Page 3 of Hooked on Marshall (Hooked #9)

When I’m around the corner and down the street, I finally release the breath I’ve been holding since I looked Marshall Jones dead in the eye for the first time.

And I felt like he was seeing into my soul.

Yes, I am thoroughly crushed about his brother’s death, but something about that extra moment that we stared at each other did something to me.

Something that I don’t trust myself to handle anymore.

Not after the fiasco I suffered with Jonas.

That was the day before he was killed.

“Jesus,” I sigh.

Just when I thought things were looking up for me again, I’m back to square one.

And if I don’t get something going for myself soon, I’m sure to lose my mind living in my childhood bedroom under the same roof with not just my parents, but my grandfather, too.

All throughout college and the first year and a half at my dream job, I was on my own.

I loved it. But thanks to my stupid romantic heart and Jonas’ sweet-talking ways, I lost it all.

I curse under my breath at my stupidity for the bazillionth time. Then I take several deep breaths to calm myself. The only way to get back on track is to find a job doing what I do best. Which probably isn’t at Brick Oven Alehouse anymore.

Yes, Mark gave me the go ahead on my ideas.

But he’s gone now. And I have no idea what’s going to happen when his brother Marshall goes back to his own bar in the city.

I know my ideas are good, but I can’t go to the next owner and explain that Mark liked them and gave me a green light.

Because it won’t be Mark’s bar anymore. And the thought of trying to pitch my ideas to Marshall before he leaves is just… not possible.

Why?

Because while Mark was handsome in his own right, Marshall is the same, but with a bad boy glint in his eye. And that’s exactly what got me in trouble with Jonas. I can’t afford to let a man in a position of authority take advantage of me again.

Been there, done that.

In less than ten minutes, I’m home. My parents and grandfather greet me when I walk in and ask about the last celebration of Mark’s life, but I wave them off and head to my room.

As I climb the stairs, I cannot get Marshall’s face out of my mind.

When I jump into the shower, I’m hard pressed not to relieve the ache between my thighs that’s been residing there since I locked eyes with him less than a half an hour ago.

Damn, that man.

Intent on sating my personal needs, I rummage through my nightstand for my favorite toy.

Then I settle in bed and turn off the light.

When I do, my phone lights up. And I lean over to look.

My heart stalls in my chest at the words.

Because even though I deleted Jonas’ number, I know from the first two words that it’s him.

Steeling my nerve, I pick up my phone and open the message.

Lovely Rose – I did it. I left Emily. These last two months without you have been unbearable. Please, come back to me.

Bile rises in my throat, and I rush to the bathroom, certain that I’m going to vomit.

Instead, I just dry heave for a few minutes.

But it’s long enough and loud enough to lure my mother upstairs.

I tell her I’m just over exhausted and emotional from the last few days and thankfully she buys it and leaves me be.

When I’ve gotten myself back together, I splash some cold water on my face and head back to bed.

I ignore Jonas’ text and settle in for some much-needed sleep.

Unfortunately, it eludes me for several hours.

Instead, my mistakes with Jonas replay in my mind, causing me to finally cry myself to sleep.

When I wake on Sunday morning, I feel hungover.

I check the time and see that it’s past eleven.

Thankfully, that means I’m here alone because everyone else is at church.

I take another shower and spend some extra time with my hair and makeup.

Sure, I don’t go in until three today, but my mom always told me that when you look better you feel better.

It usually works like a charm, but today it feels like I’ve fallen short.

I find some leftovers in the fridge and heat them up for lunch and eat them out back on the deck.

It’s early October and the weather is still surprisingly warm, so I decide to enjoy it while I can.

By the time my family gets back home, I feel a little better.

It’s been hell these last two months hiding the truth from them.

Sure, they know Jonas’ name and they know that he was helping me with my promotion, but they don’t know the rest. Or the fact that he’s the reason I lost my dream job.

I catch up with them for a bit before changing to go into work.

On my ride in, my phone rings. I don’t recognize the number, but I have a feeling it’s probably Jonas.

It goes to voicemail and a minute later, I get a notification that one has been left. When I park behind the Brick Oven Alehouse, I have a few moments before I need to clock in. So, despite my better judgement, I listen to the voicemail. Then Jonas’ voice booms through my car.

“Hey, Lovely Rose.”

I stab the disconnect button on my screen so hard that I hurt myself.

Then I curse as I try to shake the pain away.

Pissed off all over the again, I grab my things and head in the back door.

After I let myself in, I head for the break room where there are lockers.

On the way, I pass the door to Mark’s office. When I do, Marshall walks out.

I bounce off his shoulder and fall flat on my ass. A pained grunt leaves me. As I shake my head and take a breath, Marshall kneels in front of me. I meet his concerned features when I look up.

“Jesus, Lana, I’m so sorry,” he says quickly. “Are you okay?”

When he asks the question, he places a gentle hand on my shoulder. I want to nod my head and tell him I’m fine. But I don’t. Instead, I break down in tears.