Targeted

Epilogue

One year later

Sophie glanced up as the bell to her and Jack’s shop jingled. A dark-haired man with a full beard and mustache walked in. He wore a Rusty T-shirt, board shorts, and flip-flops.

He looked harmless enough, but she was thankful she had the counter as a barrier between them. “Are you interested in renting a Jet Ski or chartering one of our boats?”

Glancing around, the man cleared his throat and shoved his hands in his pockets. “Actually I was wondering if you guys were hiring.”

Instinctively she glanced out the open window. Jack was busy tying up two of the Jet Skis a couple of college students had just returned. “We’re not hiring right now, but in the next three months we’re looking to. Do you want to fill out an application?”

He nodded enthusiastically, so she pulled out the standard form and slid it across the counter. In any other place it would be inappropriate to wear board shorts while looking for a job, but life was a lot more laid-back in the Keys.

As the man left the store, the phone rang. She grabbed it on the second ring. “Island Rentals, how can I help you?”

“Sophie?”

“Uh, yes?” She pressed a hand to her stomach at Wesley’s voice. They hadn’t heard from him in almost six months. The last time he called, he’d tried to convince Jack to come back to work. She was still pretty pissed about that. “What do you want?”

He chuckled lightly. “Don’t worry, I’m not calling to bug Jack. I’m calling to ask you a favor. My niece is going to the Keys for spring break with a couple friends and I wanted to know if you could cut her a deal for some Jet Skis one afternoon.”

“That won’t be a problem. Does she need a place to stay?” They had a small guesthouse above their garage, as most houses in Key West did. It gave guests, and them, complete privacy. Not that they’d had any guests except Hannah. And she’d stayed in their house.

“No, she’s staying with friends, but if you could keep an eye out for her, I’d appreciate it.”

“Just e-mail Jack all the information on her and we’ll watch out for her.”

“Thanks.”

As soon as they disconnected, Jack walked in. His face broke into a relaxed smile when they made eye contact. Something he seemed to be doing more and more every day. “You about ready to take lunch, babe?”

“Yes—I’m starving.” She grabbed her purse and rounded the counter.

Before she’d taken two steps, Jack grasped her hips and pulled her close, holding on to her as if his life depended on it. Tingles shot down to her toes as he ran his tongue over hers in erotic strokes.

When he pulled away she immediately missed his touch. “What was that for?”

“I think we should take lunch at the house.” His words were a seductive growl and let her know exactly what he had in mind for “lunch.”

“Sounds good to me.” Somehow she managed to rasp out the words, though it was hard to even find her voice. A year later and he still made her knees weak with just one look.

For the first time in her life she knew exactly where she belonged. In Jack’s arms was the only place she wanted to be.