by Debra Jupe
He studied her face glowing in the blaze. “Believe what you want. She was no innocent. Cruz discovered that my company isn’t the first law firm she’s sued. She’s done this before.”
Katie took a moment before she spoke. “So she’s about the money.”
“The almighty dollar. Believe it or not, Katie, some individuals revel in green.”
“You’re getting let down again,” She warned deliberately. “By hanging out with Vanessa. You’re bound to be burned another time.”
He’d wondered how long it would take for her to bring that up. “No worries. Nothing happened with Vanessa, nor will it. I only called her after several beers, I might add. We had, maybe a fifteen minute conversation.”
“She insinuated you went out. Like on a date.”
“I’m aware. But that’s not true. I happen to mention the bar I planned on going to later in the evening while on the phone. She showed up. I bought her one drink. We spent a couple of hours together, had a few laughs, and I left. Alone.” Tired of these discussions and even more frustrated at his physical response to her, Jack rose to his feet not quite meeting her gaze. “Can we please let this go?”
“You’re the one who brought up the subject.”
“I’m getting water now.”
He stomped toward the kitchen. Inside, he snapped the light switch to on. Rummaging through the cupboards, he searched for a glass or a cup but the majority of them were empty. All he wanted was a drink of fricken’ water. He slammed a cabinet door and opened another.
How dare she look so enticing? She seemed oblivious to the fact he found her attractive, and to make matters worse, she appeared dismayed over his recklessness. He was a guy, for Christ’s sake. He did guy things. Another cabinet bare. He banged the door harder. Even a place this outdated ought to have some sort of glassware.
“Why are you beating up my grandmother’s house?”
He jerked and twisted around. Katie stood in the threshold of the tiny room. Their eyes met, but his gaze dropped and lingered to where the top two buttons of her sleep shirt was left undone. The gap formed a perfect V and revealed her smooth skin over the apexes of her pert breasts.
She closed the space between them, giving him a better view. The vision blended with her fresh scent, and zinged him directly into his exploding hormones, which spewed to the point of rivaling a teenager’s.
“Jack?”
He forced his eyes upward and gazed at her face where she returned his stare with an impatient glare.
“What’s with all the noise?”
He swung away from her and groused, “Can’t find a glass.”
“No need to tear the place down.” She swept past him, opened the far cabinet, removed a jar, and handed it to him.
He took the flask and inched away. “What is this?”
“A canning jar. Nana used them for drinking glasses. She didn’t waste money on anything extravagant.”
“Glasses are extravagant?”
She angled her head and smiled. “Nana thought so.”
Jack held the container under the faucet and flipped the handle, filling it with water and muttered, “Might as well be camped out in a damn cave.”
“Why are you in such a foul mood?”
He whipped around. “Because I want to…” His gaze drifted to her mouth. Her tongue nervously ran over her full lips, moistening them.
Kiss you.
Heat flared inside his belly, scorching his insides like a firestorm boiling through his body. He wanted more than just a kiss. A hell of a lot more. He shook his head and blinked, then downed the lukewarm water in one swallow. Damn this woman with her sexy legs and exquisite cleavage. The idea of a cold night in an isolated farmhouse, snuggled against her, or better yet inside her, in front of the fire had a definite appeal, no matter how ill-advised. He’d had enough of behaving rashly. Still, his libido would soon overrule his brain if he didn’t get away from her. “Because you want to?” Index fingers pointed, she circled her hands in a wheeling motion as if to prompt him to complete the thought.
“Nothing.”
She sighed loud and spun toward the doorway.
“What happened with your fiancé?” he blurted.
Katie turned and stared at him. “We…,” she fumbled and folded her arms across her stomach, almost defiantly. “What?”
He cleared his throat, not understanding where the sudden question about her love life came from, but since he brought the subject up, “I’ve confessed my humiliating transgressions. Your turn to answer some questions. You were engaged and you’re not anymore. How come?”
She ducked her head and mumbled, “We weren’t meant to be.”
“Don’t buy it.”
“Buy whatever, that’s the reason.” She raised her chin and laughed resentfully. “We wanted different things. I had personal goals and was driven to achieve them and he, he wasn’t.”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning.” She tightened her arms around her waist, clutching her biceps. “Too often men find my family’s money more enticing than me. Usually I can tell the difference, but this guy…” She gazed at him. Her eyes held a trace of sadness. “I do understand about those who revel in the green.”
“I’m sorry, Katie. I didn’t realize.”
“I don’t want your pity, Jack.”
“I’m not giving you any pity—”
“Yes you are,” she interrupted, her voice raised to a harsh pitch. “You’ve always misjudged me. I have feelings, Jack.” She spun toward the living area. “I’m exhausted, and I’m going to bed.”
Without a glimpse in his direction, she brushed past him, hurried into the next room, and disappeared. The click of her bedroom door closing echoed through the silent house.
Jack crossed into the main area to douse the gas flames, then stood with his hands on his hips and glowered into the darkness. That went well. He should be happy he’d pissed her off and made her go away. Instead her ire left him unsettled.
Inside his room, he dug into his bag and extracted his favorite sweats. Pretending to sleep in that cramped space last night, so close to Katie, had drained him. He needed to rest. Changed and in bed, he lay on a too thin mattress, which resembled a torture device. The springs whined at his every movement. Hands linked behind his head, covered to his neck, he stared at the ceiling as his mind drifted.
What was he doing here? He should be at his new job, which Jed assured him he’d square with Aaron if he’d keep an eye on Katie and bring her home. A feat wouldn’t be easy or as quick as he first believed. Anything to take care of the princess.
So here he was. Looking after the Drapier’s little darling.
Someone he used to couldn’t stand.
Used to.
He threw the covers off and rose from the too soft pillows that’s comfortable days were long past. When did he start liking her? True, he discovered on the day they’d reconnected that he wanted her physically, except this was more than about sex.
Jack liked Katie. Unreal. He found her smart, entertaining, funny. Cruz was right. She’d blossomed into a damn good-looking woman. He walked to his doorway and stood in the threshold, staring across the hall where she slept.
He owed Jed and Lila, no doubt. But the price he would have to pay in return may’ve risen too high.
Chapter 16
“Ugh!” Vanessa slammed the door followed by the click of her high heels against the travertine tiles. The tick faded as she trekked onto the carpet. Tara trialed close behind, her feet hurried in double time to keep up.
Rhett raised his chin from his electronic tablet. “Darling, this is my home. I had the door shipped from East Asia. Hand carved. The beveled glass inside is etched to perfection and most expensive. Please be careful.”
Vanessa flung her body onto a settee and dropped her bag onto the floor, not caring about the damage she might’ve done to Rhett’s stupid entryway. The man was loaded. He could afford to replace whatever she ruined.
Rhett returned to his tablet. “What is the current catastrophe are we dealing with?”
“If I’m forced to go out on one more date with this dull, bore of a cop, I’m going to throw up my entire insides.”
Rhett slid his pad onto the glassed coffee table, and leaped from his chair. “Not on the Berber.” Hands held up on either side of his head, he wiggled his fingers. “Should I get you a pan?”
Tara, who’d walked to the far end of the room and parked on a fainting chair, eyed Rhett with a smirk. “Just an expression. She’s not really going to barf.”
“Barf,” he repeated. He flashed an irritated glance at her, and then planted his fists to his hips. “Such a poetical term for the word vomit.”
Vanessa lounged on her back, clutching her forehead. “My head is pounding.”
Rhett looked away, still annoyed, but Tara’s concerned gaze remained on her. “Is there anything we can do?”
Vanessa dropped an arm over her eyes and groaned louder. “Yes. Leave me alone.”
“Perhaps you should go to your own home, if solitude is what you crave,” Rhett suggested. “I’d also appreciate you remove those impalers disguised as shoes from my sofa. The fabric is a rare silk. Costs me a fortune.”
“I have aspirin,” Tara expressed in a hopeful tone.
Vanessa peeked from underneath her forearm. “Aspirin won’t work.” Though disagreeable, she consented to Rhett’s request and shifted her feet from the couch’s pillow. “Run to the drugstore downstairs and get me something stronger. There’s bound to be some over the counter meds for migraines.”
“It’s awfully late. I doubt they’re open.”
Vanessa wrestled to her elbows, her eyes flickered instant anger. “Then go to another pharmacy. I need medication before my brain explodes.”
She slumped to the sofa’s cushion. Rhett paid a pretty penny to live in this piece of luxury. He could phone the concierge, and the staff would deliver anything a tenant or guest desired. Except she was ready to get rid of Tara. The girl may be competent in many areas, but she got on Vanessa’s nerves.
Tara huffed as she rose. She stomped to where Vanessa had dumped her pocketbook and bent to snatch something from the inside. “I’ll be damned if I buy you anything with my money when you act like a bitch.” She twisted a plastic square between her fingers. “I’m using your credit card.”
Vanessa sat up and shouted, “You are my subordinate.” She flopped back onto the couch. “I wish you’d remember that sometimes.”
Clumping to the exit, Tara banged the door.
Rhett flinched as he watched her leave. He turned to Vanessa with a frown. “I not sure how much longer I can stand that appalling woman.”
“You’re the one who insisted I keep her.”
He lowered to his chair. “Doesn’t explain why you brought her here.”
“She’s my assistant. As much I detest the idea, she goes where I go.”
He raised his brows. “She accompanied you on your date?”
Vanessa pushed her body up to sit, planting her feet onto the floor. “I wish.”
“Bad?”
“Horrible. He took me to a snack shop for dinner. At the mall.” Vanessa squealed, still unable to comprehend this dude who thought she’d be willing to spend her evening in a shopping center’s delicatessen. “Can you believe he’s trying to impress me, to get me into bed, and he buys me a sandwich?” She made a motion over her tailored, designer dress.” Do I look like a submarine, hoagie kind of women?”
“Cops salary. Or lack of. Doubtless all he could afford.”
“He might as well apply for welfare if that’s the best he can do.”
“You may be giving off the impression you’re a cheap date.”
She glared at him, but her venomous scowl didn’t seem to bother him.
“This is your vendetta, sweet cheeks. You must endure the man’s parsimony to achieve your goal.”
“I’m done enduring anything after tonight. His usefulness is long over.” She leaned forward, picked up her purse, and removed her cell phone. “I’m ditching this guy.”
“By text?” Rhett looked incredulous as he watched her punch the letters on the miniature keyboard. “How cold? Especially since he did, however unwitting, give you information about Hazel’s case. You ought to at least call to give him the bad news. In person would be better.”
Vanessa ignored his suggestion and continued to move her thumbs swiftly over her screen. She could care less about how she unloaded the dupe. Past tired of his tedious cop stories, and his constant telling her he found his work so rewarding that it made her want to gag. Hazel’s murder was the most exciting investigation he’d been involved in since he’d joined the force. Fortunately for her, he couldn’t wait to spill details. Now she didn’t need the silly cop. She’d always been able to cajole her way through any situation and come out on top with little or no help. His involvement just made things go quicker.
“Done.” Vanessa replaced her phone.
“You’re sure this decision is a wise one? You may need to extract more data, and you’ve cut off your information line.”
“Everything is in place. I don’t require anything else from him.” She raised her chin, and smiled. “I can re-erect the relationship if I need him.”
“You’re certainly confident.”
“Never been a guy I couldn’t get. More than once, if necessary.”
Rhett cleared his throat. “How goes the romance with the handsome, but tarnished attorney?”
Her smile faltered. “Still in progress.”
He smirked knowingly. “Hasn’t fallen for you yet?”
“Things with Jack aren’t going as swift as I anticipated which is okay. He must get his act together and be a practicing attorney again before I’m willing to make my move. I refuse to take on his problems.”
“Publically, of course. Don’t tell me you wouldn’t be opposed to secretly dabbling in his briefs.”
She laughed. “That’s a possibility. He has such potential for the future once his little storm blows over. I’d rather wait.”
“I’m confused with your fascination concerning this man. Granted, his pictures show he’s attractive enough, yet his employment status is on hold, and his reputation is shot. What’s the appeal? “
“The guy oozes charisma. He’s associated with the right people who may not support him publically, but my sources say they back him privately. He’ll be forgiven and eventually successful again. His contacts will be useful for my career at Weddings Fantastic. Once he’s cleaned up, he’ll be delicious arm candy.”
She didn’t understand her interest for Jackson Pharrell either. All Vanessa knew was she wanted him. Maybe because she’d gotten a whiff Katherine Drapier had the hots for him, and her inability to get him. Vanessa loved the idea of attaining something that women couldn’t.
Rhett shook his head. “I still don’t see how an association with him will benefit you. Even if he overcomes these allegations, he will be tainted for a long time.”
“We’ll make a marvelous couple.”
“What about Katherine? You’re sure she’s on her way out of the picture?”
“She will be soon. I feel it. We’re not too far from putting Katherine away forever.”
“You’re not too far from putting Katherine away forever.” Rhett corrected, a flicker of misgiving sparked in his eyes. “I possess no ill will against the girl, other than she turned down my job offer. Such a shame.” A hand flittered in the air. “We would’ve made an awesome team. Maybe once I acquire Weddings Fantastic, I can lure her back, if she doesn’t go to jail.”
“Rhett.”
“Oh she’s pricy, but the girl’s talent is unmatchable, and people wrangle to use her to do their affairs.”
“Rhett.” Vanessa jumped off the sofa and stomped a foot. She glowered at him, fingers extended across her hips.
He pulled his bottom lip to appear chastened. “Sorry, dear. At one
point, I didn’t care who took the blame for Hazel’s demise, but I’ve reconsidered. You’re insisting on pinning a murder on this poor woman is a damn disgrace. She exhibits such a gift.” He raised his eyes and sharply looked at her. “I know I’ve asked you before, but what is your problem with Katherine, anyway? She must have done something dreadful to make you so intent to ruin her life.”
“I want to manage Weddings Fantastic, and she’s in my way.” Vanessa clamped her mouth shut and returned to her seat.
“Hard to believe that’s your only hindrance against the girl. I sense other objectives.” He held up a hand and turned away. “No. Changed my mind. I don’t want to know. All I care about is I acquire Weddings Fantastic.” He paused. “Word from my attorney the private sale is going smoothly. I’ve signed the contracts and issued a check, I’m waiting on the Nutt side to complete their end.”
“Can’t wait till all of this is over.” She lips turned up slyly. “I’ll have everything I want.”
Rhett shook his head with a tsk.
“Excuse me,” Vanessa fumed. “You’re the one who wants to buy Weddings Fantastic, remember. You were okay with going with the slow method, and run Hazel’s business into the ground so you could buy her out. I developed this plan on spec. I came up with this idea quickly after I’d discovered her untimely demise.”
Rhett picked up his electronic pad, and bent to study the screen, releasing a soft hum. “Yes. I’m aware. For years, I wanted Hazel Nutt out of my hair, and I thought acquiring her business as an extension of Affairs Amore would be a sound investment. I bet she’d be doing backflips in her grave if she realized I’m planning purchase her precious company.”
“Be careful. She may come back and haunt you.”
He lifted his chin and gazed at Vanessa. “Don’t speak of such things.”
She chuckled. “Surely you don’t believe in ghosts.”
“I do imagine some spirits roam because they cannot rest for whatever reason. Hazel Nutt was a horrible human being, and did many bad things to a lot of people. I wonder if her soul will ever be at peace in the hereafter.”
“If you insist in accepting such foolishness, then―”