“I’ll be safe. We have an alarm.”
Wes nodded and looked at the unlit dirt road and back to her house. He took a deep breath, one more shot he thought. He remembered Jace telling him to ‘fight for her.'
“Jo I don’t know how to explain this. I’ve never had feelings like this before so I’m winging it here.” Jo shuffled her feet uncomfortably.
Wes continued. “I know I messed up with you. God knows I didn’t mean too and I swear that stuff with Ginger is a crock of shit. I wish I could make you believe that. Thing is…I’m afraid to leave.” Jo cocked her head not understanding how Wes would ever be afraid of anything.
“I’m afraid if I leave you’ll never want to see me. If I just sit here, at least until morning, maybe." He blew out a sad breath. "Maybe I’ll be able to wrap my head around not being with you ever again, but right now… Right now I can’t drive away.”
Jo had tears in her eyes. This handsome man was laying his heart down for her to stomp on if she wanted to. He’d lost his phone, so not contacting her was justified. She just couldn’t get around the Ginger Lola thing. She composed herself. She wasn’t letting him in the house though. She didn’t have that much will power.
“Okay Wes just until the morning, okay?”
“Fair enough Jo.” Wes was relieved, but now he dreaded morning coming. He knew he’d have to leave her then and it was going to kill him. He also knew he needed to make sure she was protected with him not around her. So while Wes watched Jo reentered her home and shut off the lights he did what he did best, he came up with a plan.
Jo tossed and turned all night. She’d gotten out of bed three times, with out turning the lights, on just to see if Wes was still there, and of course he was. She got out of bed at 5:00am, the boys were picking her up to go fishing at 5:45am. They’d been fishing together since they were kids and Jo loved how peaceful she always felt out on the lake in the early morning.
After washing her face and brushing her teeth she put the coffee pot on, turned on the television and snuck a peek out the front window. Wes was leaning on the truck. His hands were in his pockets and his head was bowed. She couldn’t see his face but she knew he hadn’t slept much. She had to let him go. She was going to hand him a cup of coffee for the road and tell him goodbye. The damn kiss plagued her.
She heard the television news reporter say the name Ginger Lola so she turned up the volume.
“For all you Ginger Lola fans we have learned that she is still single! Her publicist released this statement moments ago; ‘We regret the deceptiveness that the video represented. Ginger is mortified that her girlfriend would carry out such a deceitful charade. Ginger was under the impression that her good friend and bodyguard, Wes Tobin was aware of the seemingly harmless video. Ginger has since distanced herself from her friend who, without authorization, released the tape. She regrets any problems the video may have caused.’
The news anchor continued. “So it seems Ginger is not hearing wedding bells like we had all thought.”
The co-anchor made a comment that maybe now he had a shot with her and the other anchor joked back with him.
Jo sat down in the kitchen chair. Wes wasn’t lying. She had to tell him about the retraction. Jo went to the front door and opened it. Wes looked up and gave her a weak smile. He thought she was going to tell him to leave; instead she gave him a sweet, small smile and waved for him to come inside.
Wes hesitated, he quickly walked to the front thinking she was just formally saying good bye to him. When he entered the house Jo handed him a cup of coffee and motioned for him to sit at the kitchen table, which he did. She then got the remote for the television and started clicking channels. Wes was too tired to really notice that she seemed intent on finding something.
“Here.” Jo said looking at him and directing his attention to the television.
Wes watched as a news anchor read the statement from Ginger’s publicist, Leena. Well that answered one question he thought. Ginger had wormed her way out of any wrong doing by throwing her friend Carrie to the wolves. He couldn’t wait to hear what his lawyer had to say.
“You weren’t lying.” Jo said softly.
“No, although I believe Ginger had more to do with it than the press will ever know.”
“I didn’t not believe you Wes; it was just the kiss.” Jo closed her eyes. “I keep seeing that damn kiss.” Wes could tell by how her voice waivered that she was becoming emotional.
He stood up and went to stand right in front of her. He tilted her chin up so she could see his face. “I’m still sorry about everything Jo. I wish I’d never left.”
Jo nodded. “Me too.” She said sadly.
“Jo can you tell me what happened to you? Why you had to go to the hospital?”
Jo looked uncomfortable. She knew if she told Wes he’d go ballistic.
“Honey is it because of what you’re working on or past stuff?” Wes asked gently.
“I don’t know, but I think it's one of them.”
“Yeah, I think so too.”
The door burst open and Auggie and Griff walked in. Griff went right for the coffeepot.
“You still here?” Auggie said, going into protector mode.
“Don’t worry I stayed in the truck. I’m leaving now.” Wes replied not taking his eyes off of Jo. He then put his palm on her cheek and kissed the top of her head.
“I never meant to hurt you.” He said quietly with his eyes locked on to hers. She could see that this had really taken a toll on him too.
Wes turned to walk outside and gave Auggie a ‘follow me’ sign that Jo didn’t see.
“I think I’ll just walk you to your truck.” Auggie said sarcastically. Jo remained rooted where she was.
When they got outside Wes stopped and looked at Auggie.
“Listen to me and listen good. She could very well be in more danger than she even realizes. She needs to be looked out for. Do not leave her alone at all. I don’t care how you do it, but if you care for her you’ll find away to have sleep over’s.” Wes shot Auggie a look. “And not in her bed!”
“Sheesh man she’s a big girl, but don’t worry she’s like my sister.”
“Keep thinking that way. Now take this.” Wes dug in his wallet and took out 600 dollars and handed it to Auggie. Go buy a scratch off. Tell her if you win you’ll split it with her. You scratch it off. Don’t let her see it. Pretend you won and give her this cash. I don’t want her leaving a credit card trail. Don’t let her use her cards.”
Auggie nodded. “You’re serious about all this?”
“Deadly.” Wes said gravely.
“I’m also going to Fed Ex her a cell phone. She may balk at having it but please convince her to use it and keep it with her okay?”
“Okay. Anything else?”
“Please don’t let her out of your sight. She needs to rest and relax. I want her to be safe, but happy too.”
Auggie looked at Wes seeing him in a whole new light. “You really do care for her.” It wasn’t a question.
“It’s killing me to leave, but it's what she needs; I hope.”
Wes got in his truck. “You have a cell?” He asked Auggie.
“Good.” Taking Auggie’s number Wes thanked him. Then Wes took off feeling such a heavy pull in his chest that it physically hurt.
Chapter 18
Wes and Jo
When Wes arrived back at the office on Saturday Andy was out but Jace was leaning out his window having a smoke.
“Jace man, come on.” Wes said tiredly as he plopped down in a chair.
Jace snubbed out the cigarette and shut the window.
“How’d it go?”
“I talked to her. She was skittish. She’s got a bruise on her face. Then this morning she saw the retraction that Ginger’s team put out. I think that helped. She told me she keeps seeing the kiss.”
Jace smiled. “I can’t stop seeing it either man. You kissed Ginger Lola.”
Wes growled. “S
he kissed me you ass!” Wes knew he was being teased but he was too tired to handle it.
Jace tossed Wes a new phone. “Here you go. Just got it this morning. I plugged in the numbers I knew.”
“Thanks. Okay anything else I need to know?”
“Frank called. He wants you to call him.”
“Okay thanks.”
Wes left Jace and went into his own office. He needed a shower but he wanted to call Frank first.
“Frank, it’s Wes.”
“Hi Wes did you see the news this morning?”
“I did thank you.”
“Just a little threatening. I do think you need to finish the job though.”
“My men are still watching, just from a distance.”
“Well for everyone concerned I think you should resume your normal security detail.”
“Why? What’s up?”
“Well for starters you need to fulfill the contract now that her team has rectified the situation.”
“That little bitch cost me more than you know."
“I know Wes. Jace filled me in. The movie scene is only going to take about five more days and you personally don’t have to be on 24-7. I already told Leena you would be taking very few shifts. She did ask that you take a shift tomorrow though; she’ll give you the details. She wants the public to see that you have no ill feelings towards Ginger.”
Wes humphed and Frank chuckled. “Come on man you kissed Ginger Lola.”
“That joke is getting fucking old!” Wes spat back.
“Okay sorry. Kidding aside. Ginger's received a death threat. Someone was not too happy that she had a man in her life.”
“Crap, what happened?"
"She received a cocktail napkin with some disturbing words on it when she was at the hotel's bar last night.”
“Okay, I’ll talk to Leena. Thanks Frank.”
“You’ll get my bill.” He said laughing.
After showering and changing Wes saw that Andy had come in so he told him what he had told Jace. The men switched car keys and Wes headed out. He was barely functioning because he was so tired, but he wanted to get Jo a phone. He stopped at the Verizon store and picked out a new iPhone with 64GB for her. He then put 100 dollars of credit for iTunes and 100 dollars of credit for the App store. He put his number in and took a selfie for the contact picture. He looked goofy in it but he knew it would make her smile.
In the notes section he told her about the iTunes and App credits and he asked her to go to dinner with him when she returned. He also said he missed her and hoped she’d caught a fish and was having fun.
Satisfied with his purchase, he took it to the Fed Ex store and paid for it to be delivered – request signature included – that day. Wes then headed to his condo and fell asleep for the first time in days.
Jo had a great time fishing with her two friends and they caught enough fish to fry up for dinner that night. They separated so they could shower before meeting back up to go in to town for their dinner supplies. Auggie didn’t want to leave Jo alone, even while she showered, but he couldn’t think of an excuse to stay so he showered quickly and drove back to her place. He had filled Griff in on what Wes had said and about the scratch off they were about to purchase.
The three friends, baskets in hand, searched the supermarket aisles for fixings for their fish dinner. Auggie told her to give him a dollar and she shot him a silly look and handed him one. He ran off telling them he felt lucky so he was buying a scratch off. Jo was laughing at how crazy he was. When he returned he had a huge smile on his face.
“What?” Jo asked.
“We won.”
“We won what?” She was clearly missing something.
“The scratch off paid big.” Auggie laughed flashing a wad of cash at Jo.
“No way, you won!”
“We won. This is your cut.” He tried to give Jo the money and she was wrestling with him telling him to keep it.
“Jo! Stop! This is your cut, you paid for half the ticket, now take it or I’m going to be mad. I got the same amount. It’s all good.”
Jo stopped pushing his hand with the money away. She could use it she thought. “Are you sure?”
“Yup, it’s half yours.”
Jo took the money and put it in her wallet thinking that it would give her new debit card a break.
Auggie was smiling. Jo had no idea it was a slight ruse and he couldn’t help but admire Wes for coming up with a way that Jo would take money without making it look like a hand out. They paid for the groceries with cash, of course. When they got to Jo’s cabin a Fed-Ex truck was sitting in the drive way.
The driver approached the three of them. “B.J. Ross?”
“”Yes?” She said stepping forward.
“Package for you.” He handed Jo a box. “Please sign here.”
Jo signed. “Were you waiting for me?”
“Yes, instructions were to deliver today, priority.”
“Oh, well thank you.”
Auggie dug out a five from his wallet and tipped the man.
Jo was turning the package over in her hand gently. She was actually nervous considering all the mishaps she’d had. Griff and Auggie followed behind her with the bags of food and beer.
When they got inside Jo put the package on the table.
“Open it.” Griff said wondering what was inside.
“It’s okay Jo. You can open it.” Auggie said coming up behind her.
She looked at him suspiciously. “Do you know what it is?” She asked.
“Yes. It's from Wes.”
Jo gave him snarky look and then unwrapped the box. Inside she found a brand new top of the line iPhone. There were three cases enclosed as well. One case was one of those drop–me-off-a–building-I-won’t -break types. One was a girly pink one and the third had a guitar graphic on it. Jo smiled thinking of tough guy Wes picking these out.
She took the phone out of the case and saw that underneath was also a car charger along with the regular charger. He had thought of everything Jo noted. She then saw there was a note lying in the box.
My Jo, please accept this as a simple gift from one friend to another. For the record and just so you know, this friend will answer your call no matter what, anytime, anywhere, an he won’t let any spoiled divas, or anyone else for that matter, grab it out of his hands. Please call or text. I miss you. Your Wes
“That’s nice.” Griff said reading over her shoulder.
Jo laughed and pushed him away. “Nosy!”
Auggie was looking at her with a grin on his face. “You need the phone Jo. Don’t even think of giving it back.”
“How did you know what it was? And how did you know what I was thinking?” She chuckled.
“He told me he was sending it and asked if I could help encourage you to not send it back, and uh, hello it’s me. That’s how I knew what you were thinking.” He said smiling.
“It’s a nice phone.” She said. “The cases are nice too.” She said wistfully. “He did go through a lot of trouble, didn’t he?”
“Jo. Cut the man some slack. It’s something you need and he’s trying to help you out. He cares Jo.”
Jo turned to Auggie and wrapped him in a hug. “I know.”
Griff and Auggie went into the kitchen to start the dinner while Jo played with her new phone. She realized that she had a different number now, but she didn’t think that was a big deal. There were three numbers already plugged into the favorites; Wes' and there was a hilarious selfie that accompanied it. Jace’s number had a toad as a contact picture, and Andy’s contact picture was of The Beast from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Jo was laughing at Wes’ humor.
She also saw that there was a message already in her iMessage for her to look under the notes tile and when she did, she saw that he had typed: you have credit in iTunes and Apps. She was floored when she saw the amount of credit he had gifted her she started to feel guilty that he had spent so much money on her.
She to
ld the guys she’d be right back and she went into her bedroom for some privacy to call Wes. It took one ring before Wes answered. He had given Jo her own ringtone and when he heard it he woke up immediately.
“Jo?”
“Hi, yes it’s me. Wes thank you for the phone, but… it’s so much.” She finished quietly.
“Jo please accept it.” Wes said earnestly. “There are no strings attached. It would really be the highlight of my week.” He chuckled forcing Jo to laugh.
“Really, your week?” She said coyly.
“Oh, except for last Saturday. I meant after leaving your house.” He chuckled.
“Okay that’s better.” Jo laughed. Wes loved hearing her laugh.
“So Jo can I call you?”
She hesitated for a few seconds before answering. “Yes, I’d like that.”
“Will you call me?” Wes asked seriously.
“I was raised that the boys should always call first Wes.” Jo said giggling.
“You may regret giving me the green light Jo.” Wes said somewhat seductively.
“Maybe, but I do appreciate the phone Wes.”
“I’m glad. Please keep it with you Jo, I worry.”
“I know. Hey guess what?” She said laughing.
“What?”
“The boys and I bought a scratch off and won. I have 600 dollars rolling around my purse right now.” Jo told him excitedly.
“That’s great Jo! Listen I don’t want to rain on your happy parade, but maybe you should use that cash instead of your cards for now.”
“Is that how you found me Wes?”
“Yes and others can too.” Little did Jo know that Wes had already scrubbed her credit card trail from the internet. He hoped no one else had looked for her earlier.
“Yeah, you’re probably right. Well I have the cash now, actually more than enough so I can!” Jo was still animated and it made Wes ache to see her.
Jo heard Griff yelling for her. “Wes I have to go I think the guys are burning my fish.”
“Okay baby. Sweet dreams.”
One Tough Love Page 14