The Last Straw Read Free Page B

didn’t have anything worth thinking twice about.” Her throat tightened and eyes stung. She had to get a grip, hold on to some vestige of pride.
    Jared’s eyes softened and the compassion in their dark depths contrasted with his hard features. Was it real? He reached across the table and took her hand, the roughness of his skin against hers sending electricity through her body.
    “I’m sorry, Ally. I made a mistake. I knew it, but had given you up for lost until I saw you today. I feel lucky to have a second chance. If you’ll let me.”
    “What? I thought you didn’t want anything from me, just wanted to explain yourself.”
    “I do want something from you. A second chance.”
    Spots danced before her eyes. She should say no, but he wanted to try again. The knot in her belly relaxed. “What’s different now? You’re still undercover.”
    “I’m not making promises—”
    “Too bad, because I need a good laugh.”
    His grip tightened as he leaned forward, eyes pleading. Her inhale brought the warm undertone of his male scent. His head might as well be snuggled into the nook below her chin, his tongue might as well be tasting the groove in her neck. The spots before her eyes melted away. Heat flooded her veins and strengthened her.
    “Please,” he said. “I know I made a mistake. Let’s see if I’m right. I know you want to or you wouldn’t be here.”
    “I’m here for professional reasons.”
    He focused on the groove in her neck. Like he’d read her mind. “I don’t think it’s a good idea to play this out in the office.”
    “I’m not suggesting that!”
    “And it’s not something we can ignore.”
    With her hand gripping his and her hot face and pounding heart clear for him to see, it was hard to argue.
    “I need to think about it,” she said.
    “Okay.” The simple word melted the tension between them but left her legs weak. When he released her hand, she slid from the booth, only just managing to stand.
    Jared stood and offered an arm. His strength steadied her. “I’ll be in the office tomorrow.”
    “Does Chapman know about our history?”
    “Yes.”
    “Great.”
    “It’s okay.”
    “For you, maybe.” She let him escort her to the door. Her privacy at work had been breached. On the positive side, her professional reputation gave her something to think about besides Jared Green. “I don’t want other people knowing about us. Play it cool at the office.”
    “Of course.”
    “Goodbye, Jared.”
    “Let me walk you to your car.”
    “It’s not necessary.”
    “Yes, it is.”
    “I’ve managed to survive all this time without you.”
    He frowned. “You’re not going out there alone. End of story.” He held the door for her and settled his hand in the small of her back as she passed. The heat from it, and the symbolism of possession, comforted. November brought early darkness and a bite of cold. Nearing her car, she pulled her remote from her purse and pressed the lock release. Its chirp cut the crisp air. Still holding her, Jared reached with his other hand and opened the car door.
    “You aren’t giving me much space to decide,” she said.
    “Just want to keep you safe.”
    “Where were you for the last year?”
    “With my head up my ass.”
    She laughed. His rueful gaze shifted to her mouth. The sounds of distant traffic faded as he pulled her to his chest. His lips teased hers as the hand he’d used to open the car door found the back of her head. His fingers grazed her neck, slipped through her hair.
    “I’m going to make it up to you, Ally. You’ll see.”
    “I’m not promising anything. You said it was up to me.”
    “I did?”
    “Yes!”
    “Right.”
    After he relaxed his grip, she collapsed into the driver’s seat. She started the engine to drown a groan. She was weak and had failed to protect herself once again.
    As she drove away, her gaze kept darting to the rearview mirror until she could no longer see Jared’s lean muscular