Against the Odds A Love Story

Chapter 24

Just when you think you have someone figured out, you realize that you actually do.

Twenty-four

Caroline met me at the back door. “I sent someone out for Hayden.”

“Good,” I said, then wondered if it really was good. As protective as Hayden was of me, meeting Jerome would definitely put him in a bone-breaking mood.

“You all right?” Caroline asked.

I nodded. Taking a deep breath, I headed to the living room. Caroline walked close behind me.

Jerome was standing by a window looking out over the land. When I entered, he turned and flashed that familiar sly smile. Instant nausea rolled through my insides as his eyes roamed over me, his gaze lingering for a moment on my stomach.

“I hope you don't mind me stopping by.” He grinned, looking at me quietly for a moment. Taking in his devilish expression, I knew he was up to no good. “I was going to ask how you were doing,” he finally said, “but . . . I can see you've been pretty busy.” When I rolled my eyes he added, “Still, you look good.”

“Thanks,” I replied, not bothering to disguise the sarcasm.

He walked over to me. “So, how has life been treating you?”

“Just fine.” I heaved an impatient sigh, bored with the small talk already.

“You plan on making it back to Atlanta any time soon?”

I looked over at Caroline's permanent frown and knew exactly how she felt. I massaged my temples, trying to relieve the ache in my head.

“Why are you here, Jerome? And don't tell me it's just to say hello. I know you better than that. Most men don't go out their way to see their ex-wives. In fact, most men don't even want to see their ex-wives.”

He smiled. “Truthfully, I just wanted to see for myself what kind of life you gave up such a successful career for.” He shook his head. “And I have to say, I do miss having you on my arm. We always looked good together.”

This is unreal! “You are a piece of work, you know that? You're as full of yourself as you always were.”

He chuckled, irritating me even more. “I just don't see how you could think you'd be happier here than in Atlanta, living the kind of life you're used to.” His eyes again roamed over me. “Where's the woman whose gorgeous body graced the fashion runways of  Atlanta and made men weak in the knees? I mean, I still see that woman in front of me, though slightly altered in the body area, but what happened to her?”

Oh, you little jerk! I took a deep breath. “She found something better, Jerome. She moved on, which it what you need to do.”

“Oh, I have,” he said with arrogance.

“Have you? Have you really?” I stretched my arms out dramatically. “Well, if that's the case, then why are you here?”

He moved closer, a seductive smile playing on his lips, and I had to seriously wonder if he had lost his mind. “I told you. I had to see this for myself. And meet your old man, of course.”

He placed a hand on my arm, his thumb caressing, and I suddenly felt dirty. “Jerome, if you value your life, you will take your hand off me.”

He laughed. “Being a little melodramatic, aren't we? You never complained about my touch before.”

“I am serious. Don't touch me.” I tried to pull my arm away, but he held firm. I looked at my sister-in-law. “Caroline would you . . .”

There was no need to finish, because in the next moment we heard the kitchen screen door open and slam shut followed by heavy booted footsteps. Not bothering to turn around, I watched Jerome stumble backwards a little and his eyes widen as Hayden entered, his massive form filling the room. I wanted to laugh, but I just smiled and turned to my husband as he gently pulled me against him. Carefully masked anger creased his handsome brow slightly, and I felt the hard muscles of his chest flexing beneath the faded red t-shirt. His hat shaded his eyes, but I saw the hard glint in them.