Truth or Lies? by A. Gomez (book club recommendations txt) 📗

sofa, “try some of these on for size. I brought out the smallest pairs I had.

“Please be reasonable and let me stay here. I heard something about a Hawkins that can come here? Why don’t you call him and have him stay with me?”

“No, Isabel, Hawkins will take one look at you and do everything he can to break us up.”

“Seriously? You realize it takes two to tango? Do you not trust me? Do you think that I would pick him over you?”

“Isabel, I don’t have time to think about all that right now.” He balled his hands into fists, emphasizing his stress level. His tone was getting somewhat curt with me. “Just, please, get up and get dressed.”

“I’m going to look ridiculous, Josh. People are going to stare and besides I won’t be able to walk in your ginormous shoes.” I didn’t budge from my spot, still trying to work his remote.

He reached me in one stride, taking me by the shoulders and swiftly pulling me up onto my feet so fast I heard the wind in my ears. I was so taken off guard I let out a soft squeak.

“Isabel Grace Langley,” his tone was low and menacing, “get these fucking clothes on now or so help me I will put you over my shoulder and take you as you are. Sans panties and all.” His demeanor was intimidating and a little scary for that matter.

I swallowed hard, staring into his eyes, my jaw dropping. He was not to be trifled with. I was frozen. I couldn’t move. I had never seen Josh like that. I couldn’t make sense of it. What was his problem? Was he really that jealous?

He saw the confusion in my eyes and softened his expression. “Baby,” he breathed, hugging me, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to behave like that but it’s me who’s really scared. I can’t lose you again. I know I’m behaving like a madman but I don’t care. I trust no one else to take care of you and I can’t bring myself to leave you alone.” He exhaled sharply, letting me go so he could gaze at me. “Every day I beat myself up for not listening to you and taking you home with me. Every day I hate myself for telling you no and placing you in that situation. I was beside myself with so much rage and fear that your father had to put things in perspective for me. I’ve never felt this way, and so, my emotions were presenting a problem while doing my job.” He chuckled lightly, adding, “I guess Conny was right to not want us in a relationship while on this case.” Josh kissed my forehead. “Please, for me, put these clothes on and come with me to the hospital. I’m begging you.” Josh’s fear was so tangible it left me speechless.

I knew that kind of fear, when I saw Gator Leg attack Betty and then every day after that. I only blinked, nodded and began to dress. He brought out a belt to hold up the jeans I picked from the pile, so I did my best to fasten it to where it would stay. I tucked the shirt inside the jeans, rolled up the jeans as well as the sleeves and put his dark socks on.

He was smirking playfully at me. “Baby, you look beautiful.”

“Whatever,” I huffed. “Just find someone to borrow smaller shoes from so I don’t have such a hard time walking.”

“Okay, don’t get angry.” Oh, no. Every time a guy starts his sentence with, “Don’t get angry,” we all know the girl is going to get angry. “But I do have a pair of smaller shoes…” He stalked into his closet and came out with a pair of very girly-looking fuzzy, black boots. “…that an ex-girlfriend might have left.”

I placed my hands on my hips, eyeing him, my eyebrows raised. “Well, well, well… I thought Billy said you’ve never brought a girl up here. I reckon he’s a liar… or you’re the liar,” I said in my best Texas twang. Josh opened his mouth to say something; his expression had a twinge of fear. I started giggling, not letting him speak. “Honey, you don’t need to explain anything to me. Whatever you did in the past with whatever girl, I don’t want to know about. It’ll only make me jelly.”

He started breathing again, relief plastered all over his face. “Thank you, baby. Don’t forget the jacket. You don’t have to take the hat if you don’t want. I just thought since your hair is wet…”

42

We drove to the hospital in silence. His truck was warm and the rhythm and humming of the engine was lulling me to sleep. I closed my eyes just for a minute. I felt warm lips on mine, leaving a trail of gentle kisses down and around my jawline in their wake. I opened my eyes just as Josh was unbuttoning one of my buttons to kiss my chest. I took his face in between my hands, bringing his lips back to mine. He let out a soft groan.

“Hey there, green eyes. Did you have a nice nap?” he asked, his lips still against mine.

I nodded, tugging on his lower lip.

“Let’s go, baby.” He pulled away. “We can’t get carried away right now. Maybe next time.” He smiled from ear to ear.

“Mmm, sounds like fun,” I added, smiling wickedly at the thought of having sex with Josh in his truck. He got out of his truck first. I waited patiently for him to come around to my side just like he wanted. He took my hand and helped me out, the cold wind cutting through every fiber of my body.

“Why didn’t you park in the garage?” I wondered, noticing he parked right in front of the front door of the hospital.