Spurred

by Cat Johnson

  “Okay.”

  Her assurance eased his mind. This hadn’t been their last time together. He had all night, and he was going to take advantage of it.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Concentration was futile.

  Jill sat in her tiny seat on the airplane and hit the button to put her tablet to sleep. The e-book she’d been trying to read wasn’t holding her concentration. No fault of the author. Jill had simply forgotten how to relax.

  She’d worked on her resume for a bit when they’d first taken off, but she wasn’t all that inspired. Besides, not all that much had changed in the two years since she’d gotten—and lost—the job at Cole.

  All she would have to do is add the dates of her employment and job description and she’d be done and ready to send it out to potential employers. Well, that and come up with an excuse as to why she’d left the position without a reference. My boss was crazy probably wouldn’t fly in an interview.

  Maybe she should look for work on the East Coast closer to her family, like Jackie had said. Jill hated that the next thought to follow was that it would also put her closer to Aaron. She knew too much about the professional bull-riding circuit to think this fling with Aaron could lead anywhere except to heartache for her. He was too busy traveling around the country and being with a different girl every night… Or at least every two nights.

  Static sounded before the voice of the flight attendant took over, advising the passengers that they’d be landing shortly and they should begin to stow all their carry-on belongings again.

  Jill drew in a breath. She was almost home. Home, where she’d walk into a dark apartment and sleep in an empty bed. She was so mentally and physically exhausted from everything that had happened and from Aaron waking her up twice during the night, she was in no position to be brave and move ahead today.

  Tomorrow, after a good night’s sleep, she’d be in a better state of mind to be strong and bravely face the future. She’d allow herself one night to pine over him. No more.

  The fact he’d entered his cell phone number into her phone wasn’t going to help her forget about him or the weekend. He’d said it was in case her flight got canceled or she got bumped. She could call him and he’d come back and get her.

  Even as she thought how she should delete the number, she knew she wouldn’t.

  She had been better off in the middle of her dry spell. Sex complicated everything. At least for her it did.

  Did it for men? For Aaron? Sadly, she doubted it.

  Pushing all thoughts of Aaron out of her head, Jill planned the rest of her journey. After they landed she’d have to grab the suitcase she’d checked from baggage claim then head outside to find a taxi to take her home since she no longer had access to the Cole limo service account.

  Damn CeCe. And damn John Cole too for cheating on her, or at least for not having a better prenup so his ex-wife wouldn’t get the crown jewel in his corporate empire where she’d have the power to fire Jill. All because she’d dared to talk or glance at Aaron.

  Anger replaced sadness. Jill preferred that. It fueled her. Provided incentive to move on from this to something even better than her crappy old job.

  With that in mind, Jill started to look forward to looking for a new job. The next step in what would be a bright future. Maybe CeCe had done her a favor. Either way, Jill was going to make the best of a bad situation.

  The best revenge was success.

  Jill’s new bright attitude lasted through the plane landing at LAX, all the way through baggage claim and to her hailing a taxi. She was slightly less enthusiastic about her future in the cab when she realized what the ride from the airport to her apartment was going to cost, but there was nothing she could do about it.

  Once settled in the backseat and on the way home, Jill found her cell phone in her carry-on and powered it on.

  Messages flooded her inbox and had the phone doing a little jig as it vibrated in her hand with text alerts.

  Two were from her sister, asking if she’d landed yet and demanding she call when she was home safely no matter what the time. The third text message was from Jill’s coworker—make that former coworker. Jill opened it and read.

  “What the hell happened this weekend? Call me!”

  She didn’t want to put Mary in the bad position of asking what was going on while she was still at work, but it was late enough she should have left by now.

  Jill dialed Mary’s cell number rather than her desk. She answered on the second ring.

  “Hey. It’s Jill. I just got your message. What’s going on?”

  Mary let out a snort. “You tell me. All I know is you and CeCe take off for the bull rides last Friday, and this morning, CeCe came in like a bitch on heels. Yelling, ranting. She had the finance department pull all the sponsorship money from the bull-riding circuit.”

  Shit. This whole mess with CeCe and Aaron and Jill had blown up way out of proportion. Now it affected hundreds of people. Thousands if she counted the fans who attended the events. Cole was a huge contributor. Without that money, what would happen? Did the organization have enough operating cash to run the events?

  “Did she say anything else? Like why?” Was CeCe bad mouthing Jill or Aaron all over the company?

  “No. That’s why I’m asking you.”

  It made sense. CeCe wouldn’t want anyone to know her hot young lover had turned down her offer to fly home with her. That would be embarrassing. And since CeCe was crazy enough to believe Aaron had turned her down because of Jill, she wouldn’t mention her either.

  Still, the situation remained the same. She’d pulled the sponsorship money. What the hell was going to happen now? Jill didn’t know. “Um, I don’t know. She let me go, so I flew back on my own.”

  “You have no idea?”

  No way Jill could tell Mary the truth and risk CeCe’s wrath if word got out. She could ruin any future career prospects. “I’ll make a few phone calls and see if I can find out anything.”

  “Okay. Call me if you do.”

  “I will. Bye.”

  Jill was going to make a phone call all right, but not for the reason she’d told Mary. She had to let Aaron know what had happened, if he didn’t know already.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Aaron flipped through the channels on the television. How many hundreds of stations were there now, and still it seemed as if there was nothing on. At least nothing that could hold his attention. Or keep his mind off wondering what Jill was doing.

  He glanced at the time on his cell phone. She’d probably have landed by now. Yet there was no text from her. Not that there should be. She’d never promised she would let him know that she’d arrived safely. Still, it would be nice if she did.

  They’d spent two nights tangled up together in his bed. He’d think the least she’d do was text and say she was home.

  He found himself scowling more at himself and his own behavior than at Jill or hers. He was acting like some silly love-struck girl getting all twisted because he didn’t get a call.

  Unable to concentrate, he aimed the remote control at the television again and started through the channels one more time. What was he paying all that money for monthly if there wasn’t even something on cable when he wanted to watch it?

  His cell vibrating next to him on the cushion had him tossing the remote down as he grabbed for the phone.

  It was Garret. Pissed at himself for being disappointed it wasn’t Jill calling, Aaron answered. “Hey.”

  “Hey. What are you up to tonight?”

  “Nothing. Just sitting here. Watching TV.”

  “I’m watching the game. Why don’t you come over here?”

  “So I can sit there and do the same thing as I’m doing here?” Except there, Aaron would have to wear pants, while in his own house he was in boxer shorts.

  �
�Yeah. Why not?” Garret asked.

  Because Aaron was already settled in where he was. Of course, he was also bored and sick of his own company. It was going to be a long break between competitions if he didn’t get over this restlessness.

  With a sigh, he hoisted himself off the cushion. “Okay. I’ll be there in five.”

  “Great. I just ordered a pizza.”

  Even better. Maybe Aaron could eat his way out of this funk. Christ, he really was acting like a girl. “A’ight. See you in a few.”

  Aaron pulled jeans on right over his boxers and slid boots on over the socks he already had on. He didn’t bother changing the T-shirt he was wearing. It seemed like too much effort to dig in the drawer for another. His shirt was moderately clean. It was good enough anyway. He was only going to see relatives.

  He grabbed his cell and his keys and headed to the truck. He pulled in the drive of Garret and his sister’s place in a few minutes, as promised.

  Sometimes it was handy they’d moved so close. Other times—like when his sister popped in unannounced and uninvited—not so much.

  The front door was unlocked like it usually was. Aaron didn’t bother knocking.

  “Hey. I’m here.” He walked in and made a general announcement to anyone in hearing distance as he did.

  “Shh.” Silver popped out of one of the bedrooms, wide-eyed. She pulled the door closed behind her and came to him. “I just got the baby down.”

  “Oh, sorry.” Aaron cringed. He kept forgetting there was now a little one to worry about. “Garret in the living room?”

  “Yeah. Watching the game and eating pizza. There better be some left. I’m starving.”

  Aaron silently agreed. He hadn’t realized he was hungry until hearing the word pizza. Now that he had, he was dying for some.

  It was good he got out of the apartment. Being cooped up alone had to be what had him feeling so out of sorts. He was used to traveling. Having nothing to do, no place to be, was getting to him.

  “I heard that, and there’s plenty. I ordered a large. Jeez. How much do you think I eat?” Slice in hand, Garret sat on the sofa with the closed box in front of him on the coffee table. He frowned at the doorway.

  “A lot.” Aaron laughed, feeling lighter already now that he was with people, ready to kick back, watch the game, eat some pizza, maybe have a beer if Garret had any. Yeah. This was good.

  His cell vibrated in his pocket. He jumped to pull it out thinking that—even though he’d vowed to put her out of his head—it might be Jill.

  One look at the read out and the unfamiliar area code told him that it very well could be her. Holy shit.

  He hit to answer. “Hello?”

  “Aaron? It’s me. Jill.”

  He knew it was Jill before she’d added her name. He’d know that voice anywhere. After hearing her breathe his name in the dark while he loved her, how could he not?

  Heart pounding, Aaron wandered back into the hall. He didn’t need an audience for this call with Jill, and Silver and Garret were both sitting in the living room attacking the pizza.

  Jill had called him, and a real phone call too, not just a text. He loved that she’d done that.

  “Hey. I see you got home safely.”

  “Um, yeah. Well, I’m not quite home. I’m in the taxi from the airport. I didn’t want to wait to call you.”

  She didn’t want to wait to call him. Those words had him smiling. “I’m glad.”

  “You might not be glad when you hear why.”

  “Why? What’s wrong?” If he hadn’t been so damned happy about her contacting him the moment she landed in California, he might have noticed sooner that there was a strange tone in her voice.

  “I got some news from a former coworker of mine from Cole Shocks.”

  “Okay.” The mention of Cole of course brought to mind CeCe. Aaron knew this couldn’t be good.

  “CeCe pulled the sponsorship money this morning. She’s no longer supporting your organization.” Jill delivered the bad news in a rush of words.

  What she said had him reaching out to brace one palm against the wall. He’d been concerned that this could happen, but he’d never honestly thought it would. Shit. What was he going to do?

  “This morning?” It was amazing he hadn’t already gotten a call from Tom Parsons. Maybe this kind of news took a little while to filter through her organization to his.

  “That’s what my friend said. Aaron, I’m going to fix this.”

  He let out a breath. “This is my mess. It’s not yours to fix.” Besides, what the hell did Jill think she could do?

  “Let me try. I’ve got an idea, but I need your help.”

  Garret came out into the hall and stopped when he saw Aaron. No doubt, he looked like he’d just gotten some of the worst news he’d heard in a long time. It sure felt like all the blood had drained out of his face. He could only imagine he looked as crappy as he felt right about now.

  Aaron ignored Garret watching him and focused on Jill. “Uh, sure. Whatever you need.”

  “Do I remember correctly that Chase is in California?” she asked.

  “Chase?” In the midst of possible career-ending news, Aaron felt the cold stab of jealousy cut through him when Jill talked about Chase. How crazy was that? “Um, I don’t know.” He glanced at Garret. “Is Chase in California?”

  Garret nodded. “Yeah. He’s visiting Leesa over the break. He flew out Sunday right after the competition.”

  “Yeah, he’s there. Why?” Aaron relayed the information to Jill but still didn’t know why she needed it. He sure would like to know though.

  “I have an idea.”

  “Which is?” he asked. Why was she being so mysterious?

  “I don’t want to get your hopes up until I’m sure. Can you text me his cell number?”

  “He’s visiting his girlfriend.” Aaron wanted that made very clear since Jill seemed so interested in Chase all of a sudden. And not even twenty-four hours after she’d been in Aaron’s bed. There had to be something else going on here. He could hope.

  “Okay, then give me her number. I just need to get in touch with him. We might be able to fix this mess with CeCe.”

  Aaron lifted his brows. Was Jill going to pimp Chase out to CeCe to make up for him disappointing her? Was that Jill’s plan? “You sure about this?”

  “Trust me. I was with the company for two years. I picked up a few things while there. I really think I might be able to fix this. Aaron, let me try. Please.”

  “Okay.” Feeling better that at least Jill wasn’t looking to jump Chase for herself, he agreed. He still didn’t know her plan, but he’d have to trust her to know what she was doing. “I’ll text his number to you as soon as we hang up.”

  “Great. Thanks.”

  “Uh, Jill…are you doing okay?” Sad but true, he didn’t want to hang up. He wanted to prolong the phone call and continue talking to her even if it would prevent her from moving on with her mysterious plan.

  “I’ll be better when I fix this.”

  “Can I ask you something?”

  She sighed. “Sure.”

  He didn’t miss the sound, and he hated that he couldn’t fix everything that was wrong himself. “Will whatever you’re going to do get you your job back?”

  She let out a short laugh. “No. Definitely not. In fact, if this works as I think it will, it will pretty much clinch it that I’ll never work for CeCe Cole again.”

  “What? Then don’t do it.”

  “I want to. And believe me, losing that job is not the end of the world. Working for CeCe was not all rainbows and unicorns.”

  After knowing the woman for just a few days, Aaron could very well imagine that was true. “All right. I’ll trust you to do what you think is right. Will you please keep me updated if anything happens? Good or bad.�
�

  “I will. I promise.”

  “Okay.” He wanted to tell her he’d enjoyed their time together. He wanted to tell her he was sorry she’d gotten fired. Hell, he wanted to ask her if he could fly out there and help her. He didn’t do any of that. Instead, he said. “I’ll text you that number.”

  “Thanks. Bye.”

  “Bye.” Glancing at Garret, Aaron lowered the phone. “That was Jill.”

  “That answers one of the dozen or so questions I still have about the call.”

  “Yeah, well, join the club.” Aaron let out a snort. “Come on. I’ll fill you in over pizza. Oh, and if you’ve got any beer, or something harder, now might be a good time to break it out.”

  The largest sponsor of the pro bull-riding tour had just yanked all of her money. They were all gonna need a drink.

  Aaron’s phone buzzed. He leapt to look at it, hoping it was Jill. What he saw had him freezing all motion.

  “Who is it?” Garret asked.

  “Tom Parsons.”

  His friend widened his eyes. “What are you gonna do?”

  “Not answer it, that’s for damn sure.” Not moving, Aaron held the phone like it was a nuclear bomb at risk of detonating. When the call finally went to voice mail, he allowed himself to move and breathe again.

  “Now what?” Garret asked.

  “I guess I listen to that voicemail.” And avoid all calls from anyone affiliated with the association until…when? At least until he heard back from Jill. Whenever that was.

  What a mess.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  The California sun shown brightly as Jill surveyed the scene, from the cars revving their engines, to the scurrying pit crews, to the crowd lined up along the track waiting for the race to begin.

  It didn’t take too long to spot the man she was looking for. He definitely cut an imposing figure. Besides that, he was in the VIP section reserved for owners and sponsors.

  Jill moved toward the section. She flashed her old Cole Shock Absorbers access pass, holding her breath until security waved her through. Once in, she made a beeline to her goal. “Mr. Cole?”