"What's your e-mail address?"
He gave it to her. She spent another few minutes forwarding him all the texts.
His back was to her. He was standing at the window and he'd paused this time. She wondered what he was looking at.
"Son of a bitch."
"What?"
She started to get up but he motioned for her to stay where she was.
"I had to look closer to be sure, but it is him. I don't know why he's doing it but that asshole is sitting outside now in his wife's car."
"His wife's car?"
"I had to check and double check. The license plates tell you that it's her car. No one else has plates that say 'Les 4 U'. From what I heard she had to fight the DMV to get them but it might just be a rumor. It's her little play on words. Yeah, her name is Leslie but they say that it means what it looks like. That she's telling everyone she's a lesbian."
"Nice. No wonder Gabe's such a weirdo."
"I think that guy was weird long before he met her. I'm willing to bet he was terrorizing chicks back in high school. Some guys just can't get over the one that they can't have. He's good looking enough that he can get almost any girl but when the one that he really wants doesn't give him what he wants, he snaps."
"It doesn't exactly sound like he's snapped."
"Ami. Do you not think what he's doing to you right now is pretty damned creepy?"
"Yeah. But it's not like he's actually done anything. He sits there, but he hasn't ever got out of his car that I know of. He's sent me some kind of obsessive texts but I haven't really seen him since Saturday."
"He wants you to let your guard down.”
"So what exactly do you think he's going to do if I do?"
"I don't know. That's what everyone's afraid of. Even Angela thinks there's something different about you and him."
"Why? Because I'm not a druggie or an alcoholic?"
"It's not the fact that they're on drugs or like the booze a little bit too much. It's that they're vulnerable. Everyone's got something that makes them vulnerable. If he can't get you with money, he'll get you with sex. I'm almost willing to bet that you're one of the first women that's been so adamant about saying no to him after he's gotten them into bed. Maybe that's all it is. You damaged his ego because you weren't on your knees the next day begging him to screw you again. So he tries to ply you with that fancy necklace."
"I didn't want the stupid necklace and believe me, if I could take back sleeping with him, I would. But there’s something else Nick. He knows my son’s name. I never told him I have a son."
"Shit. You kid is safe right?”
“Yeah, he’s with my aunt until I can get my life together enough to get him back.”
“I’m sure your life was plenty together before Gabe walked into it Ami. I think he knows that you wish you wouldn’t have slept with him too. So I'm thinking that he's either going to shower you with a bunch of crap to try and break you that way or do something to manipulate you. From the text, he was pissed at first when you said you were quitting but then he just lay down and took it. Expect your last paycheck to be bigger than it should be. Way more. And he's doing that for two reasons. To let you know that he's got cash to throw at you whenever you want it, and also to make you feel like a whore."
"Lovely."
"I think that you should expect to have some twit working at the bar within the next few days. He's going to flaunt her, shove her in your face. Hopefully, after his ego is repaired, and you're working with me, he'll leave you alone. But I wouldn't count on it. I think that he's going to bide his time with you. I think he's going to be waiting in the wings for a while."
"Thanks for the lovely thought Nick.”
"I want you to be careful. When you first start at the alley, I'm going to want you there when I'm there. It might piss Bobby off a little but he'll get over it. That new girl is doing better than I hoped. If you want weekends off, let me know. Penny works weekends because she's in school and Missy said she'll work whenever we need her."
"I'll let you know. Thank you."
"No problem. You and Ali got anything planned today?"
"I don't think so."
"We'll go out and do something then. I gotta drag you two to my apartment. I need clothes obviously and I need to take a quick shower. I was so afraid something was going to happen last night and I'd miss your call that I didn't bother."
"Can't we stay here with the doors locked? And what if Ali has to work?"
"Carson got a raise and Jenny's backing off on the child support since her new man is loaded and Elijah is going to be living with Carson half the time anyway, full time soon enough. Ali's too stressed to work. Carson made her promise she won't go back to work until after they get married. She makes her own hours and she's good enough at what she does that a few days won't matter. Besides, I'm under strict orders to keep an eye on you two until Carson gets off of work. You get to hang out with Carson tomorrow.” He had already turned back to the window.
"Is he still there?"
"Hold on."
"What?" She wanted to see, but he again motioned for her to stay put.
"His wife's out there. They're trading out cars, but it's not his truck that she's getting out of. This is weird. How in the hell is she okay with him sitting out there? She's handing him the keys. I can't see real well but she looks kinda pissed. No, she's kissing him. Really kissing him. Those two are quite a pair."
She was startled when Nick moved to the door. "What are you doing?"
"I'm going outside. I want to check out his new truck. And I want to read his license plates."
"Let me come.”
"No. That's what he wants. We're not going to give him the satisfaction."
Nick went outside, shutting the door behind him. He was back in less than a minute. She didn't like the look on his face.
"What?"
"I don't know how he did it. Vanity plates usually take a while to make."
"What does it say?"
"You don't want to know."
"Yes, I do. Just tell me."
"His plates say 'Only You'."
She slumped back onto the couch. Nick went back to the window. "He's leaving now. His new truck looks even nicer than the last one. Damn. He must have been in his wife's car because she was picking up the new one or something. Maybe she was getting the plates. I don't get it, though. I know they have what you would call a unique relationship to say the least, but how can she lay one on him when he's sitting out there watching you? And even if he already had the car and just wasn't driving it how did he get the plates so quick?"
"Money talks."
"You've been here less than two weeks though. Even if he decided he wanted you the second you walked in the bar. . ."
"I don't want to think about how he did it. Let me get dressed so we can go get Ali."
When she was in the bedroom, her phone went off. Nick got to it before she could. He handed it to her with a dark expression on his face.
The words she read didn't make sense. 'It's for you.'
It was from Gabe, but she had no idea what the hell he was talking about.
She replied 'What's for me?'
'The SUV that your boyfriend was admiring.'
The color drained from her face. He had to be kidding she thought.
‘I don't want it.'
'Thought you needed a little more persuasion since a $15,000 necklace didn't do it for you.'
'You can't give me a car. I don't want it or the necklace. Take it all back.'
'Sorry darling. I can't.' She could almost see the smug grin on his face.
'The cost of that thing could put one of your kids at least halfway through college.'
'Don't patronize me. My kids have trust funds.'
'You and your wife are both sick.'
'I give Leslie what she wants; she gives me what I want.'
'I don't want you.'
'Ami love, this is getting rather boring.'
'You stalking me is boring?'
'I'm not stalking you. I am simply letting you know I am there.'
'I don't want you anywhere near me. I'm not coming back to work.'
'You work Saturday and you don't have to.'
'So you already have another girl lined up. Give her the car.'
'She is not what I want. She is merely a toy.'
'You disgust me.'
'Pretty lies to yourself.'
'Fuck you Gabe.'
'Don't get nasty Ami. It's not necessary. If it's for your boy toy's benefit you can stop.'
‘He's not my boy toy.'
'He can't give you what you need. Only I can.'
'I don't want anything you give me. Get it through your head Gabe.'
'I will wait for you.'
'You're going to be waiting forever.'
'Will I? I think not. Be stubborn if you want. When Nick breaks you I will pick up the pieces.'
'I DON'T WANT YOU!!!!'
She was getting extremely frustrated. Nick was in the kitchen, talking quietly on his phone, probably to Carson she thought.
'No need to yell darling. Though your feistiness does turn me on.'
'You will never touch me again.'
'My, my. Did Nick not give you what you needed last night?'
'He gave me everything I needed.'
'Lying again. I have what you need.'
'I'd rather go to bed with Carson than you.'
'Ooh, don't let your pregnant friend hear that. No reason for insults. You like sex Ami.'
'Not with you.'
'I could take you to another level. Angela looks well doesn't she?'
'Stay away from her too.'
'I'm finished with her. Let Manny and Sissy have her. She's fine. Ready to be a mother now.'
'You should stay out of things that aren't your business.'
'You are my only business. I'm outside.’
'Go away.'
'Calm down lover, I'm leaving your truck.'
'I'm not your lover.'
'Denial isn't healthy. I'll leave the keys under the visor.'
'Take your truck and your scary self and get away from me.'
‘Do I scare you love?'
'What the fuck else are you trying to do?'
'Only to love you. It's my only purpose.'
'You have a wife and kids. You need your head examined.'
'I won't forsake my children.'
'Thought they weren't yours.'
'Clever darling. I'm leaving now. Enjoy your gift.'
'If I come outside and make out with Nick in front of you will you take it away?'
'I don't think your neighbors need an encore. But no.'
'I'll let them tow it.'
'I already talked to your manager. Gave him quite a hefty tip.'
'I'll let Nick and Carson take a bat to it. Slash all the tires. They'll have to tow it.'
'Don't be foolish. Would you rather I park it at my house?'
'Yes. Gabe please just leave me alone. I'm begging you.'
Nick was standing at the window again. "He's in the parking lot. I'm going out there."
"No Nick. He said he bought the truck for me. I'm trying to convince him to take it away."
She read Gabe's next message. 'No need to beg. I only enjoy begging when you're naked and in my arms.'
'Stop it.'
Nick was waiting for her to say something else. "Hold on a minute." He looked about as frustrated as she felt.
'I will. I will leave your keys in the office and drive your truck away with my keys.'
'Why would I trust driving something that you have keys to?'
'I would never hurt you. It will sit and wait for you. As I will.'
'Don't.'
'Nothing you say will change my mind. I will keep an eye on you until you are ready for me.'
'I'll never be ready for you.'
'Believe as you want. I know the truth. Goodbye my love. I'll see you Saturday.'
He was going to see her Saturday she thought? What a wonderful idea. Her thumb was starting to hurt from all the texting. She handed the phone to Nick. "Read it all if you want. I'm getting dressed."
She went into the bedroom and didn't bother to shut the door. She got dressed and brushed her hair and went back out to the living room. Nick was still going through the messages. She sat on the couch and lit a cigarette.
He smiled a little. She wondered if he was reading the part about sleeping with Carson rather than Gabe. She hadn't really meant it the way it sounded. She had a lot of respect for Carson, sure as hell a lot more than she had the first time she met him. She just wasn't attracted to him.
She had finished her cigarette. He was still reading through the messages. Finally when she had finished putting on her shoes, he handed her the phone back.
"I can't believe he bought you that SUV. Thing must have cost $50,000. Though I guess that explains the plates." He looked thoughtful.
"Well, since he bought me a $15,000 necklace and a $50,000 car that I don't want at least I shouldn't expect any more gifts right?"
"I don't know Ami. Sometimes if you push him on something, he gives in. Like telling him you're not going back to work, or telling him that you're going to destroy the truck. The only thing he doesn't seem to give up on is the fact that he's going to have you."
"It's disgusting."
"It's something else yeah. I think he's going to watch you even if you don't know he's there. He might not call you or text you, but he'll know what's going on. If he lets up for too long, I'm sure you can expect something big."
"Great. What can be bigger than a car that cost five times what mine did?"
"I don't know honey. Let's go get Ali and get the hell out of here. I think we all need a break from this bullshit."
"I feel so bad for bringing all of you into this."
"It's what people that care about you do. Don't worry about it." He touched her face briefly.
She put her arms around him. He held her briefly and then opened the door. The SUV was indeed gone.
She could be glad of one thing at least she thought.
They went downstairs. When Alicia opened the door, her hair was messy and she looked half asleep.
"Mornin' guys."
"Good morning Ali. You ready to go?" Nick said.
"Let me brush my hair. I fell asleep on the couch. Carson told me you were going to be our escort today. Come in guys."
They went inside and shut the door. Alicia returned, brush in hand. "When's this shit gonna quit Nick?"
"I don't know. It might be just a few days. He's letting Saturday be her last night at the bar. But he bought her a fancy SUV with plates that say 'Only You'."
"How come all the rich guys that want to buy you stuff are crazy?" Alicia said.
Nick laughed.
Ami didn't find it particularly funny, but she was quickly tiring of the somber mood that had begun to surround her. Gabe would give up eventually wouldn't he she thought?
She certainly hoped so.
Alicia finished with her hair and put on her shoes. Nick wouldn't tell them what he had planned for their day, other than that he hoped it would take everyone's mind off of Gabe.
The stop at his apartment was quick. He was in and out of the shower quickly. Ami was glad. He had begun to distract her again.
Their day started with a picnic at the park. They shared sandwiches and goodies around a picnic table that was in almost as bad shape as the one at the apartment building.
They walked around the park for a while. There were a few mothers with children, and two fathers. Seeing people with their children didn't normally do anything for Ami. She already missed her son enough for it to have long since stopped getting to her. Nick and Ali both seemed affected though. Ali cooed over a pair of three months old twins and Nick looked at the children like he wondered what it would be like if they were his own. Ami caught him glancing back and forth between an adorable child and her
and managed not to smile.
They wandered around downtown for a while, stopping whenever something in a window interested one of them. Nick tried to drag them into a museum but neither woman was interested.
Nick's surprise was an old gas station that he had been looking at as a possibility for opening his own mechanic shop. There were two in town and both left a lot to desire. He said that he was far from taking the actual step yet but that this was the place that had looked the best to him.
There was no sign of Gabe. Ami was on the lookout for either his truck or hers. Though she never saw him, she always had a feeling that he was there. She thought that maybe she was being paranoid, but he had certainly done enough in the last couple of days to warrant her feelings.
They finished the afternoon at the town's sorry excuse for a mall. Ami was able to find a dress to wear to Ali and Carson's wedding though, so the trip wasn't a total bust.
They headed back to the apartment shortly before five. The office was closed so she couldn't pick up the keys to "her" truck from Jenkins. She'd wanted to bury them in the dumpster she had buried the flowers in but Nick had convinced her to leave them with him.
Carson wasn't home yet so Nick set up the barbecue. He made Ali and Ami go inside though it hardly made sense to them since the door was open and he was ten feet away.
Carson got home around five thirty and helped Nick finish up dinner after taking a shower.
They ate outside and then gathered in the apartment's tiny living room to watch the movies that Carson had remembered this time to pick up.
Nick insisted on staying with her again, though there hadn't been any sign of Gabe since that morning.
He set himself up on the couch. Ami would much rather have had him back in her bed but she didn't want to push her luck. He'd let her take his hand twice during the day and lean her head on him when they were watching movies.
He gave her a warm hug and kiss goodnight, though the kiss was barely more than a peck.
She heard him tossing and turning, getting up every now and then to go to the window and check for Gabe. But there was nothing and both drifted off to sleep a little after eleven o'clock.
Chapter 15
Nick made them breakfast and then headed off to work, telling her he'd call her later.
She had a long day ahead with Ali and Carson. They had two houses to look at and Alicia had a meeting to trade baby clothes with an organization in the area that worked with families.
Misty Reigenborn Romance Boxed Set Page 88