Ryker’s Justice Read Online Free Page B

wrong.
    Mama, their lovely mother, lay in
the kitchen floor, a paring knife still clutched in one hand. On the stove, a
pan of peaches had begun to burn, and the smell soured him on the fruit
forever. They tried calling her, bathed her face with cold water, chafed her
hands, but Mama didn’t respond. By the time Daddy got home, his brothers in
two, it was over.
    An aneurysm, the coroner had
said, something there’d been no way to know existed or prevent. No one’s fault,
he had said, but Jude never quite got past it. He lost his mama and learned that
sometimes fate guts you with the same swift cut used to clean fish.
    “Jude?”
Nicole said. Her voice broke into his thoughts and pulled him back. “Are you
all right?”
    “I’m
fine,” he said after a moment’s hesitation. “Mary made me think of Mama, that’s
all.”
    After
a slice of apple tart, and thank God it wasn’t peach, topped with real whipped
cream, Jude watched Nicole help Mary clear the table. He watched Rick fire up a
thick cigar and exhale a cloud of smoke, but refrained from commenting. It’s his place, his call, and his lungs, Jude thought, but he hated the noxious stench so he pushed back from the table.
“I need to head out,” he said. “It’s been a long day and I’m beat.”
    No
lie--fatigue dogged his brain and his body ached, but first he needed a few
minutes with Nicole. He headed toward the kitchen and almost collided with her
as she exited. “Hey,” he said. “I’m about to take off. Got a minute to walk me
to the truck?”
    “Sure.”
Nicole linked her arm through his.
    Neither
said anything until they were outside. Jude turned toward her. “So what time
should I pick you up tomorrow?”
    “Anytime will be fine. I guess it depends on whether
you want the dumplings for lunch or supper.”
    “Supper,”
he said, although he hadn’t given it much thought. On impulse, he added, “And
since tomorrow’s Friday, I thought we’d go to the high school football game
afterward. I hear my nephew’s playing and I wouldn’t mind watching. You like
football?”
    She
shrugged. “I guess. I’ve never been to a high school game before but I’ve
watched a little on TV.”
    Jude
laughed. He couldn’t imagine high school without the excitement of the Friday
night lights, the pep assemblies, and the cheerleaders. “What kind of school
did you go to?” he asked. “Or did you just lack school spirit?”
    Nicole
shook her head. “I attended an all girls’ school so no football or coed
activities,” she said. “I’d love to experience a football game. I’ll need some
time to cook so why don’t you pick me up anytime after one tomorrow afternoon?”
    “I’ll
be here around one, then.”
    “Okay,
I’m looking forward to it.”
    A
brief, awkward silence stretched between them. Jude hated to part but he needed
to go and as far as he could tell, Nicole would linger if he did. Her eyes met his and he knew he needed a kiss before he
left. One kiss, he thought, then I’ll go and maybe I’ll be able to sort
out all this shit I’m feeling.
    He
didn’t ask permission. Jude moved forward in a single, powerful stride and
wrapped his arms around Nicole. When she glanced up, he bent to kiss her lips,
his mouth hungry, yet gentle. He had intended to keep it casual, a light kiss
between friends, but when she sighed, his desire ignited. As combustible as gasoline,
as unpredictable as old dynamite, her lips set off a series of explosions that
rocked his body and soul. Jude savored the kiss, as welcome as water when
thirsty and as intoxicating as fine wine. He caught his breath with wonder and
kissed until his need for air outweighed his desire. When he pulled back with
his arms still around her, she smiled and leaned against him.
    “Wow,”
Nicole said.
    Jude
traced the outline of her lips with one finger. “Yeah, wow’s the word.”
    If
he kissed her again, he’d have to stay or take her home with him. Unwilling and
far from ready for