by Lori Foster
“That’s right. And no, not particularly.” Then he pulled a wad of money from his pocket, all of it bills that had been stuffed into his briefs. “But it pays well.”
“I can see that it does. There are easier ways to make money, though.”
Judd settled back against the wall and folded his arms across his chest. He was so anxious, his mouth was dry. But he kept his pose, and his tone, almost bored. He gave a slow, relaxed smile, then said, “Why don’t you tell me about it.”
JUDD WAS still trying to figure out how he was going to keep Emily out of the picture. He couldn’t risk her by taking her along, but if she was told the truth, she’d insist on coming with him. They’d argue, and she’d end up with hurt feelings.
He couldn’t bear the thought of that. Her feelings were fragile, and she was such a gentle woman, the thought of upsetting her made him feel like an ogre. But dammit all, he had to keep her safe. Max was dead, but Emily was very much alive. He had to make certain she would be okay.
Eight days. Not long enough, but then, no amount of time would be enough with Emily. The way he felt about her scared him silly, and it had been a long time since he’d felt fear. Growing up in the wrong part of town, with his father so drunk and angry and unpredictable, he’d gotten used to thinking fast and moving faster. Which was maybe why he’d never settled down with any one woman.
He wouldn’t settle down now, either.
He couldn’t. Not with Emily. She deserved so much more than he could ever give her, more than he’d ever imagined possessing. Not material things—she had those already, and he wasn’t exactly a pauper. He could provide for her. But emotional things? Family and background and happy memories? He couldn’t give her that. But he wanted to. So damn much.
She reached over and touched his shoulder as he drove through the dark, quiet streets of Springfield. “What happened, Judd? You’ve been so quiet since talking with Donner.”
He couldn’t tell her the truth, so he lied. And hated himself for it. “Nothing happened. He questioned me a little. Tried to feel me out. But he didn’t give me a single concrete thing to go on.”
“So…” She swallowed, looking wary and relieved. “So you don’t know yet what his plans are?”
“No.” He flicked her a look. The streetlights flashing by sent a steady rhythm of golden color over her features. She was so beautiful. “I guess we’ll have to keep up the cover a little longer. I, ah, suppose I can let you out of it if you think it’ll pose a problem. I mean, with John being home now and all.”
“No!” She gripped his arm, then suddenly relaxed. “No. I don’t mind continuing…as we have been.”
A little of his tension eased. He desperately needed a few more days with her. Once it was over, he’d have no further hold on her, and he wouldn’t be able to put off doing the right thing. But for now…He tugged on her hand. “Come here, babe.”
Emily slid over on the seat until their thighs touched and her seat belt pinched her side. She laid her head on his shoulder. Judd felt a lump of emotion that nearly choked him, and he swallowed hard. For so long, he’d been driven to get Donner and to avenge Max’s death. He’d thought doing so would give him peace and allow him to get on with his life. But he realized now, after claiming Emily as his own for such a short time, there would be no peace. His life would be just as empty after Donner was convicted as it had been before. Maybe even more so, because now, he knew what he was missing.
EMILY FELT like a thief. She was getting rather good at sneaking around. It still made her uneasy, but with Judd always watching her so closely, the subterfuge was necessary.
In order to “protect” her, he’d sort of moved in. It was a temporary situation, prompted by Judd’s concern over the break-in. He’d never once made mention of any emotional involvement, but his concern for her was obvious. And though it made her plans that much more difficult to follow, she was glad to have him in her home.
During the day he teased her and talked with her; he made her feel special. And at night…the nights were endless and hot and carnal. Judd touched her in ways she’d never imagined, but now craved. The shocking suggestions he whispered in her ear, the things he did to her, and the greedy, anxious way she accepted it all, could only be described as wicked—deliciously wicked. She loved his touch, his scent, the taste of him. She loved him, more with every day.
They had to be discreet, with John in the house, slipping into bed together after he was asleep, and making certain to be up before him. But John seemed to take great pleasure in having Judd around, even trying to emulate him in several ways. The two men had become very close.
Emily had thought long and hard about her situation with Judd, and her main priority was to take every moment she could with him. She suspected John might be aware of their intimate relationship, but since she would never ask either man to leave, there was no help for it. And she simply couldn’t feel any shame in loving Judd.
Now, as she slipped from the bedroom an hour before the sun was up, Emily thought of her plan. She knew Donner would be making his deal tomorrow at the abandoned produce warehouse on Fourth Street. She had her camera loaded and ready. If she could get a really good, incriminating picture, there would be no reason for Judd to continue his investigation. He would be safe.
Giving Judd the evidence he needed would be her gift to him, to help him put the past to rest. Then maybe he’d want her to be a part of his future.
She was at the kitchen table studying a map when she heard Judd start down the steps. Seconds later, when he entered the kitchen, she tried not to look guilty. The map, now a wadded, smashed ball of paper, was stuffed safely in a cabinet drawer.
“What are you doing up so early, babe?”
Emily drank in the sight of him, standing there with his hair on end and his eyes blurry. There was so little time left. After tomorrow, his case would be over, the threat would be gone and Judd would leave her. She rushed across the floor in her bare feet and hugged him.
Judd seemed startled for a moment, and then his arms came around her, squeezing tight. “What’s wrong, Em?”
“Nothing. I just couldn’t sleep.”
He set her away from him. “Take a seat and I’ll start some coffee.”
She sat, and fiddled with the edge of a napkin. “Judd?”
“Hmm?”
“I have some stuff I have to do tomorrow. Around two.”
His hand, searching for a coffee mug, stopped in midreach. When he turned around, he wore a cautious expression and his posture seemed too stiff. “Oh? What kind of stuff?”
“Nothing really important. I have a load of clothes to drop off at the shelter, and some packages to send to an aunt for her birthday.” She held his gaze, striving for a look of innocence. “And I think I’ll do a little grocery shopping, too.”
All at once he seemed to relax and his breath escaped in a sigh, as if he’d been holding it. He gifted her with a small smile. “Well, don’t worry about me. I’m sure I can find something to occupy my time. In fact, I should go check on my mail and maybe pay a few bills.”
Emily congratulated herself on her performance. She’d been brilliant and he’d believed every word. Now, if she could only get him to leave before her so she wouldn’t have to try to sneak out. He’d surely notice her clothes, dark slacks and a sweater, since he’d never seen her wear anything like them before. She liked the outfit. It made her feel like 007.
An hour later, all three of them were finishing breakfast. It was a relaxing atmosphere, casual and close, like that of a real family. Emily smiled, thinking how perfect it seemed.
That’s when her parents arrived.
THE INTRODUCTIONS were strained and painful. Judd remembered now why he’d never done this. Meeting a mother, especially when you were barefoot and hadn’t shaven yet could make the occasion doubly awkward. He thought about bowing out, letting Emily and John have time alone with their parents, but one look at their faces and he knew he wasn’t going to
budge.
“What is he doing here, Emily?”
“I told you, Mother, he’s a friend.”
“What kind of friend?”
“What kind do you think, Father?”
Judd winced. He’d never seen Emily act so cool, or so defensive. And her smart reply had Jonathan Sr. turning his way. “I think you should remove yourself.”
Judd raised an eyebrow. Well, that was blunt. Before he could come up with a suitable reply, Emily fairly burst beside him.
“You overstep yourself. This is my house, and Judd is my guest.”
That startled Judd, but evidently not as much as it did Emily’s family. They all stared, and Emily glared back. “Uh, Em…”
“No.” She raised one slim, imperious hand. “I want you to stay, Judd.”
Evelyn Cooper stepped forth. She was an attractive woman, with hair as dark as Emily’s and eyes just as big. For the briefest moment, Judd wondered if this was what Emily would look like when she got older—and he felt bereft that he’d never know.
“We have family business to discuss, Emily. It isn’t proper for a stranger to be here.”
John snorted. “He isn’t a stranger, he’s a very good friend. And he already knows all about me. I trust him.”
Evelyn narrowed her eyes at her son. “I wasn’t talking about your irresponsible behavior. You will, of course, return with us. We’ve found the perfect surgeon.” Then her gaze traveled again to Judd. “I was speaking of Emily’s…unseemly conduct.”
Judd was still reeling over the way John had just defended him. He was a friend? A very good, trusted friend? He felt like smiling, even though he knew now wasn’t the time. Then Evelyn’s words sank in. Unseemly?
John had told him that Emily never stood up to her parents, that she took their insults and their politely veiled slurs without retaliating. Probably because she still felt guilty for misjudging her fiancé and causing her parents an embarrassment. But to put up with this? He didn’t like it, but he also didn’t think he should interfere between Emily and her parents. He drew a deep breath, and tried to remain silent.
Emily lifted her chin. “I’m not entirely certain John wants to see another surgeon, or that it’s at all necessary.”
“John will do as he’s told.”
“Despite what he wants?”
Jonathan Sr. harrumphed. “He’s too young to know what he wants, and certainly too irrational at this point to make a sound decision. It’s possible the scars can be completely removed. Appearances being what they are, I think we should explore every avenue.”
Judd stood silently while a debate ensued. John made it clear he didn’t want any further surgery. The last doctor had been very precise. The scars would diminish with time, and beyond that, nothing more could be done. Judd thought it was a sensible decision on the boy’s part, but John’s father disagreed. And though he’d told himself he wouldn’t interfere, Judd couldn’t stop himself from interrupting.
“Will you love your son any less with the scars?”
Both parents went rigid. Then Jonathan shook his head. “This has nothing to do with love!”
“Well, maybe that’s the problem.”
That brought a long moment of silence. Evelyn looked at her husband, and then at her son. “We only want what’s best for you.”
“Then leave me alone. I’m sick of being picked over by a bunch of doctors. I did a dumb thing, and now I have some scars. It’s not great, but it’s not the end of the world, either. They’re just scars. I’d like to forget about what happened and get on with my life.”
Jonathan frowned. “What life? Skulking around in the slums and getting into more trouble? We won’t tolerate any more nonsense.”
“Is that why you wanted to keep me out of the country? Dad, I could find trouble anywhere if that’s what I really wanted. But I don’t.” He looked at Judd, then sighed. “I’m sorry for the way I’ve acted. Really. But I want to stay here now. With Emmie.”
Jonathan shared another look with his wife, then narrowed his eyes at Emily. “I’m not certain that’s a good idea. Emily’s always been a bad influence on you.”
Judd waited, but still, Emily offered no defense. It frustrated him, the way she allowed her parents to verbally abuse her. Again, he spoke up, but he kept his tone gentle. “It seems to me Emily’s been a great influence. Didn’t you just hear your son apologize and promise to stay out of trouble? What more could you ask for?”
Evelyn squeezed her eyes shut as if in pain. “Good Lord, Emily. He’s just like the other one, isn’t he? How much will it cost us this time to get you out of this mess?”
Judd froze. They couldn’t possibly mean what he thought they meant. He looked at Emily, saw her broken expression and lost any claim to calm. But Emily forestalled his show of outrage.
“How dare you?”
She’d said it so softly, he almost hadn’t heard her. The way her parents stared, they must have doubted their ears, too.
“How dare you even think to compare them?” Her voice rose, gaining strength. She trembled in her anger. “You don’t know him, you have no idea what kind of man he is.”
Judd was appalled when he saw the tears in her eyes. He touched her arm. “Emily, honey, don’t.” She hadn’t defended herself, but she was defending him? He couldn’t bear to be the cause of dissension between her and her family. It seemed to him they had enough to get straight without his intrusion.
Emily acted as though he weren’t there. She drew herself up into a militant stance and said, “I would like you both to leave.”
Jonathan glared. “You’re throwing us out?”
“Absolutely. I’ve listened long enough to your accusations and disapproval. I won’t ever be the daughter you want, so I’m done trying.”
Evelyn laid a hand to her chest. “But we just got here. We came all the way from Europe.”
Emily blinked, then gave a short nod. “You may have ten minutes to refresh yourselves. Then I want you gone.” And she turned and walked out of the room.
Judd started to go after her when he heard Jonathan say, “You’re not good enough for her, you know.”
He never slowed his pace. “Yeah, I know.”
But before he’d completely left the room, he heard John whisper, his tone filled with disgust, “You’re both wrong. They’re perfect…for each other.”
WHAT DID KIDS KNOW? Judd asked himself that question again and again. So John liked him. That didn’t mean he could step in and do something outrageous like ask Emily to marry him. No, he couldn’t do that.
But he could let her know how special she was, how perfect…to him.
When he found her in the bedroom, she was no longer crying. She sat still and silent in a chair, her back to the door, staring out a window.
“You okay?”
“I’m fine.”
She wasn’t and he knew that. He made a quick decision, then knelt beside her chair. After smoothing back her hair, he brushed his thumb over her soft temple. “Maybe you should go talk to them, babe. No yelling, no silent acceptance. Talk. Tell them how you feel, how they make you feel. They love you, you know. They don’t mean to hurt you.”
She didn’t look at him. “How do you know they love me?”
Because I love you, and I can’t imagine anyone not loving you. “You’re a beautiful, giving, caring person. What’s not to love?”
Her face tilted toward him, and he saw a fresh rush of tears. He kissed one away from her cheek. “Talk to them, Em. Don’t let them leave like this.” He stroked her cold fingers, then enfolded them in his own. “Anything can happen, I learned that with Max. Time is too short to waste, and there are too many needy people in the world to turn away those that love you.”
She squeezed her eyes shut and tightened her lips, as if trying to silence herself. Judd stood, then pulled her to her feet. “Go. Talk to them. I’ll get showered and dressed.”
“In other words, you intend to stay out of the way?”
She stared up at him, her eyes huge, her lashes wet with tears, and Judd couldn’t stop himself from kissing her. He’d wanted to spend this last day with her, to fill himself with her because after tomorrow, he’d have no reason to be in her house, no reason to keep her close. No reason to love her. He pulled back slowly, but placed another kiss on the corner of her mouth, her chin, the tip of her nose.
“You’d better get a move on before they leave. The ten minutes you gave them is almost up.”
She laughed. “If you knew my parents, you’d know how little that mattered. They think I’m on the road to ruin. I doubt they’re about to budge one inch.” Then she hugged him. “Thank you, Judd. You’re the very best.”
As she left the bedroom, he grinned, hoping she’d work things out, and wondering at the same time…the best of what?
Chapter 10
UNFORTUNATELY, IT RAINED. EMILY FELT THE dampness seep through her thick sweater and slacks. But she supposed the rain was good for one thing—it made her less conspicuous lurking around the back of abandoned warehouses.
Leaving today hadn’t been too difficult. Judd had gone on his errands before her, and her parents, though they had stayed in town, hadn’t remained at her house. They had talked a long time yesterday, and her mother had said they hoped to “work things out.” They’d been apologetic, and they’d listened. Emily wondered at their change of heart, and if they’d still feel the same after she went against their wishes and brought charges against Clayton Donner.
This particular produce warehouse had several gates where a semi could have backed up to unload its goods. Three feet high and disgustingly dirty, the bottom of the gate proved to be a bit of a challenge as Emily tried to hoist herself up. The metal door was raised just enough for her to slip through, and although she still had time before Donner was due to arrive, she wanted to be inside, safely ensconced in her hiding place so there’d be no chance of her being detected.