Free To Have and to Hold by Nalini Singh Page A

it, but it had never made her feel good about herself. Still didn’t. “If Richard likes my work and is able to sell it, I’ll have some income.”
    â€œThat’s not a problem, Jess. You’re my wife.” The words were almost absent-minded as he overtook a big truck.
    Of course it was nothing to him—Gabe held all the cards in this marriage. She’d been in his debt from the instant he’d saved her family home.
    He turned down the street leading into town. “I’ll park at the post office.”
    â€œThat sounds fine.” Kowhai wasn’t much but it was okay for a town in the middle of nowhere. There was a grocery store cum post office, a bank, the obligatory pub and even a small medical clinic along with some other shops. “Doesn’t seem like it’s changed much.”
    â€œHenry’s handed over the running of the grocery store to Eddie.”
    â€œAt last! How’s he handling it?”
    â€œYou can ask him yourself.” He nodded toward the store as they eased into one of the parking spaces out front.
    Eddie was standing outside soaking up the sun and saw her the second she jumped out. Jogging over, he gave her a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek. “Jessie! Hey stranger. Hi, Mr. Dumont.”
    Jess blinked at the formal way he’d addressed Gabe. “Gabe’s got to head off so can you help me get some packages to the post desk?”
    Gabe interrupted before Eddie could reply. “I have time.” Opening the door, he picked up the two biggest canvasses.
    Nonplussed, Jess handed two more to Eddie and took the last one herself. They weren’t that heavy, just awkward to carry, wrapped as they were for safe transport.
    Eddie didn’t speak again till Gabriel had left for his meeting. “You have to fill out one of these.” He slid a courier slip toward her then lounged against the ledge that served as a table.
    Jess began to complete the form. “Don’t you have customers in the grocery section?”
    â€œSally can handle it—we’re not too busy right now,” he said, referring to his younger sister. “So, married to Gabriel Dumont, huh?”
    â€œMr. Dumont?” she teased.
    He shrugged. “That’s what I always called him when I used to work in the store after school. He’s what, ten years older than you?”
    â€œNine,” she corrected automatically, Eddie’s tone beginning to irritate her.
    â€œYeah, well I was sure surprised to hear the news about the wedding.”
    Form filled in, she put down the pen. “Why?”
    â€œCome on, Jess. When Damon left Kayla everyone thought it’d finally be him and you like it always should’ve been.”
    Of course Gabriel chose that moment to walk in. He passed her a credit card, no expression on his face. “You’ll need this. Meet you back at the car in an hour.”
    â€œOkay.”
    He left without another word. Eddie winced when she turned back to him. “Sorry if I stuck my foot in it.”
    â€œDon’t worry about it.” If only she could follow her own advice. “But do me a favor and stop talking about me and Damon in the same breath, all right? I’m married and so is he.”
    â€œThat’s not what he said a few days ago at the pub. He didn’t find out about your wedding until it was over, you know. He never figured Dumont would push you through it so fast. He said that if—”
    â€œDon’t.” Jess raised a hand, palm out. “I don’t want to hear it. How much for the courier?”
    Taking the hint at last, Eddie processed her packages without further commentary. But when she went to pay, he let out a long whistle. “Platinum card, Jess? You sure have moved up in the world.”
    She chose to ignore the dig. People could believe what they liked. “Thanks.” She took the receipt. “See you.”
    â€œBye.”
    There was