by Elise Whyles
“Look it’s not my place to say anything. I’m not going to betray her confidence.” Luke paused before closing his eyes. “But I will say this, she’s stronger than she looks, Jack. And any fool with eyes can see she’s falling in love with you. If you aren’t serious, let her go. If you are serious, and I say this as a friend, hold tight to her and don’t let anyone get between you.”
“Fuck,” Jack spat. With a final dark look, he headed for the bedroom. Watching him go, Luke wondered if Gillian could handle Jack knowing the truth about her. He rubbed his eyes and tried to force the images of the young woman’s tortured past from his mind.
Chapter 15
Frustrated by Jack’s seeming lack of interest, or perhaps unwillingness to do anything beyond get her hot and bothered, Gillian stared at the report she was supposed to be reading. Another date, another make-out session, this time on his couch, another shot to her ego when he backed away.
What more was there she could do? She wanted him. Hell, the thought of not tasting his flesh was driving her nuts. Maybe she should just jump him. With a shake of her head, she discounted the idea. She wanted him willing, to want her, not just the quick orgasm a tumble between the sheets would lead to.
She sipped at her tea and heaved a breath. She had to figure something out. If he didn’t want her sexually, then why was he being so nice to her? Men like him didn’t spend time with her. Hell, even the men she knew, men she worked with, avoided spending any more time than necessary with her.
“Hi, is it, um, okay for me to come by today?” The hesitant voice from her office door made Gilli lift her head away from the papers in front of her.
She smiled and waved the young boy into her office. “Of course, Todd. You are more than welcome to come by.” From the looks of him, he hadn’t had much luck of late. His clothes were still threadbare and too small, and his shoes were worn. He obviously needed more than just a bicycle.
“Yes, ma’am. Do you have anything for me today? I can work till eight.”
Gillian sighed at the hopeful look on the boy’s face. “I do have a few things to do. Don’t know if you’d be interested in doing them though.”
“Oh, yes, I’m strong and I’ll work hard for you.”
“You say that every time, Todd. I know you’re a hard worker, but this is kinda boring stuff. I’ve got a few boxes in desperate need of reorganization.” Gillian led him into the small collection room off her office. Turning on the light, she smiled at him. “I need to have all the loose pieces put into boxes. Each one of the boxes has a number and a symbol, each piece has a matching set. Do you think you could do that for me?”
“Sure can.”
Todd’s exuberant expression broadened her smile as she leaned on the doorjamb an hour later and watched him carefully study each piece before laying it into a box.
“You’re doing a great job. It’s nice to see someone taking the time to sort these.” Gillian patted a half-filled box.
“Oh, I try to be very careful. Sometimes you have to look beyond the surface. If it looks fragile, treat it as such, my mom always says. Course, I don’t think she meant rocks and stuff, but that’s okay too.” Todd buffed a small, fossilized bone. “I’m just glad I can be of some help.”
“You are.” Saddened by his words, she turned away. Did she look fragile? Was there something about her he found delicate that she just didn’t see? Always so careful, so controlled, just like Jack. What would it take to break through that control? Gillian hid her sigh. Turning from Todd, she headed for her office. If Jack didn’t want her, then he was stringing her along and she’d had enough of being led around and offering blind trust to last a lifetime. Ignoring the pile of work, she collected her coat and purse.
“Todd? I have to run out for a few minutes. I’ll be back by five p.m. I’ll drive you home, okay?”
“Sure, thanks, Miss Hilliard.”
“You’re very welcome.” With Todd occupied for a few hours, she hurried through the museum’s back end to her car. A hard knot of tension settled in Gillian’s shoulders as she drove into the fire hall parking lot and parked. Shooting a glance at herself in the mirror, she sighed. Her usual glasses perched on her nose, mocking her attempts to dress in something other than her customary drab attire.
Muttered curses followed her as she got out and trudged toward the front door. With Jack on duty today, Gillian wondered if it was such a good idea to have a confrontation with her—oh, she didn’t even know what to call him. He wasn’t a lover, at least he hadn’t been since the night of her mother’s wedding, but he wasn’t her beer buddy either.
Her attention drifted, a kaleidoscope of memories flitting over her mind’s eye. Dinner, a movie, another picnic, all romantic dates designed to get closer. There was only one problem—the damn fool kept stoking the fire, making her burn with lust, before pulling away. She’d done more necking in the last few weeks than she’d done in her whole life. Not to say it wasn’t fun, but she wanted more. Wanted what she knew they could experience together—if only he’d get off the fence. More than once she’d caught the grimace of discomfort when he moved, his hard-on brushing against the denim of his jeans.
The door opened with a quiet hiss, and she stepped inside. Pictures of the fallen, as well as old fire trucks, hung on the walls around the foyer. A high island ran along the right, almost hiding several desks. Sitting at one, a pudgy blonde stared at her computer screen, a look of concentration on her face. Leaning against the counter, a tall, buxom blonde hovered, a rather unpleasant look on her face. Manicured nails flipped the pages of a magazine, her gaze sliding up Gillian as though she were a slab of meat to be appraised.
“Hello?” Gillian cringed at the croak in her voice.
The woman at the computer jumped, her eyes widening as she slapped a hand to her chest. “Mercy, you scared ten years out of me. Ten years is a lot of time I can’t afford to lose, hon. What can I do for you?”
“Um, is Jack here?” Gillian plucked at the belt loops on her jeans. “I was hoping to speak with him.” Her stomach clenched with nerves, sending waves of nausea rolling over her.
“For Pete’s sake, of course everyone is gone. Didn’t you look in the bays?” The Barbie wannabe glanced up, her face twisted into an indignant mask, tossed the magazine aside, and watched it skitter across the countertop to land on the floor by a tidy desk.
The receptionist shot the blonde a look that would have killed a lesser man and hurried to the front counter. “No, he isn’t. I’m Sally, the receptionist here. Everyone’s out on a call, big fire out by the park.”
“When do you think they’ll be back?” the blonde interrupted. “I want to talk to Jack.”
“Like I said, Shelli, Jack’s tied up with things. He ain’t interested in what you’ve got, so leave the poor man alone.”
“Hmph, you wouldn’t know what Jack wants if it bit you in the ass.”
“Shelli, man’s got a girlfriend. Sight better than you, so fuck off,” Sally ground out and turned back to Gillian. “The boys might be a bit late, but you’re welcome to wait here if you like. I’m sure he won’t mind.”
Gillian stumbled as the blonde shouldered her out of the way, fury in every stride. Watching her go, she felt her stomach knot. Was that what Jack wanted?
“Damn fool ain’t figured out yet that Jack’s spoken for. Determined to be Miss Perfect my ass. Bitch ain’t got a brain cell in her head. It’s all in the silicone in her chest.”
With a nervous giggle, Gillian stared out the doors at the small red car speeding from the parking lot. Maybe this was a bad idea.
“Well hell, if it ain’t Jack’s frumpy little friend.”
Gillian turned, her teeth clenched, a wave of heat crawling up her cheeks. Ducking her head, she tugged on the lapels of her coat, crossing them over and tucking her arms under so she was covered. The lean man who’d been with Jack at the college lounged against the wall. His eyes skimmed her from top to bottom. Apparently finding her lackin
g, he shrugged and glanced at Sally.
“I’m headed home. If they need me for anything, I’ll be in on Monday.”
“Sure, Brad, sure.” Sally’s voice lacked any warmth as the young man disappeared into the back. “Wouldn’t surprise me if they don’t need anything.”
“Frump? Is that how people see me?” Gillian gaped at the area Brad had occupied.
“No, that’s how he sees you. I think he’s still in the closet and doesn’t know where the door is. Damn fool’s gonna get his nose broken if’n he don’t lay off. Now then, you wanted to see Jack?”
“Yes, but I can come—”
“Nonsense, you come on back here. Ignore those two, they deserve each other. If I have to play another round of computer solitaire, my hair’s gonna turn red again.” Sally grasped her hand. “So what’s your name?”
“Um, Gillian Rebecca.”
Sally slapped a hand to her ample chest, her mouth gaping open as realization dawned on her face. “Jack calls you Jilly, but that can’t be right.”
“I work at the college.” Gillian stumbled behind Sally as she ushered her to her desk and pushed her into a chair. “I met Jack a few weeks ago.”
“You don’t need to explain nothing to me. That man could melt butter he’s so hot. But I’ve heard about you. Not enough to recognize you come waltzing in, but still.” Sally rested her chin on her linked fingers, a smile on her face. “You like picnics, westerns, and learning.”
Gillian flushed uncomfortably and eased forward in the chair. “Perhaps this was a bad—”
“Nonsense.” Sally sat back. “I’m just pulling your leg. Don’t go minding me. I’m sorry, it’s not nice to tease you. Can I get you a coffee? I just made up a fresh pot.”
“Sure.” Gillian smiled. “If it’s not any trouble.”
“None at all. You just sit on back. With the boys gone, I’m here by myself and can use the company. Besides, Jack was telling me you’re into history and I had a few questions for you.”
“Oh, Jack talks about me?”
“Brags is more like it. Ain’t never seen a man so proud as him. Course we don’t let on, but it is kinda romantic. He just starts talking about you and keeps going. More’n once I told him he should bring you by.”
Gillian frowned, fear prickling at the revelation. Was he ashamed…
“Course then he just looks at me, gets this goofy little grin on his face, and says he will. Yous is taking it slow, which the guys tease him about, but they all think it’s great. Finally, Jack Payle has found the One.” Sally chuckled. “Kinda stuck with him with all his ranting. So do you think you could answer a few questions for me?”
“Certainly, I’d be glad to help you. I know Canadian history, not a lot of the American…”
“Perfect. I’d love to hear about Alberta. I’m a transplant you see. I grew up on the other side of the Rockies. Think more salt water, less snow.”
“Ah.” Gillian shuffled forward, leaning in toward Sally, her earlier doubts vanishing. “Well I can certainly help you with that. Alberta history is one of my areas of study. I spent a lot of time researching it. I was born and raised here. Well, not here, but in Alberta.”
* * * *
Barbara sat on the hard plastic chair in the meeting room. Guards lined the walls. Prisoners in bright orange jumpers shuffled from the closed door to the tables. She straightened at the familiar figure moving through the crowd. She could feel the lust burning through her and crossed her legs to hide the proof of her desire.
“How are you today?” Mike sat down in his chair, his hands laced together as the guard stepped back.
“Good. How are you?”
“Getting better every minute.” Mike dropped his voice, glancing over his shoulder. “Did you figure things out?”
“Indeed. I’m waiting for you to get me my contact.”
“I know someone, but it’s gonna cost you.” Mike leaned forward, his hands tucked between his legs. “He wants fifty Gs for the job. Problem is, he’s kinda particular—wants to have cash up front. And he said he wants to meet. Hash out the details, so you’re gonna have to go with him. I just told him it was a simple job. Problem is, it’s a premium target, which means the fifty may only be the starting price.”
“I’ll have the money for him by Monday. When does he want to meet?”
“Good. Give me your cell number, he’ll set things up, and when he calls with details just be sure to have the cash. Boy’s good. One of the best I’ve ever seen. He’ll get it done clean, neat, quick. But he is a face-to-face kinda guy.”
“Why don’t you have my number? I gave it to you.”
“You gave me Gillian’s. Only number I got for you is your house number … but if you’d…”
“No, no, here’s the number. You can call anytime.” Barbara slid a scrap of paper into his palm and smiled. “Excellent. It’s hard to find good help. So long as he can do the job and do it properly there won’t be any problems. Make it clear, however, I’m not willing to pay for shabby craftsmanship, nor am I about to pay a penny over the fifty. Any more than that is highway robbery.”
“If’n you want it done you will.” Mike shuffled his feet beneath the table. “You find out any more on her new boyfriend?”
“He’s a volunteer firefighter with my husband. Rather, he’s one of the only paid employees in the system. She’s delusional. No man who looks like him is going to want her. Man’s hot enough to make a nun give up her vows. The only reason I can see he’d be with her is he suspects she has money or is in line to get my fortune.”
Mike leaned back. “Maybe we can get him to work in our favor. After all, if he’s a man after my heart, why wouldn’t he be interested in a little more than that useless tit.”
Barbara laughed. “Just behave yourself. I have to run, Lenny’s going to be home in an hour and I have a stop to make before I get there. I’ll see you next week, okay?”
“Sure, babe, sure.”
Barbara felt his hard stare all the way out of the room and shivered. Whether from fear or lust she didn’t know, nor care—as long as he did what he was told she’d tolerate him. Perhaps, just maybe his associate wouldn’t mind getting rid of both loose ends. But, unlike any of her other lovers, Mike had a way of getting her off … it really was a quandary.
Chapter 16
Jack rolled his shoulders to alleviate some of the stiffness as he walked into his office. Gold and pink light spilled across his desk as he adjusted the blinds to better appreciate the sunset. His leather chair groaned in protest when he dropped into it. He reached up and raked a hand through his wet hair, the smell of smoke still hanging off him like yesterday’s shirt.
“Don’t you just love a four alarm fire?”
“Hey, Sally, what’s up?”
“Some woman stopped by earlier. Wanted to see you. I told her you were out.” A secretive little grin crossed her face as she lounged against his door.
“Who was it? I’m not interested in dealing with the drama queens.” Jack groaned, his mind racing to the idea of any of his exes coming by. He shuffled the papers on his desk, digging for a pen. “Did you take a message?”
“Yes, I did.” Sally waved a message slip at him with a grin. She tossed it on his desk and turned to shuffle to the door. “Brad deserves a swift kick in the ass, by the way. Poor girl comes to see you and he’s makin’ fun of her.”
The color bleached from his face, Jack stared at Sally’s retreating form. With his heart in his throat, he snatched up the message and gaped. “Sally, I’ll be on the phone.”
“Sure, I’ll keep all hands away from your office.” Sally hollered back as his office door slammed shut.
Jack punched in the numbers on his desktop phone with a shaky finger and sat back. He counted each ring, a knot of uncertainty in his gut. Heaving a shaky breath at the lift of a receiver, he smiled.
“Hello?” Slightly distracted, Gillian’s voice filled his ear.
“Hey, heard you stopped
by.”
“Jack?”
“Yes, sorry I missed you.”
“Oh, Sally explained you were out on a major fire.” A note of nervousness crept into her voice as she prattled on. “I didn’t want to stay too late, I have to work in the morning. And I had to take Todd home, he was at the office working.”
“No worries, baby, I’m just sorry I missed you.” Jack played with his pen, turning his chair away from his desk. “What time do you have to be at the office? You’re at the university tomorrow, aren’t you?”
“Yes, I’m working from eleven to seven tomorrow.” Gillian cleared her throat, a strange tapping in the background making him uneasy. Was she working this late? Why?
“What’s wrong?”
“I wanted to talk to you about something.” Her voice rose slightly.
“Sure, what’s up?”
“I’ve been doing some thinking and I want to ask a question. I need an honest answer too. We’ve been dating for a few weeks and it’s been fun, but I’m just not sure as to what you want. I mean, do you want a relationship? Or are you just playing with me? You keep backing off…”
“Stop, Gillian, no. I don’t know what you’re thinking but you’re way off. God, I want you so bad I ache.” Jack swallowed past the hard lump in his throat, his blood running cold. Did she honestly believe he just wanted a casual fuck? “You’re sexy as hell, and I’m not interested in a casual fuck. I want more. I need more.”
“Then why won’t you have sex with me?” Pain laced her voice.
“Because I want to make love with you, not have sex. If all I wanted was a quick fuck, do you think I’d have gone through all we’ve been through? Damn it, Gillian, I don’t want you to worry about this.” Jack forced the words out past his dry lips.
“Prove it.” Gillian challenged. “You keep telling me you want me, but you’re not willing to do it.”
“Yes, I am.” Jack sighed, frustration boiling through him. Raking his hand through his hair, he exhaled sharply. “Gillian, I thought it best to take it a bit slow, to show you I’m not into just a casual fling. Perhaps I should have thought it over, but I didn’t for a moment think you’d doubt yourself or your appeal. I want you. There’s no question about it, I do. I want to kiss you until your knees are weak.”