by Wendi Zwaduk
“Maybe I shouldn’t tell you. You shot my other option down.” The hint of a frown marred her coral lips. “Oh, what the hell? You’re a cop. I should trust you.” She pointed to a simple, handwritten flyer. “This one. For a lady named Judi Pennywood. Know her? Does she run some sort of prostitution ring, too?” She put her hands up. “I can see it now. Granny’s Girlie Show. Come one, come all…or don’t come at all. No refunds.”
Gritting his teeth, he groaned. “Jaden, honey, I didn’t mean that. I just—”
Before he could finish his answer, she clamped a hand over his mouth. “I’m giving you grief. I know how to do that without any training.” She scrunched her nose and winked. “So what’s the skinny on this Pennywood character?”
Wrapping his fingers around hers, he removed her hand from his mouth. Being with her felt so natural, so right. He wanted to see her more—every day. If she’d let him. “I work with her great niece, Carol Ann. She’s a nice lady. Around eighty-six-ish. I believe she still owns a Basset hound.”
Jaden cringed. “Do they drool? I hear they make a mess.”
Rubbing his thumb over her knuckles, he considered her questions. As far as he knew, Saint Bernards drooled. Did Bassets? “I guess you’ll have to call her and find out. Carol Ann loves to tell me stories. I’d say you, Judi and Carol Ann would get along great.”
Slowly, her gaze met his. Eyes the colour of sea glass with tinges of azure mixed in for good measure, framed by dark lashes. A man could lose himself in those eyes. “You really think this is a good deal? I don’t want to be taken for a ride, but I can do this, Marlon.”
“Never said you couldn’t.” He nodded to the diner. “Although I’d love to stay here and talk, I need to take the order back to the department. Want to come along?”
Before she could answer, the bell on the diner door dinged. Cass, with an armload of squirming Julian, strolled through the passage. Logan trailed only a step behind. “Hey, Marlon. I see you found Jaden. Why don’t you two hang out this afternoon? Maybe he knows the guy in the green car.”
Jaden’s mouth opened a fraction of an inch as she bumped into Marlon, not that he minded. Her warm breath tickled against his skin, sending shimmers through his body. How was it that this woman affected him in such small ways?
His bodily reaction aside, who was this person with the green car? “A new boyfriend in a hunter green sports car maybe?”
Cass elbowed Logan. “You are pushy today, even if you’re right.” When he shrugged, she turned to Jaden. “The green car seems to be wherever we are, but it’s not around now.” She glanced at the strips of paper in Jaden’s hand. “Did you find something?”
Jaden nodded. “I did. But this foyer is getting cramped. Are we ready to go? I wanted to hunt for an apartment and you said you knew some good buildings.”
Opening the door to the outside, Marlon waved Cass and Julian through. “Where were you thinking, Cass? You know the apartments around here from when you helped Les move.”
As Jaden edged between him and the glass, her breath caught. He liked that and planned to find a way to bring the reaction back over and over again. Logan gave him a soft punch to the arm. “Go for her,” he muttered under his breath. “Keep her off the streets.”
Marlon’s ears burned. Forget the job, forget his late wife, and forget his hard luck with women. Hell yeah, he wanted to go for Jaden, but at her pace. Better to move with caution than from spur of the moment to regret.
Cass pulled the blanket more tightly around her wriggly one-year-old child. “I thought we’d look at the Brooks Building and the Oceana, but Julian doesn’t want to cooperate.” She handed her son to Logan. “You might have a better idea, Marlon. I might have helped her look through the phonebook, but you grew up here. You know the town better than I do. What about where you live, in the Abbe Patterson Estates?”
Putting her hands up, Jaden protested. “Absolutely not. The name sounds distinguished, but no. I met some of his neighbours and I don’t think I’d be welcome.”
The comment rankled Marlon and he filed it away in his memory.
With a snort, Logan wrapped his free arm around Cass. “You ran into Sabrina, I assume.”
Cass dug her elbow into Logan’s side again. “Why don’t we go change Julian and give them some space?”
Logan frowned. “But he’s not poopy.”
Taking a deep breath, Cass tugged Logan’s jacket sleeve. “We’ll be over here if you need us,” she said and disappeared behind her navy truck.
Jaden dug her hands into her hoodie pockets. “So.”
“So…” Marlon fiddled with the paper in his hand. “I’m free until eight tonight.”
“You have a date? I’ll bet she’s pretty.”
Jerking his attention from his shoes to her face, he shook his head. “No date. I’m on duty.” God, would he have to admit how long it had been since he’d been on a decent date? “I know the Brooks and the Oceana. You’ll get a better deal for your money at the Oceana, but the Brooks has better security.”
“I’ve got plenty of security, but what I don’t have is stuff to fill the apartment.”
“Didn’t you find some furniture?”
“Actually I did.” Jaden edged a foot away from him. “Cass gave me one of her spare beds if I want it and I found a nice little Queen Anne’s chair at the market. I’ve got my clothes, all my makeup, a duffle bag full of clothes and about twenty pairs of shoes in the trunk—but that’s it. I guess for a former celebrity, I didn’t plan well, did I? But, hey, I have shoes!”
Most people would have brought things for survival. She’d brought shoes, lots of shoes. “What if I offer to help you move the bed and the chair and the mountain of footwear? I think I can also scrounge up a used fridge and stove if there’s room.” The more she inched away from him, the more he wanted to pull her into his arms. “And I think I like the woman you are right now better than any old celebrity.”
“Like?” A foot from him, she paused. Crimson blossomed on her cheeks. “Thanks, but don’t you have to sleep before you go on duty?”
Sleep? Unless he drowned himself in her kisses or watched television with his eyes closed, he didn’t sleep well. Not at night or during the day for that matter. “I got enough last night. I’ll be good. Why don’t you call Mrs Pennywood and we’ll go meet her. I think you just might like the job.”
A smile returned to her face, brightening it in an instant. “Yeah?”
Holding out his hand, he reached for her. “I do.”
She laced her fingers with his, like they’d been a couple for years. “But what about the food?”
Switching his attention to the piece of paper, he read the scrawl. Got you. Mac ate an hour ago. Have a fun afternoon. As much as he’d rather string her up, he applauded Carol Ann’s attempt to get him out of himself. Any reason to spend time with Jaden was good enough for him. “Well, damn. I guess the order went out already.”
Jade took the crumpled paper from his hand and scanned it. “I think you were set up.” She turned when the engine of Cass’s Chevy roared to life. “Looks like I was, too.”
Snaking an arm around her shoulder, he took a breath of her unique scent. Something flowery and light enveloped him, making it hard to think straight. “Logan’s a piece of work. Want me to go?”
She dropped her head to his shoulder, cuddling into him. “He’s been a pistol ever since I met him, but he’s one I want on my side—just like you. You’re not mad I didn’t call you, are you?”
“Nope.”
“Me, neither.”
Her quick response warmed his heart and other parts of his body. He wasn’t mad in the least. If he didn’t think he’d scare her off, he’d plant a kiss on those lips and savour her sweetness until he had to go on duty. “Good, ‘cause I feel great.” Better than great. Dancing-in-the-streets, fucking wonderful, perfect-with-a-cherry-on-top great.
“Let’s go see these apartments and meet Mrs Pennywood.”
&n
bsp; Chapter Five
Staring at the keys in her hand, Jaden considered asking Marlon to ride with her, but then what? He stirred desires she’d long overlooked. He made her forget the men in her past. His touch kicked her body temperature up at least four or five degrees, not that she minded. Being in his warm embrace—heaven. With his crooked, furry smile, he reminded her of Ewan McGregor and made her think things she shouldn’t consider about a man of the law—not when she had such a chequered past.
The thought occurred to her—would he even fit in the seat?
From the corner of her eye, she spotted Bobby’s black truck. At least he stayed true to his word. Just let the paparazzi find her.
Squeezing her shoulder, Marlon nabbed her attention and led her to the Benz. “My Jeep is safe in the muni lot. Why don’t we take your car and then I can show you around? You’ll get a better feel for the layout if you drive it yourself.”
She smacked her lips to break the trance he seemed to put her in. God, how was she going to drive with him so freaking close? “Um, what if it breaks down? I’m not real good with engines and she’s been driven pretty hard since I left the Cali state line.”
His eyes widened. “You drove here from California? By yourself?”
Squirming under his glare, she edged from his grasp. The security in his size comforted her, but the vote of confidence had unnerved her. “Well, who else was gonna drive? I left my chauffeur at home.” She bit the inside of her cheek. Iron-rich blood filled her mouth. “I mean, I wanted to get away, just like that old commercial, so I did. I stashed my credit card, closed my checking account, cashed out the check, and set off. Why? Is that a crime?” Okay, so yeah, she’d done some foolish and illegal things in her life, but not since she’d decided to live life on her own terms. Did he count that speeding ticket? Sheesh.
“Wait.” He put his broad hands on her shoulders, engulfing her in his strength and masculinity once again. Even his scent, something woodsy, was wonderful. The green in his eyes softened, reminding her of the ocean off the coast of Florida where the mix of blue and green melded into something beyond description. “I meant that it’s dangerous to drive that far if you aren’t sure the vehicle is reliable, but you made it and I’m proud.”
Her mouth fell open. Wait, had she heard him right? Proud? As in, he thought she’d done well? Hell, yeah. “You really trust me to drive? I did get busted for driving the wrong way down a one-way street in Pasadena two years ago.”
He brushed his knuckles over her cheek. “But you can read the traffic signs?”
Slapping his hand away, she chuckled. “Yes, I can. Last time I checked, s-t-o-p spelled accelerate.”
“Then we’re set. If you get into too much trouble, just listen to me and I’ll get you straightened out.” Marlon grabbed the door handle. “And g-o means you’d better hit the brake, smart aleck.”
A shiver ran up her spine. Electricity crackled in her veins. Maybe he could straighten her out in other delicious, sweaty ways… Fisting her hands, she forced her thoughts towards something more mundane, like kittens, or pancakes…or the sizzle of his lips against hers. Oh, hell.
“You know you sound all official. Do you do it out of routine or to impress women?”
“I’m a cop all the way down to my DNA. Sue me.”
“No, I don’t want to sue you. I know what cops make.” And how they put their lives on the line. Forcing her mind back to driving, Jaden slid into the seat and gripped the steering wheel with numb fingers. Did he know the effect he had on her? Did he care? Did he want to toy with her and break her will to show he could? Enough! No more thinking about what couldn’t be.
“Where are we going, again? I forgot.”
Marlon handed her his cell phone. “Call Mrs Pennywood and see if she’s home. Then we can decide where to go. Deal?”
With trembling hands, she took the phone. Her heart lodged in her throat. She could do this. She could talk to the woman and sound coherent. Landing a job was no harder than taking her clothes off for a modelling shoot, and one heck of a lot warmer.
After three rings, someone answered. “This is the Pennywood residence. May I help you?”
She gasped. The words she’d practiced each mile of her journey to Ohio suddenly vanished. Marlon must have sensed her fear, and squeezed her hand in one of his larger hands. “You can do this,” he mouthed.
“Hello?”
Not about to lose the job before she’d earned it, she forced her mouth to work. “M—my name is Jaden Haydenweir and I’m calling about the dog walker position.” Man, she didn’t sound anything like the poised woman who endorsed luxury cars on television.
The elderly voice on the other end laughed. “Do you have any pets?”
Pets? Um, did the paparazzi count? They followed her like dogs and chased her like wolves. “No, but I did as a child.”
“Good. Do you live here in town?”
She mouthed the question to Marlon and put her hand over the speaker. “What do I say? I live in a motel room!”
He waved away her concern with his right hand. “Give her my address. I doubt she’ll check it on such short notice. Sixteen twenty-seven Harvard Street.”
With a nod, Jaden relayed the information. Another rush of warmth surged through her. Why did the idea of staying with him seem so nice? Comfortable? Because it was easy and wrong. If they had a relationship, she wanted to have it the old-fashioned way. She wanted to earn it, not be a mercy roommate or a notch on the bedpost.
“Just a moment.” The female voice giggled again. “Well, I talked to Sparky and he’d like to meet a Miss Haydenweir. Can you come by around three?”
Jaden glanced at the dashboard clock. Twelve forty-six. She could make three, but what if she found an apartment before the appointment? She’d make time. “We’ll see you then.”
Her heart thundered in her chest. Three. Until then, she had Marlon to herself and housing to look for. She glanced in the side mirror. The green car sat parked three spaces away but facing in the other direction. Her lunch reversed its course. Someone wanted her whereabouts known.
Marlon rubbed the top of her hand with his callused thumb. “Hey. You okay?”
Okay? No, she wasn’t okay, fine or swell. Maybe running away with little more than her sense of pride hadn’t been such a great idea. When her father had run her life, she’d just asked and received. What if Mrs Pennywood and Sparky, whoever that was, didn’t like her? Her stomach roiled. What if she wasn’t cut out to take care of anything other than her credit cards? What about the car that seemed to be wherever she was? What did this person want?
Marlon cupped her chin with his thick fingers, bringing her gaze to his. The heat from his touch warmed her blood. “Hey. You’ll be fine. She’s a nice lady who probably wants someone to take care of her dog since she can’t get out much and her niece works full time. You’ll be great, Jaden Marie. I’m sure.” His thumb brushed over her lips. “I’m right here and I won’t let you give up.”
Hearing her name on his lips sent a bolt of confidence ricocheting through her system. She ignored the ill-feeling skittering up her spine and asked, “Then how do we get to the Oceana?”
Although his common sense dictated he should let go and keep his distance from her, Marlon held her hand tightly. God, nothing had ever felt so right in all his life. Was he crazy? Or maybe in love? No, no. Time to switch thoughts before he got himself in trouble and did something he’d regret. He shifted. Damn. An erection pressed against his zipper.
Blowing out a long breath, he switched his attention from the tent in his jeans. He directed her down the side streets to Linden Avenue. “Did she say three twenty-two? That should be right up here.”
She afforded him a sideways glance and parked in front of the crumbling brick building. Only after she’d engaged the brake and switched off the engine did she speak. “I guess you probably do know the entire town if you’re the sheriff.”
“I grew up over in Jarvis, and hung out he
re in Crawford during high school. I know my way around both towns.” She rolled her eyes, making him want to kiss the sass right from her mouth. Running his fingers though his hair, he sighed. “Do you want me to go with you? They might want references.”
Her brows furrowed. “References? For an apartment? Why? I can’t steal it.”
“In case you can’t pay your bills. They will want to make sure you’re a good risk.” Distress clouded her eyes. Hooking his finger under her chin, he placed a light kiss on her nose. “Don’t let it scare you. Everyone starts out with no references—even former celebrities. I’ll go along and vouch for you.”
“Okay.” Her lips parted. “Thanks.”
He shivered. That one kiss wouldn’t be enough. He longed to taste her all over. Aw, crap. He couldn’t look at an apartment with a frickin’ stiffy. Better back out and get his hormones under control. “Jaden?”
Without warning, she threw her arms around his neck and squeezed. “I know we haven’t done anything yet, but thank you.”
Rubbing his hands up and down her back, he marvelled at how perfectly she fitted against him. The erection grew beneath his jeans. Shit. Well, no, not bad, but not good for going out in public.
Leaning back a few inches, she stared into his eyes and licked her bottom lip. “Marlon, I think you have a problem. Should we leave? I don’t want to get a man of the law into trouble with public indecency.”
A belly laugh ripped from his throat. All he could think about was getting into her pants and she took the edge off by making another joke. “I’ll try to control myself. Why don’t we see these apartments?”
Chapter Six
Plopping down in the bucket seat of the Benz, Jaden blew out a long breath. Grief. The Oceana was nice, but way too expensive for her budget—and without furnishings. The Brooks looked okay and was a better fit for her price range, but no one-bedroom units were available. She could max out her credit card, but with no job, she couldn’t pay it off. Drat. Living within her means grew tougher by the minute. She chided herself. I’m not running back to Daddy. I can do this.