Free Macy’s Awakening by Pepper Anthony Page A

about shopping? Lord knows you’re going to need a few more clothes to last you until the trial. I was actually thinking I’d take you shopping this week, so you won’t need to wear that dress so often.”
    She glanced down at herself, her hand brushing her bodice. “I like this dress. I don’t mind wearing it. But yeah, I guess I could use a few things. Another pair of jeans, a couple of tops. Some underwear…” Her voice trailed off.
    “And you’ll need some conservative dress clothes for the trial. I know just the place. We’ll hit the West Slope Mall tomorrow evening.”
    “Thank you.”
    He went into the house and grabbed the phone and brought it out to her. He carried her empty plate back in with him, closing the door to give her privacy.
    In just five minutes she came into the kitchen and handed him the phone.
    “He wants to talk to you,” she said, rolling her eyes.
    Jerrod’s gut seized up like someone had just punched him there. What had Macy told her father? Certainly she hadn’t given them away? He took a deep breath and steadied himself. Time to face the music.
    “Chuck! Sorry we weren’t here when you called this morning. Did Macy tell you we were out shopping?”
    “Yes, she told me. She also told me you’ve gone out of your way to make her feel at home. I wanted to tell you again how grateful I am for everything you’re doing for us.”
    “Anything for a fellow Sigma Chi.” He forced a chuckle. He felt a strong twinge of guilt, mixed with intense relief that she hadn’t decided to confess her “sins.”
    “I told you my baby girl means everything to me, man. It’s great to know I can count on you to take care of her.”
    “She’s a lovely girl, Chuck. You must be very proud.”
    “Damn right I am. Damn right. I hope she’s not giving you any trouble. The girl has a mouth on her sometimes.”
    Jerrod drew back and stared at the receiver. It was almost impossible to imagine Macy being disrespectful.
    “She’s no trouble at all,” he told Chuck. “We’re getting along fine here.”
    “Any chance the judge will ease up and let her come home before her trial?”
    “Sorry. Judge Hensen is known for being a hard ass. Macy will have to stay put here. But you’re welcome to come up if you can get away. I have another guest room. I know she’d love to have you here.”
    “Wish I could. But I’m still working on that big project I told you about. I need to bring it in on time and under budget. I’m working my crew six days a week. Taking Friday off already put me behind. One day away and the guys slack off, you know?”
    “Well, if you change your mind just come on up. You have my address, right?”
    “You’re in the book.”
    “Yep.”
    Jerrod hung up the phone, relief flooding him, and turned to the sink to wash up the salad plates and forks. Not realizing that Macy still waited near the kitchen door, he jumped in surprise when she spoke.
    “Thank you, Jerrod.”
    He turned and frowned at her. “For what? Your dad will get a bill for my legal services, just like any other client.”
    “No. I mean thank you for not telling on me.”
    He suppressed the desire to laugh hysterically. She really was an innocent.
    “Why in hell would I do that? You weren’t exactly the only one involved. I’m the grown up here, the one who should have all the self-control. Your dad would kill me.”
    “He’d kill me first.” She gave a little giggle. “But you’re right. He’d kill you right after that.”
    They shared a genuine smile and Jerrod felt the pall between them beginning to lift. They were on the same page again. They could make this platonic relationship work for the next few weeks until her trial. He just had to remember the sincere gratitude in Chuck’s voice—and the fact that the man was a former All-American football tackle with shoulders a mile wide and hams for fists.

Chapter 8

    Jerrod carried two bowls of popcorn into the family room where Macy sat on the far