Under Pressure [IAD Agency] (Siren Publishing Classic)

ordering me around, so your apology is pointless.”
    He smiled. “You’re right.”
    “What is with you men?” she groused.
    “We’re damaged.”
    “Yeah, in the head,” she muttered, making Jason laugh. “I have to go to the school today. I have to check on supplies to see what I need to order.” Bella held her hand up to stop Jason from speaking as she stood up. “This is not a discussion. I’m going. You can come with me, but I’m going.”
    “All right, darling. We will go to school today.”
    “Your condescending tone is not helping your chances of sleeping in my bed tonight, buster,” Bella shouted over her shoulder as she made her way back to the bedroom with his laughter trailing after her.
     
    * * * *
     
    Jason contented himself working on his BlackBerry as he waited for Bella to finish taking stock of the items of the pantry in her room at the school.
    Jenna had offered to come in and help, but Bella had waved off her offer, enjoying the quiet time alone. Since she had been poisoned, she had missed a full week of class and was surprised just how much she missed being in the kitchen with her students. She knew that teaching wasn’t what she was meant to do full time, but she enjoyed the students she had and wanted to be able to finish the semester off before moving on to fully focus on her new restaurant venture.
    “All done!” Bella said happily as she made her way to the front of the room to join Jason.
    At the sound of her voice, Jason’s head came up and he pocketed his phone. Bella’s breath always caught at the intensity of his focus on her whenever she was in a room. Bella walked forward slowly. “You still working?”
    “Work can wait.”
    He chuckled in surprise as she ran the rest of the way and jumped up to wrap her arms around his neck. He tried to keep from grinning like an idiot as happiness washed over him. “Careful now. It’s a long way down.”
    “Hey, was that a crack about me being short?”
    His arms wrapped tight around her waist, holding her body pressed tight to him. “No, darling, that was me telling you to be careful.”
    Bella laughed as she leaned in to place a soft kiss on his lips. “Besides,” she whispered, “it’s not like you would ever let me fall.”
    His arms tightened. “Never.”
    She smiled as she leaned in to kiss him again.
    “You know we are on camera right now,” Jason murmured against her lips, making her giggle.
    “You know if it’s one of my brothers monitoring the cameras right now they are totally having a hissy.”
    Jason laughter rumbled low in his chest. “Well then, let’s give them something to see that will really set them on edge.” He crushed her to him and deepened the kiss.
    Bella finally pulled back as she gasped for breath. Jason hoisted Bella up onto the closest counter and stood between her thighs.
    “Whoa, buddy, none of that now.” Bella pushed against his chest, but her eyes danced with mirth. “I may want to piss my brothers off, but I don’t want them to kill you.”
    Jason leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her lips before pulling back just enough to gaze lovingly down at her. “I do love you, lass.”
    Bella cupped his cheek. “I know. I love you, too.”
    “So, I think we should go out to dinner tonight. You know, to celebrate.”
    Bella’s eyebrow raised. “Wow, you mean you would let me go out to eat somewhere? Without armed guards?”
    Jason growled jokingly before smacking a kiss on her forehead. “You will be with me. But if you want the guards, I’m sure we can convince some of the guys to meet us at the restaurant.”
    “No way! If we are celebrating, I want a romantic night out with you. Just you.”
    “You got it,” Jason promised as he stroked a hand down over her hair. His voice softened. “I’m sorry I haven’t been able to court you properly.”
    Bella cocked her head, her expression questioning. “Jason, if you court me anymore, I think I might fall into a romance coma. Trust me, baby, you don’t have to take me out to show me that you love me. I know you do. So, where are we going? I’m starving!”
     
    * * * *
     
    Bella looked out the window of Jason’s SUV and took in the splendor of the Chicago skyline as they drove into the heart of the city. It was a beautiful city, full of life and excitement. Until Jason had suggested they go out for dinner, Bella hadn’t realized just how much she had missed going out. She looked down to their entwined hands with a