Deadly Adventure (Hardy Brothers Security Book 19) (14 page)

“
N
o
, no, no,” James said, turning his full attention to Mandy. “He’s making that up. I did not invite him here, baby.”

James wasn’t prone to histrionic fits, but he felt himself crossing over into panic territory. Jesse was going to ruin everything.

“It’s okay, bro,” Jesse said, clapping James on the shoulder. “She understands how things are. Now … come on. Get dressed so we can go to the bar.”

“Get out,” James hissed, shoving Jesse harder than he initially intended. “I’m not leaving this house.”

“Go ahead,” Mandy said. “It’s fine.”

“It’s not fine,” James countered. “Jesse, you need to leave.”

Jesse rubbed his shoulder in the spot it smacked against the wall thanks to James’ shove. “Why are you being such a killjoy? Give the little woman a kiss on the cheek and move your butt. I want to pick up a woman.”

“I already have a woman,” James snapped. “It’s our anniversary. I’m not leaving this house. I already told you that. Baby, I swear I didn’t invite him and I’m not going anywhere.”

“Is this about what I told her the other night when she called?” Jesse asked. “If so, I was joking. It’s not a big deal.”

James stilled, confused. “What did you tell her?”

Jesse uncomfortably shifted from one foot to the other, realizing his mistake too late to haul the words back into his mouth. “I … nothing. She just called while you were up getting that pitcher of beer and wanted to talk to you. I could tell she was going to ask you to go home and I didn’t want our night ruined.”

He was lying. James could read it on his face. “That’s not all you told her, though, is it?” James shifted his chocolate eyes to his antsy wife. “What did he tell you?”

“It doesn’t matter,” Mandy replied. “I didn’t believe him. I just wanted you to come home so we could talk about the gallery showing. It doesn’t matter now.”

“It freaking matters,” James said. “Why didn’t you tell me she called?”

“Because you were having a good time and cutting loose,” Jesse explained. “Personally, I think you need a little time away from her. She’s turning you into a real pussy, man.”

James grabbed the front of Jesse’s shirt and slammed him into the wall, refusing to release his grip even as Jesse fought his efforts. “What did you say to my wife?”

“I told her you were picking up a woman at the bar,” Jesse said, fruitlessly squirming against James as he tried to break free. “It was a joke.”

James slowly released Jesse, his heart pounding. “Is that what else you’ve been dealing with, baby?” he asked, his eyes cloudy when they locked with Mandy’s worried blue orbs. “Did you think I cheated on you?”

“No.” Mandy hurriedly shook her head. “I know you would never cheat on me. I didn’t believe him. That’s why I didn’t bring it up.”

“She didn’t bring it up so she could pout and play the martyr,” Jesse countered. “Don’t you see what she’s doing to you? She’s trying to domesticate you.”

“I am domesticated,” James said, his tone clipped. “I’m happy to be domesticated. I’m happy to be married. I love my wife more than anything.”

“Oh, sure, whatever,” Jesse said, rolling his eyes. “So … where did we land on the bar? I really need a drink.”

This time when James spoke, his tone was deadly. “Get out of my house, Jesse,” he said. “I’m not going anywhere with you. You can keep your job at the security company, but we’re not hanging out any longer.”

Jesse was dumbfounded. “What? We’ve been friends for years. You’ve known me a lot longer than you’ve known her.”

“That’s not even remotely true,” James shot back. “I’ve known her since I was a kid. She’s been a part of my family that entire time. Even if it was true, though, it doesn’t matter. I love her more than anything and you’ve purposely gone out of your way to belittle and undermine her.”

“I have not,” Jesse protested. “I’ve been nothing but nice to her despite all the whining she does.”

James pressed his lips together for a moment. “Baby, can you go upstairs? I’ll find you in a few minutes.”

Mandy shook her head. “No. Don’t do anything. Just … let him go. It’s our anniversary. Just … let him go.”

“I’m not going to do anything to risk the anniversary,” James promised. “I don’t want you to hear what I have to say to Jesse. It’s not going to be … pleasant.”

“Yeah, because then he’s going to tell the truth,” Jesse intoned.

“Just … come to me,” Mandy pleaded, holding her hand out.

Her expression reached through the angry cloud in James’ brain and cleared the smoky ire out. He took a step away from Jesse, exhaling heavily, and gestured for Mandy to join him. She wordlessly did, slipping her arms around his waist as he pulled her in for a hug.

“You should’ve told me what he said, wife,” he murmured into her hair.

“I didn’t believe him.”

“It still hurt, though, didn’t it?”

Mandy mutely nodded as James kissed her forehead before turning to Jesse.

“You’re not my friend,” James said, fixing a dark look on Jesse. “You’ve hurt my wife and tried to upset her at every turn. You’re my employee, because I can’t fault your work ethic. Get out of this house, though.”

Jesse frowned. “I’ll talk to you Monday and we’ll figure this out,” he said. “You’ll be less dramatic when she’s not around.”

“Don’t come back to this house, Jesse,” James ordered. “I’m not kidding. If you do, you’ll be out of a friendship and a job. I’m not messing around.”

J
AMES
spent
the rest of the day cuddling with Mandy on the couch, kissing her every chance he got and otherwise basking in the love they shared. He apologized profusely for Jesse’s attitude and actions, but he knew it wouldn’t be enough.

By the time Ally showed up with their dinner, James convinced Mandy to hide upstairs until he could set things up. Ally was petulant and pouty with her brother, but she made sure the candles were lit and the dinner perfect before leaving.

“Fix this,” Ally said, pausing at the open door. “Don’t break her heart. If you do, I’ll break your head.”

“I’ll fix it,” James said. “I didn’t realize everything that was happening. You have no idea how sorry I am.”

“I know you’re sorry,” Ally said. “I can see it. You’d better have gotten her a good gift.”

“I did.”

“You’d better get me one this week for doing all of this for you, too,” Ally added.

James cracked a smile as love for his sister bubbled up. “I’m buying Mandy a car tomorrow. Do you want a new one, too?”

“I’ll settle for jewelry,” Ally replied, squeezing her brother’s hand. “Let Mandy pick it out. She knows my taste.”

“Thank you for doing this, Ally,” James said, offering her a quick hug. “I desperately needed help and you came through … like you always do.”

“That’s because I’m a goddess amongst men.”

“You’re definitely that.”

James waited at the bottom of the stairs once Ally left. He knew Mandy’s curiosity wouldn’t allow her to wait too long before checking out what he’d done. He was rewarded less than a minute later when she appeared at the top of the stairs.

“Can I come down now?”

“Yes,” James said, extending his hand and waiting for her to take it when she got to the bottom of the stairs. He leaned over and kissed Mandy’s cheek before leading her toward the kitchen. “I know you had bigger plans, but I hope you like this.”

“I’m sure it will be fine,” Mandy said, biting the inside of her cheek. “I … .” She broke off when she saw the kitchen, smiling at the myriad of candles and feast laid out on the table. It was as if romance exploded straight from James’ heart and landed in their kitchen. “Ally cooked the dinner I planned.”

“She did,” James confirmed, searching her face for a clue. “I can’t tell if you’re happy or not.”

“I’m happy with you,” Mandy said. “Are you happy with me?”

“I’m eternally happy with you, baby,” James said, pulling Mandy flush against his chest so he could kiss her. “Now, come on. Let’s eat dinner. Then I believe I have a gift for you. Then I’m hoping we can make up the old-fashioned way.”

Mandy smirked. “Nudity and the hot tub?”

“And the bedroom.”

“I’m sure we can work something out.”

“And the guesthouse,” James added.

“You have a charming streak a mile wide and no matter how much I want to stay angry with you, I can never manage it,” Mandy said, briefly resting her head against the spot above his heart. “I love you.”

“Happy anniversary, baby.”

J
AMES
fought
his tingling nerves as he watched Mandy strip out of her robe and join him in the hot tub a few hours later. He wanted to take her right there, but he also wanted to make sure everything was perfect before it happened.

“Come sit with me, wife,” James instructed, patting the bench in front of him and fighting his excitement as she sluiced through the water. “I’m going to rub your back again so we can talk for a few minutes.”

“I thought you wanted to do something else?” Mandy teased.

“I do. I want to make sure we’re okay before that.”

“We’re fine, James,” Mandy said. “I didn’t realize Jesse never told you I called. I … it’s not your fault.”

“That’s not true,” James argued, adjusting himself to make sure he didn’t prod Mandy before she was ready and then reached for her shoulders. “I knew I shouldn’t have left that night. Jesse trapped you in the kitchen and twisted it so you would be okay with me going out, didn’t he?”

“Kind of.”

“I knew it,” James muttered, digging his fingers in and causing Mandy to groan. “Baby, I won’t be going out with him again. You have my word.”

“I don’t want that,” Mandy said. “He’s your friend. You shouldn’t cut him out of your life because of me.”

“A friend would respect my wife because she’s the most important thing in the world to me,” James countered. “A friend wouldn’t prey on you and try to make you insecure. I … can I ask you a question and get an honest answer?”

Mandy nodded.

“Did part of you wonder if he was telling the truth about the woman at the bar?”

“No,” Mandy answered immediately. “I know you would never cheat on me. I was never worried about that.”

“That’s good,” James said, rubbing his cheek against hers. “Baby, it’s not just that I wouldn’t cheat on you because I made vows and love you. The thought of touching anyone else makes me sick to my stomach. You’re all I want.”

“I know, but thank you for saying it.”

“You said you weren’t worried about me cheating on you, and I’m grateful for that. Does that mean you were only worried about me somehow regretting giving up my carousing days?”

“Oh, you’re so full of questions,” Mandy complained, leaning her head back so it touched his shoulder as he continued to massage her. “You sound like me.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” James said. “Answer the question, though.”

“I just thought maybe you wanted to spend less time with me and more time hanging out with Jesse because you realized you missed it.”

“That’s not true,” James said, kissing her cheek. “Never. This is what I want. You’re what I want. This marriage is what I want. I don’t want anything else. Please, don’t ever think I do.”

“Okay.”

James ran his hands over Mandy’s flat stomach and then lifted her so he could shift her on his lap. He wanted to see her face. “I love you more than anything. I need you to know that.”

Mandy ran her finger down James’ cheek. “I do know that. You were right about me being passive aggressive, though. I should’ve stormed down to the bar and made a scene.”

James chuckled. “You definitely should’ve done that,” he said. “Then we could’ve fought and made up and I wouldn’t have felt like an outsider on one of the biggest nights of your life.”

“Hopefully there will be other gallery events,” Mandy said, opting to look at the bright side. “I didn’t tell you last night, but … three of my paintings sold. Two of them were for five hundred dollars, which surprised me. The last one sold for ten grand, though, and I don’t even know what to think about that.”

James bit the inside of his cheek and tilted his head to the side, worry washing over him. He’d forgotten to inform her about his purchase. It was due to be delivered Monday. Now wasn’t the time to lie. “I bought it.”

Mandy’s mouth dropped open. “What?”

“There was another guy who wanted it for his bathroom and he bid eight grand and I needed that painting,” James said, refusing to back down. “That should’ve been mine from the beginning. I saw what it was called. It’s … about us.”

“I know,” Mandy said. “That’s why I wanted to show it to you.”

“And I’m sorry I didn’t see it right away,” James said. “It’s mine now, though. I’m putting it in my office.”

“You could’ve had it for free,” Mandy pointed out. “You didn’t have to pay me for it. The gallery gets a cut of that sale.”

“I don’t care,” James said. “It was worth every penny. It’s mine … just like you’re mine, wife.” James kissed the corner of her mouth. “Please don’t be angry about me buying the painting. I can’t take it.”

“I’m not angry,” Mandy said. “I’m … so in love with you it hurts.”

“Oh, I don’t want it to hurt, baby,” James said, shifting her again so she could straddle him. “At least not that way.” James tightened his arms around Mandy’s waist and rested his head on her chest. “I love you so much it overwhelms me. I couldn’t let someone else have that painting.”

“We’re going to have to add on an entire house if you keep taking all of my art.”

“I can live with that,” James said, tilting his chin up and accepting a smoldering kiss from his wife. “Are we officially done fighting? I’m not sure I can take another moment without being inside of you.”

“We’re done fighting,” Mandy said, rubbing her fingers through his hair. “Let’s celebrate our anniversary the right way.”

James didn’t need to be told twice. He slammed his mouth against Mandy’s, grinding his pelvis against her sensitive core as he gripped her rounded rear end. Fervent need drove both of them as Mandy ignored any attempts at foreplay and slid her velvety warmth over his waiting erection.