“Good job. Put some force behind it. Remind me, tomorrow I’ll wear a cup. If someone tried to attack you, you won’t be practicing. Don’t hold back. We’re building your strength.”
“I don’t want to hurt you,” she said, sucking on her bottom lip.
“You won’t. Let me see what you can do,” he encouraged before he came at her out of the blue.
Automatically, her knee came up, and he deflected it.
“Again,” he ordered.
Caroline repeated it six more times, appearing more confident with each kick.
“You’re a fast learner,” he complimented her. “Let’s try your next move.”
“It’s using my heel and palm,” she informed him.
“Show me how,” he instructed. He moved her hand into position and readjusted her foot. “Try again.”
They practiced for another hour. Once Jameson felt confident in her abilities, he called a halt.
“Victoria will be impressed in the morning. You can hold your own,” he said as he grabbed his hat, placing it on his head.
“You didn’t go easy on me, did you?” she asked.
“No, Caroline, I didn’t. I want you to defend yourself. If anything, I went harder on you,” he said honestly.
His answer seemed to delight her as she bounced on her toes.
“Will you play cards with us?” she asked, opening the door to her father’s house.
“I’ll do a perimeter check first, and then I’ll join you,” he assured her.
Closing the door, Jameson watched as she knelt by her father’s chair and showed him a few of her new techniques. The older man smiled and touched her cheek, and Caroline lovingly leaned in to kiss his hand. The two held an undeniable bond, making him envious of her father.
Jameson checked the pool house and went around the house, scanning the yards and the quiet street. When he felt satisfied of no threats, he returned to the dining room where Caroline shuffled the cards and dealt them.
“What are we playing?” he asked.
“Hearts,” she informed him, picking up her hand. “Dad loves Spades, but we’re down a person.”
The garage door opened, and Nancy entered the kitchen. They heard her put her things on the counter before searching for them.
“Ah, my dear,” Thomas greeted her as she bent to kiss him. “You’re in time to play a game of Spades. You and I can show these youngsters how it’s done.”
Caroline glanced at Jameson. “If he wins, he gloats about it for days. Can I depend on you to have my six?”
Jameson leaned in, his eyes never leaving hers as he murmured, “Always.” He watched as a shiver went down her spine and her cheeks turned a light pink.
Flustered, Caroline picked up the cards, reshuffled, and dealt them again for the new game. They laughed and played their hands, enjoying the game.
“Hey, I caught you,” Caroline exclaimed, pointing at her father. “You’re cheating. It’s the second time you’ve scratched your nose after getting a hand dealt. You’re signaling to Nancy.”
Thomas rumbled with laughter. “And did you think I didn’t catch you blinking at Jameson?”
The four of them burst into giggles as they accused each other of cheating. Jameson checked his watch.
“I’m afraid we need to call it a night. Caroline must rest for tomorrow,” he announced. “It’s getting late.”
Caroline glanced at her phone. “Oh my gosh, I didn’t realize the time. Dad, you must be exhausted,” she said, picking up the cards with Jameson’s help.
