General Joe (Magnolia Ridge 2)

I lunge for her, but Joe’s hold on me tightens and I don’t move.

“Let me at her. I’ll do the time for this one.” I try to get free, but Joe lifts me off my feet.

“She’s trying to assault me.” Missy buries her face in her hands and pretends to cry. My eyes roll so hard I swear they almost come out of my head.

“Missy, go back to your shop before I arrest you for the stolen internet.” Missy gasps at my dad but doesn’t deny it. She huffs one last time before stomping off.

Clarence and Jefferson don’t move from where they’re leaning up against the patrol car. You’d think they didn’t notice anything going on but I bet you gossip will spread. It always does.

“People are stealing internet and picking wedgies. You’re letting crime run rampant around here.” Clarence chuckles before taking a sip of his coffee. I think they all might be used to my outbursts.

“You stole our coffee machine, so now we have to go to Missy’s.”

“Well, shit.” I hadn’t thought about that.

“Mouth,” Dad says. That’s the thing I’m getting in trouble for? “She’s still mad about the date you went on with Missy.” Dad motions to me.

“Date?” Joe sounds confused and Dad holds up his hand. Something he does when he’s not done talking so that means you shut your trap.

“Did you tell her you’re back in town for good? Her sulking around is getting sad.”

“I don’t sulk.” Joe is staying? I’m thankful he’s got a hold on me or I might fall over.

“You do, sweetheart.” Dad’s voice is soft as his hand comes down on Joe’s shoulder. “I’m not standing in your way. If anyone knows life is too short, it’s me. The love between you two is clear. Take care of my little girl.”

“It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do.” My eyes burn and I always thought happy tears were something people made up.

“I know. It’s why I’m not killing you.”

“I’m taking her home,” Joe says, and my dad nods, stepping aside.

“Wait. I don’t want to go home.” Joe puts my feet back down on the ground before taking my hand.

“Your new home,” he says as he pulls me out of the back of the store.

New home? Excitement bubbles up inside of me. I see Missy lingering by her back door and she glares when she sees Joe holding my hand. I do the brattiest thing I can think of and stick my tongue out at her.

“You want to tell me why you dislike Missy so much and why everyone thinks we dated?” Joe opens the door to his truck, helping me in. His hands go to my bare ass, reminding me he stole my panties. That was so hot. I’m going to get all the things I’ve been wanting to do with Joe for so long.

“You’re the one that went on a date with her. You should know all about it.” A weird growl comes from me and Joe smiles. “I’ll kick you.” These boots would hurt more than my elbow.

“Seatbelt,” he orders, shutting the door after he gets my leg in. He rounds the truck and hops in.

“I’ve never been on a date with Missy” is the first thing out of his mouth, but I think Missy tells people differently.

“But—”

“I promise I’ve never been out with Missy. She’s a fucking nut and has been since high school. I was paired up with her on a project in chemistry and it was a nightmare. I see some things never change.” He shakes his head as he pulls away from the curb.

“I was jealous,” I admit.

“Nothing to be jealous of. I’ve only ever had eyes for you.”

I reach over and grab his hand. He’s the only one I’ve ever had eyes for too. I have a million things I want to ask but all I can think about now is how my dad said we’re in love. I’ve always loved Joe, but it’s different than how I love everyone else. I pray it’s the same for him.

Chapter Five

Joe

We drive down the long road that leads to the house, and I can see her sit up straighter in the seat.

“Why are we headed out this way?” She looks over at me and out to the farmhouse. “I thought we were going to your family house at the end of town. That haunted castle place?”

I smile and shake my head at her. The Bierman estate my parents left was pretty substantial. It included an old mansion in town that even as a teenager I refused to live in. I have people that go by and clean it and take care of the property, but it’s not a home, not a place I want to raise a family.

“Okay, then tell me why we’re going to my great aunt Sarah’s old house.”