Tangerine Morning: Jezzica's Story (Serenity Cove Series) by Rita Garcia Page A

the shore.” Her laugher mixed with theirs, as they both shot her a surprised look that asked how she knew their secret.
    “Have a minute?” He nodded in Jezzica’s direction. Before stepping back outside, he remembered his manners. “Nice meeting you both.” He nodded to Tasha and Lauren, and held the door open for Jezzica.
    “Zack, it seems I’m always making a fool out of myself around you. I’m sorry about this morning.”
    “It didn’t help that I rushed in with the finesse of a hurricane.”
    “None of this is easy, and for some strange reason I keep blaming you for the storms.”
    “I want to keep you safe. We need to establish some ground rules until this situation is resolved.”
    “I’m listening.” She folded her arms across her chest. He forced his eyes away.
    “Logan agrees with your plan. But wants your sister and nieces to stay away.”
    She uncrossed her arms. “He’s right. I’ll see to it immediately.”
    He pulled a box from the back of his truck. “It’s a bulletproof vest. Wear it between here and home, and while you’re in the bookshop.”
    She took the box from his hands. “Will do.” She sighed. “This makes it seem much more real and dangerous.”
    “I’d be relieved if you allowed Nicole to take over as a decoy.” He shifted his stance.
    “No. I have to do this.” Jezzica stepped back. “I can’t let these vile killers win.”
    He grimaced and planted his booted feet farther apart. “Every available precaution must be taken to ensure your safety. Agreed?”
    She nodded. “I’ll start by sending my family back to the cottage. I don’t want anyone hurt, including me.”
    “We all have the same mission—to put the killers behind bars. You go home for the day, too. Give us time to get organized. I don’t want you here alone.” His eyes roamed up and down the street. “Ted will be watching the bookshop until you leave.”
    “I don’t see him.” She looked around.
    “He’s there.” Unease clinched his gut as he drove away. Someone was out there waiting and watching for a chance to get to Jezzica. His concern went beyond the scope of his job.
    There wasn’t a comfortable way to share his feelings for her. Affections that she obviously had no intentions of accepting. Was she right? Were marriage vows meant to transcend the barriers of space and time? But wouldn’t that limit the quality of life for Jezzica? It didn’t resonate with him. Through his rearview mirror, he saw her still standing there, as if his leaving had stirred up a potpourri of emotions. Had it?
     
     

Chapter Twenty

 
     
    Jezzica watched until she could no longer see Zack’s truck. Stop it, just stop it, she reprimanded herself. There were much bigger issues than a man who awakened every desire within her. There’s no time for foolishness . With a deep sigh, the sign over the shop caught Jezzica’s attention. Sea Glass Bookshop. She had considered changing it, but now she’d grown accustomed to the sound and feel of it.
    It wasn’t the only name she was growing fond of. Under different circumstances, she and Zack may have been quite the match. She admired his honesty and integrity. It was painful to admit, but in many ways they had more in common than she and Geoff. Still she loved her husband with every fiber of her heart and soul.
    Determined to focus on what needed to be done, she sailed back into the shop. Her sister was straining to maneuver the rug from the children’s area onto the top of the nearby counter. “What are you doing?”
    “I’m going to vacuum, but with all the construction dust this rug is better off rolled up and protected.”
    She helped her sister with the rug and dusted off her hands. “Caty, I need to talk to you.” Her nieces were chatting while attending to their assigned tasks. “Let’s talk outside.”
    “What’s going on?” Catylen followed her.
    Jezzica explained the situation and prepared to defend her decision. “Let’s get the girls