"Bonnie, honey, wake up. You're okay. It's just a dream." Jake pulled her close to him, hugging her and shaking her gently. "Wake up, kitten. Everything's okay."
Finally, her whimpering subsided and her eyes blinked open. "Uncle Jake?"
"I'm here, honey. I've got you." He held her close and rocked her slowly back and forth. The little girl blinked and gasped as she realized Marty was there, too.
"Uncle Jake, Marty, I was so scared. It was Daddy. He was hitting Mama, hitting her and hitting her. He wouldn't stop." The sobs came in shuddering gasps, her little shoulders shaking.
"Shh, it's all right. Daddy's never going to hurt you again. I promise." Jake's voice was soft, soothing. "It's okay."
At last she settled down, her eyes slowly falling closed. Jake and Marty rose and Jake pulled the covers up around his niece's neck. The little girl stirred and blinked.
"Marty, stay with me. Please?"
Marty glanced at Jake and he gave a little nod. He could wait a few more minutes to be with her.
"Okay, sweetie, but just for a few minutes, all right?"
Bonnie nodded and scooted over on her double bed to make room for Marty.
Marty turned to Jake and whispered her promise to come to his to his room soon. He gave her a quick nod and kissed the top of her head.
"I'll be waiting."
And then he was gone.
Marty climbed into the bed and cuddled up next to Bonnie. She nuzzled her nose into her hair and felt the love bloom in her heart. Such a tiny girl, so much pain in her life. How could she remain so sweet?
"Sing me a song, Marty."
"Which song should I sing?"
"The one about the mockingbird. Mama used to sing me that one."
It took a moment for Marty to find her voice around the lump in her throat, but she finally managed to sing the old familiar words.
"Hush, little baby, don't say a word, Mama's going to buy you a mockingbird."
She sang softly, stroking the child's ringlets, kissing her brow. She sang until the little girl's breathing deepened then sang a few more minutes. When Marty started to ease herself out of the bed the little girl moaned and let out a cry, so Marty settled back down again.
Ten minutes later Jake stood in the doorway watching his two sleeping girls. They were spooning together, Marty's red-gold hair blended in with Bonnie's corn silk curls on the pillow, and it was a beautiful sight. One he didn't want to disturb.
He sighed and tiptoed out of the room and shut the door.
Chapter 20
The storm had been worse than they thought. The next morning they sat in front of the TV and watched the footage of the damage left by a tornado that had swept through the suburbs of Nashville. No one had died but there had been injuries and total destruction of many homes.
Marty listened as one man described being buried alive in his basement. He still looked shocked, his arm wrapped tightly around his wife's shoulder.
"It's gone. Everything we've worked for is gone." His voice caught in his throat before he continued. "But thank God we're alive. That's all that matters.
"Oh, those poor people," Nora moaned as she leaned against Joe, her face pale. "There's got to be something we can do to help them."
Jake sat silently for a moment then nodded. "You're right, Nora. Let me think on it. In the meantime, we've got to see what can be done with Big Red."
This time it was Marty's turn to moan. She hadn't had the courage to go out and see her RV in the daylight.
"Well, I guess now's as good a time as any." Marty rose to her feet and squared her shoulders. "I'm ready if you are."
Marty, Jake, and Joe headed outside and Nora stayed behind with the twins. Despite the fact that they traveled across a yard strewn with debris, fallen limbs scattered about, Marty was amazed by how calm and beautiful the weather was. If it hadn't been for the debris cluttering the lawn you would have never guessed a storm had passed this way.
Marty's heart fell when she saw what was left of her home.
"It's gone, all gone." She was grateful for the strong supporting arm Jake slipped around her waist.
"We need to get that tree cleared away before we can really see what's going on. Come on, Joe, let's get the chainsaws."
Marty stood back and watched as the men cranked up the saws and began cutting away branches. Eventually they had enough cleared that Marty could see the RV was caved in in the middle but the ends of the camper were relatively un-smashed. The windows were all gone, but it looked like the end that housed her paint supplies had sustained the least damage.
After that, they called one of Jake's friends with a crane that could lift the big old tree trunk off her RV. Marty called her insurance agent and they agreed to send an adjustor out the next day. The rest of the afternoon was filled with phone calls to and from friends checking to make sure they were all right. Jake disappeared into his office later that day and didn't even reappear when supper was ready.
Marty was exhausted by the time evening came and her head was pounding. She made her excuses early and headed to the guest room she was staying in. She knew Jake probably expected her to meet him later on but she wasn't going to. She was too heartsick. Not about her own property losses, but by the scenes she had seen on TV this morning. So many people had lost so much. She just wanted tonight to mourn for the pain thousands of people were feeling tonight.
She half expected Jake to come tapping at her door later that night, but he didn't. She wasn't sure if she was relieved or disappointed. She tossed restlessly in her bed, sleep escaping her. She thought about Jake. Was he lying awake like she was, unable to turn his thoughts off? Was he thinking about how sweet their kisses tasted, how well they fit together?
She tossed the sheet off, heat suffusing her body. If just thinking about Jake made her this wet, this turned on, she couldn't imagine how it would feel to make love to him. He'd given her a gift, a magnificent orgasm like she'd not experienced before. Would she get the chance to pay him back?
She finally fell asleep with thoughts of a night spent in Jake's arms filling her mind.
The insurance adjustor arrived early the next morning. It didn't take long for him to pronounce Big Red a total loss. Marty thanked him for getting there so quick, said goodbye, and started to work on salvaging what she could. Miraculously, the front passenger door had popped open when the tree crushed the RV. She was bent over with her head in the compartment and her butt in the air when a voice spoke behind her.
"Hey there, hot pants."
Marty jerked and banged her head on the smashed roof. She rubbed the bump and spun around to face Jake.
"What are you doing? You shouldn't be messing around out here by yourself. You could get hurt." His voice was stern but also concerned.
"I'm fine. Look, I managed to save a few clothes. They're wet and need washing, but at least I'll have something to wear." Marty knew she was babbling but couldn't seem to help herself.
"I don't suppose you happened to save an evening dress, did you?" He cocked an eyebrow at her.
"I don't even own an evening dress," she confessed. "There wasn't one to save."
"Well, we'll have to take care of that situation." He smiled a secretive smile.
"Why? I don't need an evening dress." Confusion painted her expression.
"Ah, but you will. I've managed to put together a benefit concert for the tornado victims. It's going to happen Sunday night at a big beautiful concert hall in Nashville. I've lined up a dozen top acts to participate. And, here's the best part," he paused for dramatic effect. "It's going to be carried on live television. We'll be taking donation calls besides collecting money at the door. It's going to be fantastic."
"That's sensational, Jake." He really was a wonderful man, putting all this together to help his neighbors. "But what's that got to do with me needing an evening dress?"
"I want you to come with me, of course." Jake sounded confident that she would join him, but Marty startled at t
he thought. Her? Around all those big country stars? No way.
"Marty, don't say no. I need you there."
"Why? You've never had to have me there before."
"I need you to scare off all those crazy groupies and starlets. If you're with me I won't have to deal with all those women and can focus on what I'm there to do." He winked at her, flashing his dimples. "I'm going to be busy overseeing everything. I need you to run interference for me."
"Ah, come on, Jake. That's not me. I'm not into all that star-studded stuff."
Jake stepped closer to her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "I know you're not, Marty, but I promise, it will be a great time. When the concert's over I thought we could go to dinner and spend the night in a hotel. It would give us time to be alone for a change. What do you say?"
He ended his plea by snuggling his nose into her hair and tipping her face up for a tender kiss. That kissed promised her that she wouldn't regret her decision, but still she hesitated. Was she really ready to take the next step with Jake Stryker?
He kissed her again and she lost all will to say no. She was going to spend the night with Jake. Lord help her.
Chapter 21
In her hotel room, Marty gave herself one last inspection in the mirror. She still couldn't believe the image she saw was her own reflected self. She didn't even look like the old Marty. Gone were the blue jeans, the paint-spattered sneakers. Gone were the ponytail and the makeup free skin.
Staring back at her was a woman who actually looked beautiful. Her red-gold curls were swirled loosely on top of her head, a pair of chandelier earrings swaying against her neck. The turquoise dress she wore was the exact shade of her eyes and hugged her figure enticingly. Her feet were encased in silver stiletto sandals, adding length and curve to her leg.
Who was that elegant woman staring back at her? Surely it wasn't Marty Donahue, daughter of a drug addict and a waitress.
Marty and Jake had come to the city early that morning. She'd spent the day getting her hair done and even took time for a mani-pedi. Jake was busy taking care of all the last minute details concerning the concert, but Marty had the afternoon to herself and she made the most of it.
After coming back from the beauty salon, Marty soaked in a long, hot bubble bath then took her time doing her makeup and getting dressed. Jake had booked them into a two-bedroom suite in one of the best hotels in Nashville, and she lavished in the luxuries provided.
She'd take a trip into Nashville earlier this week and found her dress, shoes, and accessories, all purchased courtesy of Jake's credit card. She'd tried to avoid letting him pay for her outfit but he insisted. She'd gone into town with his gold card in hand and found the picture-perfect dress. She still cringed at the thought of how much it cost, but it was worth it. It fit her to perfection.
She felt like Cinderella and the ball was just about to begin. The only difference was she wouldn't be running away when the clock struck twelve.
She drew a deep breath and picked up the small evening bag that held her ID, a lipstick, a compact, and a tiny bottle of the most delicious perfume she had ever smelled.
It was time to go.
Marty opened the door and stepped into the living room. Jake was there, standing with his back turned to her staring out the wall of windows. He hadn't heard her enter so she took a moment to drink in the sight of him.
His shiny cat black hair hid the collar of his crisp white shirt. The black tux fit his physique to perfection, hugging his broad shoulders and outlining his muscular back and trim waist. His long, lean legs were defined by beautiful black fabric and ended at his boot-clad feet.
And then, as though sensing her presence, he turned and faced her.
The look on his face seared itself into Marty's memory. His gaze swept over her, drinking in her appearance, an expression of awe covering his face. He slowly moved forward and took her in his arms.
"You look amazing," he said, his voice soft and low.
"You look pretty amazing yourself."
"Looking at you makes me wish we didn't have to go out."
"I know the feeling. But you've worked so hard to put all this together, we wouldn't dare miss it."
He gave her lips a slow, regretful kiss. "Alas, you're right. Are you ready to go, Princess? Your chariot awaits."
Marty felt like she'd walked out of reality into a fantasy. A sleek stretch limo picked them up at the door of the hotel and whisked them away to a magnificent old theater. She walked the red carpet with Jake at her side, clinging to his arm for confidence. She tried to keep her mouth from gaping open as they shared space with other big-name celebrities. Not just musicians, either. There were several record producers, movies stars with connections to Nashville, a famous author, and other beautiful people.
She was seated in the front row, and when Jake wasn't on stage he sat next to her, often taking her hand and holding it in his. His band members and their wives were all in attendance and welcomed her warmly. Their wholehearted friendliness made her feel at ease, welcome. She'd thought she might be an outsider, but she was surprised how comfortable she felt.
Another surprise was how well she hit it off with Callie Conaway, a superstar who was also performing that night. She was seated on the other side of Marty and turned out to be funny and quirky and completely delighted her.
The only bad moment was when she ran into Legend Hayes in the hallway. She'd slipped out to go to the bathroom before the show started and boom! She ran right into him.
The musician gave her the eye, running his gaze up and down her figure. She automatically stepped back, gave a curt nod, and headed on her way. She felt his gaze on her until she turned the corner.
But the truly magical moments happened when Jake was performing. Somehow it felt like he was singing just to her, his eyes burning into her very soul. God, how had he come to be so important to her, so treasured? She felt swept off her feet, overwhelmed by emotion. When he spoke into the camera and made his plea for donations, her throat swelled as she sensed his sincerity. She'd been so wrong to think that all musicians were alike. This man was as different from her father as country music was from opera.
When the show was over a group of them went back to Callie's home on the outskirts of Nashville and indulged in a midnight feast with champagne. They already knew the benefit had been a tremendous success. The show was sold out and donations had come pouring in.
At last, the time had come to say good night to the others. She and Jake walked to their car in silence, Jake's hand at the small of her back. The driver saw them coming and hopped out of the car and opened the back door for them, and they slid into the luxurious interior.
Marty knew what was coming. She was excited, but she was also scared. It had been a long time since she'd had sex…and somehow she knew tonight was going to be so much more. Tonight wouldn't be about sex…it would be about making love. She'd never really done that before. Most of her sexual adventures had been brief encounters with men she met along the way.
Tonight would be different. This wasn't someone she was using just to ward away the loneliness. She knew he wasn't someone who was just passing through her life; even when they parted she would be carrying a piece of him with her. Jake Stryker was not a man who would be forgotten.
By the time they arrived back at the hotel, Marty's knees were shaking. She had trouble catching her breath, almost hyperventilating in the elevator. She knew as soon as they entered their suite she would be at the point of no return.
Jake seemed to sense her feelings. He unlocked the door and let her pass in front of him before turning and placing the Do Not Disturb sign on the door, but he made no move towards her. Instead, he walked to the bar and asked if she wanted a drink.
Marty nodded gratefully. Her throat was suddenly dry.
She accepted the glass from him and turned to stare out the window, walking over to look at the view.
"It's a beautiful night. Why don't we go out on the balcony and en
joy it?"
She nodded shyly and followed him outside. The city of Nashville spread before them, sparkling like a blanket of diamonds covering the ground. She breathed in the nighttime air, sucking in her first deep breath in the last half hour.
"So beautiful," she breathed.
"Yes." His voice came next to her ear. "I think so."
Marty turned and found Jake standing close by her, his eyes fastened on her face. She got caught up in their depths, feeling like she was sucked into a vortex.
"Marty." His hand raised and played across her throat. "You are so special."
And then his lips captured hers and she felt herself melt against him.
Marty was lost. His kiss sent shivers down her spine, his hand trailing along the outline of her off-the-shoulder neckline. His fingers felt like velvet as they traced a path across her upper arm, then slid back over her cleavage. Her knees felt weak and she wrapped her arms around his neck for support. She wasn't sure she could stand on her own.
Chapter 22
Jake pulled her even closer, holding her tightly against him. He thrilled in the feel of her body pressed against his. She felt tiny, fragile, yet powerful as hell. She certainly had power over him. At this moment he thought she could ask him for the moon and he would do his best to pull it down for her.
God, he wanted her. Wanted her for his own. She captivated his heart, sang to his soul. The mere thought of her leaving at the end of her assignment sent shock waves rolling over him. Could he stand to let her go? The thought of committing his life to one woman scared the shit out of him. But the thought of letting her walk away was just as frightening.
He traced a path with his lips along her neckline, caressing the shell of her ear with the tip of his tongue. He trailed his mouth down the long length of her neck, drinking in the sweetness, savoring the exotic scent of her. God, he wanted more.
Bad Boy Series: Soul Songs (Bad Boy Romance Book 2) Page 8