“Baby’s tend to do that. Is there any coffee made?”
“Yep. She’s such a sweetie. What’s it like?” Julia, looked up at Cassie while she filled her cup with coffee. “What’s it like being a mom?”
“Tiring.” But Cassie smiled when she said it. “And incredible. I still have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.”
“I bet. Hey, if you and Tom want to go out sometime, I’d be happy to watch Beth for you.”
“We’ll keep that in mind, thanks. How do you like living in Passion?”
“I’m loving it. The people are so friendly, and everyone is very helpful. I was talking with Jaycee while we were working the other day. I mentioned that I needed to find a more permanent place to live, and she suggested I talk with Steven Welsh at the realtor agency. He’s set up a time for me to look at a small apartment not far from here.”
“You’re planning on sticking around, then?”
“For a while at least. The hotel is nice, but it isn’t a home. She is so content.” Stroking Beth’s delicate blonde hair, Julia just couldn’t resist cuddling her a bit closer.
“Come over around three in the morning, and you’ll see just how content she isn’t. Are you making friends?”
“Jaycee and I get along well enough and might even go see a movie next week.” She loved the smell of babies.
Cassie pulled up a chair and took a seat with her coffee. “Has she tried to fix you up with anyone yet?”
Julia laughed, shifting Beth in her arms. “She tried, but I told her I wasn’t interested in seeing anyone right now.”
“She likes to play the matchmaker. Are you seeing anyone?”
Julia looked up quickly, then back down at Beth, hiding her guilty eyes. “Nope.”
“Must get pretty lonely for you there in the hotel all by yourself.”
Julia shrugged. “I’m doing okay.”
“We should have you over more often. We could make it a regular weekend sort of deal. Maybe invite Vic over and the four of us could watch a movie or play some cards or something.”
“That sounds like fun.”
“You seem to get along well with Vic.”
“He’s a decent guy.” Why was it so dead now? Where was a mad rush of customers when you needed them?
“He’s like a brother to both Thomas and me. He’s a very charming guy, and not bad on the eyes either.”
Julia was beginning to feel very uncomfortable with this conversation. “Tom isn’t that bad to look at, either.”
“Thomas is gorgeous and, I am proud to say, all mine. Still, I’m not blind. Well, I should get this little one home before her next feeding.”
As Julia watched Cassie and Beth leave the store, she wondered suspiciously if she hadn’t just been grilled.
Chapter 16
Vic stood under the showerhead, letting the hot water massage his aching muscles. There had been a time when shoveling a car out of a rut wouldn’t have bothered him in the least. When did he become the type of person whose muscles ached from a simple task? That was a sign of aging, and there was no damn way he was getting old. He just hadn’t been exercising like he usually had. He missed the gym, but driving three hours to the city every day, or even on the weekends, wasn’t always easy. What he needed was to buy some equipment and install a mini gym in the basement.
Shutting the water off, he stepped from the shower and wrapped the towel around his waist. When the telephone rang, he cursed mildly as he ran down the stairs in a rush to answer it.
“Hello, Victor Davis here.”
“Hello, Victor.”
His body chilled at the sound of the familiar voice on the line and for a moment he was speechless. “Marshall.”
“You’re a hard man to track down, Victor.”
Vic ran a hand through his damp hair, spilling water droplets onto his back. He hated how the guy said his name. Marshall made it sound so sleazy. “How did you get this number?”
“I have my ways. How’s life treating you?”
Vic slammed the phone down, staring at it for a moment before he moved. And as he headed back up the stairs, it rang again. He stopped, knowing full well he couldn’t let it ring but regretted having to answer it. It could just as easily be work and not Marshall calling back. But as he lifted the receiver, he knew damn well it wouldn’t be work.
“That was rude.”
“Don’t call me again, Marshall.”
“I think we need to talk. It’s long overdue, don’t you think?”
“No. Goodbye, Marshall.” Vic slammed the phone down again, then deciding he just needed some peace, lifted the receiver and set it on the coffee table. If someone needed to get a hold of him badly enough, they could page him.
How the hell had Marshall found him?
The knock on his door actually made him jump. Berating himself, he opened the door to see Julia standing on the other side.
“Well, isn’t that a nice way to greet me. Damn, you’re yummy.”
He stepped back and just out of her reach. “Now isn’t a good time.”
She closed the door behind her. “Oh, baby, now is the perfect time.” Julia’s hand snaked out and with one quick yank, pulled the towel away from him. “Definitely yummy.”
He bent to grab the towel only to have her yank it out of his reach. “Give me my towel, Julia.”
She backed up, waving the towel in his face, smirking. “I like you better without the towel.”
“I’m not in the mood.” Giving up, Vic walked to the stairs. If she wasn’t going to give him his towel, he’d just go up and get dressed. He made it to his bedroom and when he flicked the light on, she ran up behind him and jumped on his back.
“You’re always in the mood.”
She clung to him with a vice-like grip, and though he tried prying her hands free, Vic was unsuccessful. “What’s gotten into you tonight?”
“Hey, a sexy guy answers his door in only a towel, what’s a girl to do but jump his bones. You smell great; you always smell great.”
She was nibbling on his ear with her hot and very gifted mouth while her sock feet played with his penis. The girl was doing a number on his system that he knew wouldn’t calm until he had his release. Giving in, he reached his hands behind his back and began playing with her ass. “This might go a lot easier if you were facing me.”
“It might, but what’s the fun in that? Ever had a foot job before, Vic?”
He couldn’t help it, she was making him smile. “Where do you learn these things?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” she teased, hooking her toes into the sock of her opposite foot. “Give me a hand.”
Happy to oblige, Vic slipped the socks from her feet. She had such cute feet, all pink and sexy with nails in blood red. “Actually, I would like to know.”
“You’re wondering if I’ve done this to my other boyfriends.” Julia bit his ear, making him yelp.
“Damn straight I am.” She was working him up pretty good. He’d never felt anything like it before. Her toes slicked up and down his shaft, playing with the tip and making his eyes cross.
“I saw it in a movie once.”
“You watch porn? Oh, God, Julia, I need to sit.”
“Nope, gotta stay on your feet. What’s wrong with me watching porn?”
If she wouldn’t allow him to sit, then he was going to lean. Pressing her against the wall, he leaned back and let her work him up with her feet.
“Most women wouldn’t admit to watching it. Sweet Jesus!” He could feel the sweat building on his upper lip, and his body ached for a release. “I’ve got to have you, now!” Grabbing her hands, Vic pried them apart then yanked her around to face him, her legs dropping to the floor. He took her lips while his hands yanked at her clothing.
“Condom?” Julia reminded him.
“Drawer.” He maneuvered them to his nightstand, and as she bent down to find the protection, he yanked her jeans down and sunk his mouth into her juices.
“God, you have a clever tongue. Here.” She held the condom out to him.
Smiling, he slipped it on then stood. The dreamy look in her eyes staggered him. She was so damn pretty.
Julia growled like a lion, spun him, and gave him a hard shove onto the bed before diving.
She straddled him and rode him like a wild woman. Her breasts were small, and he found they fit perfectly in his hands. Her figure was petite, athletic and, damn, she knew how to move. As she rocked over him, he felt her quiver just as he let himself go.
“What are we doing?” he asked her after she’d collapsed on top of him.
“Resting for the moment,” Julia panted.
“Not at the moment. I meant with us. We’re sneaking around, hoping no one will see us, lying to our friends. Don’t you want more?”
She lifted her head and ran her hands along his face. “You’re not happy?”
With her, he was, but he wanted more. “Are you?”
“I asked you first.”
He sighed deeply. “I don’t like sneaking around.”
“Then let’s stop.”
He wished it was that simple. “Do you have any idea what people would think if they knew what we were doing?”
“What does it matter what people think?”
“It matters for my career.”
She sat up, gave her neck a roll. “Why? I just don’t get why? I know you’re the head of the department here, but what does it matter what you do with your private life?”
“It just wouldn’t look good.”
“Are you ashamed of me?”
“No!”
“I don’t understand.”
“It’s complicated, Julia.”
“It shouldn’t be.” She lay back down on his chest and stroked his arm with her hand.
He felt her breath on his skin, shivered when she caressed his arm, and he thought how wonderful this truly was. She was right; it shouldn’t be complicated, and he was probably making it more than it need be.
But he just couldn’t bring himself to step away from the safety net. Things were good the way they were between them. He didn’t want to jinx it by making their relationship public. He’d pressed to have their relationship public with Michelle, and look what that had done.
He’d ended up getting her killed.
And with Marshall knowing where he was now, it made Julia a target. No, things were better left the way they were. She was safer being in the dark, their relationship kept a secret.
Stroking Julia’s hair, Vic pulled her closer.
For now, he was content keeping her as his little secret.
Chapter 17
Winter had come in like a lion and was going out like a lamb. Which was fine with most everyone Vic talked to, and he couldn’t agree more. March was proving to be a warm month, and most of the snow that had blanketed the town for the past few months was slowly diminishing under the warm spring sun.
He could actually see brown grass in his backyard and couldn’t wait for the days when the scent of grilled beef and pork would fill the air as more and more people ventured out of doors. But he also knew that along with the warm weather came more trouble. People tended to act crazier in the spring, and that usually spelled trouble and more work for him and his crew. Though breaking and entering were low in Passion, rowdy behavior was not. After months of being cooped up inside due to the cold and snow, people wanted to break free, and that usually meant fast cars, booze, and fights.
Vic and his team were ready for it.
Like everyone else in town, Vic ventured out of doors to enjoy the warmth of the sunny Sunday afternoon. He sat on his deck, enjoying a cold beer, wearing only a short sleeved t-shirt and jeans, smoking a cigarette and watching the birds playing in the trees.
It was all very peaceful.
His peace was cut short by the shrill voice of a woman across the alley. And if that wasn’t bad enough, a man had to join in with his booming voice. Vic could ignore it; probably would have if it hadn’t been for the breaking glass and the threat that came after that.
“I’m going to kill you for that, you bitch.”
Dropping his cigarette, Vic he hurried across his lawn to the Bentons’ house, He pulled out his radio and contacted the depot. “I’ve got a domestic disturbance with a possible death threat,” he called in, reciting the address. “Meet me there.” Tucking the radio in his back pocket, he hopped the short knee-high fence and headed for the ruckus.
“You don’t have the balls to even try.”
“I’ll show you balls.”
Vic banged on the screen door, drawing the attention of both screaming individuals. “Staff Sergeant Davis. Is everything all right here?”
“No, everything isn’t all right here. This bastard’s fucking cheating on me.”
“It was one time, Wanda; you didn’t have to smash my goddamn TV.”
Vic opened the door as the guy raised his fist to his wife. “I think it would be best if we just calmed down for a minute,” he said, focusing on the guy.
“I’ll calm down when she’s no longer breathing.”
Vic stepped in front of the very angry man. “You don’t want to be making threats, son. Now, why don’t we step outside and have a talk.”
“I don’t want to talk. I want her to pay for breaking my goddamn TV.”
“You’re lucky all I broke was your TV, you prick.”
“Whoa there, let’s just settle down now.” Because Vic saw the intent in the woman’s eyes, he turned to the side so he could see both of them. When he heard the knock on the front door, he called out for his officers to enter. He was glad Constable Katy Brewster was one of the officers arriving. She could help deal with the woman.
It took them well over an hour to settle things down so that both parties would sit and talk rationally. And in the conclusion, it was agreed that the husband would go stay with his buddies until the wife had calmed down enough to consider taking him back.
Vic bet it would be a cold day in hell before the woman let the guy back into her bed.
Since no charges were filed, the paperwork was minimal and both constables would have it written up and ready for Vic in the morning. In the meantime, he wanted to get back to his beer and the warm sun he’d been enjoying before the domestic dispute had interrupted his quiet.
“No rest for the local law,” Tom called out as Vic headed back to his place.
“I am here to serve and protect. What’s up with you?”
“Taking out the trash. Dirty diapers and all.”
“You know, if it was me, and I was worth millions, I’d hire someone to take my trash out for me.” But Tom had never used his fame and fortune that way. Despite his celebrity status and his wealth, he’d always remained an ordinary guy.
“How much would you charge?” Tom tossed the bag in the trash can, shooting Vic a sly grin.
Vic sneered at his friend. “You couldn’t afford me, pal. How is the little princess doing?”
“She has a bit of a tummy ache, hence the smelly diapers. Everything okay with the Bentons?”
Vic shrugged, pulling a cigarette out and lighting it up. “Wife’s bent over the old man’s cheating ways. If I hadn’t come in and calmed things down, he’d be looking at a sex change.”
“Ouch.”
“And then some. They’ve parted ways until they calm down. My guess is she changes the locks first thing in the morning.”
“Can’t say I blame her. I’ve seen him sneaking around with a few women. She can do better than him.” Tom shoved his hands in his pockets. “Cassie seems to think you’re involved with Julia,” he blurted out.
“That was smooth, Tom, real smooth. She spoke to you after leaving my office the other day, didn’t she?”
“Yes. Are you?”
“No.”
“You know you can’t lie to me, Vic.”
He had been for months now. “Remember that time when we were just out of high school, and I t
old you the perm you got looked good? I lied.”
“I knew you were lying and I knew you hated it.”
Vic narrowed his eyes. “Like hell you did.”
“Whenever you tell a lie, your left eye twitches.”
“It does not.”
“Are you sleeping with Julia?”
“No!”
“Hah, it just twitched.”
Vic’s hand shot up to his eye. “It did not.”
“How long?”
“I hate when you do that.”
“Do what?” Tom asked calmly.
“Give me that look.”
“What look?”
“That look.”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“The hell you don’t. You look at me with those dark, penetrating eyes, and I feel like you’re boring into my brain and can see it all. Fuck, I hate that.” Vic shoved the cigarette between his lips and stalked off to his house.
“And you always get defensive when you’re hiding something. Just like when you first came to town. I knew there was something up with you, and I knew it was major.”
“Yeah, and you bore into my brain to find out what. I feel sorry for Beth. She doesn’t have a hope in hell of ever lying to you.”
“You’re evading the question, Vic.”
“Of course I am. Fuck. Back off, Tom.”
“It was a simple question, Vic. Yes or no.”
“I already gave you the answer.” Vic stalked into the house and went right for the fridge for another beer.
Tom was right on his heels. “And it was a bullshit answer. What did I tell you? Back away with your hands up.”
“I tried that, but hell, she jumped me.”
“And you, being the helpless fool you are, were defenseless.” Tom clucked his tongue.
“Don’t chastise me, Tom.”
“She’s a baby, Vic. You have no business diddling with her.”
Vic cracked his beer open, snarling, “I didn’t want to, believe me. I fought it, but hell, I’m only human.”
“Well, you’ve had your fun, now break it off.”
“No,” It surprised even him just how adamantly he said it. “I can’t.”
Escape in Passion Page 10