“It’s more what you didn’t do that was the issue.” I said coldly, glaring at him and crossing my arms.
“I realize I probably deserve that, but still, it’s so good to see you.”
“I don’t think that feeling is mutual. Look, I know that you probably think you’re a great guy, and hell, I once thought so too. But now, you can just-”
A wave of nausea rolled over me and suddenly I was gagging, then nearly barfing as I doubled over. Of course, stupid Jason was at my side in a minute, asking me if I was okay, but I managed to push him back and collect myself before I did any sort of technicolor shouting.
“I’m fine, I’m fine,” I said, standing up and unzipping the light jacket I had put on. I had been cold in the doctor’s office but now that I was all heaving and stuff, I was overheated.
Right as I stood, Jason’s eyes went wide, and I realized that he hadn’t known I was pregnant with how my jacket covered my body. I really needed to stop surprising people that way; I was going to end up accidentally giving someone an apoplexy.
“You’re pregnant,” he said, completely shocked.
“Wow, glad to see all that training they give you at the police academy has really honed your observation skills.”
His face turned from pleasant to spiteful at the turn of a dime. I wasn’t surprised, though, I had long since learned that there was a viper underneath that public servant uniform. “Huh. Maybe Marilynn wasn’t off with what she warned me about.”
That was the wrong thing to say.
I felt my face practically catch fire and then I was going zero to one hundred in less than a breath. “Are you freaking kidding me, you condescending, self-absorbed bastard?!” I yelled, not caring what the neighbors heard. “You have the gall to come visit me after helping to chase me out of my own town and now you want to insult me like you have the higher ground? Why, I should-”
I was suddenly cut off as a large form stepped between us. It took me a couple of seconds to realize that it was James. He must have gotten out of the car and walked up without me noticing.
“Can I help you?” He asked, looking down at Jason from his superior height.
“Can I help you?” Jason retorted.
“Sure. I’d like to know why you’re bothering Nicole here when clearly she doesn’t want you around.”
“And I’d like to know why the hell you think any of this is your business.”
I watched, stuck in a surprised sort of shock, as they two men edged closer to each other until they were chest to broad chest. I had never seen a ‘man-off’ in real life, but this was definitely one without a doubt.
It was akin to watching two apex predators fight for dominance, and I didn’t know if I should be insulted, flattered or nervous that I would get caught un the crossfire. Either way, James had never looked so incredibly attractive as he did now, standing up to the man who had refused to ever defend me when I needed it most.
But I quickly realized that I didn’t want a fight on my hands. After all, Jason was a cop and I didn’t put it past him to manipulate the law to get back at James -especially if a fight could somehow endanger his career. I had learned that first hand.
“Look, Jason, you need to leave before one of you whips your dick out and a measuring stick. I want nothing to do with you, and you have my permission to never come back again.”
Jason looked like he was going to say something to me, but James bumped him ever so slightly with his chest, interrupting our line of site. There was another tense moment, and finally Jason backed down.
“Whatever. You left town for a reason and you should probably stay out,” the officer said as he walked away.
But I wasn’t going to let him think that he had somehow gotten to me, so I grabbed James’ hand and pulled him towards my house. I didn’t look back, even thought I wanted to, and just beelined straight inside.
“You want to tell me what the hell that was about?” James asked as I continued tugging him inwards.
“Not now,” I said, pressing the button to call the elevator.
“Who was that guy? And why was he speaking to you like that?”
“Not now,” I repeated. My blood was rushing and I could feel a yearning sort of warmth within myself and I didn’t want to ruin it by thinking about idiotic Jason and his selfish ways.
I pushed James into the lift and slammed my lips into him, feeling all of my emotions pour out of me. I wasn’t the type of woman who normally needed to be defended, but this was the second time he had come to my aide when I was so used to having to take care of myself. How could I not be completely aroused by my own personal Prince Charming come to help me?