Free Blind Fury by Gwen Hernandez

She couldn’t stop thinking about his eyes just inches from hers, his mouth so close…
    “We don’t have to hole up in here, we just need to be careful. I can’t be sure your home was the only target. I don’t want to scare you, but please do this for me. I promised—”
    She waved him off. “Yeah, I know. You promised Rob. You were busy making promises, weren’t you?” She didn’t wait for an answer. “But Rob never asked for my permission. Maybe I don’t want you to feel obligated to me. I told you I’m not going to hold you to it. You’re free to move on to your next death-defying job, and I can try to get my life back in order.”
    He shook his head. “You’re stuck with me until I think you’re safe. If you leave, I’ll just follow you.”
    She huffed, not sure of what to say. The playboy had become a rock. For years, he had let her and everyone else underestimate him, never appearing to take anything too seriously. He was always the life of any party, telling dirty jokes and funny stories about his friends, making sure everyone in the room got his attention at some point during the night. Even Rob’s shy, nerdy little sister.
    But now she was seeing a new side of him. She’d seen evidence of his integrity before, but she’d never experienced its full effect. Maybe she finally understood why Rob had trusted Mick with his life. And hers.
    Because he was there when it mattered.
    “Is the futon really that bad?” Mick asked.
    How could he not have noticed? She nodded.
    “Then you take the bed tonight.”
    “What about you?” she asked.
    He flashed his familiar playboy smile at her and lifted an eyebrow. “Is that an invitation?” She must have looked mortified because he laughed. “Kidding.” He thumped the back of the makeshift bed. “Trust me. I’ve slept on worse.”

    After clearing her breakfast dishes and cleaning up Mick’s kitchen, Jenna called Tara to fill her in on the latest disaster. She almost didn’t leave a message, but she didn’t want Tara to worry if she heard about the explosion on the news.
    With that out of the way, she and Mick braved the mall. After working her way through four clothing shops, lunch, and the computer store, she was ready to quit. “I hate shopping.”
    Mick raised an eyebrow as he held up two large bags. “I thought women loved to shop.”
    “I lost my girl card ages ago. I think Tara took it by force and ripped it to shreds.” She just couldn’t muster enough interest in clothes or shoes to spend hours searching for the perfect item. Not that she didn’t want to look good, but it took way too much time and money to get the flawless fashionista look Tara had perfected. More than she was willing to spend. “I’m more of a homebody than a homecoming queen.”
    “Quiet girls have their own appeal.”
    “Maybe.” That wasn’t her experience though. When she and Tara went out, Tara was the draw for the men who came to their table. Jenna was the consolation prize. And it went beyond looks. She didn’t know how to flirt without feeling ridiculous.
    She preferred to go slowly, getting to know a man as a friend first so she wouldn’t be all hormonal and idiotic around him, trying too hard to impress. She wanted to be liked for the real her. Uptight, cautious, and bookish. Yeah, she was a hell of a catch.
    “Is there anything else you need right now?” Mick asked.
    “You mean besides a house, a car, and a life?” She hefted the bags weighing her down. “No. This will have to do.”
    Mick’s mouth tightened into a grim line and he nodded. “All right. Home then.” He slid his car keys from his front pocket and steered them toward the exit.
    His eyes were alert, cataloging everyone who passed. No one paying any attention could mistake him for a casual shopper. In spite of the bags he carried, she had the sense that he was ready for anything, hyper-vigilant and prepared to spring into action if needed.
    Even though it chafed to let someone