CALLEY (RIBUS 7 Book 3)

by Shae Mills

  Chelan looked over all the food. “You’re used to feeding an army, are you?”

  Jim finally smiled. “You’ll need your strength. We’ve got some pretty heavy-duty shopping to do.”

  Chelan smiled at him. “Well, I have plenty of cash and I don’t need much.”

  “Uh-huh,” Jim countered as he hurried to swallow some bacon. “You appear to need lots of things, and I’ve got the credit cards.”

  Chelan shook her head at him. “No, please. I don’t want to owe you anything, especially since I may not be able to repay you. Just your company is more than enough.”

  Jim looked at her sternly. “It’s not a loan—it’s a gift.”

  Chelan stopped eating.

  “What’s the matter?” he asked.

  “I don’t want to become indebted to you, Jim. It’s important to me that I don’t.”

  Jim sighed. “Look. I’m not asking for anything except your company. I remember what happened just before you left, and I was way out of line. I just want you to have a few nice things. You’re beautiful, and I want you to have beautiful clothes. Like the car, consider it all ‘welcome back’ gifts.”

  Chelan looked down and twiddled with her fork. “It’s not necessary. I’m not going anywhere fancy—I mean, in public. Nice clothes would only be a waste.”

  Jim put down his fork and sat up straight, his voice soft and low. “Nothing on you is a waste, Chelan, not even those simple jeans.”

  Despite all her effort, Chelan felt herself turn a slight shade of pink.

  Jim smiled. “Look, if I make you uncomfortable, just tell me and I’ll back off. But if you can endure my enthusiasm over being in your company again, then just let me go on my binge. It would make me immensely happy.”

  Chelan toyed with her food. “Okay,” she said, yielding. “You’re right, I guess. I shouldn’t begrudge my good fortune. But I want you to be reasonable.”

  “I promise to try. Well… a bit. Now eat up and let’s get going. Time’s a-wasting.”

  *****

  Chelan complied and soon they were on their way. She was dumbstruck by the stores he chose to take her to, flattered and irked at the same time. And though she refused most of the garments he insisted she try on based on the price alone, most of them he bought anyway.

  By evening they were back at William’s apartment and Chelan was worn out. She collapsed on the couch with boxes piled all around. Finally Jim came in through the door with a few more. “Good thing we took the Beemer. Never would have fit all this in the Ferrari.” And he kicked the door shut.

  Chelan shook her head. “Where did all those come from?”

  “Well, you took so long in some of the change rooms, I had to do something with my time.”

  Chelan was too tired to mount a protest. “You’re crazy.”

  Jim dropped the boxes at her feet. “Maybe, but you’re worth it.”

  Chelan looked down. “Jim, I will never live long enough to—”

  “Oh, stop your nonsense. Indulge me.”

  Chelan frowned at him as she reached for one of the mystery boxes, but Jim snatched them all up. “Later,” he said with a grin.

  Chelan eyed him warily as she stood and then gathered as many of her things as she could. “I’ll go hang these up.”

  Jim nodded. “And then come right back out. If you like, I’ll order in some food.”

  “That would be great,” she called over her shoulder as she packed the clothing down to her room. There she worked her way through the mountains of bags and boxes, putting away the fine silks and merino wools as gently as she could. She wasn’t sure that she would ever wear the precious designer garments, but Jim had been persistent, even downright stubborn. She cringed when she thought of the bill he would have to pay. But that didn’t seem to bother him either. It never had.

  She padded out into the dim light of the living room, squinting to focus. “Jim?” she called.

  “Right here.”

  Chelan whirled around to find him in the shadows. He stepped out and handed her a tall glass of champagne. She accepted. “Where did you get this?”

  “I picked it up while we were out, and I know where William keeps all his glasses.”

  “What’s it for?”

  “For you—simply that.”

  Chelan smiled and took a taste. She watched as he loosened the top button of his sports shirt. Then he sat down on the couch. She went to follow at first but chose instead to curl up on the chair across from him.

  He watched her as he sipped his drink. “Chelan?”

  “Uh-huh,” she answered dreamily.

  Jim looked down at his glass. “I’ve missed you desperately.”

  She appreciated his remark but was not so sure she could say the same. “We had some good times,” she replied.

  Jim hesitated. “It’s always been my dream that you would be found safe, and that you would return. In my heart I always knew you were out there somewhere.”

  Chelan remained silent and concentrated on her drink.

  Finally, he looked over at her, her features obscured by the dark. “Why did you come back to me?” he asked in a whisper.

  Chelan chose her words carefully. “Because you’re a friend, and because I know you will be discreet about my reappearance.”

  Jim looked out the windows and pondered her benign comment. “What do you want from me?”

  Chelan felt her heart thud with trepidation. What did she want from him? And more importantly, what could she give him in return? “I’m not sure,” she answered honestly. “Your company right now, and nothing more. I just need some time to sort my life out. And with my mom and dad gone, well, I just wanted to see an old friend.”

  Jim began to fidget with his glass. “What about my love?”

  Chelan held very still. She had always respected and admired Jim professionally. And he had always been good to her from an Earthly point of view. But she had never professed love for him. Hell, back then she didn’t know what love was. Yet it was obvious he still loved her on some level. She had denied him all physical access to her years ago because of shyness, inexperience, and the demons of her past. But none of that was a factor now. She had her men, and she would return to them. Jim was simply a familiar face, a temporary connection to her past.

  He watched her closely, waiting for her reply. “Chelan, I have so much I can offer you. You have but to say yes.”

  Suddenly, her blood froze. She didn’t want to discuss any form of an intimate relationship. She wanted a friend, and she hoped that at some point he could supply her with some work; that was it. Thinking of him as anything but a male companion simply did not compute. But she did not want to challenge him at the moment. The last thing she needed was a confrontation. She remembered exactly how used he was to getting whatever he wanted at any expense, and she was not going to do anything to set him off.

  “Give me time,” she whispered.

  Jim released the breath he had been holding, thankful that she had not turned him down flat. “I’ll accept that,” he said softly. “Would you like to eat?”

  Chelan shook her head, feeling the effects of the champagne on her empty stomach. “Actually,” she said, “I’m quite tired. Do you mind if we skip dinner and retire early?”

  Jim smiled. “Not at all. I’d thought of hitting the sack early myself. I think a morning workout is in order.” And he stood to leave.

  Chelan perked up. “So, your complex has a workout area?”

  “It sure does. Care to join me?”

  “I would love to.”

  “I had hoped you would. I can swing by about—”

  “No, you name a time, and I’ll grab a cab.”

  Jim frowned. “Okay,” he answered slowly. “If you prefer. How about seven-ish?”

  “Perfect.” Chelan stood and quietly traversed the floor between them. “Thank you for the lovely day.”

  Jim walked to the front foyer and then turned back to her as he gathered his coat
. “Until tomorrow.” And he leaned to her and pecked her on the cheek.

  Chelan smiled. “Until tomorrow.”

  Jim stepped out into the hall and then headed to the elevator. As he waited, he closed his eyes tight. She needed time, but he didn’t know how long he could last. Every time he thought of her warm naked body under him, he nearly lost himself. It would be so easy to take her so completely.

  Jim exhaled, his fantasies carrying him away. If only she would accept. If only she would open herself to him on every level. He shook his head. He had to get home to his own bed, and soon. With the drink, he no longer trusted himself with his thoughts.

  He looked back down the hall to William’s apartment. He would have her in every way, and soon—of that he had no doubt. And he smiled to himself. It was going to be the perfect reunion, for both of them.

  Chapter 17

  The rest of the week went well for the two as they spent their time together in a peaceful coexistence. Jim kept Chelan occupied nearly every moment of the day, taking her on lavish tours of the Windy City and to dine at all Chicago’s best restaurants. The rest of the time was taken up on long walks during which Chelan asked endless questions about Jim’s work and his expertise.

  Jim, however, found a dead end whenever he tried to steer the conversation around to her. After a week of prodding, she had still not relinquished one iota of information pertaining to her disappearance. But as time wore on, he cared less and less. As far as he was concerned, she had returned to him, and that was all that mattered.

  Chelan enjoyed her time with Jim, but she was conflicted about what to do with herself once he started back to work. She thought often about asking him to help with her original plan of finding work, but after all he had done for her already, she felt ill at ease about asking for the favor. The alternative was to go back to Oregon and tour all her old childhood haunts, but now that the weather was turning cold, her enthusiasm for that idea was waning.

  Finally, the week came to a close, and it was Monday morning. Chelan sprang out of bed, startled from her sleep by the sound of her security buzzer. She grabbed her robe and approached the door, peering out the peephole. She yanked open the door open. “Jim! I thought you would be at work.”

  “I’m just on my way. Sorry to wake you.”

  Chelan tried to clear her vision. “Come on in. What can I do for you?”

  He sniffed the air. “How about a quick cup of coffee?”

  Chelan smiled. “I put the machine on a timer. It should be nearly done.”

  Jim followed her into the kitchen and sat down at the counter. Chelan poured him a cup and then went to the fridge to grab an apple. She pulled up a stool, sat across from him, and stifled a yawn. “So, what’s with the early morning visit?”

  “I just wanted to touch base and drop something off. And by the way, I hope you’re going to eat more than that.”

  Chelan pointed to his coffee cup. “I hope you’re going to eat more than that,” she countered.

  Jim grinned. “I have a breakfast meeting.”

  “Oh sure,” she teased.

  Jim nodded her way. “So what are you going to do all day?”

  Chelan shrugged. “Work out here—just light stretching. I want to pick up a few fresh vegetables at the market down the street. Then I’ll catch up on all the world news I missed last week because you kept me so busy.” She grinned at him. “Don’t worry about me. How about you—busy day?”

  Jim rolled his eyes. “Lots to catch up on. Have a meeting with a friend of mine, too. I had nearly forgotten about it. Good thing I didn’t.”

  Chelan swallowed a bite of the apple. “Important?”

  “Yeah. We work together often.” He smiled and then dug into his pocket. “Here is the key to the car, and my complex… And this one’s for the suite—you know, if you ever want a change of venue.”

  Chelan took another bite of her apple. “Thanks,” she mumbled. “But I won’t need them,” she added, and passed the keys back.

  Jim frowned at her as he slid the keys her way again. “Keep them. It gives you access any time you want. You can even come over and use the workout facilities whenever you wish.”

  Chelan didn’t feel like fighting a losing battle. She took the keys, even the key to the car she would never drive. “Stubborn as ever, I see,” she said.

  Jim raised his brows. “You’re not doing so bad in that department yourself.”

  Chelan watched him as he stood. He put his cup in the dishwasher and then started toward the door. He did up his suit jacket and wool coat. “Stay out of trouble,” he said. “I’ll try to make it a short day, and maybe we can get together later.”

  Chelan smiled and followed him to the door. “I suspect you have more than enough to do, so no worries. I have plenty of things to keep me occupied.”

  Jim nodded. “We'll play things by ear then. Have a great day.”

  “I will.” And she shut the door. As soon as she was sure he was gone, she grabbed a cup of coffee for herself and turned on a local news channel. But it was not long into her relaxing morning that she was hit with abdominal cramping. Her period had begun, and Chelan thanked Fremma over and over in her mind for the little white pills he had supplied.

  At four o’clock, the phone rang and Chelan listened carefully. She waited and was relieved when the answering machine finally took it. Then she heard the voice on it calling her. “Chelan. It’s Jim. If you’re home, pick up.”

  Chelan trotted to the phone and grabbed it. “Hi.”

  “Hi there, Chel. How’s the day been so far?”

  “Fine. I’m afraid I didn’t do too much that would be considered constructive, but I stayed out of trouble, as per your suggestion.”

  Jim laughed. “Well, good. Look. Remember I told you I had a meeting today?”

  “Yep.”

  “Well, he’s a friend I met just over two years ago and he’s a computer and communications genius. He works mostly with wireless stuff. Anyway, we usually go out on the town whenever we can, but since you’re here, I thought maybe the three of us could get—”

  “No, that’s okay,” she said quickly. “You go out and have a good time. I’m fine here at home.”

  Jim sighed. “Look, I’ve already invited him over to my place. I would really like you to come over, as I really think you should meet a couple of other people. In my humble opinion, you’re too isolated right now.”

  Chelan chewed at her lip. She was pretty sure Jim was completely uninterested in expanding her social sphere. More likely he was just looking for an excuse to see her again. “In your humble opinion, hey? Since when have you ever had a humble opinion on anything?”

  Jim laughed. “Touché, but I do think you would enjoy meeting him.”

  Chelan was temporarily mute. “Do I know him?”

  “No, no. That’s why I thought it would be okay. You’ll like him. We work out at the same gym when we get a chance to.”

  “Who will you tell him I am?”

  “How about I tell him the truth? You’re an old friend who’s come for a visit.”

  Chelan remained silent for a long time.

  “Come on, Chelan. Talk to me. You have to broaden your horizons anyway. You can’t stay locked up in Will’s place forever—not that I mind having you so close. Look, this guy works contract too. In fact, he may be good company for you when I’m not around. That’s if you keep you hands off of him, of course.” And he laughed.

  But Chelan was not laughing. Yet how could she explain her need for isolation? Going out for dinners as they had was bad enough. Maybe the best thing to do was cooperate. After all, she could always leave if need be. “Okay,” she conceded. “Should I arrive later or go over to your place now and make dinner?”

  “Oh, god, no. If we need to we can order something in. Besides, I don’t think he can stay long tonight. Are you sure you don’t mind?”

  “No, and you’re right. I should meet some people.”

  “Good�
�great! We’ll be at my place about six. See you then.”

  Chelan hung up, her anxiety catching up with her. But no matter what Jim’s true agenda was, he was right. She did need some contacts, especially if she was going to work. And besides, what was the harm in meeting a few of Jim’s friends? After all, it would take the interpersonal pressure off of her in his presence.

  Then, suddenly, she thought of William. Quickly, she called up his work number and was connected.

  “Chelan, are you okay?”

  “Yes, I just needed to hear your voice again.”

  “You still doing okay in the apartment?”

  “I’m doing wonderfully here, Will. Your place is amazing.”

  “Good! I’m glad. You seeing much of Jim?”

  “Yes. Plenty. He took a week off just to entertain me.”

  “Excellent. Any problems?”

  Chelan hesitated. “No… Well, yes. He’s bringing someone back to his place tonight and he wants me to meet this guy… a colleague of some sort. I’m just a little uneasy.”

  “Hey, little sister. You’ll do fine.”

  “Oh, Will. You know this person will ask questions.”

  “Hey, Chel. Just field them the best you can. Jim’s a very confidential guy, and his friends are too. If his pal gets too personal, just excuse yourself and head home.”

  Chelan held her head as though it weighed a ton. “You’re right. I’ll be fine.”

  “Sure you will. And remember: Jim will want to hang on to you at all costs. He’s not going to risk losing you. If he sees that you’re too uncomfortable, he won’t bring any more guests around to meet you.”

  Chelan smiled. “You’re right as usual.”

  William laughed. “As always, you mean.”

  Chelan smiled and hung up. She took a calming breath. Everything was going to be fine. She was bright, she was great at casual conversation, and she had all her Imperial training to fall back on. Nothing would go wrong.

  She looked at the time again. Maybe on her way she could pick up a little something as a gift for the host. There was a bakery just around the corner, and that would do nicely.

  She had better change, she thought, and she walked into her room. She looked over her new wardrobe and decided immediately not to be too flamboyant or overly conspicuous. She slid into her jeans and chose a pretty pink silk blouse. Then she put on some white socks and headed out to the living room. She donned a jacket and called down to the front desk to request a cab, giving herself just enough time to get to the bakery and back.