Perhaps the stress of the week had finally gotten to her. Serena and Kenneth’s visit, and Jordan’s sudden interest in a man. Not to mention thinking Brock and Rocky were two different men.
She dropped her hands and stared across the room, not seeing anything. Nothing but Brock’s image, that is. She sighed. He filled her thoughts so much lately. Up until now they were usually happy thought. Now she became suspicious.
She tried to imagine Brock trying to sabotage her business. If only she trusted him more. That hurt the most. Was it because Emily Hamill was his sister? Or was it because Jordan was still leery of men?
Pulling herself out of her thoughts, she walked back into the lobby. Erica was on the phone, calling to cancel her appointments. The poor girl. She shouldn’t have been here alone. Jordan shouldn’t have tried to find Brock’s office.
After Erica hung up the phone, she looked up at Jordan. “Do you need something?”
Jordan shook her head. “I just wanted to tell you thank you for everything you do for me. You’re a great secretary.”
The smile Erica gave didn’t reach her eyes like it usually did. The stress of the morning had probably gotten to her.
“Thanks. I really love working for you, too.”
Jordan walked to Erica’s desk and sat on the corner, gently swinging her leg. “When you finish calling everybody, I want you to go home.”
“I will.” Erica paused. “Are you going home?”
“Yes, but not until I can get the locks changed. I have things to do here while I’m waiting for the Locksmith.”
“Are you going to clean up? I can help if you are.”
“Yes, I’ll clean up, but I don’t need your help. One of my former clients has been on my mind, and I’m really struggling with trying to help him. I’ll be deep in thought for a while.”
“Who, Brock?”
There was a slight tug on Erica’s mouth, making her look as if she fought to smile. “It’s not what you think, Erica,” Jordan quickly added. “If you remember right, he was the man who filled the position as my business partner.”
Erica shrugged. “He’s a very good looking man.”
“Yes, he is.”
“I thought he was slightly good-looking in his pathetic disguise, but now I know he’s the guy at the bar…” Erica whistled. “He’s a hottie.”
Jordan laughed. “Yes, he’s definitely a hottie.”
“Well, I better get back to these phone calls.” Erica picked up the phone and dialed another number. “I’ll leave when I’m finished.”
Jordan returned to her office, closing the door behind her. The rest of the day would be a challenge for her. How could she keep her mind off Brock and on the person threatening her? Or were they one and the same?
* * * *
Brock walked out of his office, heading toward his black Chevy Ram truck when his cell phone rang. The caller ID read Dr. Jordan Reed. His heart picked up rhythm when he answered in a deep voice. “Hello?”
“Hi, Brock, this is Erica from Doctor Reed’s office.”
The secretary’s voice held a serious undertone, and he frowned. “Erica? What’s wrong?”
“Jordan doesn’t know I’m calling, but I thought you should know, nonetheless. After all, you’re still trying to help her, right?”
He stopped in his tracks. His heart plummeted. “Erica? What happened?”
“Someone broke in her office this morning.”
“Was she robbed? Is she okay? What happened?” A million visions ran through his mind. Images of Jordan knocked over the head, stabbed, worse…dead?
“Nobody was hurt. Calm down. She’s okay.”
“What did he look like?”
“I couldn’t tell. He was dressed all in black. He even wore a ski mask. It all happened so quickly.”
“Are you sure Jordan’s all right?”
“Yes. She wasn’t here when it happened.”
“I’ll be right over.”
“Wait! Brock, you can’t.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m supposed to be calling to cancel appointments. She’s going to know I called you.”
“I won’t tell her. Besides, I’d already told her that I would come see her today, so she won’t get suspicious.”
“Fine, but hurry. Although she says she’s all right, I can tell she’s not.”
“I’ll be there in ten minutes.”
She chuckled softly. “Why, Brock, if I didn’t know any better, I’d think you had feelings for your new business partner.”
Sure, he had feelings, but at this moment, he didn’t want to figure them out—or put a name to them. Suddenly, he felt the need to protect her. “Of course I’m worried.”
“Are you sure it’s not more than that?”
“Erica, leave it alone. We are just friends.”
“I get the impression there’s more to it.”
He couldn’t stop the bubble of laughter that sprang from his chest. “Now you sound like a doctor. Sorry, Erica, but I’m not your patient.”
“But Brock—”
“Good bye, Erica.” He clicked off the cell and jumped in his truck—the one he drives while at work.
His mind swam with confused thoughts. A break-in? In a doctor’s office? That didn’t sound right. Things like that didn’t happen every day, especially in this small town. Someone must be after Jordan. But why?
He started the truck, put it in gear, and left the parking lot. He couldn’t get there quick enough. Worry tightened in his chest. The suffocating feeling was strange to him. Strange to think his plan of revenge was no longer in his mind. The wonderful feelings he’d received while in her presence had replaced his anger. Right now he wasn’t thinking about getting Jordan’s license revoked. The break-in at her office was far too important. Someone was threatening her, and he needed to help. She needed him. The heavy beat of his heart told him.
When he pulled up at her office, his heart was playing leapfrog in his chest. He’d comfort her, and not screw things up by saying the wrong thing. Right now Jordan needed to see the in-control side of him, not his charming side.
He breathed a sigh of relief when her car was the only one in the parking lot. Erica must be gone. Good. He liked being alone with Jordan. Liked it too much.
Before getting out of his car, he reached in his glove-box and withdrew the handgun he always carried, especially when he worked at Charlie’s Passions. He strapped it on his ankle and fastened it, keeping it out of view from Jordan’s eyes.
When he walked through the first set of doors into the building, he noticed her office door stood ajar. Adrenaline rushed through his veins. He readied himself for the worst, wondering if the prowler had returned.
He withdrew his gun. Flicking the safety off, he walked quietly to the door and looked inside. Jordan sat at Erica’s desk with papers scattered over the top. She wore her reading glasses, but her hair was down, cascading over her back and shoulders. She was so beautiful, even with drawn brows and pinched mouth.
He sighed, thankful she was alone. He set the safety and replaced his gun in his ankle strap. Taking in a deep breath, he knocked on the door.
She jumped, turned toward him…then gave him a relieved smile. So far, so good.
“Hello, pretty lady.” He walked in and shut the door. She flew from her chair and launched herself into his arms. He almost couldn’t control his wildly beating heart.
“Oh, Brock,” she mumbled. “I’m so glad you’re here. How did you know I needed you?”
She lifted her mouth up to meet his. He followed her lead and returned the kiss. It didn’t take long before their kisses turned demanding. The way she pressed against him and ran her hands over him, tempted him to take her out of here and back to his place…but then that would be taking advantage of her and he didn’t do things like that.
She broke the kiss, trailing her mouth to his ear, nibbling on his lobe. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
He smiled.
“Not as glad as I am.”
She pulled away, took his hand and led him back to her office and sat with him on the small couch. “Erica called you, didn’t she?”
He tried to look appalled. “You don’t think I came here on my own?”
“Not this early in the day…and at the same exact time I really needed you.” She brushed her fingers through his hair lightly.
“You’re right, she called…but there wasn’t anything I wanted to do more than come see you.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, and pulled her closer. “How are you holding up?”
“I’ll be all right.” She reached up and swiped away a lock of hair that had fallen over his forehead. “Brock, before anything else happens, I think we need to talk.”
His hopes dropped. “About what?” She was going to mention that stupid business agreement again, he just knew it.
“About why you searched me out.”
He drew his brows together. “What are you talking about?”
“Why didn’t you tell me Emily was your sister.”
He sucked in his breath. He was almost relieved that she had figured it out…almost. Hopefully, she didn’t get upset when he told her the truth. With any luck, she would still like him, too.
THIRTEEN
Jordan was ready for the confrontation. She needed to know the truth before their relationship progressed…if it progressed. For some reason, Brock didn’t seem nervous. That worried her. Somehow she had to handle things professionally. She had to keep her heart out of it. That wasn’t easy to do.
She shook her head. No matter what, she neeaded to feel like she was in control of her life again…of her feelings. After this morning’s break-in, she felt vulnerable. She hated weakness. When Brock walked into her office, she hadn’t stopped to think of anything. Anything but being in his arms. Now, however, they had to talk, even if the end result was her heart breaking.
He smiled at her, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. Worry etched itself on his creased brow and in his stare. Maybe he really was nervous.
She sighed. “So, Brock. Tell me about Emily, and why did you really want to be my business partner?”
He shook his head. “Honestly, Jordan, I don’t know why you’re so suspicious.”
“Then let me draw it out for you.” She took a deep breath. “I really can’t figure you out.”
“What’s there to figure out?”
“You’re a good looking, very sexy man. You’re successful. So why did you want to help me out with my problem? It can’t be that you’re bored with your life. There has to be something more.”
“What’s wrong, Jordan? Didn’t I do what you wanted? Didn’t I impress Serena and Kenneth—and convince them I was your boyfriend?”
“Yes, you did, and you gave a spectacular performance. Now I need to know why you did it.”
She moved off the couch and went to set behind her desk. “I didn’t fully trust you,” she continued. “I know it’s because of my history with men, but even though I responded to your charm and sultry kisses, I still had doubts in the back of my mind. Today, I drove past your construction business.”
His brows drew together. Her own heart quickened, but she wouldn’t cower. “It made me happy to see you weren’t lying about your business.” She took a breath, held it, and let it out slowly. “But then I saw a man go into your office. A man I’ve met before. It finally dawned on me who he was.”
He nodded. “Go on. Tell me who he was.”
“He was the father of a former patient. The girl’s name was Emily Hamill.” She paused, waiting for his reaction. His expression remained blank. “Emily is your sister, isn’t she?”
“You know she is or you wouldn’t be asking.”
“Is she the reason you wanted to get close to me? I know your family doesn’t like me very well, and I can only assume you share their belief.”
He shrugged.
Her mind swirled. Her heart suddenly felt unsettled. “Tell me the truth, Brock. I think I have the right to know.”
He stood and walked to the window. He folded his arms across his chest, and stared outside. The blank expression had changed to one of confusion. The crease on his forehead and tight lips made her that more suspicious.
“You’re a good doctor, Jordan, and unfortunately, it took me this long to realize it.”
“Why do you say that?”
He glanced over his shoulder. “Because right after my sister died, my family convinced me you were a quack, and you should have your license revoked.”
She gasped and stood. How dare he slander her respected profession! She balled her hands into fists. “You have no right.”
He moved away from the window and stepped closer to her. She tightened her hands, knowing that she’d slap his face if given a chance.
“But Jordan,” he said softly, “that was in the beginning. I’ve changed my opinion of you since then.”
She shook her head. “Why don’t I believe you?” He grasped her shoulders. She pushed him away and stepped back. “I’m sorry, but I can’t trust you now. Our business arrangement is over, anyway.”
“No.” He took a step toward her, and she held up a hand to stop him. He obeyed this time.
“Jordan, please give me another chance. I see you in a different light now. You can trust me.”
“Tell me why you lied to me.” Her voice tightened with emotion. She fought the tears building in her eyes. “And why should I believe you now? You lied to me before.”
Concern laced his eyes as the muscles in his cheeks softened. “I lied to you before to gain entrance into your life. Now I know the real you. I can feel your heart, your emotions. I want to protect you.”
She scowled. “How can I let a man I don’t trust protect me? As far as I know, you’re the one sending me those threatening letters.”
His eyes widened. “What letters?”
She’d always been able to read people well, and right now her heart told her how wrong she’d been to accuse him. He wasn’t the person stalking her.
“Someone has been sending me threatening letters.”
He pulled her into his arms. She struggled, but he tightened his hold. “Jordan, you have to believe me. I’m not threatening you. I could never hurt you in such a way.”
Jordan’s heart ached, and she didn’t know what to believe. Not anymore. “Please, don’t do this, Brock. I’m so confused. Just leave me alone.”
“I can’t.” He reached up and stroked her cheek.
She slapped his hand away and glared at him. “The point of the matter is you lied to me. Then you kissed me so passionately until I was under your control…” She stopped herself when she realized where her words were headed. She couldn’t let him see how badly he’d hurt her.
Why had she let her guard down in the first place? Now her heart had been stomped into little pieces again. She wanted to find a dark corner and cry. What made her think he was different—so special? He was just a man, after all. A man she no longer trusted.
The light in Brock’s green eyes dimmed. His frown deepened. She’d hurt him, but he hurt her, too. Right now she didn’t care about anything but her broken heart.
She detected a shimmer of liquid in his droopy eyes. Could he really be in agony over upsetting her? Her heart tugged. She wanted to forgive him, but she couldn’t. He was the one who wronged her. There was so much to think about. She hurt too badly. She couldn’t forgive that easily.
“What about your kisses?” She tried to steel her expression to keep Brock from seeing the hurt behind her question.
His eyes snapped up to meet hers. “What about it?”
“It was all a lie, wasn’t it. Just a way to get close to me. To get what you needed. It was all part of your sick revenge.”
He shook his head in denial. “You were there. Couldn’t you tell it was more than that? Couldn’t you tell that I enjoyed every second with you?”
“I thought so, but then my track record isn’t th
at good with men.” She breathed slower, running her fingers through her hair, as she fought to keep the tears from spilling. “If it wasn’t revenge, then why did you charm me? Why did you melt my heart? You obviously knew who I was, so why did you do what you did?”
“I wanted you. I’ve wanted you since our first meeting. During the role playing, I found out just how nice you felt in my arms. I liked it. I wanted more.”
“But you hated me. You wanted to get back at me for your sister’s death.”
“At the time, yes, but I’m also a man. A man who’d let his hormones control his thoughts. I didn’t mean for it to go so far, but once I began, I couldn’t stop.” He lifted his fingers to her cheek.
She slapped at his hand and moved away. She couldn’t let him touch her ever again. “Brock, if you don’t mind, I’d like to be alone.”
“Sorry. I can’t do that.”
She spun around and huffed. “What do you mean you can’t do that?”
He shrugged. “Consider me your bodyguard. From now on, I’ll be right by your side until we find out who has been threatening you.”
Her heart plummeted. There was no way she could handle having Brock by her side twenty-four, seven. Couldn’t he see that? The tears she held at bay broke through as a few slid down her cheeks.
“Don’t I have a say in any of this? After all, it is my life,” she reasoned with calm determination.
“I was hired as your partner, and even though you don’t think you need me anymore, I’m going to stay by your side until you’re safe.”
“What if I refuse?”
He shrugged. “Sorry, pretty lady. Get used to the idea, because I’ll be closer to you than your shadow until this is solved.”
* * * *
Jordan stormed into her townhouse, slamming the door behind her, only to hear it open a few seconds later when Brock entered. She spun around and glared at him.
He’d been right on her tail since she left the office, but she didn’t think he’d have the nerve to follow her into her own home.
“Just what do you think you’re doing?” she snapped.
He gave her that all too cocky grin of his. “Like I told you, I’m going to be your shadow for the next little while.”
Finding the Perfect Man Page 13