with her was going to be torture.Being near her, wanting her, and not touching her felt like a punishment he wasn’t sure he could endure.
Yep.Pure torture.
Damn.
* * * * *
“Mission accomplished,” Nick declared with a grin as he ended the call.He looked at Sam’s truck’s keys hanging on a nail just inside the back door, where it had always been since Nick had been coming here, and then glanced down at Daisy.The white dog’s dark eyes sparkled with anticipation and her pompom tail wagged so insanely that it was a miracle she stayed upright.
Nick couldn’t help but laugh.Just looking at her made everything seem a little brighter and he couldn’t believe how fast he’d accepted this dog after never wanting anything to do with dogs before.
