Colliding With You

  He caressed her cheek. “I want you to be happy too, Cori. It’s all I’ve ever wanted for you. If working for me is going to cause you more problems—”

  “Stop.” She covered his mouth, refusing to hear what she knew he was about to say. “Working with you has been the highlight of the last week. I enjoy spending time with you, Jesse. I like helping you. Don’t take that away from me.”

  He stared at her, not saying a word, even when she removed her hand from his mouth. His eyes sparkled in the light, illuminating those stormy grays she loved so much.

  A second later, he kissed her. It wasn’t hard like earlier, but she sensed the same need within him. Still, he didn’t act on it. He eased his head back and gazed at her.

  “I’d never take anything from you, Cori. I know one day you’ll leave to pursue your dreams, but until then, you’ll have a job with me for as long as you want. Trust me. I don’t want to lose . . .” His throat wobbled. “I don’t want you to quit.”

  She didn’t miss the way he corrected himself. Was he about to say he didn’t want to lose her? She battled the urge to ask him. There was no sense in putting him on the spot.

  “Good. I’m glad this is settled.”

  He chuckled. “Me too.”

  His fingers continued caressing her face. He seemed to examine every inch of it. When he leaned in again, she thought he would kiss her. Instead, he rubbed his nose against hers. “I better let you go to sleep.”

  No words had ever induced panic in her the way his had. She clung to his arms as she began shaking her head. “Please don’t go. I don’t want to be alone. Besides, we still have movies to watch.”

  “You want me to grab the DVD?”

  “No.” She tugged on his arm when he turned for the door. “It’s Christmas Eve. They always play all the shows on TV. I’m sure we can find one.”

  Jesse glanced at the bed then back to her. “I’ll get the lights. You grab the remote.”

  “Deal.”

  Laughter bubbled in her throat. She couldn’t help it. He always found a way to lighten her mood. The silly way he scurried toward the light switch accomplished that and more.

  She had just enough time to grab the remote off the dresser before the room went dark. A soft glow came from the porch, and though it was dim, it provided enough light to see Jesse’s silhouette in the darkness. By the time he reached her, she had turned on the TV. The room filled with the sound of voices and the opening credits to one of her favorite Christmas shows.

  She crawled into the bed, remote in hand, then patted the spot beside her.

  “I reserved this seat just for you, Mr. Woods.”

  “How kind of you, Miss Clarke.” He made his way onto the bed and eased back on the pillows. Once he stretched his legs, Cori did the same. When she laid back on her pillow, the warmth of Jesse’s arm heated her shoulders, and he diverted her to his chest.

  As she pressed her head against him, she heard the beat of his heart. She listened closely, enjoying the steady rhythm that echoed through her ear. Everything about this felt right.

  Snuggling in the crook of his arm, she drew in a deep breath and focused on the movie. She hoped she made it to the end. As heavy as her eyes felt, she wasn’t sure she would. The embrace Jesse had her in only increased the thermal cover of contentment being in his arms gave her. She couldn’t imagine giving this up.

  Deep down, she hoped she never had to.

  Jesse couldn’t fight back another yawn and gave in to it as the movie came to an end. He fiddled with the remote, pressing the mute button so the music wouldn’t blare through the cabin. Since he and Cori started the movie, he hadn’t heard any movement about the house.

  He’d caught a glimpse of Cassie and Theo going to their room before he went to Cori’s door. Whether they were asleep or talking, he couldn’t say. It didn’t matter either way, as long as they left him alone.

  Cori’s face was pressed against him, just under his shoulder. Her eyes were closed, and her only movements came from her chest. It rose and fell with each long breath she took.

  Sleep finally claimed her ten minutes into the second movie. She needed rest, and he didn’t mind in the least. It was a relief to know she wasn’t thinking about everything that happened earlier, especially the argument with her sister.

  Not one second passed when he wasn’t aware of her body, how close it was to his, how perfectly she fit in his arms.

  He’d never taken the time to enjoy a woman in his bed past whatever physical pleasure she provided him, and vice versa. Sure, some had stayed overnight, but not just to sleep. They’d earned their spot.

  Cori was different. Yeah, he wanted to touch and taste every part of her body, but he was content with just holding her. As long as she was close, he was happy.

  Truth be told, more emotions were running through him. Each one was foreign, and he wasn’t sure how to handle the heaviness in his chest. He didn’t know for sure what he was feeling, though it had a grip on his heart.

  So did Cori.

  Stroking the side of her face, he drew in a deep breath. Her apple-scented shampoo teased his nose. He wanted to bury his face in her hair and just breath.

  As his finger went lower, he swept it across her lips. Their earlier kiss played through his mind. Every part of him ached to do it again.

  Without hesitation, he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. The warmth intoxicated him. He wanted to take it further, nip the bottom one, then slide his way down her neck. Doing so would wake her, and he didn’t want to be the reason she lost sleep.

  After one soft brush of his lips, he pulled away.

  Cori was under his skin, burrowing her way into his heart. The thought of someone hurting her angered him. It couldn’t happen again. He would do his best to protect her from more heartache.

  So he wasn’t a perfect guy, and yeah, he had a past, but it didn’t make him a horrible person. He still had a heart and cared about people. Cassie and Theo could assume whatever they wanted. They could kiss his ass too. He knew the truth. Cori was his only concern.

  Though he had no intention of leaving on Christmas, the following morning, they’d make their way to Nashville. Joel confirmed that he could check in early at the hotel. He and Josh would be there by then, and everyone else would show up later.

  So he may not be getting Cori away from her sister and Theo for long. At least they’d have their own room at that point. It wouldn’t stop her sister or his friend from knocking on the door, but he and Cori could pretend they weren’t there. Besides, he had a surprise for her, one that would occupy some of her time before Southern Scandal’s New Year’s Eve performance.

  Pressing the power button on the TV, the room grew darker once it shut down. The porch light still radiated below, providing a soft glow in the room. It was enough for him to see Cori’s face. He laid his head atop hers and tightened his embrace.

  “I’m going to take care of you, girl. I don’t care what anyone else thinks. No matter what you face, I’ll be there. I promise.”

  Silence filled the room. He didn’t expect to get an answer anyway. She wouldn’t remember his words in the morning, but he would. He’d keep his oath to her too. Despite what people threw their way, he’d be there to protect her.

  Nothing and no one could stop him.

  Chapter 17

  Cori stared at the one-story brick house as she and Jesse walked up the sidewalk. He still hadn’t told her where they were going, short of checking into the hotel a few days early. This sure as hell wasn’t the hotel.

  Every time she asked where they were going, all he would do was smile and say it was a surprise. It was cute and all, but it made her nervous too. Surprise visits weren’t always welcome. He of all people should know that after her sister and Theo showed up at the cabin.

  At least Christmas was peaceful. Cassie and Theo’s apology felt sincere. The gifts they gave her were great too, but nothing meant as much to her as the picture frame Jesse gave her with
the collage of old pictures of her and Jamie during some of their sleepovers. Her favorite was the one Mrs. Woods took of her and Jamie when they snuck up on Jesse and hit him from both sides with pillows.

  Pulling her jacket tighter, she stood close to Jesse when she heard footsteps approaching the door. It swung wide as a young woman appeared on the other side. It took a moment for Cori to register her face, and when she did, her mouth fell open.

  “Cori?” Jamie sounded as surprised as Cori felt.

  “Jamie!”

  Jesse barely got out of his sister’s way as she launched herself toward Cori and wrapped her in a bear hug. “Oh, my God! I can’t believe it’s you! What are you doing here?” Jamie’s gaze fell on Jesse then moved back to Cori. “And why are you hanging out with this loser?”

  Cori chuckled as Jamie punched her brother in the arm, then wrapped him in the same hug she’d given her. “Easy, little sister. Wouldn’t want you to break a nail while you’re punching me.”

  Jamie grabbed him by the face and moved it side to side. “I don’t mind sacrificing a nail, but I wouldn’t want to mess up your pretty face right before your performance.”

  “Thank God for small favors.”

  “All right, enough sentiments. Y’all get your ass inside. It’s cold out here.”

  Before she could turn around, Jesse had the screen door opened, waiting for them to go inside. As soon as Cori passed, he stepped in behind her. Though he didn’t lay a finger on her, she felt the heat of his body and the electrifying pulses being close to him caused.

  Would the feeling ever get old?

  She had difficulty concentrating on the tour Jamie was giving her of the house. It was beautiful, but every step Cori took, Jesse took one too. He was like her shadow, following her just close enough to make his presence known.

  Doing her best to study her surroundings, she admired the open floor plan, enjoying how roomy it made the center of the house. A guest room was located on one end while the master bedroom was on the opposite side. The kitchen overlooked a fenced yard with a large tree in the back. It was the perfect starter home, and one Jamie took pride in. She had every inch decked out like a Christmas wonderland.

  “You guys want something to eat or drink? I have some beef stew in the crockpot. It will be ready in about ten minutes.”

  “I’ll get some in a minute,” Jesse answered as he turned toward the door. “First, you need to open your present.”

  He darted outside before she could object. A second later, Jamie sat on the couch and patted one of the cushions. “Get your tushy over here, girl. We have some catching up to do.”

  Cori didn’t waste any time joining Jamie on the couch. She watched as her friend pulled her brunette waves into a ponytail then tucked her legs under her bottom. Cori did the same so that she and Jamie were facing.

  “I can’t express how good it is to see you, Cor. I’ve been trying to keep up with you on social media.”

  “Likewise. I had no idea we were coming here. Jesse said it was a surprise.”

  “He texted me yesterday morning and said he’d be coming by, but he didn’t mention bringing anyone. He just said he had a surprise. I figured it was my Christmas gift.”

  Speaking of which, Jesse came traipsing back through the door carrying a red and green striped package with a large gold bow. He grinned at his sister as he laid the gift in her lap.

  “Yours is under the tree.”

  Jesse walked toward it just as Cori’s phone rang. He stopped mid-step and looked back. Laura’s name popped across the screen, sending Cori’s curiosity into overdrive.

  “Excuse me. I need to take this.”

  She could barely meet his gaze before she slipped out the front door. “Hello?”

  “Cori? Thank God. I’ve been searching everywhere for you. Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine. Why have you been looking for me? Is something wrong?”

  There was a sense of panic in Laura’s voice. It wasn’t the usual bubbly version. Knowing as much made Cori’s heart pound.

  “I’m okay, but I haven’t heard from you since your date in Miami. I’ve been busy. Beverly mentioned you quit. Is that true?”

  A pit formed in Cori’s stomach. She didn’t want to think about her short stint as an escort, or Lucas Kemp for that matter. Guess Laura had been too busy to hear the news about their trip to Florida. Thank goodness she’d walked outside instead of taking this call in front of Jamie and Jesse.

  “It’s true. My date didn’t go as well as I’d planned. I thanked Beverly for the opportunity but decided it wasn’t for me. I’m working a different job now.”

  “Beverly really wants you back. She has a client bugging her about you. The guy prefers redheads and he’s offering to pay—”

  “Laura, listen. If you’re making a ton of money doing this and you’re enjoying it, I’m happy for you. It’s not for me though, sweets. I like what I’m doing now.”

  A long pause was followed by a disgruntled sigh. “All right. I’m happy for you too. I’ll tell Bev your answer.”

  “Thanks, Laura. Hugs. I’ll see you in a few weeks. Be careful.”

  “Yeah, you too.”

  The line went dead a moment later. Cori stared at her phone, hoping like hell that Laura would be safe. She didn’t deny that Beverly had an excellent security system in place for her girls, but things happened, plans went wrong, and good people got hurt.

  Tucking her phone inside her sweater, she pushed the door open and stepped inside the house. She hadn’t made it around the corner when she collided with Jesse.

  “Damn, sugar. I didn’t see you.” He held her arms and steadied her body before she fell. “Are you okay? Did I hurt you?”

  His worry was thick in his voice. It pulled at Cori’s heart. She was so grateful for him. If he hadn’t come along, would she still be working as an escort? Probably so, and she hated admitting that to herself.

  “I’m okay. Don’t worry.”

  Her body tingled when she noticed his eyes fall to her lips. She wished he would lean in and kiss her, but they’d chance Jamie walking in on it. Cori wasn’t sure if he’d told his sister anything about their working relationship. The remark Jamie made earlier, asking why Cori was hanging out with him, made Cori think she was clueless.

  “Is everything all right . . . I mean with the phone call. Is something wrong?”

  A hundred hornets couldn’t have stung her face any harder than the sensation his question induced. She wouldn’t lie to him, but then, she couldn’t tell him what the call was about. Not all of it.

  “That was my friend Laura. She was checking on me. Guess she couldn’t find me around campus, so she got worried.”

  “I didn’t mean to pry.” His gaze fell from hers until she touched his face.

  “You’re not prying. You’re considerate and wanted to make sure everything was okay. I appreciate that more than you know.”

  He didn’t say anything else. As he released his hold on her, he motioned for her to go ahead of him. She did so with no question, and every step she took, she felt his eyes devouring her.

  Finally reaching the couch again, she sat next to Jamie while her friend gathered all the wrapping paper in front of her. “So, did you like your gift?”

  Jamie’s lips curled upward as she nodded. “I love it. Jesse said you helped him pick it out. It’s a beautiful song journal, Cori. Thank you.”

  “I just made the suggestion. He made the decision.”

  She felt as though she was under examination the way Jamie was studying her. “So, you never told me why you and my brother not only went shopping together but why you guys came together to see me.”

  Jesse sat on the other side of Cori, placing her in the middle of him and his sister. “Believe it or not, Cori is working for me until she graduates this spring. She needed a job to help with some expenses, and I needed some help organizing my crazy-ass schedule.”

  “Oh, Cori. I am so sorry you have to put up
with him every day.” Jamie laughed when Jesse tapped her arm. “You better be nice to her, big brother. I’ll kick your ass if not.”

  He opened his mouth with what Cori was sure was a sarcastic retort, but she cut him off instead. “Your brother is quite gracious. Believe me, I was just as stunned as you.”

  Jamie snickered when Cori winked. Jesse just shook his head at both of them.

  “I should have known you two would gang up on me the second you got around each other. It’s like old times.”

  “Yeah, except you can’t rat on us to Mom.”

  Jesse leaned over Cori and pinched Jamie’s cheek. “Still as sassy as ever.”

  Rolling her eyes, Jamie refocused on Cori. “Are you going to the New Year’s Eve performance?”

  “Yes. Jesse wouldn’t take no for an answer.”

  “Awesome. You’ll get to see me sing.”

  Jesse leaned forward to get a better look at his sister. “You didn’t tell me you were going to be performing. When did this happen?”

  “One of the event coordinators is a friend of one of my professors. He insisted the guy hear me sing. I got a call for an audition, met the coordinator, and he invited me to open. He wants an agent friend of his to hear me.”

  “Jamie, that’s awesome.” Cori grasped her hands as both squealed.

  “I know. It’s a great opportunity. You gotta let me take you to the salon I go to. We’ll get our hair styled and our nails done. It will be fun.”

  “I’m down.”

  Jamie glanced at Jesse. “I’m stealing her for the night. She and I have to catch up, and then I’m taking her around the city tomorrow. You can come too if you’re not busy.”

  A dip formed above Jesse’s brow. He looked as though he wanted to argue with his sister, but he glanced at Cori instead. The hardness on his face softened.

  “It’s up to you.”

  Cori stammered to answer just as Jamie cleared her throat. “All right, you big baby. You can stay too.”

  Assuming she was joking with him, Cori peeked at Jesse’s face. The grumpy expression he was wearing had disappeared, and he nodded at his sister. “I’ll go get our stuff from the car.”