Page 45 of Shades of Mercy

“Fine. Maybe a little, but did anyone complain?” He chuckled.

“Something tells me every single one of them is too gentlemanly to complain about a woman’s cooking.”

“It’d be considered disrespectful. And honestly, the chili was so damn good no one cared about the cornbread.” He seemed to ease deeper into the chair.

“It felt like a huge accomplishment. I know, it was just chili, but to me it proved to myself that I can do more than I think I can.” “Glad you feel that way.” The moonlight cast his profile in light. “The crew usually visits Crazy Shades on Fridays. After a long week, it’s nice to unwind with a couple of beers and good music. They also have a mechanical bull.”

“Is this an invitation?”

“If you’re not interested in going, then I won’t either,” he said, emptying his beer and placing the bottle on the table.

“I’d like to go.” She wouldn’t mind getting to know the crew better.

“Good.” He sighed. “I should be getting to bed.” He lingered for a moment.

“Jag?”

“Yeah?” He looked at her.

There was so much she wanted to say, but the words stuck to her tongue. “You and me both. Bed. I’m exhausted.” She stood, and he stood. For a long moment, they stared at one another.

“Don’t, Mercy,” he said raggedly.

“Don’t what?”

“Look at me like that.”

“Like what?”

“You know how you’re looking at me.”

She swallowed the discomfort in her throat. “You can’t deny the chemistry between us.”

“There is chemistry, but there are also mountains.”

“Do you ever wonder what life would be like if you and my brother hadn't become friends and we had met?”

“I know where you’re going with this. I’m not who you think I am. I’m damaged from my past.”

“We’re all damaged in some way.”

He tore his hand through his hair. “I’m unrepairable. Now go to bed.”

Sighing, she stepped inside and headed to bed…alone.

She needed to be careful. Her heart was vulnerable, and she didn’t know how to protect it from Jag.

Chapter Eleven

Mercy looked amazing. No, she was stunning. Her hair flowed in coiled waves down her bare shoulders, revealed by the close-fitting sundress that perfectly matched her eyes. The high slit had parted, highlighting a good portion of her toned legs down to the ankle boots.

She gave a little turn to show off her new dress, and he’d just about lost his tongue out of his mouth.

Now here they were, at Crazy Shades and he was admiring her from afar.

Her smile made his heart skip a few beats, but it was directed towards Bones. All night, he’d been nestled up close to Mercy, utilizing his charm to make her laugh.

What the fuck was wrong with Jag? He did this to himself. Every time he got a little close to her he built another damn wall. Hid behind the excuse that he was a broken man.