Jayden couldn’t help but smile at her enthusiasm. God, how she made his chest ache.
“I guess you miss being with her.”
She shrugged as sadness crossed her eyes. “A little. She was the first friend I made when I got here. She was always trying to get me to come out to eat with her and Mark. But I would never go. Didn’t want to be the third wheel.” Haley glanced around and leaned across the table.
“So is Braxton still tailing us?”
“Yes and he must be pretty good. I’ve not spotted him since we left the house.”
“Barrett will be glad to hear that then.”
The waitress returned with their drink orders of wine and took their dinner orders.
Jayden reached across the table for her hand. “When this is over, what do you see yourself doing?”
“I used to have this dream of opening up my own fashion line. I love clothes and all the well-known designers are located in New York or California. Why not start a designer line right here in the South?”
“That’ a really smart idea. “ He sobered.“Really?” She took a sip of the chilled white wine.
“Absolutely. I mean there are a lot of celebrities that vacation in New Orleans or Charleston. I bet if you could get them interested in your clothes you could really turn your fashion line into the next big thing. Plus if you opened a store down on the coast it would help the economy. Since Hurricane Katrina and the oil spill the coast is really hurting. You would be like the South’s own celebrity.”
Her blue eyes shone with excitement and then she shook her head. “I don’t think I would ever live in Louisiana again.”
“It doesn’t have to be New Orleans. You could live in Mississippi or Alabama. Or stay right here in Arkansas. “
She caught his gaze and he could tell she was contemplating the idea.
“Well, I guess we will see what happens when this is all over. No use making plans when the future is so uncertain.”
He took her hand between his palms. “You will get through this. You hear me? I won’t let him hurt you. I’d die first.”
“Don’t say that, Jayden.”
“Why? It’s true. I don’t want you to be afraid, anymore. I want you to think about the future.”She cocked her head. “What about you? What do you plan on doing when this is over?”
Jayden shrugged and looked away. The thought of not seeing her everyday rubbed at his heart like a pebble. “I don’t know. I guess I have to go on to the next mission that Barrett assigns me.”
She nodded and pulled her hand away. He felt the distance sag between them like an invisible thread. They didn’t have a future together. She’d go on and do great things, while he would continue on protecting the Pack. Hell, she’d probably end up marrying someone with a law degree and have five kids.
While his future consisted of nothing more than the next mission and protecting the Pack.
CHAPTER TEN
Haley stepped out onto the sidewalk with Jayden after a magnificent dinner. She felt full and happy and content. Things she hadn’t felt in a while.
“Thank you for dinner.” She smiled up at him. She couldn’t stop the way her heart always tugged whenever she looked at him. He was gorgeous with those intense blue eyes and blonde hair. He was even sexier when he was naked and moving over her in bed with their bodies joined.
Music floated out from the bars as they walked down the sidewalk at an easy pace. Although Jayden looked relaxed she knew better. He was constantly on alert, assessing their environment and scenting any possible danger.
“I’m glad you let me take you out. “He bent down and kissed her lightly on her lips.
Her smile slipped as she frowned.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” She shook her head.
“Tell me.”
She stopped and faced him.
“I was just wondering about the pig.”
He pulled her to a private corner of a building. “What about it?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know, I guess I was wondering why he didn’t leave a note this time.”
“Because his notes aren’t working. So instead he sent the pig to scare you.”
She shook her head and wrapped her arms around herself.
“I don’t know. Maybe. I guess I always thought his notes were where he held his power to intimidate me so he wouldn’t hesitate to leave one along with the pig.”
“Barrett had the lab do an exhaustive search on your purse and they didn’t find anything. No note, no fingerprints.” He’d gotten that report from Barrett before they left the house.
“He’s taking it further, getting more personal. Getting closer.” She grabbed his hand and they started down the sidewalk.
“Haley . . .”
A shrill of his cell phone had him halting. He pulled the phone out of his jeans pocket.
#
Haley watched his face changed from relaxed to somber. He mouthed to her that it was Barrett on the other end.
She stepped away and turned to admire the window display at the cozy boutique. Whoever had done the display had done a great job, mixing the colors of spring into the outfit spotted on the mannequin.