Rock and Roll Country (Jesse's Girl #1) by Kandice Michelle Young Page B

still rests on the bathroom floor, I emerge as confident as I can all things considered. Following the smell of brewing coffee, I find Jesse at the kitchen counter whisking a bowl of what appears to be eggs.
    “I’m not a chef,” he explains, “but my time in the States has taught me a thing or two about scrambling an egg.”
    “Is that so?” I ask, taking a seat at the table and admiring his efforts.
    “I do realize it’s just after eleven, but I thought we should at least have a meal before I leave.” He turns to me, sincere eyes studying mine. “Unless, of course, you’d rather I go.”
    Flooded with relief, I pull my legs up into the chair. “Brunch sounds perfect.”
    “I’m glad you think so.” He glances at the coffee pot and begins searching my cabinets.
    “Top Right, bottom shelf,” I instruct.
    “Right,” he says, fetching the World’s Greatest Mom mug Marcus’ grandparents helped him pick out for Mother’s Day last year. “Do you take it black?”
    “Creamer is in the fridge. I like it about two-parts coffee, one-part cream, and I like two tablespoons of sugar.” 
    Wrinkling his forehead, he stares at me. “You don’t find that sickly sweet?”
    “Jesse, is this your first trip to the MidSouth? We like our beverages sweet and our meats savory. Got it?” 
    “Savory meats.” He winks. “That one I think I can provide.”
    Cheeks flushing, I look down at the table. Jesse brings my coffee, and places it in front of me. Kissing the top of my head, he returns to his work with the eggs. Awestruck, I watch the tight muscles in his back flex in time with his movements. My vantage point gives me a better glimpse of his tattoo, which starts at his shoulder with a bouquet of roses detailed in heavy black ink, and flows down his back in a pattern which includes a cross, ballet shoes, and what appears to be a ring resembling that of a woman’s wedding band with the name Cressida written across it’s circumference.
    Nauseated, I turn my eyes away. The symbology is hard to ignore. Jesse Lee is married and I just became another one of his whores. I can almost picture the poor woman who thought she was lucky enough to marry him. She’s probably sitting at home, perhaps even bouncing a baby on her knee, waiting for the days to turn into minutes until she can see her husband once more.
    Disgusted with myself, I jump to my feet. “On second thought, I think you should go.”
     

Jesse 
     
    Plating our eggs, I shut off the stove, and turn to her.  “What’s with the change of heart?”
    “I’m not a homewrecker, Jesse. This was a mistake and I’ll never forgive myself,” she shouts, tears spilling from the corners of her eyes.
    “Sophie,” I begin, cautiously taking a step toward her. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. What I do know is that there’s no way in hell this is a mistake. You’re an Angel, and I’m already changed by you.” 
    “How many times have you used that line?” She asks, rolling her eyes.
    “Okay,” I begin, hiding the sting to my pride. “I’m not sure what happened in the last five minutes, but if I’ve done something to offend you I would like the chance to make it right.”
    “I’m not the one you should be trying to redeem yourself to,” she snaps.
    Reaching for her hand, only to have mine slapped away in return, I sigh. “I’m completely lost.”
    Crossing her arms, she leans against the counter and glares at me. “Who is Cressida, Jesse?”
    Realization consuming me, I slump. “It’s not what you think.”
    “I’m sure that’s what all adulterers say when they get caught.”
    “I’m not a cheater, Sophie,” I growl, bawling my fists to contain myself. Eyes widened with terror, she sinks into herself. Taking a deep breath, I step back. “I’m sorry. That was uncalled for. Cressida is a sore subject. She used to be my everything. Now, she’s no one.”
    Snorting, she stands her ground. “Right. Just like all the other