Page 16 of Unexpected Temptation

A melia nodded and relaxed back in her seat. Nothing she could do about it at that moment. She didn’t want anything to ruin the day. She’d been looking forward to going to town for a few things she needed.

She concentrated on the scenery as Jaylen drove down the mountain.

Everywhere she looked, there was a pop of color in the trees and vegetation.

She also caught a few animals scurrying away as they passed.

There were no animals where she lived, no forests or mountains.

Just plain manicured lawns and trimmed trees.

Before she knew it, they were driving into town. The forest and rock gave way to small houses and then businesses.

“Let’s go see Kane first, get some supplies, and ask if he has any cookbooks. He has all sorts of odds and ends at his place. If not, we can check one of the shops and the small grocery store while we’re there or order something online.”

She nodded. “Sounds good to me.”

Jaylen pulled up, parked, and then came around the front of the truck and opened her door. He lifted her out and held her hand in his tight grip.

Amelia looked up at Jaylen and caught the tense expression on his face. She didn’t understand what had caused it. He’d been fine a moment before. She enclosed his one hand with both of hers, squeezed, and stopped.

Jaylen stilled, stunned, and looked down at the worry on her face. He used his fingers to smooth back some of her hair from her cheek before he bent and pressed his lips to hers when he clearly saw her concern.

“Everything’s okay,” he murmured.

Her eyes searched his eyes and still saw the shadows that had suddenly risen.

“You just looked so ... I don’t know. Uncomfortable or something.”

“No, everything is good.”

“Are you sure?” She bit her lip as a dark thought filled her head. “I’d understand if you don’t want to be seen with—”

Jaylen abruptly pulled her against his chest.

“I don’t know for sure what you’re thinking, but you better not finish that comment. If it’s what I think it is, I know it’s bullshit,” he gritted out.

Amelia watched as he tried to handle the aggravation and wondered what had affected him so deeply. But at no time did it scare her. She knew with her whole heart this man would never hurt her. She felt bad that she’d made him feel worse than she intended.

“I’m sorry,” she murmured. She wrapped her arms around his waist and lay the side of her head against his pounding heart. “I was trying to help. I thought it might have something to do with me showing up instead of my sister.”

Jaylen wrapped his arms tightly around her and used a hand to press her head against him, bent, and placed a kiss on top of her head.

“It has nothing to do with that. Between you, me, and Kane, no one else knows our situation. You didn’t do anything wrong. I’m sorry I got mad.”

Amelia tipped her chin up so she could see his expression.

“Why did you suddenly get uptight? You were fine at home and coming down the mountain.”

Jaylen sank his fingers into her hair and held her head steady.

“I consider Kane a friend, and I know he wouldn’t betray me, but I really don’t like the fact that he wanted you, too.”

Amelia’s mouth opened and closed.

“You’re jealous?” she yelped in dismay.

Jaylen nodded and frowned. “I’m warning you now. I can be a possessive asshole when it comes to you. So that’s something we’ll have to work on, or you’ll just have to get used to it.”

Amelia reached up and ran her fingers down his cheek.

“You have nothing to worry about. I promise.”