Taking the Heat (Jackson: Girls' Night Out 3)

“I didn’t mean it like that.”

“Maybe not, but it’s true. I came here running from my life, but my life came right along with me.”

“So you don’t hate the city?”

She shot him a careful look. “It’s not the right place for me. It’s not the right place for you, either.”

“I can make it the right place. For a little while.”

“Here?” she pressed, looking pointedly up the fifteen-story building they were passing.

He didn’t look with her. He’d passed it a thousand times in his life. Instead of answering, he pointed to the next building. “This is it.”

She smiled at the elaborate five-story brick facade. “This is where you grew up?”

“Yep. We moved here when I was nine.”

“Which floor?” she asked, craning her neck as they climbed up the stairs to the entry.

“Fourth,” he said, then added, “And fifth.”

“Oh, my God!” she gasped. “You’re filthy rich!”

“We had a big family. And my dad was expanding the business.”

“I guess so!”

He unlocked the door and waved her in. “Ready?” he asked as they stepped onto the elevator.

“This is a terrible idea,” she said, then set her jaw as if she were heading into battle.

She was probably right, and he couldn’t care less.

* * *

VERONICA’S FACE FLAMED with embarrassment as she was enveloped in yet another hug. “She’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen!” Gabe’s mom said.

“Mom,” Veronica heard Gabe groan, though the word was muffled since his mom’s arms were wrapped around Veronica’s head.

“Well, it’s true. Look at her!”

“Thank you, Mrs. MacKenzie,” Veronica said as she was set free.

“Oh, my word, call me Mary.”

“Mom, please stop embarrassing Veronica. And me.” I’m sorry, he mouthed when Veronica caught his eye.

“Don’t sass your mom,” his dad said. “That girl is clearly the cutest thing we’ve ever seen.”

Gabe shook his head. “Unbelievable. Really.”

“Are you hungry?” Mary asked.

Veronica had been trying to edge closer to Gabe, but his mom put an arm around Veronica’s shoulders and guided her deeper into the apartment. “You must be exhausted, flying all the way from Wyoming.”

“I’m fine. Honestly.”

“A cappuccino, then. I just bought one of those new cup brewers with the steamed-milk attachment. You won’t believe how good it is, and a fraction of the price of Starbucks.”