Karma

by Barbara Huffert

  Karma

  Barbara Huffert

  Book 4 in the Cosmic Connections series.

  When a mix-up at the airport throws Jesse James and Jessie James together, he knows immediately she’s the one for him, but she’s not so sure. On the run from an abusive relationship, she’s terrified to trust this stranger who seems too good to be true.

  He must find a way to prove she’s safe with him and to show her they’re destined to be together forever. She must find the courage to truly leave her past behind and open herself to love.

  Reader Advisory: This story has graphic sexual language and scenes—no closed bedroom doors (or other rooms) here!

  A Romantica® contemporary erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave.

  Karma

  Barbara Huffert

  Chapter One

  The hum of the plane’s engines refused to fade into his subconscious as Jesse James Monroe shifted in his seat. It annoyed him, much as everything did at the moment. For the third time, Jesse declined the flight attendant’s offer of a beverage. Unfortunately, his scowl didn’t discourage the woman as he’d intended. Though he appreciated the first-class upgrade his cousin and employer had supplied, he couldn’t help but grumble at the additional attention that came with it.

  Jesse closed his eyes, feigning sleep, and let his mind drift. He’d argued repeatedly with his cousin, Wyatt, when he announced that they had the winning bid on the security contract that Jesse was on his way to install. They had worked with Bill Henderson in the past and Jesse considered the man to be one of the biggest pains in the ass he’d ever met. Wyatt, however, found him amusing. He practically vibrated with anticipation on the previous occasions he sent Jesse to work in one of the warehouses the man owned. When the first security system was being installed, the fool had repeatedly attempted to catch Jesse off guard with a series of stupid stunts. With each failure, the ass grew more determined to succeed. Jess had reached the end of his patience with the last job. Wyatt insisted Henderson give his word he would behave this time, but Jesse wasn’t convinced. With each passing mile, the feeling of dread increased.

  Jesse mentally chided himself for dwelling on the upcoming job. The asshole would do whatever he planned, in spite of giving Wyatt his word. Until Jesse caught him there was little point in tormenting his already overloaded mind.

  Instead, he turned his thoughts to himself. Jesse had always believed there was some grand cosmic plan for everyone’s life. He thought destiny controlled the direction each person took and fate played a hand in the ultimate outcome. His group of closest friends had all recently found their mates. He was extremely happy for them though perhaps a little envious as well.

  Watching them claim their futures made him wish that his turn would come soon. He was ready to settle down with one special woman and start his life as half of a couple. He and Wyatt were the only two still alone, so it had to be one of them. And, since Wyatt repeatedly expressed no desire for the kind of turmoil a woman would surely add, that fueled Jesse’s hope. He was more than willing to walk away from the riskier aspects of his career. The idea of relocating to the same town all his friends flocked to appealed to him. Maybe the woman who would claim his heart already lived there and he needed only to meet her. With any luck, his love would recognize their destiny without a lot of turmoil although he knew better than to expect that.

  In yet another attempt to avert the surge of annoyance that flowed when his mind touched on his upcoming job, Jesse let all the possibilities of what his soulmate might be like swirl through his head. He’d always loved women, all women. He appreciated the many different aspects he’d observed in them over the years. He honestly didn’t prefer one type of female over another. Sure, he was willing to acknowledge that some women were physically more attractive than others. Personally though, he was more interested in the kind of person she was. A woman’s spirit had much more of an impact on him than her legs did. He chuckled as he forced himself to admit he wished the woman he ended up with was well-endowed. Not that it really mattered or that he’d love her any less if she were flat-chested, but it would certainly be nice if she had a pair of large, soft breasts for him to lose himself in.

  Jesse groaned as he spied a sign with his name misspelled on it. He took in the yoga pants and sequined T-shirt with the fluffy scarf the individual holding it was wearing and had no idea what gender the person was. For a moment, he considered walking right by and heading for the car rental counter as originally planned. Instead, he decided not to. He’d let Henderson hang himself with this one and maybe Wyatt would finally drop him as a client.

  “Hello. I’m Jesse James,” he stated as he watched the sign-holder’s eyes widen in surprise.

  “Oh my,” a deeper than expected but still effeminate voice purred. “You’re certainly not what I pictured.”

  “Mind telling me what’s going on here?” Jesse asked flatly.

  “Didn’t my cousin tell you I’d be waiting for you?”

  “No.” Jesse suddenly recalled a conversation he’d had during a previous job about a cousin who was a constant problem. He considered the flamboyant man in front of him and reined in his annoyance. Maybe this was what Henderson had been alluding to when he said his cousin was different and needed looking after.

  “Well then, you gorgeous hunk of man, please allow me to introduce myself. I am Milo.” He punctuated his name with what was more of a curtsey than a bow. “Please tell me that you prefer men.”

  “Nope, sorry.” Jesse chuckled in spite of himself. At least the guy was direct.

  “Such a pity.” He fluttered his eyes for emphasis. “Well, if you ever have a change of heart, promise to make me your first call.”

  “Don’t hold your breath.”

  “Hey, can’t blame a gal for trying,” Milo stated with an exaggerated wink. “You will have to forgive me for drooling but I simply can’t help myself.”

  “Fine as long as you keep your hands to yourself.” Jesse decided it was best to establish boundaries up-front.

  “Spoilsport.” Milo pouted when Jesse didn’t soften his glare. “All right, all right. You may as well come along. Shame on himself for playing such a cruel trick on me.”

  Jesse remained silent while Milo kept up a never-ending string of chatter as they left the terminal. When it continued in the car, he was amazed at how infrequently Milo seemed to breathe. Jesse might understand helping out a family member but hoped Milo didn’t expect to hang around while he worked. No, it would be enough of a challenge to deal with the man while they drove to and from the warehouse. No way would Jesse put up with this noise while he installed the system, even if he could do it with his eyes closed.

  “Here we are.” Milo parked in a reserved space.

  “What the hell?” Jesse muttered as Milo started into the upscale restaurant next to the lot.

  “Harry, you are such a beast,” Milo called out as they entered the kitchen. “Telling me I’m to meet a girl. You knew all along how handsome Jesse was, didn’t you? You’re so bad, getting my hopes up only to have them dashed. You knew I’d show my interest instantly. Now the only thing I have to look forward to is sampling his lemon chiffon. I doubt it’ll be as tasty as I’m sure he is.”

  “Milo.” Jesse assumed the man trying to interrupt was Harry. “Milo. For Christ’s sake, Milo, shut up.” He finally raised his voice. “Jessie James is a girl. I’m sorry,” he said as he turned to Jesse. “I’m afraid my cousin has made a mistake. He seems to have confused you with our new pastry chef.”

  “Apparently.” Jesse wished he’d gone straight to the rental counter. “May I suggest you call the airport and ask your chef to wait while Milo drives me back? I’m assuming you will have him take me back?”

  “Of course, right away. Or I can
ask her to catch a cab. I know it’s very early, but the least I can do is offer you lunch for your inconvenience.”

  “Oh yes,” Milo seconded. “Please stay. Harry is making his delightful cream sauce for the asparagus today. It’s just divine with one of his filets. Ooh, you’ll have to try the baby potatoes too. He’s perfected the herb glaze.”

  “Milo.” Harry sighed. “Mr. James, please forgive him. My cousin gets a bit flustered when there’s a handsome man around. Even one who’s not interested. Probably accounts for why he has so few straight male friends.”

  “No problem.” Jesse felt lighter than he had in weeks. “Mind if I ask what smells so good?”

  “That’s the glaze for the potatoes. Can I tempt you? Honestly, I’d appreciate an impartial opinion if you don’t have any immediate plans. I’ll keep Milo on a leash.”

  Jesse actually laughed at the hopeful expression on both their faces. “Sure, why not? And please call me Jesse.”

  Milo fluttered his hands in a little clap before Harry glared. “Behave or I won’t let you out of this kitchen.”

  “Perhaps I should eat in here,” Jesse suggested when Harry opened the door to the dining room. “I’m not really dressed for this place.”

  “Nonsense! Not that it matters but we’re not even open yet.” Harry urged him to his private table, Milo in tow. “I’ll just get things started and be right back. My assistant is due momentarily and can take over. Will you be okay here with Milo or should I take him with me? I assure you he’s really harmless and likable once he calms down.”

  “I’m sure we’ll be fine.”

  “Can I choose a wine for you?” Milo asked excitedly, forgetting himself.

  “No but thanks. I do have to get some work done this afternoon even though I set my own schedule. I’ll take some coffee instead.”

  After Milo rushed to fill his cup, he settled across the table. Resting his chin on the back of his hands, he gazed adoringly at Jesse. “So what does a big, strong man like you do?”

  “I install security systems.”

  “Burglar alarms?”

  “Kind of. The ones I work with are more high tech and specialized for each application. My cousin designs them.”

  “What’s he like?”

  Jesse felt himself smile at the expression on Milo’s face. “Relax, Milo. I don’t think he’d be interested in what you’re looking for.”

  “Darn. I was hoping he looked like you but was more like me. Oh well, today just isn’t my day.”

  Harry overheard his cousin’s last comment and groaned as he joined them. “Now what is he saying?”

  “Just asking if the cousin he works for is as delicious as he is. After all, you’re my cousin and you prefer females. We’re both incredible fellows. I merely inquired if his family was similar.”

  “Milo, what am I going to do with you? Again, please just ignore him.”

  “I really don’t mind. I’ve had a tough few weeks and Milo is so unexpected that I’m actually starting to feel better.”

  “See, Harry? Not everybody is put off by my charm.”

  “Just don’t overdo it. Jesse is our guest and I’d hate for you to ruin his appetite.”

  “The abuse I take from family. Does your cousin treat you this badly?”

  “Sometimes although I recommend you listen to Harry. A little bit of you goes a long way.”

  “Thank you.” Harry grinned. “I’m always trying to tell him that but Milo thinks he knows best. Stop sulking. You’re not as cute as you think you are when you pout like that.”

  “I’m afraid I have to agree with that too.” Jesse began to enjoy this bizarre experience.

  “Really? You think I’m cute when I smile?” Milo perked up instantly.

  “As cute as I ever considered another man. But you might actually be cuter than some women I’ve met.”

  “Please don’t flatter him. It’ll go straight to his head and I’ll never hear the end of it,” Harry teased as they began. “I wonder what happened to our female Jessie James. No one answered the page at the airport. I’m sure she has our address so hopefully she’s on her way.”

  “Yesterday when your buddy, Edward, called, he said Jessie sounded desperate to relocate as quickly as possible. If she was, I doubt that she’d pass up a guaranteed job. If she’s not here by the time we’re done eating, you can go call him and see if he’s heard from her,” Milo suggested.

  “I’m sure she’ll be fine, getting here on her own. Edward assured me that she is a very competent individual in all ways. He gave her his highest recommendation, which is something he rarely offers. Is everything to your liking, Jesse?”

  “Gods yes!” Jesse exclaimed. “This could easily be the best meal I’ve ever had.”

  “Now who’s soaking up the flattery?” Milo teased Harry in return before they settled in to a comfortable conversation, while Jesse enjoyed his food.

  Chapter Two

  Abigail Jessica James stood in the airport feeling totally lost. Her migraine was so bad it was damn near debilitating. That on top of the throbbing pain from her numerous bruises made it nearly impossible for her to function. The ride she thought would be waiting for her by the gate was nowhere to be found. She had been in a fog the previous evening when she spoke to her former boss, Edward, about a job in his friend Harry’s restaurant but she was certain that he told her there was no need for her to get a rental car. Perhaps she had misunderstood and he said she should, not that she shouldn’t.

  She was even less sure of her faulty memory when she approached the clerk at the rental desk, only to find a prepaid car reserved in her name. That couldn’t possibly be correct but she would straighten it out with her potential employer as soon as they met. She hoped more than anything that the nausea that usually accompanied her migraines would hold off until after she prepared the lemon chiffon soufflé she planned for her interview. She would have doubted her ability to locate the restaurant if the clerk hadn’t assured her that the directions were already programmed into the GPS in the car.

  As she pressed on her neck and tried to force both eyes to focus together, she looked again at the huge building in front of her. It couldn’t be the right place. It had to be some sort of mistake. She lowered her head to the steering wheel, feeling the first twinge of nausea. What if Earl had discovered her plans and found a way to interfere? What if he was waiting inside to kill her? No, he wouldn’t kill her. He’d just punish her relentlessly, making her wish she were dead as he always did.

  Why she hadn’t trusted her instincts about Earl before getting thoroughly involved with him made absolutely no sense to her now that she’d walked out. Even more overwhelming was why she stayed once he’d started to hurt her. Had anyone suggested five years ago, before they met, that she would ever let herself sink that low and make such a total mess of her life she would have denied the possibility. She still didn’t understand how she’d let it get so bad but at least she had finally done something about it. She might be homeless and relying on the kindness of total strangers, hundreds of miles from her faithful dog, the only creature in the universe that loved her, with a migraine that might kill her before the day was over, but she was out. That was what mattered most. She was alive and away from him.

  She’d get her new life set up in this new place, sneak back into town just long enough to pick up her golden retriever and then never think of those wasted years again. Hell, she’d even force herself to be open about one day finding a man who truly cared and wanted to honestly share a life with her. Easier said than done but there had to be a decent one out there somewhere. Since she was beginning anew she refused to let her past ruin her future.

  A tap on the window startled her back into the present. “You okay in there, lady?”

  She lowered the window. “Um, yes I think so. I’m looking for this address.” She read off what it said on the GPS.

  Ted hid his grin as his gaze returned to the woman in the car. Man, Bill was going to be
pissed! He’d watched his boss try to pull something over on James without success every time something got updated. He’d heard all about how Bill had been forced to promise not to try anything this time. Well the joke was on Bill and he was not going to be at all happy to have the tables turned on him. It appeared that Jesse James had sent this girl in his place. And what a good actress she was too. She was so believable the way she sat there, cowering as if she expected him to drag her out of the car. If he weren’t so sure it was all a game, he’d be convinced that she was about to be sick as well.

  “You found it,” Ted informed her. “You must be Jessie James.”

  “Um, yes,” she responded.

  “Good. Let’s go. Don’t want to keep the boss waiting.” Ted opened the door and gestured for her to follow him. When he reached an office, he tapped lightly before turning the knob. “Excuse me but James is here.” He walked in and waited for his boss to look up at the woman.

  “It’s about time,” Bill Henderson growled as he finished up what he was doing. “Took you long enough.” He finally glanced up and exploded. “Who the hell are you?”

  “J-Jessie James,” she stuttered, beginning to tremble. She tried to back out of the room as the enraged man in front of her rounded the desk.

  “Hold it right there, sweet cheeks.” Bill motioned for Ted to block the door. “You have some explaining to do. We both know you’re not Jesse James. Start talking and make it quick,” he demanded as he towered over her. “Where’s the bastard hiding? James, you around somewhere?” He was shouting again. “You pull a stunt like this and the deal’s off. You hear me, James?” When there was no response, he turned back to her. “Might as well sit down. You’re not going anywhere until he shows.”

  “Please,” she pleaded. “I really don’t know what you’re talking about. I am Jessie James. I have ID.”

  “Well of course you do, baby doll. He wouldn’t send you in here without it. Probably looks perfect too. My compliments, by the way. She’s good, isn’t she, Ted?”