Free Jobe: Alvarez Security Series by Maryann Jordan

changes a person. Some come back and are able to put it in a place in their minds where it don’t torment ’em every day. Others?” he shook his head, “Others don’t come back so good. Maybe it’s their bodies that got fu—I mean messed up, and for some it was their minds.”
    “Why are you telling me this?” she whispered.
    “Well, where I sit, a man don’t give up a woman like you for nothin’. He musta had a reason but just ’cause he never told you what it was don’t mean it wasn’t there.”
    “But how could I have known if he never told me?”
    “Don’t know, sugar.” He sighed deeply as he rose from his seat and walked over to the sink to rinse out his cup. Turning, he grabbed his car keys off of the counter and was almost to the door when he looked back at her sitting at the table. Sad. And alone.
    “Only you can decide if he’s worth a shot at eventually telling you. And only you can decide if it’s worth moving past. But Mac? The woman sittin’ in front of me is still hurtin’ a whole lot. If this man’s opinion is worth anything, you deserve to either see what’s there or put it to rest for good.”
    With that, he nodded as he walked out of the back kitchen door, and ran right into Jobe and Gabe standing just outside. He could tell by the expressions on their faces that they had heard the conversation. Or at least part of it. He stood for a moment, holding Jobe’s gaze…and liked what he saw.
    “Gentleman,” he said in greeting. As they acknowledged him as well, he turned and looked back at the building saying, “Yep, you gotta a lot of work to do here. But it’s worth it.” Dropping his gaze back to Jobe’s, he continued, “But then I’ll just bet you already know that.”
    *
    By lunchtime, Mackenna once again found herself surrounded by Jobe, everywhere she turned. She had to admit that a few times she caught herself looking when she did not think he would notice and wish he had gotten uglier with time. No such luck. If anything, he’s more gorgeous.
    Finally, she made her way to the kitchen to make a sandwich when he wandered in once again. Her gaze moved to his before looking back down at the counter. She did not want to talk to him, but found herself automatically asking, “Do you and Gabe want something to eat?”
    “You don’t have to fix lunch. And Gabe left to go work on another job.”
    Her gaze jumped back to his in surprise. “He’s gone?”
    Jobe nodded as he filled his canteen with water again. “We’ve got several jobs going on today and one of the other men called in sick, so he left to work on that project.”
    “Oh.” That single word sounded stupid, but it was all she could think of to say. Her mind racing, she finally just pushed the sandwich over toward him and began making another one for her. “You might as well eat something.”
    Jobe watched her in silence for a few minutes, as he chewed the food gratefully. At least she didn’t throw it at me. He had managed to move about the house to keep maximum contact with her, trying to balance not crowding and yet making sure she knew he was around. He watched as she moved to the table and sat down, nodding at the chair across from her.
    Taking the silent invitation, he sat and continued to eat. Deciding to start with a safe topic, he said, “I’m really impressed with what you’re doing here.”
    He noticed that she gave a small, almost imperceptible nod. Good.
    “Thank you. I hope we’re doing something right. At least it seems as though we are.” She felt awkward but just could not seem to bring her gaze up to his.
    “I’d say you’re definitely doing something right. You always had such passion to help others and it really shows.” As soon as the words were out of this mouth, he realized that he should not have made a reference to knowing her in the past. It was too soon, by the stiff expression on her face. Fuck! Well hell, time to go for broke.
    “Mackenna, I’d really like to talk to