The Gentlewoman

by Lisa Durkin

  They decided to go out for dinner since there was no food in Rory’s house. Loading into Devon’s Tahoe, Rory spied her seventy-two-year-old neighbor peering over the hedge. Mr. Lucas was the Grinch. He hated loud music, didn’t like animals and kept track of the comings and goings of the entire neighborhood just to make sure nobody was doing anything that looked like fun. Rory swore under her breath and plastered a fake smile on her face.

  “Hello, Mr. Lucas, how are you doing? Isn’t it kind of chilly for you to be out in the night air?” She looked at Devon and rolled her eyes.

  “Well, Rory, I was just checking to see who was parking in your drive, what with you out of town so much. Can’t be too careful these days.” Rory was duly chastised.

  “Well, yes, Mr. Lucas, I am spending time in DC serving in the Congress, you know.” Rory knew this didn’t impress the curmudgeon at all. “How is Mrs. Lucas feeling?”

  “Fine, fine, we’re both doing just fine. We have a new neighbor up the street. He has a couple of cats. Caught one relieving itself down by the beach the other week. I called the city to give him a warning.”

  “Oh, that’s a shame.” Rory looked at Devon and they both tried to hide their laughter.

  “You having some work done on the house, Rory? I noticed a gentleman taking a look at the exterior last week. Seemed odd, seeing as it was around dinner time. I tried to get over here to question him but by the time I made it out from the dinner table he was already gone.”

  Rory stiffened. “No, I’m not having any work done. Was it somebody from the city?”

  “Twasn’t anybody from the city. I know all those fellas. Thought maybe you were thinking of replacing this old cedar siding for something with more curb appeal. He toured all around the front but was mostly in back. Well, I’ll keep an eye out for you, good evening.”

  “Good evening.” Rory looked up at the front of the house, wondering who the hell had been looking around. The hair on the back of her neck stood up and she glanced at Devon. “What the hell?”

  “Probably a roofer scoping you out. Let’s go eat.” It was true that the houses on the lake were constantly in need of repair and thus targeted by salesmen. After a moment or two in the car, Rory felt better about it and as her phone rang she completely let it slip her mind.

  “Hi,” she said quietly. She threw a look in Devon’s direction and then looked out the passenger window. “How are you doing?”

  “Fine. I wanted to call and check to see how your trip was going.” Jackson’s voice was warm and made her smile. It was amazing how she was both stimulated and relaxed at hearing his low, sexy voice.

  “Good, I’m on my way to dinner with my cousin. What are you up to tonight?”

  “Just getting some work done. I’m having takeout from our favorite Chinese place.” He sounded so delicious, she could imagine those baby-blue eyes.

  “You eat entirely too much Chinese food; you know this, don’t you?”

  “I find something I like and I stick with it, I guess.”

  “That’s not what I hear,” Rory teased. She looked over at Devon, who seemed very interested in the conversation. “Hey, look, I’m getting ready to head into the restaurant, how about we talk later?”

  “Sure, I just called to see how you were getting along in the Buckeye State. Have a good dinner and we’ll talk later.” He paused. “I think I miss you.”

  Rory cracked up. “You think? Boy you really know how to lay it on thick with the chicks, don’t you, Dorn?” She laughed and looked out the window. Butterflies were taking over her stomach and she grinned widely. “I’ll call you later.”

  “Okay, have a good dinner.”

  “Was that Jackson Dorn?” Devon asked with an excited smile on her face.

  “Yes, you’ve heard of him? Maybe from Nicole?” Rory had guessed Devon would have been briefed by the busybody who ran her life.

  “Well, a little. Let’s get a table.” They got out of the car and went into the small pizza parlor with old-fashioned checkerboard tablecloths and wooden booths. They took a booth on the far side of the room and quickly ordered. As the waitress left, Devon steered the conversation back to Rory.

  “First of all, Nicole called to tell me she was expecting again. I was concerned how that news made you feel.”

  “I’m happy for her; you know that.”

  “Yes, I know,” she said gently.

  Rory stared at Devon for a moment and decided she didn’t want to talk about it, so she changed the subject herself. “So what did Nicole tell you about Jackson Dorn?”

  “She said you’ve been seeing him, and I couldn’t be happier for you, Ror. I mean, I’m surprised, but I’m very happy for you.”

  “Well, I don’t know that I’m ‘seeing him’.” She made air quotes.

  “Well, what are you doing with him?” Devon’s brows wriggled suggestively.

  “Damn, I hang with some horny women. I think Nicole wants me to fuck him just so she can hear the details.”

  “Count me in too please. He is one hot man, Ror. I’ve seen his pictures in magazines. Did you know he dated a Kennedy cousin?”

  “Among others, believe me. He’s not exactly the settled-down type. We’re really just friends. He lives in my building, across the hall from me.”

  “I also saw pictures of him online with that pop singer, what is her name Kira, Kylie? Something. Anyway, he’s one nice piece of eye candy. Is he fun?”

  “I guess so. We’ve really just been working together. He’s helped me a lot with the votes I need for the shipyard. I’m using him as an in with the Appropriations Committee and the opposition. And I’m sure I’ll find out what he’d like from me in return for the favors he’s done for me,” she said.

  “Mmmmm, I wouldn’t mind owing some favors to Jackson Dorn. Have you fooled around with him?”

  Rory looked at Devon and decided she should try for another opinion on the matter. “Well, kind of. We’ve kissed a few times and hands have wandered.”

  “Niiiiiiice. How hard is that bod?”

  “Oh it’s hard, everywhere, as a matter of fact.”

  “Holy shit—I’m so jealous. You must nail that hard, my cousin.”

  “Seriously, what is it with the women in my life?” She laughed and then sobered. “Honestly, Dev, I think I need your advice here.”

  “I just gave you my advice: Nail that hard. As soon as you can, and as often as you can. Best advice I can give you.” She gave Rory her “I’m not shitting you” face.

  “He scares me,” Rory whispered.

  Devon leaned in. “Go on.”

  “He makes me feel…out of control.”

  “Out of control of what?”

  “I don’t know. Out of control of my life I guess. Like I’m walking on a ledge.”

  “I see. He gets behind your walls. That must be very scary knowing how high you’ve built them.” She was sincere, not sarcastic, hoping to drive home the point.

  Rory just stared at her.

  “Listen, that all sounds fabulous if you ask me. I think it’s about time you became willing to get involved with somebody again. I know how scary it is after what you’ve been through. You retreated from life to recover. But let me ask you this: What do you think is the worst that can happen?”

  “Jesus, I don’t know. I don’t even want to imagine.”

  “Well, we’re talking about Jackson Dorn here. He’s not a stranger, he’s been in the news here and there for years since he’s been in Congress. He’s certainly not a criminal like Aidan.” Devon was gentle but serious.

  “Logically I understand that. It’s just…I don’t know, it feels very dangerous to let myself go with him.”

  “Why, because he’s not in your party?”

  “Well, there is that, but mostly, I guess it’s because I’m not sure I can keep from feeling something for him. And that can’t happen.”

  “Why?”

  “Because it’s not like we’ll end up together or anything. I
t’s just a fuck to him and should be to me too. There’s never going to be anything more.”

  “Why?”

  “Because there’s no future,” Rory shot back.

  “Why?”

  “You’re very monosyllabic.”

  “Ror, what happened to you was not your fault. I’ve told you this before. Your life is not over, and you deserve to try again. I know it’s hard with the PTSD, but I don’t think that’s all this is. You hold yourself responsible and punish yourself by closing down all aspects of life except your work. I’ve watched you do it for three years now. I don’t mean to be harsh with you, but it’s time to forgive yourself for whatever perceived thing you did to deserve this and move on. You weren’t to blame; Aidan was. Your dad’s death was not your fault.” She moved in closer and lowered her voice even further. “Your baby’s death was not your fault.”

  Rory stared at her. She really didn’t know how to respond to that. She didn’t know how to feel hearing it. Devon had broached these topics before, as had her therapist during that first year, but she still didn’t tread that road well. They were quiet for a few minutes.

  “I’ll take it under advisement,” Rory finally said.

  Devon snorted. “Please do, Congresswoman. And while you’re at it, try to stop thinking and have some damn fun for a change.” She wiggled her brows again.

  “He is so hot, isn’t he?” Rory smiled back.

  Chapter Ten

  The plane circled for landing at Dulles and Rory felt butterflies in her stomach. She had decided to stop whining, woman up, and take Nicole and Devon’s advice to just go with it, whatever this physical attraction was with Jackson, and take back part of her life. She had even pledged that she wouldn’t think about any of the possible pitfalls of hooking up with him. She was going to have fun and enjoy him for his obvious charms.

  After exiting the plane, Rory walked through the airport toward the cab stand area. She had decided to dress down in honor of Jackson’s Super Bowl party in jeans, black leather boots and a black sweater. True to her nonexistent love of football, she had forgotten which teams were competing in today’s game. God knew it was never Cleveland, but just to be obnoxious she wore a Browns scarf.

  As she settled into her cab and looked out the window, she realized how excited she was to see Jackson. She reapplied her lip gloss and wondered if he would be excited to see her, or if he was one of those crazy football fans who couldn’t be bothered to move from in front of the tube during the game. She hoped not. She wouldn’t mind catching up with him—or sneaking another of his kisses. But she knew there would be other people there. She closed her eyes and remembered the feel of his mouth on her skin.

  She climbed out of the cab in front of her building and turned to grab her garment bag. She stepped back and pushed the door closed. Turning toward the building, she ran face first into Jackson’s chest. As she looked up into his smiling blue eyes, he put his arms around her.

  “I’ve been waiting for you to show up,” he said into her ear. She inhaled his masculine scent and let the heat of his arms soak into her body. He released her, taking her bags and her hand, leading her to the front door. “Let’s drop your bags in your apartment before we head into the party,” he said, standing aside for her to unlock her front door. “How was your flight?”

  “It was fine, thanks,” she said, smiling.

  Jackson entered the apartment after her and closed the door. He dropped her bags and grabbed her hard, covering her mouth with his. The force of it shoved her back against the wall and his tongue explored roughly. His hands were around her waist and she grabbed on to his biceps to steady herself. His mouth was persistent, changing angles to taste her harder.

  They were both breathing hard when he pulled back. “I couldn’t wait to do that,” he said huskily. He placed his hand on her throat, sliding it down, over her breasts, to her abdomen. “I want to do more, but first we have to go in there and suffer through this party.” He stood back and released her, taking her hand and pulling her from the wall.

  Rory laughed. “Wow, you’re not making it easy to resist, are you?”

  “No way in hell. Come on, I’ll introduce you to everyone.”

  His house was full of cohorts from his party, mostly middle-aged men. There were a lot of people, almost standing room only, and everybody was enjoying the conversation and drinks. Rory recognized some names but not others. They were all very nice, mostly responding to her curiously, as if they had no idea what the hell she was doing there. She didn’t blame them. She was starting to feel the exact same way.

  There were several women who had come with their husbands. They offered the usual pleasantries but paid her little attention, returning to their conversations. As Jackson introduced her to the last female, a tall blonde who was hovering over the liquor that covered the kitchen bar, Rory took a seat on one of the tall chairs and poured herself a gin and tonic. The tall blonde smiled at her. Jackson was called back to the living room to settle a football debate with several of his guests.

  “So you’re the famous Rory Morgan,” the woman drawled. That didn’t sound good. “I’ve heard a lot about you from Jackson,” she said with a sly smile.

  “Is that so?” Where did Jackson know this woman from? More obviously to the point, was he still fucking her? “I’m sorry, your name again?”

  “Jennifer Durand. I know Jackson from his days with the Bureau, I’m an agent.” Oh, fucking great, her favorite governmental agency. Rory immediately tensed. She gave her a stiff smile and swiveled in her chair to look in Jackson’s direction. He was animatedly discussing some pass or play or whatever from the football game.

  “Those are gorgeous boots,” Durand said, coming around to Rory’s side of the bar and running her hand slowly down Rory’s calf. “Soft too, they feel really good.” She smiled into Rory’s eyes as she lifted herself onto the chair next to her.

  “Thanks,” Rory said. “So what is it you specialize in at the Bureau?” Obviously this twit wasn’t going away.

  “Different things, although my specialty is financials, white collar, traders and the like. It can be pretty dull. But that’s okay. I get my kicks in other ways.” She tilted her head and smiled as her eyes dropped to Rory’s chest. She knew the bimbo was silently begging her to ask, as if she couldn’t tell.

  “So tell me how you like spending time with Jackson,” she said, reaching out and patting Rory’s hand.

  “I like it just fine, thank you. I’m not sure I’ve spent all that much time with him, just some work-related projects. He seems very nice though. I live across the hall.” She wasn’t quite sure why she felt the need to keep telling people that.

  “Yes, he mentioned that.” Rory wondered why Durand’s eyebrows rose and lowered. What had Dorn told this woman? “He mentioned you have similar interests on the Hill.”

  “Maybe.” Actually, maybe none at all.

  “You’re a very beautiful woman. I wonder if you have similar interests off the Hill?” She slid her long fingers down Rory’s arm. “You must, or you wouldn’t be here, right?”

  Rory slanted her head and gingerly looked down at the hand touching her. She turned her head slowly and glanced at Dorn, still in the living room involved with his guests.

  Rory looked back at Jennifer as she went on. “Jackson and I have enjoyed our similar interests together for some years now. I’m always excited when he introduces me to a new friend. We like to include new friends from time to time,” she purred, again running her long painted nails up and down Rory’s arm.

  Rory was no prude. She had her share of gay and lesbian friends. This wasn’t the first time she had been hit on by a woman. But that wasn’t quite what was happening here. This woman was trying to make a different point. And she wondered if she had misjudged Jackson’s intentions altogether.

  “We?”

  “Yes, Jackson and I are quite a pair. We like to play a certain way, and we play pretty hard. He must have told you a little
about it if he invited you here.”

  “No, he didn’t. Why don’t you enlighten me.” She wasn’t sure what to think at this point. Had Jackson intended for her to join him in some sexual game?

  “Well, the usual fun, of course. Jackson knows my type and he usually takes great pride in finding somebody I’ll like. He enjoys my excitement over new guests in the bedroom.” Her eyes lingered on Rory’s and then turned to Jackson in the living room, roving up and down his body. Jackson noticed them looking his way, and returned a smile as he was dragged back to the football conversation.

  “How long have you been seeing Jackson?” Rory asked, dumbfounded.

  “For a couple of years now. It’s so much fun. You’ll see.” She winked and sipped her drink again.

  Rory was pissed. “I’m afraid you may have mistaken my presence here, Durand, was it? I’m not Jackson Dorn’s new bedroom buddy. But you and Jackson make a cute couple, so you enjoy your evening.” She set her glass back on the bar and rose from her seat.

  “You’re not going, are you?” Durand asked, smiling sweetly. “Stay and enjoy the party with us. You might like it, you know.”

  “No thank you, I don’t think I will. Multiples have never been a turn-on for me. I guess I’m selfish that way.”

  Jackson walked to the bar. His smile faded when he saw the look on Rory’s face. “I’m leaving,” she said, and headed for the door. He followed her.

  “Why are you leaving?”

  Rory pulled the door open, but Jackson caught her by the upper arm.

  “Remove your hand if you’d like to keep it.”

  “Rory, what’s wrong? Why are you leaving?” He eased up but still held her firmly.

  “Our plans for the evening are different, so I’m going home. Goodbye, Dorn.” She was livid. She had no intentions of hooking up with him and his favorite fuck buddy. How could she have misread him so badly?