“What if I told you, you could trust me?”
“It wouldn’t make a difference. You’re still the District Attorney, and I’m still a murder suspect. In my eyes, you and the police are one.”
“Jada, no charges have been filed against you,” he responds. “Your case hasn’t even reached my desk yet, and there is a possibility it never will.”
“Is that in some way supposed to make me feel better?”
He ignores my question. “I’m very attracted to you, and I want to get to know you better. My gut tells me you feel the same way.”
I’m astonished that he’s admitted that to me. A volcanic eruption goes off in my chest. My heart is pumping so hard, I’m certain he can hear it. He’s mere inches away from me.
I barely look him in the eye.
“What I feel is irrelevant. For all I know, you could be helping the police collect evidence against me right now.”
He tilts his head to the side. “Do you honestly believe that?”
“No. But until I am no longer a suspect, I have to be careful with everyone. I can’t trust anyone—especially you. And I’m not saying this to be a bitch or to be mean… it’s just the reality of the situation we’re in.”
The silence is deafening, and as I look at him, I can’t believe how disappointed I feel. I feel like I am ending a relationship, but one that never started.
I continue. “You know what? Even if everything you said were true. I can’t. Not now. It’s too soon after Richard’s death.”
“If he were alive, would you feel the same?”
“I don’t know… I don’t think so. I’d probably still ha—”
And just like that, I have to stop myself. Because I realize I was about to say something he could use against me.
“Jonathan, I’m sorry. I can’t do this. You have to go.”
He gazes at me then looks down to the floor. His face is serious, and I can tell he’s disappointed.
I walk to the door, and he follows me.
“Thank you for coming to check on me. I really do appreciate you doing this.”
“It was no problem at all,” he replies, standing within inches of me. “Jada, please call me if anything goes wrong.”
“Thank you. I promise—I’ll think about it,” I say, opening the door. Immediately after it is ajar, I hear the loud sound of glass breaking. Jonathan quickly pulls me out of the way.
“Stay here. Let me go check to see what that was.”
“Jonathan, please be careful,” I say as he steps outside. I can’t stop shivering, and it’s not because I’m cold. Who’s after me, and why? I nervously chew the corner of my thumbnail. I’m worried something might happen to him. He returns moments later.
He holds me by my shoulders.
“No need to panic. Some icicles just broke off the roof. It’s a little windy tonight.”
I’m happy to hear that, but I’m jumpy. And after what happened earlier, it’s hard for me to shake off the nerves.
“Thank God,” I eventually reply.
“It will be okay,” he says, giving me a gentle hug.
He leans forward and kisses me tenderly on my cheek. And there it is; that intense energy, that pull, has returned. He smells fantastic. It feels great to be folded in his arms. I’m tempted. So tempted. I’m dying to be kissed by him. I inch my head slowly. I kiss his cheek then the corner of his mouth. His hands surround my face. When I realize what we’re about to do, I immediately pull away.
“I’m sorry… Jonathan, I’m sorry. You have to go. Thanks for everything.” I step away.
He gazes at me intently for a few moments then steps outside. I don’t wait for him to respond. I quickly shut the door. Moments later, I look through the glass doors as he drives away.
I barely sleep that night. I can’t stop thinking about that person who followed me. Neither can I get Jonathan’s impromptu visit out of my head or the kiss that almost happened.
* * *
Tonight, Jada shattered any hopes we might have had. Although, I am now convinced that she is just as attracted to me as I am to her. I wanted her to take the lead. I was eager to taste her lips, but for obvious reasons, she pulled away. It’s been difficult to control my desire for her when I’m in her presence.
In the last few months, I’ve been keeping my distance, but it doesn’t mean that I haven’t thought about her probably a hundred times a day.
In effect, she told me to stay away from her. It appears that the only way that anything could ever develop between us is if she weren’t brought up on charges. Unfortunately, if I listen to the rumors floating around, it might be just a matter of time before her file reaches my desk.
Seeing her with her family was completely unexpected. They’re a small family and very close, especially she and her brother. It’s too bad I’ll never get to meet her dad. The way they spoke about him, it looks like Jada was exactly like him.
She appeared nervous and tense much of the night. Maybe it was because of my presence. I could feel the chemistry between us. She only seemed to relax when we were saying our private goodbye.
Now someone followed her. Who would do that? A reporter approached her. I hope they don’t wreck the peaceful life she’s managed to make for herself up here. That aside, if they did, I’d lose the only opportunity to run into her.
I’m unsure as to whether I should forget about her or give her space. It looks like she might still be dealing with issues with her ex anyway, and I don’t want to be in the position where I end up competing with her dead ex.
I guess for now, I’m going to have to try to forget her. In the past, I’d depend on my fuck buddy to help me through periods like this. However, right now, I don’t think any amount of great sex will make up for the disappointment I feel where Jada McLean is concerned. Besides, since meeting Jada, sex with a fuck buddy is the last thing on my mind…
It may not be a bad idea for me to head back home and bury myself in work. It’s the only thing that will keep Jada McLean off my mind.
* * *
Over the next few days, I mope around the house like a sad puppy. I also start to wonder how this person found out where I was in the first place. After some research, I find out that it’s possible a car-tracking device was used. I head into the garage.
I switch on the lights and look for a flashlight in one of the drawers. I search the front of the vehicle, but I can’t seem to find anything. However, after almost giving up on the backside, my instincts tell me to search above the tires on the inside of the fender, and even though I can’t see it, I feel the device with my hands.
I pull it out and there it is, a small black box that fits in my palm. When was this installed? What should I do? Do I call the police? I return it to its original location. After a shower, I call Charles.
“It could have been placed there by the police, a reporter, or someone else. We don’t know,” Charles says.
“Should I throw it away?”
“Yes, get rid of it. Please be careful where you go. Make sure you stay in public places.”
“I think I’ll return to San Francisco tomorrow. I’ll probably stay for a day or two then go somewhere else after New Year’s. Do you think the investigators will be able to sweep my car and make sure it’s clean?”
“I can arrange for that. Let me know when you’re on your way home.”
Later that day, I head to the police station to get a copy of the police report. Up till now, there is no word on who followed me. I now look at all large dark Chevys and their drivers with suspicion. The driver of the vehicle somehow managed to escape police. They never got close enough to even see the plates.
I am about to return home when my phone rings.
“Hi, David, how are you?”
“I’m great! And you?”
“I’m okay. Just running some errands in town.”
“Good. Listen. We’re putting together a last minute New Year’s party tonight, and we wanted to invite you.”
“Thank you. Is it going to be a big group?”
“Maybe about fifty of our friends.”
“Is Jonathan coming?”
“I invited him. But unfortunately, it looks like he won’t be in town till tomorrow.”
I feel a tad disappointed that he won’t be there.
“Okay. Did you need me to bring anything?”
“Just yourself.”
“Then I’ll see you later.”
If Jonathan were coming, I wouldn’t be attending. At least, that’s what I want to tell myself, but this will be my opportunity to say goodbye to the Carlton family.
Since I last saw him, I haven’t been able to get him out of my mind. I am torn between what my heart wants and what my mind is telling me to do… or what not to do, in this case.
As I drive home, snow starts trickling down. I haven’t checked the weather for today. I turn on the local radio station. It looks like there’s a storm coming in for New Year’s. It’s only four to six inches of snow, so the roads should be clear by at least the day after.
If I hadn’t promised David I’d come to his party, I’d try to leave early. However, I’ve promised, and they’ve been good to me while I’ve been in Lake Tahoe, so I choose to stay.
Later that evening, I pack most of my things and try to figure out what exactly should I wear to a party while it’s snowing. After showering and some makeup, I try on my limited options. I settle for my new cream cashmere sweater dress with leggings underneath and a hot pair of cinnamon colored knee high Gucci boots paired with a cinnamon feathered jacket. I slick my hair back into a bun then add some gold jewelry, and I’m good to go.
Because of the weather, I drive to David and Kat’s house. So far, there is accumulation only on the grass. The roads are salted, and for now, they are clear.
By the time I arrive, there are at least ten vehicles outside their house. The party appears to be in full swing when I enter. I get a warm welcome from David. Kat hugs me and slips a gold Happy New Year crown on my head. It’s early, but she seems a little tipsy.
They introduce me to some of their friends, and then I make my way out to the terrace where the outdoor fireplace roars. I serve myself a mug of hot cocoa, and I’m about to say hi to the twins, who are in front of me, when from behind someone calls my name.
Beyond a small group of people, I can see him walking towards me.
A tinge… well, maybe a little more than a tinge, of excitement runs through my body.
“I thought you weren’t coming,” I say.
“When I heard a storm was on its way, I left early. I didn’t want to stay the weekend in San Francisco.”
“I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”
I was wishing though…
“You say that like you’re disappointed.”
“Not disappointed. Surprised.”
“So I see for myself that you received the dress.”
I chuckle. “I suspected it was you, but you didn’t leave a card.”
“Well, I couldn’t because…”
“Yeah, I know… and I thought of sending you a check, but I couldn’t because… in any event, thank you. You didn’t have to do that… but it’s one of my favorites, so I’m grateful.”
“I know. It was written all over your face when that wine landed on it.”
“I hope your friend helped you pay the bill.”
“Let’s not go there. You haven’t had any more of those incidents have you?”
“You mean like being followed or accosted by reporters?”
He nods.
“No,” I answer, but I don’t tell him I found a tracking device attached to my car.
“That’s good news. Your brother sent me a note today on LinkedIn.”
“That’s my brother, ever so efficient when it comes to networking.”
“We both went to Stanford. He was a year ahead of me.”
“Interesting… Too bad you didn’t discuss those types of details the last time we were at dinner.”
“I know that was uncomfortable for you.”
“It was. Everyone seemed to be having fun at my expense.”
His eyes wander. “That wasn’t my intention.”
“Liar… My mother interrogated me the whole drive to the airport.”
“I’m sorry,” he laughs.
We walk through the terrace and say hello to a few people then head inside to the buffet table for dinner. I’m starving. After plating some food, we sit on an oversized bench near the fireplace and enjoy our meal together.
While we sit to eat, the snow starts coming down heavily. I look out to the patio and notice the accumulation that is quickly rising.
“What’s wrong?” Jonathan asks.
“I’m concerned about the snow. If it accumulates too much on the road, I won’t be able to get back home.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll take you home if needs be. I have my SUV.”
“You have an SUV?”
“Yep. A Land Rover Evoque. Around here, in this type of weather, and the hills, it’s helpful to have one.”
“Thank you. I hope I won’t need it, though. I need to head back to San Francisco tomorrow.”
“How long will you be gone?”
I don’t want to answer, so I am happy to talk to David when he appears. We make small talk for about half an hour, and then David heads off to prepare for the New Year’s countdown that is in about fifteen minutes.
Waiters walk around with flutes loaded with champagne. I take us each a glass. The champagne is great. Dom Perignon, I think. I savor the flavor as it slides down my throat.
As the moments to New Year’s draws near, I’m almost certain I can hear the pounding in my chest. Now, more than ever, I wish Jonathan Kole wasn’t the DA. I wish I could be open and honest with him, especially about how I feel.
He is mere inches behind me, and we all stand and watch as the twins attempt a fireworks display in the snow. Auld Lang Syne plays. The countdown is on, and we look on and break out in laughter when the snow drenches the fireworks, not allowing the fire to spark more than a few seconds at a time… So much for the display. Jonathan kisses me lightly on the cheek from behind. His touch sends shivers through my body, and I hope he doesn’t notice the effect he has on me. His hands lie gently on my shoulders, and for a moment, I forget he’s the DA, and I place one hand over his. Together, we bring in the New Year.
Two dances later, one with each of the twins, it’s now almost three in the morning, and I think I’m ready to go home. After walking around in search of Kat, and then David, I say my goodbyes and thank them for treating me so well while I stayed in Lake Tahoe. When I get outside, Jonathan awaits me. I’ll have to leave my car here for the night because the road is too slippery.
He holds the door open for me, and I quickly run in, trying to avoid the heavy snow. Within minutes, we are at my house, and he drives into the empty garage space.
“Be careful tomorrow on the road,” he says as we sit in the idling vehicle.
I want to tell him I won’t be returning, but I’m not sure if I can trust him with that information. Suddenly, an escalating noise, possibly an explosion, getting nearer and nearer interrupts my thoughts.
“What’s that noise?” I ask.
He rolls down his window slightly.
“I think it’s an avalanche.”
At the sound of his words, my heart thumps in my chest. I’ve never experienced one before. I have no idea what to expect.
“Is it near, far, are we in danger? Where is it coming from?”
“It’s okay. Don’t worry. It sounds like it’s at the bottom of the hill… it’s coming from the other side.”
We listen and suddenly the noise slowly comes to a halt.
“That sounded pretty close,” he says as he gets out of the vehicle and walks to the street. I follow closely behind. The visibility is very poor, but it looks like the bridge below is completely covered with snow. David and Kat’s ho
use is beyond that bridge, and I wonder if they’re okay.
It looks like Jonathan has the same thought, because he pulls his phone from his pocket and dials.
“Dave… are you all okay? It knocked it out completely? I’m with Jada. Her car is still parked outside your house. It couldn’t be driven up the hill in the snow. She spoke to Kat… yeah, two minutes later and we’d be in that mess. I’ll make do. Three days? Okay. Keep me informed. Thanks. Bye.”
We’re walking back towards the garage.
“They’re okay?”
“Yes. Everyone is fine, but the avalanche knocked the bridge out completely.”
“Oh my God.”
“He said the last time this happened, it took three days before it could be temporarily fixed.”
“So we’re stranded here?”
“It looks so,” he responds with a glimmer in his eyes.
“Well, I guess we should get inside. It’s freezing,” I say, rubbing my palms together.
I shut the garage door, and after dusting off the excess snow, we head into the house. It is starting to sink in that he will be spending the night. I’m going to have to find a way to get through the next few hours, and possibly days, watching every word I say.
“Have a seat… make yourself at home. Can I get you anything?”
“Something hot,” he replies.
“Coffee, tea, or cocoa?”
“Any of the above.”
I head to the kitchen and put on a pot. He turns on the fireplace and the TV. He switches to the local weather station.
I head into my room and change into an oversized sweatshirt and leave on the leggings I was already wearing.
“This is really a beautiful house,” he says when I return.
“Why don’t I show you around?” I reply.
I give him a quick tour of the three-bedroom, four-bathroom house. I can’t seem to stop thinking about the fact that he and I will be sleeping under the same roof. Thank God, the master bedroom is downstairs.
“Feel free to choose the room you want.”
“Thank you…” he says with a spark in his eyes.
Love, Lies & The D.A. Page 12