“Damn, Penn. The man is right to a certain extent. You’re sleeping with his ex-girlfriend.”
“Is there a law against that? They’re no longer together. When I took the job, I had no face-to-face contact with her.”
“And should I thank you?” Penn opened his mouth, but Wes shook his head in warning. “Don’t even try it, bro. Don’t try and make this out to be as simple as you’d like to believe. You can’t deny you’ve allowed your emotions to get the better of you.”
“Okay. Harley and I have been intimate, but it hasn’t influenced the facts on this case, Wes. Reed is a bully and if anyone is running a questionable business, it would be that son-of-a-bitch.”
Wes rubbed his forehead. “Do you realize how much money Reed sinks into this agency for security?”
Penn sniffed. “And does that mean we should ignore the truth just for the income? Dad would be real pleased with those business tactics.”
“You’re walking a thin line here, Penn.”
“Oh, so you don’t want to hear the truth?”
“Hell, I’m not willing to do business deals with people who don’t have ethics, but if we questioned everyone’s beliefs, we’d always find someone who has different ideas.” Wes pounded his fist into the desk. “We have to keep our boundaries in place. This really isn’t about Reed, it’s about keeping a reputable face in the community and for future business deals. If people believe that we can’t think with our brains, but rather allow our dicks to influence us, we’re going to be bankrupt before we know what has hit us. How hard is that to understand?”
Blowing out a long breath, Penn relaxed. “I get that your pissed. Maybe you have reason to be, but there is no longer a case. If there was, I’d pull myself off right now.”
“Oh, you bet you would. You can personally do whatever the hell you wish to do, but when it comes to SCS, the security of all of us, you don’t have the right to make choices that could ruin us. Now get your act together and figure out what in the hell you’re doing with Harley. Maybe it’s time you grew up.”
Penn squinted. “What the hell does that mean?”
“It means, there comes a point you have to keep the barn door closed and realize being a male slut isn’t acceptable any longer.” Once the words were out, Wes realized how harsh they were because his face softened. “Look, I’m your brother. It’s my place to look out for you, all of you. If you like Harley and you felt you did right by her, then by all means, I can’t fault you for that because we’ve all made emotional decisions before. Yet, you got to ask yourself, how good can you do for her, looking out for her best interest, when you’re sexually involved with her? We’ve said a hundred times that once we unzip our pants we’ve already lost ninety percent of our logic. I’ll clean up the mess with Reed, although there’s not much left to do, but I want you to take some time to think about what I’ve said. When we take a case, we have a responsibility to do right by these people.”
Not saying a word, Penn stood, left Wes’ office, and made his way into his own, closing the door behind him. As angry as he was, he understood where Wes was coming from. Penn had crossed a line. If Reed was dangerous, Penn could have easily overlooked something important. Something that could have cost Harley her life. He couldn’t live with something like that, ever.
He barely had time to take a breath before the office door opened and Roman strolled in. “Doesn’t a closed door mean anything?” Penn growled.
“Sober up, bro. You deserved an ass reaming and you know it. Give Wes some time and he’ll be back thinking you’re the coolest brother.” Roman laughed, but Penn wasn’t feeling it.
“Is that why you’re in here?” Penn would rather be alone.
Roman dropped into the chair. “So, what about Harley? I saw you around her yesterday. That’s some dangerous stuff.”
Penn rubbed the bridge of his nose. “I really don’t know what to say because I have no clue myself.”
“Shit, that spells trouble. Wes and I both know you’ve never overstepped boundaries before, and you wouldn’t now unless you had reason to believe it was necessary. Wes will see that more clearly when he isn’t so pissed. I think Pippa is on to something. You’ve got it bad.”
“I don’t want to talk about this.”
Roman shrugged. “No, you’d rather ignore it. But is that the thing to do? I’ve never seen you so wrapped up in a woman before. Are you going to screw this up, or are you going to see that love can happen?”
“Coming from a man who found the perfect woman.”
Roman laughed. “Man, I love my wife. She’s awesome. But not so long ago, I was sitting right there where you are and I didn’t want to admit that I cared, hell, or loved. When we’re in love we have a huge problem putting things into perspective, just as marrying Pippa like I did. I knew then that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her, but we wouldn’t be a Jericho unless we made things more difficult first.”
“It’s not like that with Harley and me. I got caught up. That’s all.”
Roman nodded and stood. “Well, do what’s best for Harley then. She isn’t the type a woman you can have sex with and stay disconnected emotionally. You know that. If you’re just entertaining yourself, then end it and find someone who is in it for the same reasons, like Seneca.”
The door closed quietly behind Roman and Penn was left with his muddled thoughts.
Roman was right. Penn needed to make some quick decisions. He couldn’t continue down this path where someone was likely to get hurt.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
HARLEY WAS ALONE in the bookstore when she heard the bell on the door ring. She stepped out from between two rows and dropped the book she was holding. “What are you doing here?”
“Oh, can’t a man stop in to wish someone congratulations?” Marshall had more ego than any one man should. He strolled across the room, arrogant and self-assured, wearing an expensive suit and a smug smile.
“You’re not wanted here.” Her throat constricted. An image of their last meeting developed in her mind. How angry he’d been that she wouldn’t come back. Marshall couldn’t be trusted. She certainly didn’t wish to be alone with him.
“Relax, babe. It appears it didn’t take you long to replace me. I hope Penn will get to places,” he dropped his piercing gaze down her body, “when I couldn’t.”
She shivered in disgust. “I don’t have a clue what you’re talking about, and it certainly isn’t any of your business. I’m ordering you to leave now!” She started to head toward the counter, closer to her phone if needed, and Marshall’s grip on her elbow stopped her. He tugged her hard against his side, lowering his face in her hair, inhaling loudly.
He chuckled. “I don’t blame him. I was almost willing to lose myself in your beauty and your brain too at one point. A man just doesn’t come off twenty grand unless he’s either hoping for a piece of the sweet action or already sampled sweet, sweet heaven.” He lifted a tendril of her hair, wrapped it around his finger, then let it drop, a scowl crossing his face. “I guess that answers my question how good a piece it is. But what I don’t get is how you convinced him to mix business and pleasure and pay your loan in full. I’ve known the Jericho boys for a while, I even knew their daddy, and I haven’t known one of them to slack because of a piece of pussy.”
Harley opened her mouth to respond, but it suddenly struck her what Marshall was telling her. “I didn’t convince Penn to do anything.” She had no idea what he’d done. Why would he?
“Sure.” He dropped his hand from her arm and clenched his fist. “You could have had it all. I would have given you everything, all the bookstores you wanted. All of the treats women love to adorn that pretty neck of yours.”
She lifted her chin high, meeting his gaze straight on. “You should know by now that money can’t buy everyone. If you’d stop thinking that way you might actually become human.” It felt good to stand up to him. She was done worrying about his next course of action. “I don’t know wha
t Penn did for me, but I’m certain whatever it was, it came from his heart. Unfortunately, a man like you lost his heart long ago in exchange for money—and climbing the ladder of success. You certainly didn’t need to come here. Yet, thank you, because you’ve confirmed just how wonderful Penn is.”
He sneered. “Good luck with this shitty store. I hope you can keep your head above water in this dire economy.” He turned.
“Marshall?” She caught him before he stepped through the door.
He looked at her with a cold glare. “What?”
“What about Ray?”
“What about him?”
“Did you have something to do with his disappearance? Did you scare him away?” She realized Marshall wouldn’t admit to anything, but she needed to ask.
“Sweetheart, please don’t flatter yourself into believing that you’re worth that to me.” He straightened his jacket and tie. “Patterson’s missing a few eggs from the dozen, if you know what I mean.” He snickered and left.
She held her breath and counted to ten, then inhaled sharply. A huge relief fell over her.
Jodi hurried through the door seconds after Marshall had left. She was panting, trying to gain her breath. When she was finally able to speak, she asked, “Did I just see Marshall Reed leave here?”
Harley nodded. “Yes, unfortunately.”
“I saw him and came running. I’m sorry I wasn’t here.”
“It’s okay, Jodi. I handled it. I don’t think I’ll be seeing him again.” Harley stepped behind the counter, feeling her adrenaline finally relaxing. “In fact, maybe it’s a good thing that he came.”
“What?” Jodi sputtered.
“He pointed something out to me. The difference in two men—one with a heart of gold and the other with a black, empty heart.”
“Is Penn the one with a heart of gold?”
Harley nodded. “Yes.”
“And you didn’t already know this?” Jodi looked at her like she’d grown horns.
She shrugged. “I think I needed to realize just how selfless and giving he is.”
“What did he do, hun?” Jody placed her purse behind the counter and poured herself a cup of coffee.
“He paid Marshall the money that I owed him.”
Coffee spurted out of Jodi’s nose. Harley handed her a napkin and Jodi dabbed at the liquid. “He paid your loan? All of it?”
“I’m still a little shocked myself. I’m grateful, I am, but why did he do this? I should be concerned that Penn will expect something from me. I’ll now owe him money. That makes me nervous.”
“I’d say if he was worried about you paying him back, he would have arranged this with you prior to him giving the money to Marshall.”
“True.” Harley worked her bottom lip.
“Sweetheart, do you know what you want?”
“I don’t know…” her words trailed off. Jodi squeezed her hand tightly.
“Do you love Penn?”
“How would that be possible? I barely know him,” she answered softly.
“I’m not sure if that’s the correct way to look at things. It’s not about how long you’ve known him, but how he makes you feel when you’re with him. We’ve been friends for over three years now and I’ve noticed a lot of men have asked you out and you weren’t interested. During your relationship with Marshall, you two were more friends than anything. But with Penn, your eyes light up. You’re smiling more. You are glowing.”
“He definitely makes me feel things I’ve never felt before.”
“I think that’s a sign, my dear.”
“But it’s impossible. Penn isn’t interested in a relationship, or even love…”
“Oh, so he just handed over a whopping huge amount of money because he lacks emotion? He brought you into his house because he had no other choice? Come on, sweetie. Maybe he doesn’t realize it yet, but I’d be willing to bet my ruby red slippers that he’s fighting it just as hard.”
“My heart, it sings when he’s near. I’m scared to death, and yet have never felt braver in my life. I want to see him, touch him, be near him every second.”
“Oh brother.” Jodi stared before finally rounding the counter and she kissed Harley on the cheek. “What are you going to do?” There was a long pause.
“I don’t have a clue.”
“I disagree. I think you know exactly what you’re going to do.”
“Yeah. And what pray tell do you think that’s going to be?”
“Follow your heart,” Jodi said as she disappeared into the back office.
An hour later Harley was pacing the floor, waiting for Penn to pick her up. When the bell finally dinged at a quarter till ten, she jetted to the front door only to stop dead in her tracks. Again, this wasn’t who she was expecting.
“Urban? Needing a book?”
Penn’s brother laughed. He was a handsome man, and his deep dimples added to his charm. “No, sorry. Penn asked me to pick you up.”
“He did what?” Had she heard right?
“He asked me to pick you up,” he repeated.
“Did he have something to do?”
Urban shifted uncomfortably. “He said there was no longer a case and you’d probably want to go home. He asked me to make sure I helped in anything you needed.”
“He didn’t call me.” Anger sliced through her. “That’s it? He’s just walking away?”
Urban took off his white hat and held it against his chest. “I don’t know.”
Realizing she was making Urban uncomfortable, she took a deep breath. “Okay. I know. Where is he?”
Swallowing, Urban shrugged. “I think he’s taking a ride.”
“You need to take me to him.” She was already grabbing her purse from the cubby. “Jodi, I’m leaving,” she yelled to her friend.
“Harley, that’s not what he was wanting,” Urban said.
“Listen…” She lifted her chin and held his gaze. “You can either take me there or I’ll borrow my friend’s car. I just think it would be easier for me to go with you considering we’re going the same direction Wouldn’t you say?”
He nodded. “He’ll probably kick my ass.”
“Or he’ll be thanking you for helping him see the light. Now, can we do this?”
*****
Penn removed the saddle off the back of the mare and stuck it on the hook. Usually a long ride did wonders for his soul, but this evening he didn’t think much could help him besides a beautiful, ebony-haired angel who he missed. But he had to stay strong.
He cared for Harley, wanted her desperately, but Wes was right. Penn had to think about what was best for her. Sleeping with her at such a vulnerable time for her wasn’t looking out for her best interest. He’d lost his head. Allowed his emotions to overcome his logic. And here he was wondering if she’d walk away now that she no longer needed him.
Hearing the tires on the gravel lane, he figured it was one of his brothers coming, but when he looked up and found Harley standing in the open doorway, he almost swallowed his tongue. Urban was supposed to pick her up, take her to the house, and help her grab her things. Penn had planned to hide out here while all of that happened.
Damn Urban!
Penn was happy to see her. He smiled, but her frown made his chest tighten. She wasn’t happy.
“You!” She pointed at him.
“Yes?”
“How dare you!” She remained at the door.
“How dare I what?” He had a clue she was referring to sending Urban to pick her up.
“Do you think you can pay off my loan and then not come to me and explain?” None of the anger left her face.
He shrugged. “How’d you find out about the money?”
“You didn’t think Marshall would tell me?”
“Man, he gets around fast.”
“You should have told me.”
“Apparently, I’m bad at that.” He’d certainly heard it enough today.
She stomped across the space between
them, her footsteps silenced in the straw scattered floor. “You’ve turned me inside out, Penn. I’m a mess.”
“In a good way or bad?”
“Both.”
“I feel like I’ve taken advantage of you.” Even saying the words twisted his gut.
“Why did you pay Marshall?”
He shrugged. “You can’t have him holding this over your head. I didn’t do it because I expected anything, and I’m not asking for the money back.”
Her chin tilted, her eyes softened. “Are you regretting me? Us?”
“I’m regretting that we met under these circumstances. You needed protection. I allowed boundaries to be crossed.”
“Is it a fact that there’s no longer a case?”
He nodded. “There shouldn’t be. It appears Patterson left on his own free will. Detective Carter closed the case because it came to a dead end. Reed is just a jerk and nothing can be done to help him.”
“Then fine!” She ate up the inches and pushed him against the wall. “Then why do I still want this? If you were just my protector, then why can’t I walk away?”
“What do you want?” He turned her around, pressing her against the wall.
“Kiss me,” she demanded.
He growled, but his resistance broke. He covered her mouth with his, taking her in a punishing kiss.
There was no resistance or denial, or thought of repercussions. She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave as good as he did. Her warm body enflamed him in overwhelming need. He couldn’t think clearly, didn’t care what anyone thought. He was consumed with desire as he reached down and lifted her, steadying her against the wall. Her legs wrapped around his hips, sitting himself at her core. The warmth of her crux leaked in through his jeans. She was hot and ready, and so was he. He rubbed the spot through the material as he fucked her mouth. With his free hand, he buried it inside of her hair, holding her face steady so he could take her mouth deeper.
The saddle fell off the hook. Penn ignored it. He was concentrating on unbuttoning her jeans.
She pulled away, “Here? Will someone see us?”
Penn's Fortune (Saddles & Second Chances Book 2) Page 15