Deadly Adventure (Hardy Brothers Security Book 19) Read Online Free Page B

being a pain,” James chided. “I told you when we got together that I used to be a man who didn’t want to spend time with any woman for more than a few days. Now I only want one woman for the rest of my life. That happens to be you.”
    “It’s hard to stay angry when you’re so freaking romantic,” Mandy muttered, playing with her straw.
    “Then don’t stay angry,” James instructed, brushing a quick kiss against her cheek. “You know you’re going to forgive me eventually. This city makes you hot for me.”
    Mandy rolled her eyes. “Good grief. Did he use lines like that back when you knew him, Jesse?”
    Jesse’s eyes reflected dumbfounded curiosity as he watched the exchange. “I’m sorry. I just … wow. I can’t believe you’re married.”
    “Believe it,” James said. “This trip is actually an anniversary gift of sorts.”
    “How long have you been married?”
    “One year,” James replied, grabbing Mandy’s hand on top of the table. “The best year of my life.”
    “Now who is laying it on thick?” Mandy challenged.
    “Me,” James admitted. “You’re going to have to put up with it until you forgive me.”
    “I already forgave you.”
    “Close, but not quite,” James said, leaning forward and presenting her with his cheek. “Lay it on me.”
    “You’re so predictable,” Mandy grumbled, but she smiled as she pecked his cheek. “Are you happy?”
    “Nope.”
    Mandy made a disgusted sound in the back of her throat as she kissed him again, this time putting a little more effort into the exchange. “Better?”
    “Just until I get you naked in our room tonight,” James replied, shifting his eyes to Jesse. “I’m sorry. We’re on vacation and she can’t keep her hands off me. It’s sad really, but she’s hopelessly devoted to me.”
    “I can see that,” Jesse said, chuckling. “I just … can’t get over the change. I mean, do you have kids? Is that why you got married?”
    James didn’t miss the hitch in Mandy’s chest. It wasn’t the first time she heard the question and yet it bothered her all the same. “We don’t have kids,” James replied. “I married her because I love her.”
    “Of course,” Jesse said, his tone apologetic. “I’m really sorry. You just have to understand, the guy I knew was young, dumb, and restless. This guy doesn’t look restless … or young. He still kind of looks dumb.”
    “I understand,” Mandy said. “I didn’t think he would marry me either.”
    James cast a sidelong look in Mandy’s direction. “When you were fourteen or once we started dating?”
    “Fourteen?” Jesse wrinkled his nose. “You started dating her when she was fourteen? Good grief, man.”
    “No, I’ve known her since she was a kid, though,” James explained. “She’s my sister’s best friend. I was too old for her back then, although I knew she had a massive crush on me. I thought it was flattering.”
    “Okay, that’s a little better,” Jesse conceded.
    “I asked you a question, Mandy,” James prodded. “Did you think I wouldn’t marry you after we started dating?”
    Mandy was caught. “Um … .”
    “When did you finally realize I was serious?” James asked, genuinely curious.
    “When you wanted to move in together.” Mandy sheepishly lowered her eyes. “Until then I kept waiting for you to change your mind.”
    “Oh, baby,” James muttered, snagging the back of her neck and pulling her closer so he could kiss her forehead. “So when I proposed, you really were surprised, weren’t you?”
    “Even when you got down on one knee I worried I was dreaming.”
    “Well, I am your dream man,” James said, resting his lips on Mandy’s forehead before giving her three quick kisses. “I knew I was going to marry you once I pulled my head out of my butt and embraced what I was feeling.”
    James didn’t often talk about the night he and Mandy had sex for the first time, especially the part where he snuck out of her apartment while