“All right.I’ll let you take me home.Can I text Daddy and let him know I’m on the way?”
“Go ahead.I want you to feel safe.Fletch won’t hurt you.He’ll do everything he can to get you home safe and sound.”Spider didn’t even glance at his friend as he made the promise.He had no doubts that Fletch would keep her safe.Not just because she was innocent—or at least as it would apply to their lives—but because this was a small way he could help Spider.
Fletch gathered up the trash from their meal, stuffing it back into the bag he’d brought it in, then stood.
“I’m ready whenever you are.I’m just going to go find a trash can then we can head out when you’re ready.No need to rush for my sake.”He stepped past Jordon and out of the room.
Jordon stood at the foot of the bed, watching him despite barely being able to keep her eyes open.
“Would you be open to my coming back tomorrow?”she asked, her gaze flicking to the window, then back to him.
“I’d love it.Here, let me give you my number.”He held out his hand for her phone.She had to step a little closer but handed it over.He quickly added his number, then texted himself so he would have hers.“There.Now you can call or text any time.”
“Thanks,” she took her phone back and held it in both hands in front of her.“I’ll keep it to daylight hours so you can rest and heal.”
“No need.My sleep schedule is all screwed up.If I’m asleep, messages coming in won’t wake me.And I’ll find them when I wake.Message me any time you want.”
A smile curved her lips.“Thank you.I will.”She looked him up and down with a critical eye.“You might not be willing to admit it, but you look as tired as I do.”
“He is, and, yes, he’s just stubborn enough to ignore it until he can’t anymore,” Fletch said, stepping back into the room.“I’m ready whenever you are.”
“I’m ready.I’m just saying goodbye,” Jordon twisted back around to look at him.“Get some rest.I’ll text later about when I’ll come back.”she leaned in and dropped a chaste kiss on his cheek, surprising him, then she walked away.“I’ll wait at the front door for you.I’m sure you have things to say you don’t need me listening in on.”She walked out, turning to shoot him a grin as she stepped out the door and disappeared.
Once she was gone, Spider turned his attention back to Fletch.
“Are you sure this is a good idea?”
“No.and I wasn’t expecting that, but if she isn’t scared away by all this shit, I’m not going to fight it.”he motioned to the bed in front of him, the missing leg and the one in a cast almost to his groin.
“I guess I get that.I’ll see you later.Let me know if you need anything or if there’s something specific you want for dinner.”
“Will do.”Spider watched his brother leave the room then let his head fall back against the bed.He was tired.He was exhausted.Why did simple things make him so tired lately?But Fletch had been right.He never would have admitted it to Jordon, especially if it meant she would have left sooner.He could do it for her well-being, but he’d give up a lot for her, which was odd, because today was the most they’d talked, ever.How had she worked her way under his skin so quickly?
Chapter Twelve
More than a week later, Jordon lay in bed unable to fall asleep.She’d been into town to see Spider nearly every day.She really liked him.He was funny when he wanted to be but also intense.She got the feeling he was fiercely protective of those he cared about.She couldn’t help but think about the way he’d insisted that Fletch bring her home the day Wildfire had delivered.She’d been so tired, but she wouldn’t have given up any of that day, even if someone had offered her a pocketful of cash.
