Page 69 of Deadly Conflicts

“But … why? Ally is obviously going to say yes.”

“He mostly knows that,” James replied. “I mostly knew it, too. There was still a small part of me that thought you were going to laugh and run away. It’s hard to be exposed like that, especially when you’re a strong and silent tough guy like he is. Jake doesn’t think you told her. He just needed someone to complain about and you were the easiest mark.”

“But … .”

“Baby, I would never let him speak badly about you if he meant it,” James said, shaking his head. “You know that. I love you and think you’re the sexiest and coolest person in the world.”

“Okay, there’s no need to lay it on so thick,” Mandy said, giggling. “I get it.”

“You’d better get it,” James said, pushing himself to a standing position and wrapping his arms around Mandy’s waist as he positioned himself between her thighs. “I will always stand up for you.”

“And come for me,” Mandy said. “Even though I was worried when I called you tonight, I knew you would come.”

“I will always come for you.” James rubbed Mandy’s cheek as a devilish smile washed over his features. “In more ways than one.”

“You’re a total pig,” Mandy said, her laughter warming James in specific places.

“You have no idea,” James said, sliding his hands under Mandy’s rear end and lifting her so she could wrap her legs around his waist. “Let’s go to bed so you can reward me for coming.”

“That was absolutely filthy,” Mandy said, sliding her arms around his neck and kissing his cheek. “I would love to reward you, though.”

“Good,” James said. “We’re going to reward each other and get a good night’s sleep. Then, tomorrow, we’re going to talk about you quitting your job right now.”

“I can’t,” Mandy protested.

“Oh, no. You just said you could.”

“I … fine.” Mandy blew out a sigh. “We’ll talk about it tomorrow. I’m not giving you a definitive answer until after this next weekend, though. I need time to think.”

“I’ll take what I can get, baby,” James said, flipping the light switch off. “Just think, though, if you quit I’ll reward you five times a day, every single day, for the rest of our lives.”

“That sounds like an expensive – and possibly exhausting – bribe.”

“Something tells me you’re worth it.”