Always (Family Justice Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

looked at her like she was full of it. “Swear to God. She even picked up a supply of my favorite English breakfast tea.”
    The pithy Marquez humor made an appearance when he quipped, “Well then, I guess she won’t get fired today.”
    Stephanie grinned broadly and laid down some heavy Georgia twang. “Fire her. Oh please, shugah !” she drawled. “That woman is more valuable than anything the doctor ordered. I’d hire her away from you right now if I could.”
    “Mmmm,” he chuckled, his chest wobbling from the rumbling laughter. “What am I supposed to do with all you high-handed women invading my manly world and upsetting the balance?”
    “Why, Major Marquez, you poor, poor baby! Surrounded by smart, savvy ladies who, pardon my language, take no shit and never apologize for being totally awesome. What a horrible fate for a big, strong, manly man like yourself,” she cooed while dramatically batting her eyes.
    His look of panicked indecision— was she serious or just messing with him —struck her as hilariously funny. Men. She sighed and let him off the hook with an excited burble of giggles.
    “Relax, shugah ,” she drawled slowly. “I’m just saying to enjoy the moment darlin’. Don’t be a putz about handing over control now that you’re going to be a respectable married man. The women of Family Justice are a gift. Meghan will make a spectacular wife for you, Major. Will she be at the Villa as well?”
    He ran his palms along his trousers again, and she quickly hid a knowing snicker. She’d known this man for some time and never in all those years had he ever put out any sort of a sexual vibe. It was something she’d come to like and respect about Alex Marquez. It was those damned manners and the fact that obviously his mama had raised her boy right. They had a business relationship first and a friendship second. This was followed by a complicated union of endeavors with her as the pushy mother and him the good guy to the rescue. And finally now as quasi-family members connected through Victoria’s marriage to one of his Justice Brothers.
    But, oh dear, sweet baby Jesus, since the curvy, vivacious Meghan O’Brien had come bursting into his life, she’d been causing all sorts of havoc and mayhem. And he’d been a simmering caldron of manly virility, set on the back burner, but always one-step short of boiling over. It was amusing and damn provocative, too. Good for him , she thought for the hundredth time. All bullshit aside, she was fond of Alex; he was one of the good guys. It was perfect and oh so right that the universe had dropped the Irish bombshell onto his lap.
    Alex sat forward slightly and peered out the car window like he suddenly couldn’t wait to reach their destination. Lord, he was adorable.
    “Yeah, she’ll be waiting for us,” he murmured. “Hopefully.”
    It was downright refreshing to see such unabashed joy right in front of you. Especially since she’d known the serious, businesslike, impeccably sober side of the man. Why, the second she’d mentioned his lively fiancée, he was practically chomping at the bit to go find her. Lucky gal , Stephanie reflected.
    In another minute, the big, sleek limo slowed to a stop amidst the clutter of vehicles scattered along the driveway. As usual, the hacienda, the actual main house of Villa de Valleja-Marquez and the hub of all things Justice within the compound, was a magnificent sight. Being here was like stepping into a different world. She was coming to appreciate the raw beauty and splendor of the Southwest.
    The car door opened as Ben efficiently did the honors while Alex asked, “May I help you with anything?” He sounded distracted, and this time she did laugh at him.
    “Oh, good Lord, Alex. Go find your woman and stop fussing over me. I’ll be along in a moment. You can be sure Ben will see to everything. Run along now.”
    He leaned over and heartily kissed her cheek with a loud smooch. “You fucking rock, Ms.