Her place was prett
y. Feminine, like Haley. Large, beige couches and hardwood floors in the living
room. She also had a beige and burgundy area rug in front of the fireplace. Jeremy could easily picture
the two of them lying on it, twined together and making love in the winter months. He balled his fists at his
sides to hold himself in check.
Her living room was spacious and uncluttered. As she led him to the kitchen, which was to the back of
the house, he was pleased to see it was just as roomy. A large island sat in the center with stools around
two sides. He liked her house, feminine accents and all. It fit her perfectly.
Rick—much to Jeremy’s dismay—followed them into the kitchen. Evidently he’d decided not to leave
his baby sister alone with a lunatic.
“So, what business do you have with Haley?”
Jeremy had to give the guy credit. In nothing but a towel, Rick stood firm in his brotherly role.
Admirable, even if he was a nuisance.
“I mean no disrespect, but this is a private matter,” Jeremy shot right back.
He should have just told him his intent—that he was here to pronounce his undying love. But he wanted
to be alone with Haley when he laid open his heart. The last thing he needed was an audience if she was
going to reject him.
Rick started forward, but Haley stopped him, putting her hand against his chest. “Please, Rick, go out on
your date. Jay and I have a lot to talk about.” Rick looked down at her and scowled. Haley patted him
as if he were a loyal puppy. “I’ll be fine, really.”
He didn’t seem to believe that, though, as he flatly stated, “Her ex-husband was an abusive bastard. She
went through hell once already. I won’t see it happen again.”
Jeremy didn’t like being put in the same class as Eric. “I’m not her ex-husband, so don’t go making the
mistake of thinking I’m anything like him.”
“If you hurt my sister in any way, I’ll come after you and I’ll make you very, very sorry. Got me?”
He wanted to laugh, but he knew he shouldn’t. Rick couldn’t have known he’d just threatened a
member of the Columbus police. Still, Jeremy sucked it up and gave her brother his due.
“I got you, Rick. Just so we’re clear here, Haley is a big girl and she can handle herself. It seems to me
she proved that when she divorced Eric.”
Rick nodded and looked at Haley, brotherly pride shining in his eyes. “I suppose you’re right about