Amy and Matt left hand in hand, going out the way she’d come in. The front door slammed a moment later, and Jake found himself alone. Chris’s wife hadn’t asked who he was or why he was here. Either gossip traveled fast, or there were often strange men in Liv’s kitchen.
Did it matter?
Not unless he’d completely lost his mind.
Which he hadn’t.
So now what?
As if he didn’t know, when fate had handed him this really sweet deal.
Although Liv did need her sleep.
Damn.
How nice did he want to be?
He glanced out the kitchen window. The couple sitting side by side on the porch swing seemed to be getting along mighty swell if Janie’s body language and flirtatious smile meant anything. From the look of things, Janie didn’t need his protection.
He was pretty much off the hook all around.
Although if he were truly sensible, he’d drive back to the cities and work on getting his restaurant ready to roll. Or better yet, go home and sleep. He was running on adrenaline and not much else.
With his current obsession in bed upstairs, however, he was more inclined to endorse that old saw about time enough to sleep in the grave. It couldn’t hurt to go upstairs and just
The question wasn’t seriously open to debate.
Not when he was this horny.
Walking to the back door, Jake opened it enough to explain to Janie that Matt had gone with Amy to look at the kittens. “I’ll be upstairs if you need me.”
Janie smiled. “Thanks, Jake. And Roman’s being very understanding, so don’t worry about me.”
Perfect, because he really didn’t want to worry about her. “See you later, then.”
“Roman might stay for a few days,” Janie added.
“Don’t tell me. Tell Liv.”
“I thought you might tell her since you’re going upstairs. She won’t mind, I know.” Janie turned to smile at Roman. “We’ve been friends forever.”
“If it’s a problem, I can stay at a motel,” Roman politely offered.
“Don’t be silly. Liv has plenty of room in this old farmhouse. Doesn’t she, Jake?”
Since he’d only seen Liv’s bedroom, the kitchen, and not much else, Janie was asking the wrong person. “I’m going to stay out of this. Check with Liv when she wakes up.”
Janie turned a quick smile on Roman. “As you see, Jake’s mantra is
Jake rolled his eyes, shut the door, and left Janie to her machinations. Roman looked as though he could handle whatever Janie dished out.
Picking up the serving plate of remaining French toast, he added a few pieces of bacon, warmed it all in the microwave, grabbed a fork and the syrup bottle, and headed upstairs. Whistling.
Christ, he’d never been the whistling type before.
He felt like he was in Mayberry.
Although his version was definitely X-rated.
Fifteen
“I so appreciate your understanding,” Janie murmured, lifting her eyes to Roman, hoping she was properly conveying a look of tender regard and gratitude.
Roman smiled at her drama. “Just for the record, my motives aren’t completely altruistic.”
“I didn’t expect they were.” Her lashes fluttered demurely before rising to frame a coquettish gaze. “If there’s anything at all you want from me, just let me know.”
He laughed. “Cut the theatrics, Janie. We’re both way past those games.”
She pouted prettily. “But I truly mean it, Roman. Sincerely. ”
He wasn’t about to say something rude when he wasn’t entirely sure why he was doing what he was doing. Nor how long he’d continue operating outside Leo’s jurisdiction. “I still might take you back to New York,” he warned.
She knew better, even if he didn’t. She had no intention of going back to New York. But rather than argue uselessly, she smiled. “I understand. I have no expectations one way or the other.”
“Just so everything is clear.”
“Perfectly. Although, I know there’s another woman involved with Leo, so I want you to know where
He smiled faintly. “Got it.”
“And I’m not stupid like Lisa.”
“No one’s as stupid as Lisa.”
“Anyway, thanks for the reprieve, however long,” she noted. “And while you’re here, I was thinking maybe we’d have time to-” Roman cut her off with a raised hand.
Pulling out his phone from his pocket, he flipped it open. “I’m listening.”
“You’re gonna get a call from Leo. He’s barking orders as usual. Let me know where you are when you get the chance.” His assistant, Vinnie, never minced words.
“Will do.” Roman shut the phone but kept it in his hand. “Leo’s about to call. I’ll take the cell off vibrate and put it on speakerphone for your edification,” he added with a grin.
Janie wrinkled her nose. “Hearing him will ruin my day.”
“Better to hear him than see him,” Roman brusquely declared. When the anticipated ring occurred, Roman answered. “Morning, Leo. How’s it going?”
“Where the fuck are you?” Leo bellowed, his thunderous voice rending the hushed, honeysuckle-scented air.
“Pretty much nowhere at the moment. I’m lost in a corn-field. ”
“What the
“I’m not sure yet. I’m working on it.”
“Well, work harder,
“Tone it down, Leo,” Roman said, soft as silk. “You don’t pay me enough to take crap from you.”
“Sorry. No offense, okay?” A rare sycophantic note briefly colored Leo’s voice before his tone shifted back to its normal blare. “But I want my son back sooner rather than later! The bitch can’t hide forever! Goddamn it! Find her!”
“As soon as I know something, I’ll give you a call.” Unruffled, Roman gave away nothing.
“If you need more money, just say so. My kid is worth any price-you know that. Call me-day or night. And fucking hurry!”
The line went dead.
“He never says good-bye,” Janie muttered. “The prick.”
“If it’s any consolation, he’s not a happy man.” Leaning back against the swing, Roman slipped the phone into his jacket pocket and stretched out his long legs in a lazy sprawl. “The guy’s gonna have a major stroke someday.”
“I didn’t have a clue what he was really like.” Janie grimaced. “I didn’t hear him scream until after Matt was born. Believe me, it was a major shock.”
