Free Now and Forever 4, The Renovated Heart by Jean C. Joachim Page B

letting out a
sigh.
    “Oh my God. That’s where the scar on your
hand comes from?”
    She nodded, her eyes filling with tears
again.
    “He swung a knife at me. You were right. I
held up my hand to defend myself.”
    Jim held her. “I’d never hurt you, Sarah. I
hope you believe me.”
    “You’re not Bob. I’m not afraid of you,” she
said, closing her eyes, enjoying the male scent of him mixed with a
soapy aroma and clean shirt smell.
    “I’m sorry about Scottie. I should’ve
discussed my plans with you, but I felt caught in the middle since
he asked me not to tell you. I wanted to win his trust…as well as
yours.”
    “I understand. Still, having him trained to
fight, he needs to know how to use his new power, not become a
bully himself. I’ll talk to him.”
    “We shouldn’t assume he was in the wrong,”
Jim said, releasing her.
    “You’re right, we shouldn’t. Thank you for
caring about him and stepping in to help…even if you should’ve told
me,” she said.
    “Just because I don’t have children, doesn’t
mean I don’t want them,” he said, looking at her with heat in his
eyes. “I’m hungry…but not for dinner,” he said, nibbling on her
neck, winding his arms around her waist.
    She turned to receive his kiss, relaxing her
body against his. He deepened the kiss, putting his hand in her
soft hair to angle her mouth. Sarah lost herself in his embrace,
desire pulsing in her veins.
    “Mom, Monica called. Can I go over there
for…” Laura said as she rounded the bend. She stopped abruptly when
she saw Sarah and Jim locked in a passionate embrace.
    Sarah jumped back, embarrassed.
    “…dinner,” Laura finished, looking at her
mom with interest.
    “Laura, I’m…this isn’t what you…”
    “So what? So you and Jim were…were…whatever.
I know he’s your boyfriend, no biggie. Can I go to Monica’s?”
    “Tonight? For dinner? Sure. Do you need a
ride?”
    “I’ll take my bike. See ya,” Laura said,
already texting Monica while heading toward the front door.
    “Be home by eight thirty,” She called after
her daughter.
    “So much for worrying about the kids walking
in on us.” Jim chuckled as he ran his hand down Sarah’s hair.
    “I guess having a self-involved teenager
isn’t so bad after all,” Sarah said, smiling.

Chapter Eight
     
     
    In the morning at the Old Victorian
     
    Kit got up with the alarm at eight o’clock.
She ate a quick breakfast then made a list of what she needed to
buy at the superstore.
     
1 man’s suit
2 pairs of men’s casual pants
3 jeans
2 button down shirts
5 boxers
5 undershirts
5 pairs of socks
5 tee shirts
1 belt
     
    It was already nine o’clock by the time she
got in the car. When Kit turned the key, the vehicle only wheezed.
She tried again, hearing a whine but no hum of a running motor.
Pumping the gas pedal, then trying again, and again didn’t help.
She waited five minutes, feeling her pulse race as time passed. If
the car didn’t start, she’d be trapped. Tunney would want an
explanation.
    Praying for the motor to turn over on the
next turn of the key, she thought about what he might say if he
found out she wasn’t married. The word “liar” came to mind. Next
“dishonest”, “untrustworthy”…then the worst of all, “faker”…she
covered her eyes with her hand for the last epithet, “fraud”. Tears
pricked at the thought of him slapping him with those words. But
she’d deserve his wrath, having no defense. Please start, car,
please. Kit took a breath, held it then turned the key. There
was a steady hum. Now nine-thirty, time pressure made adrenaline
pump through her system. Gotta get those clothes and get
back.
    Once at the store, she raced through,
ignoring sizes and colors, she grabbed everything on her list. When
a saleswoman offered to help, Kit shook her head, practically
running to the checkout counter. Her foot tapped nervously until
she was called to the register. She flew to the parking lot, threw
the