Page 17 of Furious Protector (Ruthless Guardians #4)
Beckett
I don’t think I’ve ever been so scared in my life.
The moment I looked toward the truck and saw Jules running for her life and a gun in that man’s hand my heart almost stopped.
If I didn’t already know that Jules is the one for me, I damn well know it now.
The prick is lucky Sheriff Cates arrived when he did, or I would have broken every bone in his worthless body.
It’s clear Jules has gotten her power back, whether I wanted her in danger or not. She would rather put herself in danger to help me than to hide in that truck where I told her to be. We walk across the street, avoiding some of the shattered glass from car windows.
I hold her close, still processing just how close she was to that man and just how lucky I am.
The entire lounge is clearly in the know having bore witness to the shoot-out in the street.
We’re met with rounds of applause, cheers, and whistles as we walk through the door.
Kenny and Eileen smile ear to ear as they hold hands by the bar.
I can only imagine her relief after going through Kenny being shot a few years back.
Kenny bangs a large glass on the bar. “Drinks are on the house!”
Jay, Matt, Damian and Dereck gather around as Kenny and Eileen watch on until the cheers from the community begin to die down. Jules gives me a shy kiss and joins PJ behind the bar while Lacy and Patti keep them company.
The gesture sure as hell didn’t go unnoticed by the guys.
I raise my hand in surrender. Better to come clean rather than to be badgered all dang night.
“It’s a thing. You know when you said when you find the one, you know it?
Well, it’s happened to me. Jules is the one. Now, can we skip the razzing?”
Damian laughs. “Oh, there’s no skipping that. I’m going to have to get on the phone and call everyone and let them know. Pretty soon you’ll be getting it in the form of texts, calls, social media and us to boot.”
“Great,” I say ruefully. “But on a serious note. Thanks for all the cover out there.
If the offer is still open, I’d love to take you up on moving out here and taking the job working alongside you guys. It’s a great place to live, put down some roots and raise a family. I’ve never had any of it before, moving from place to place like the wind. It’s time to settle down.”
Cole slaps me on the back. “Hell yes, it’s still open.
We’re happy to have another skilled person on deck.
I threw it out to the Larussios and they were all in.
I’ll let them know and one of their people will get ahold of you with a comp package.
You won’t be sorry. You’ll be surprised at just how good it is. ”
“That’s great. I have a pretty nice nest egg saved up.
Money’s not much good in some of the places I’ve been.
It’s just been piling up over the years.
Jules tells me you have a horse ranch outside of town.
I’d love to come by and see it. I’ll keep my eyes and ears open for anyone interested in selling property.
I’d love to have some horses of my own.”
Cole, Garrett and Mason all laugh at the same time.
Mason gestures to Cole. “Cole and I were just having the same conversation. He and the Larussios own more land than Cole knows what to do with. He bought up a ton just to keep the Chicago Crime Family from running a new casino strip right through the town. He’s going to sell me some acreage and I’m going to build a house.
” He looks around. “It’s a surprise though so keep it under your hat. ”
Garret taps Mason on the shoulder. “We’re still waiting for the wedding bells. Mason’s a little slow on the draw with the wedding ring for PJ.”
Mason laughs. “Not slow, just methodical. I want everything to be perfect. She loves the land and horses. She loves working at your ranch, but I want her to be able to have some of her own, too. Not that she doesn’t love working for you, Cole, but it’s not the same as having them yourself.”
Cole nods. “I don’t take one bit of offense.
I’ve got enough land for both of you. You go out and take a look around at the parcels we discussed, decide what you’re looking for and we’ll sit down with some pen and paper.
As long as it’s clear the stipulation is that if it’s ever sold, I get first rights to purchase it back.
I’m not ever letting anything happen to this town. ”
When Mason glances over at PJ tending bar, their eyes meet and the look that passes between them tells me that the wedding proposal may be in the near future.
Maybe next summer we’ll have ourselves a double wedding.
I’m most known for my longer and steamier romances, but I love writing these shorter romances too. Whether you like your romance short or long and steamy, I’ve got you!