Verifiable Intelligence (20 page)
Jace’s big hand settled on hers where it rested on the center console. “The only thing I care about is what’s sitting in this truck.”
His hand was warm, and the feel of it was promising in a way she had never felt before. It was hard to believe that only a week before she’d been alone, with only her next payday to look forward to. Jace had been part of her past, and Dayne had been content to leave him there until she realized how much what he had to offer could enrich her life.
She laced her fingers with his and gave a gentle squeeze. “I think I know exactly what you mean, Jace.”
“So where are we going?” Ryan demanded, bouncing up and down.
“Back to your aunt’s house,” she deadpanned.
Alarm made his bright eyes pop wide open. “What? No! You promised!”
Jace rolled his eyes. “She’s kidding, Ryan. Get a grip.”
“Good,” Ryan said, appeased. “That means I don’t have to go to school anymore. I’m glad since I was flunking math.”
“Oh, hell no,” Jace muttered. “Why didn’t your aunt tell me you were flunking math?”
Ryan’s expression turned sheepish. “I sort of signed the letters my teacher sent her so she wouldn’t have to see them. I didn’t want you to be mad.”
“Ryan…” His voice deepened.
She couldn’t help it, she laughed.
“Don’t encourage him,” Jace admonished.
“I’m not going to shaft the kid for problem solving behavior. He’s clever.” She glanced at Ryan’s smug expression in her rearview mirror and shot Jace a sly smile. “Besides, as much as we’re going to be traveling. I’m thinking home school. So you can teach him math.”
“What? No way!”
Ryan’s howls mingled with Jace’s deep chuckle and Dayne’s own laughter to create beautiful music. It was a sound she could get used to, one that meant family. After all, with Jace by her side there was nothing she couldn’t face head on. And as far as she was concerned, that was the true meaning of love and family.
~ About the Author ~
Kaitlin Maitland is that person sitting in the corner, absorbing every detail about life. She often says she's an accidental author who keeps writing because, well, how could you not when there are just so many interesting stories to tell? A self admitted horse addict, Kaitlin loves spending time with her horse Mercy when not pounding out her next novel on the laptop.
Find out more about Kaitlin Maitland here:
http://www.kaitlinmaitland.com
http://www.facebook.com/KaitlinMaitland
http://kaitlinmaitland.blogspot.com/
https://twitter.com/#!/KaitlinMaitland
~ Also by Kaitlin Maitland ~
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More Romantic Suspense from Etopia Press
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