“I’m poor, don’t bother hitting me for money,” Jess retorted.
His laugh burst from him before he could control it. “It’s fine, Jess, I don’t need your savings.”
“Good, because they’re pitiful.”
“However, this will cost you dinner. It makes no difference to me if it’s home-cooked or a restaurant, but that’s my price!” Mitch added. His eyes became intense; would Jess knock him back?
“You’re on!” Jess smiled as a rap sounded, and two police officers entered.
Chapter Three.
Jess/Loch Ness Monster
It was a good job Jess owned her own cottage on the lake. Jess used it when she needed a break, so after discharging herself and giving a statement. Jess called a cab, headed to the supermarket, and stocked up. Mitch drew her in, and she wished to know more. It wasn’t because he’d saved her life, but more how he had reacted. And that had attracted her.
As Jess sat in a taxi back to the cottage, she sternly warned herself not to fall for him. Her heart had been broken three times, and each instance had led to a terrible plague. Jess had locked her emotions away to protect the human race because, inadvertently, she’d killed millions. Jess was the ultimate weapon, whether she meant to be or not.
Her phone beeped as she arrived at the cottage, and after giving the driver a bonus to help carry the shopping up the path, Jess checked it.
‘Hello Mermaid, just thinking of you, Mitch.’
Jess couldn’t help the smile that crossed her lips.‘Hi Hero, funny, you weren’t on my mind!’
Jess paused, wondering if Mitch would get her sense of humour. Biting her lip, she began carrying the bags into the kitchen. She was relieved when her phone pinged again.
‘So cold. Mermaid, you owe me a hot dessert as well as dinner for that!’
Jess laughed and sent back some smiling emojis. Mitch was funny. Why was a guy like that single?
She unpacked the shopping and made a cup of tea before sitting down.
‘Is there anything you don’t like?’
‘I hate broccoli and cauliflower.’
‘That’s specific.’
‘My family used to force me to eat it, and I loathe it now.’
‘So, no cauli cheese or steamed broccoli,’
Mitch sent a vomiting emoji back.
‘Fair do. Is chicken a la king okay with roasted veg? No cauli or broccoli, I promise.’
‘Sounds perfect, just like you.’
‘That’s bad. Did that line ever succeed?’
‘Just once.’
‘How did that go?’
‘I’ll let you know after dinner!’Jess began laughing at Mitch’s cheekiness.
‘Go do some work. See you tomorrow at six.’
‘Stay safe, Mermaid.’
