by Allie York
“How did I do?” He drove me back to my car at the shop.
“Really well.” I laughed, leaning my head against the glass and watching Broadway go by. “I knew he would like you, though. Nick just wants me to be happy.” I shrugged. I remembered what he said when I called him in hysterical tears when I found out I was pregnant. Nick wanted to kill me, he wanted to say I told you so, but instead told me I could do anything, and it would all be okay. We both knew it was a lie. After I told him I was getting married, he had a different reaction. Nick had rested a hand on either of my shoulders and said, “You don’t have to do it, Jovie. It’s a mistake and you know it. Your mom will come around eventually. The guy has hurt you enough without you being chained to him.” Gods, he had been so right; Nick was always right.
My phone buzzed, pulling me from yet another obsessive Davis memory. I really needed to let the guy go; my ex wasn’t worth my mental anguish. I was tired of him being my starting point for all male references when I had so many good men in my life. We pulled into my shop as I checked the text.
Rae said your man’s a keeper. Apparently he looks at you like a man in love.
I slid my eyes to where Ewan was watching me. “Are you going home?”
Amelia leaned over the seat. “Come home with us and play cards.” She squeezed my shoulder. Ewan cocked an eyebrow, smiling hopefully. I nodded and got out to get in my car. An hour later, we were eating ice cream on the floor playing Cards Against Humanity. Amelia laughed until she snorted at Ewan’s plays. Watching him let loose to be slightly inappropriate was amazing. His face flushed and he would ruffle his hair anytime we played anything remotely embarrassing. Amelia left to do her homework while we did the dishes, and I wandered out on the balcony to sit in the hammock. Ewan sat next to me and pulled me into his chest, leaning us back to see the sky.
“Spend the night.” It was a statement, not a question. “I know I’m being demanding, but you really can’t blame me.” His fingers twirled the ends of my hair. “You don’t seem to be complaining, either.” I wasn’t entirely sure if his comments were innocent, but either way, it was true. He was fun to be around in every aspect. I nodded and Ewan kissed my hair. “It’s not too much, is it?”
“It doesn’t bother me. I’m actually starting to find you pretty addictive.” He chuckled a husky laugh into my hair. “Is that all right?” I tilted my head to see him lick his lower lip and nod. Damn those full lips. Ewan eased my head back onto his chest, fingering the hair at the nape of my neck. It was true. I wanted him like I had never imagined I could want another person.
We ended up in his room eventually, but not until after a late night snack and a playful argument about how to pronounce caramel. He laid out next to me on his back and told me about the cottage they lived in before they moved to the US. It sounded like something out of a fairy tale. Stereo-typical English cottage with a red door and ivy up the side. He talked about his mother, Norah, like she hung the moon and stars, the way she gardened, and sang. Ewan described her nearly-black eyes and raven hair well enough to give me writer’s envy. She was half Indian with the same dainty features expressed on Amelia’s face. He talked about the love his mother had for his father, squeezing my shoulder gently, and how his father had fallen apart after her death. His father, Bernard, saw Amelia regularly, but since the accident and being charged with her murder, he was different. Their father sent Ewan at least one text a week, but they rarely spoke. It was all touching and sad simultaneously. Ewan was never shy about being emotional, at least, not with me, but something about opening up to me about his parents was warming.
“Have I overloaded you?” It was late, far too late considering we both had to work in the morning, but neither of us cared.
I shook my head. “I could listen to you talk for hours.” Admitting it made me blush. Ewan had made a point to say how obnoxious it was when people asked him to say things only to hear the novelty of his accent, but the accent wasn’t it. Although the accent was sinfully sexy, it was the rhythm of his words, the fact that Ewan was the one saying them.
“Tomorrow is going to be rough if we don’t sleep,” he mumbled, curling himself around me and snuggling into my neck. I nodded, kissing his head. Ewan letting me see him so vulnerable was strange. Nick let me see him at his weakest, but after nearly twenty years of friendship, it was normal. It was different with Ewan: he trusted me. His hand found mine, and he laced our fingers—it was like the man could never get close enough to me. I enjoyed the moment for as long as I could before sleep pulled me under.
The rest of the week went the same way. I spent a few nights at home reading late into the night because I couldn’t sleep alone, but the other nights were spent tangled up with him. All the space in his bed was wasted considering how close he wanted to be with me. Davis had his own bedroom when we were married, and always left once he was done with me Ewan couldn’t get enough of me whether sex was involved or not. It was amazing. In public, Ewan kept a respectful distance, but once the door closed, he was all over me. He called it clingy, I called it perfect. I loved having someone who wanted to touch me, wanted to kiss me, and even play with my hair. Everything my man did made me feel beautiful, wanted. We fit into each other’s lives perfectly from day one. I had gone from wanting nothing to wanting it all in a few short weeks.
Monday morning, Erica came in early so I could buy coffee, and I strolled in a few minutes past open to find a massive bouquet of roses on the front counter. The card had an eerie message.
Here’s to hoping you change your mind.
It wasn’t signed, but I knew it wasn’t Ewan. Ewan had slanted, script handwriting. The card was sloppy, and Ewan and I had spoken earlier in the morning. There was nothing to change my mind about.
“Those were just delivered to you.” Erica came around the corner grinning.
“They aren’t from Ewan.” My stomach tightened as nervousness set in and her face fell. Who the hell sent roses with a cryptic note but no signature?
She shrugged. “Secret admirer?” I mirrored her shrug and set the roses on the file cabinet behind the desk. I could tell Erica was only trying to ease my mind, but she was nervous too. Cori showed up and groomed two dogs, doing an excellent job, and Erica and I exchanged a look before hiring her. She hugged me, throwing her arms around my shoulders, and thanking me before filling out paperwork. Cori lived close by, had a great resume, and did a killer job. It was a huge relief to have another person to help at work. Erica was booked a month out, and my training schedule left me with no time to groom.
The day went on with no weirdness, and Nick showed up on time to pick up his weekly candle ration and bring me a drink. I finished cleaning up, waiting for Ewan to drop off Amelia for birthday shopping, and completely forgot about the roses. Nick was messing around on the computer when the bell chimed and he told them I would be right up. Nick’s posture changed, but kept to his work cleaning the computer.
I came up to see Mason with Quincy on a leash. “Hey, I have you down for training next week.” I rubbed some sanitizer into my hands. I shuddered. Not the kind of shudder Ewan caused, but the eerie kind. I made myself smile, trying to keep my discomfort from showing.
“I know. I came to see if you got my gift.” Mason tipped his head at the roses. “I thought we could get dinner when you get off in twenty minutes, there is a great Mexican place on Western, it’s very authentic,” Mason let his eyes move between Nick and me before smirking. I suppressed another shiver. It was bad. Mason’s eyes filled with hatred, anger. I swallowed the dryness in my throat.
“I’m sorry, I have plans tonight.” I paid careful attention to the warning bells going off in my head and the hairs on the back of my neck standing. I tried to ignore them at first. Mason was always off, but the vibe I was getting from him was new—scary. Nick cleared his throat, focusing on the computer, and I forced a smile.
“I see.” Mason glared at me with anger as opposed to disappointment. “I thought you liked Mexi
can.” He looked between Nick and me again. Our Wednesday lunch was always at the place on Western. I willed my breath to settle and my mind to stay clear. Mason knew where we ate, and knew I ate with Nick. What else did know?
“I need to finish closing, but it was nice to see you.” I smiled at him again, and he picked up Quincy to storm out of the shop. Erica was frozen with the broom in her hand, and I could feel my pulse in my ears. I just stared at the door, trying to catch my breath, settle my fear. Is Mason dangerous? Will he try to hurt any of us? When I saw Ewan pull in, I composed myself and asked Nick and Erica to keep quiet. No need to make him worry over a creepy client. I tossed the roses in the trash and took the bag out right as they came in. Ewan pulled me over the counter for a kiss and Amelia went back to talk to Erica. Erica’s daughter, Jay, was the same age, so they had weird stuff in common.
Chapter Thirteen
EWAN
Jovie was off. Something was wrong, but she was trying to pretend it was fine. Her face was flushed, her hands were shaky, and when I kissed her, she was distracted. It was normally an act we savored, but that kiss was rigid, quick. Nick kept eyeing me from his seat behind the computer but was quiet. Something was going on, and no one felt the need to tell me. Once Amelia ventured back up front, I handed over my card.
“Dinner and party stuff.” I let my hand linger on the card, making sure she understood the deal. My sister was a good kid, not the type to go on a spending spree, but I didn’t want her to start. Amelia rolled her eyes, nodding, and tucked the card in her pocket.
“What are you getting into?” Jovie leaned against the counter with her hip. She was what I wanted to get into, but I would have to be patient. Her tight shirt hugged her curves, especially the curve of her hips, and her jeans accentuated her thighs. I knew I could talk her into staying the night, so all I had to do was wait.
“I have some errands then I plan on scouting out the gentlemen’s club we discussed the other night.” I fought a smile, and my girl gave me her best irritated look.
“Need some company?” Nick shoved out of the chair, coming to join me at the front. Nick and I laughed while Jovie scowled at us. I kissed her again, feeling her relax into me, and she rested her hand on my neck. Whatever was bothering her before was gone by the time I left. Nick and I walked out together and he took Merlin to Jovie’s for us, waving as I pulled out, heading to Scott’s house across town. We were finally having a man-cave night again. Alcohol, fried food, and video games. I invited a new guy from the office, Briggs, to come tag along.
When I pulled up to the brick house, the driveway was full and Briggs swung in right behind me. Briggs had been an architect at our firm for a little over a year but kept to himself. He was quiet, but I knew he was always listening. Chelsea let us in and hugged me before ushering us down to the basement. Briggs and I were greeted with grunts and beers. A controller was shoved in my hand and we took seats on the sectional in front of the TV. I introduced Briggs to Samuel, Rhett, and Scott, and we commenced to shooting aliens and getting buzzed.
“So the new lady is working out?” Rhett kicked my foot with his work boot. I smirked, knowing the conversation was going to get vulgar quick. Those details were mine, though. No one else got to think of her like I did.
“Good. She’s great.” A chorus of boos rang out. They wanted the good stuff, but I wasn’t delivering. “She has Ams out right now, stays at our place a lot, and it’s fantastic.” I shrugged, slamming my thumb down on the button as fast as I could to take out a plane. They were relentless. Begging me to talk about her rack and her ass. Men are pigs. I avoided the conversation, finally forcing them to pick on Rhett for a while. The pizza came, we ate, and fell into silence other than cursing the game. Briggs joined in readily, playing the game like a pro and joining in on the jabs. Amelia texted me around nine, and I dropped out of the game promptly.
Amelia: Something is going on with Jovie
* * *
Ewan: ??
* * *
Amelia: Someone called her. Now her phone keeps ringing. Like blowing up and she won’t talk to me about it. She’s all upset.
* * *
Ewan: Who was it? Where are you?
* * *
Amelia: Leaving the mall to go home. She said some client is calling her a bunch. That man is texting her too. E, she seems scared. Like turned her phone off scared.
“Guys, I need to go.” They all looked at me like I was crazy. “Something is wrong with Jovie. I don’t know, but I think some guy is harassing her.” They told me call if I needed them, and I left, peeling out of the driveway to try to make it home before them. Teaching a self-defense class didn’t mean I was a fighter, but it did mean I could kick someone’s ass. The desire had never been there before, but someone upsetting my girls made me lose it. Whoever was bothering her was going to pay.
I slid into the driveway after trying to call Jovie all the way home. Her phone was still off, and her mailbox was full. Amelia made it clear that Jovie didn’t want me to know about the harassment so I settled my anger before they got home. I wanted to storm out to her car, demanding to know what the hell was going on, but I shook my hands out to relieve the tension. I watched out the window, still trying her cell, and waiting for them to get back. Jovie had done something to me, flipped a switch that made me some kind of animal. I wanted to have her with me all the time, keep her safe and happy constantly. I knew I wanted it all from the beginning, but she made the drive so much worse. Aside from the need to have her under me at all times, her happiness and comfort was at the front of every decision I made. Jovie felt uneasy when I dropped Ams off, and I knew it.
I was pulled from my thoughts when I heard her car pull in the driveway. Jovie shoved her phone in her pocket when I opened her door. “Have fun?” I kissed her forehead as she stood. She nodded once, pushing past me to get to the trunk.
Ams stared at her over the hood, glaring. “Oh, my god, Jovie, tell him.” Jovie grabbed bags from the trunk and her phone rang again. Amelia tipped her head at me to do something, but unless Jovie decided to tell me what was happening, I couldn’t do anything. Jovie stared at the gravel, storming past me to take the bags inside as her phone rang again. I saw red. Someone was threatening her, and I was going to end it whether she wanted to or not. I got the rest of the bags, Amelia closed the trunk, and we followed Jovie in, making a point to lock the door.
She jumped and yelped when I touched her arm. Her knuckles were white from gripping the counter and her eyes were squeezed closed. “Give me your keys. You’re staying here tonight.”
“You aren’t going to hold me hostage here.” Jovie picked her keys up from the counter, turning to glare at me. It was a really bad time for her to be feisty.
I shook my head. “No, I’m going to your house to get your things.” I held my hand out and she dropped her keys in my palm. “Now, call the police and file a report from Amelia’s phone, then let everyone know to call me if they need to reach you.” I kept my voice soft but made sure she understood that there was no arguing. Jovie stared me down until I pulled her into me, curling my arms around her, and pressing her into my chest. “I’ve got this, Jove. I’ll take care of it. Just tell me what to get, okay?” My woman nodded against me and rattled off a list, telling me to take Merlin to Nick’s. I kissed her head as she peeled away from me reluctantly. Tears clung to her lashes, breaking my heart. I tipped her face up and kissed her softly. Jove mumbled a thank you against my mouth and went to find Amelia while I left to get her things.
Jovie
When Ewan got back, I was successfully pouting on the couch and my phone was ringing on the table next to me. Mason had moved from using his phone to using a local number, but I still hadn’t answered. Every time there was a noise, I jumped. I had become a fucking coward over a client. Granted, the client was stalking me. Why me? What had I done to prompt his reaction? The texts went from run of the mill crazy to rape threats quickly and were peppered with pictures of his un
impressive manhood. Ewan dropped a bag at my feet and sat next to me as my phone blew up again with another bombardment of text messages.
“Turn it off.” He took my hand and rubbed his thumb down mine softly. Ewan was being so sweet, but his tone made it clear that I shouldn’t argue. I picked the phone up and opened the new texts. Who knew there were so many angles to take a dick pic from? I offered the phone to Ewan and watched his face as he read through the texts. His lip curled into a snarl and he held down the power button until the screen went black.
“I gave my family your number, so I need to apologize in advance.” I laid my head on his shoulder. “I don’t know what brought it all on. Mason’s been a client for over a year, maybe even two. He has never been the least bit creepy until today. Well, he was weird, but not a stalker.” Ewan rested his head on mine, and I told him about the weird date proposition and roses making him tighten his grip. I told him about Mason knowing where I went to eat on Wednesdays, and my caveman pulled me in his lap, hugging me to him and grumbled into my neck about taking care of me. I rolled my eyes.
His phone rang, and Ewan showed me the number. “Hey, Mom.” I braced for her verbal assault.