For Hope

by Jeannette Winters

  “She’s stronger than either of us gives her credit.”

  “David, I know how strong my daughter is. But I also know she didn’t expect to care for you. I believe you’re the one person who can help her through this.”

  David didn’t want to hear that Jada cared about him. Needed him. It was a connection he intentionally avoided. That’s why he’d left so suddenly. He wasn’t able to trust his own actions, and he didn’t want to cloud her feelings by leading her on. Though Jada was no longer in immediate danger, she still needed someone. There were only a few people she would open up and talk to, who would understand what she was feeling. Definitely not her coworkers. Although David believed Paul was better suited for this than he was.

  “I’ll see what I can do. No promises. But I will make sure Jada knows I’m here if she wants to talk.”

  “I genuinely appreciate everything you have done, David. Jada is all I have. And until you came along, I was all she had too.”

  David had no idea what Paul thought he’d seen between him and Jada, but he was way off. There was a physical attraction. He would have to be dead not to see how beautiful she was. And he was also attracted to her strength, her determination, her dry sense of humor, and so much more. Dammit. David knew he wanted to see Jada whether she needed him or not.

  “I’ll be in contact.” David ended the call. He had some thinking to do. He’d made a promise he’d be there for Jada whenever she needed him. He’d envisioned protecting her from physical harm. How could he be there for her emotionally when all he knew was how to bury his own? Maybe I should tell her to build a cabin. But to make sure it has a proper bed and a real shower otherwise she’ll never relax enough to regroup.

  David debated whether or not he should go to her today. She still had the hotel room in Miami and was scheduled for a show tomorrow in Las Vegas. Paul said she needed him, but Paul didn’t see the look in her eyes when they had parted. It wasn’t going to be as easy as walking up to Jada and giving her a hug to make things better. If so, he would hug her every day of her life. But the truth was she might not be welcoming when she saw him. Jada had been on an emotional roller coaster since they first met. David was sure she wanted off the ride. He would need to choose his words wisely in order to avoid causing more pain.

  It’s been decided. David would fly to Las Vegas, and he would wait until after her show before he reached out to her again. Pushing her now could cause her to spiral even further. At some point, David knew it would become difficult for her to function during her shows. So he would wait. One more day wasn’t going to change a thing for either of them. If anything, time would only help them both think more clearly when and if they finally met up. This is not about me. This is about what’s best for Jada and what she needs. And David knew he was not that.

  Chapter Nine

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  Jada was glad she had her belongings shipped from Miami to Las Vegas. The hotel was happy to pack for her. Funny what they’ll do when you’re paying them. That meant she could get out of the limo and go right up to her room. She should’ve known better.

  As soon as she entered the hotel, cameras started flashing and reporters waved microphones in her face. Everyone wanted to know where she had been and where David was now. If one more person asked her if David was joining her in Las Vegas, she was going to flip on them. It was great to have questions other than talking about designers and where she’d be next, but David was gone, and thinking about him wasn’t going to make this any easier for her.

  Jada wasn’t sure how she made it up to her hotel room without breaking down. It proved once again she was capable of hiding her feelings from the world. If any of them genuinely cared, they would give me some space.

  At least in Las Vegas there were many celebrities to distract the media. Jada had every intention of making an appearance when and where she was under contract to be. Outside of those commitments, she had no plans to leave her room. She had been in Las Vegas for more shows than she could remember. Although this was an important event, one she could not miss, she wasn’t in the mood for all the glitz and glamour.

  If there had been any way possible, Jada would’ve stayed at that B&B for the week, or maybe even a month. There was something about it that rejuvenated her spirit. Usually a few days did the trick and she’d be back to normal. That wasn’t the case this time. She had done a lot of thinking, and Jada realized what her life was missing.

  Her father was always straight up and honest with her. And until David came into her life, he’d been the only person who had also done that. Most people said whatever they thought Jada wanted to hear, which meant she no longer trusted them to tell her the truth. It was so difficult being surrounded by fake people. That was why she made sure she covered her burn every single time. If the media ever got wind of it, they would use her childhood tragedy and her scar to sell newspapers and magazines. They would turn her pain into their gain. And my manager would be the first one to sell me out. Nothing that hit the tabloids had been a surprise to her manager, Christof. She had no proof, but she was certain Christof wasn’t as innocent as he made himself out to be.

  But when she was in the cabin with David she realized something, not just about herself, but about him as well. He talked about why he’d built the cabin and what it represented. She was positive people looked at David and saw nothing but a controlling, tough SOB. David definitely was both, but he was much more. Like her, she believed David didn’t allow people to see who he really was. And the entire time at the B&B, she’d tried figuring him out.

  She had few regrets in her life, but letting David walk out the door without saying goodbye or telling him how much she cared about him was one that weighed heavy on her heart. Jada had contemplated reaching out to him and asking him to meet her in Las Vegas. She had wracked her brain for the right words, and all she could come up with was “let’s talk.” It was going to take a lot more than that to get David to drop everything and come to her. He had made it clear he wouldn’t stay, so she knew he was needed elsewhere. I’m sure I’m not the only damsel in distress. Will he kiss his next damsel?

  She couldn’t allow herself to go down that path. Jealousy would only compound the issues she was trying to sort through. Her father had said David cared about her. When David looked at her, held her, she’d believed that. But hearing it from her father was not enough. Jada needed those words to come from David, and she wasn’t sure if he was capable of saying them. I know because I’m not sure I can either.

  It wasn’t the feelings as much as the words. The only person she had ever told she loved was her father, but that was entirely different than how she felt about David. She wasn’t sure this was love, but there were no other words that described what she felt. These new feelings scared her. There were more powerful than anything she’d experienced. She had no idea if David felt even half of what she did for him, but she knew she could not go through life without finding out.

  Jada wasn’t a risk-taker, but this was one she had to take. Risking her heart for someone who might not believe he could love her back was a huge gamble. Perhaps her biggest revelation these last few days had been her shift in priorities. She’d never contemplated anything usurping modeling in her life, so her confusion was warranted.

  I’d rather lose my career than lose David.

  There was a lot for them to discuss, but Las Vegas was not the place to have the conversation. Maybe I can ask him to meet me at his cabin. She knew David was comfortable there; he let his guard down. Well, except for visits from unexpected men. He was beginning to consume her mind, and it certainly wasn’t helped by the attention his private life had received when thrown into the spotlight. He didn’t have to tell her how much he hated that; it had been written all over his face with each camera click. It would be more of the same if he were in Las Vegas with her.

  There was nothing she could do but focus on the show taking place in a few hours. As soon as it was over, she would head back to the hotel
room and find a way to reach David. There’s no way I’m letting another day go by without telling him the truth. She hoped David was ready to hear it. She hoped her heart wouldn’t break when he turned away . . . again.

  David had thought it would be easy to snag a ticket for the show, sit back, and watch Jada do her thing. He should’ve realized it would be sold out. For most people that meant they were shit out of luck. But security usually consisted of veterans, and brothers-in-arms always had each other’s backs. David might not have a ticket to enter, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t allowed inside.

  This event wasn’t the first runway show he’d attended, but at the other two he’d been focused on the crowd, scanning for potential danger. This time his eyes never left the runway. Each model came out, did their thing, and disappeared again behind the curtain. The models wore nothing close to what a normal person would wear in public. There was nothing comfortable or practical about any of it, but the spectators seemed in awe.

  I could never do this every day. None of it interested him. Until Jada made her appearance. He heard murmuring in the crowd as Jada made her way down the runway. She looked magnificent. Her gown flowed like layers of satin, and when she spun around, it ballooned to reveal her long, beautiful, sexy legs. As his eyes roamed higher, David hoped Jada would see him, but her eyes stared off into the distance. She stopped at the end and waited long enough for the cameras to capture the moment before she turned and glided up the runway, disappearing behind the curtain.

  Hanging around this show wasn’t his thing. He checked with the guys who’d let him in, confirming the show was going to last another half hour. David wanted to see more of her, but this was not where he wanted to do it. He was about to call in another favor and find out what room she was staying in.

  David knew Jada was going to need time to change, so he stopped off at the bar to have a cold beer before heading to her room. It also would provide time for his body to calm down. He had no idea why he had such strong physical reaction every time he saw Jada. That runway had plenty of beautiful women, but not one of them caught his attention but her. She has something special. He didn’t look at her as perfection. Although from what he had seen, she definitely fit that bill. It was something more, and it was driving him crazy because he couldn’t grasp what it was. But that was why he was here. He needed to figure it out, and it had to be done face to face.

  Even if Paul hadn’t asked him to find Jada, David knew nothing would keep him from her. Nothing except maybe Jada. He knew she wouldn’t slam the door in his face. It had been obvious she was distraught when he’d left, but Jada might not want a replay of that pain, and things between them hadn’t changed. If she’d spent the last few days thinking about him, then he was positive she’d also reflected on their differences and not just their attraction.

  He had concluded their different lifestyles made it impossible for any relationship to work. David needed to stay out of the limelight to be the most effective in his line of work, and Jada’s career would tank if she did. There’s only so much compromise a relationship can handle. I’m not even relationship material. Jada needs someone who can thrive with her, not smother her.

  Even knowing that, David wouldn’t leave without seeing her. If all they did was discuss how they’d handle the tabloids, he’d at least resolved one of their issues.

  One beer had turned into two, but he refused to order a third. He had a clear head, and that’s the way he wanted to keep it. Besides, it was time to go upstairs and meet with Jada. There was no need to prolong the inevitable.

  David knocked on her door, but there was no answer. He’d thought Jada would go straight to her room, however she was there on business. He had no idea what took place after a show ended. The last two he’d attended hadn’t been her normal. Not only did she have the pressures of her own performance, but with him and his men hovering around, he was positive she had done things differently than in the past.

  As David knocked on her door a second time, he heard her voice call out, “David. What are you doing here?”

  Paul had not notified Jada that he was coming to meet with her. Whether that was because Paul wasn’t sure David would follow through, or he wasn’t sure what his daughter’s reaction would be, Jada was surprised.

  “We never finished our conversation the other day.” Never started it either.

  Jada walked up to him, and he stepped aside so she could unlock the door. She stepped inside, and he waited for an invitation to join her. This visit was not one of his protection details. He didn’t want to take control from her, not this time.

  When Jada turned and faced him again, he could see the initial shock had worn off. “Then I guess you should come in because these hallways have eyes and ears.”

  Once he was inside, David said, “I guess you saw that article.”

  Jada shook her head. “I’ve heard about it. That was enough for me. I’m sorry they keep linking your name to mine. Give it a little time, David, and it will be old news.”

  Although David didn’t want his name blasted all over the place, he didn’t expect her to be quite so dismissive of it all. “I’m not concerned with what people say about me.”

  Jada looked puzzled as she asked, “If you’re not here about the article, then why are you here?”

  Was it possible she hadn’t been thinking about him? It appeared that way in her words and tone. David was trained to look deeper. Whether it was because he wanted to see it or if it was truly there, her eyes said she’d missed him. If he wanted her to trust him, he’d have to give her a reason to.

  “I can’t stop thinking about you.”

  “David, I’m not in danger any longer. You don’t have to worry.”

  Jada seemed to have an answer for everything, but she jumped to conclusions. David should come right out and say it, but he couldn’t. It wasn’t his style. How could he give her what she wanted, what she needed, and still be true to who he was? If words were not the answer, then maybe actions were. He needed another taste; one hadn’t been enough. I might regret this, but I can’t not touch her. Taste her.

  David locked the door behind him, walked up to Jada, and slipped a hand onto her hip to pull her closer to him. Jada didn’t resist as his lips claimed hers. Although he instantly wanted more, he forced himself to keep his kiss gentle and tender. He didn’t want to take. He wanted Jada to give to him freely.

  Jada’s hands came up and rested against his chest. Her mouth opened, offering an opportunity to explore her more deeply. David let his tongue trace her lips before he stopped and pulled away. He had his answer. Jada wanted him as much as he wanted her. But if he continued, they would find themselves in the bed making sweet love and never discussing the things they needed to.

  “Jada, I could taste your sweetness forever and never get tired of it. But we still need to talk.” He felt her tense and she tried to step back, but he held her firmly against him. “After we talk we can finish this.” David leaned over and planted a kiss on her neck. He felt a shiver run through her. Before this night is over, I will have your toes curling.

  Jada smiled, took his hand, and led him to the couch where they could sit. He was tempted to take the seat across from her because it was difficult not to pull her back into his arms. But they were two grown-ass adults who should be able to have a conversation without ripping off each other’s clothes. Not a long conversation.

  David sat beside her, but Jada wasn’t letting go of his hand. If anything she was holding so tight it was as though she feared he’d pull away. Not this time.

  She had every right to doubt, and it was up to him to change her mind. He wished he had Josh’s suave way with women or Gabe’s humor. Both would come in handy. It wasn’t as though David didn’t have a way with the ladies himself. It just wasn’t in talking.

  Thankfully, Jada broke the silence. “What is it you want to talk about?”

  Several things ran through his mind, but first of all, he needed to gauge her em
otionally. He’d dumped a lot of crap on her and left her alone to process it. In the words of Gabe, I’m a total asshole. It was the one thing they seemed to agree upon. It was time to make up for that mistake.

  David looked at her with as much compassion as he could. “How are you doing? I mean how are you really doing?”

  Jada shrugged. “I’m trying not to think about it.”

  I know that feeling. If David analyzed every scenario, every battle, and every life or death situation he’d been in, he would never be able to move forward. But that wasn’t the case for Jada. David would not allow what could have happened haunt her and hinder her future.

  “I think it would do us both some good to talk about it.” David knew if he put this all on her she would shut down. The only way to get her to talk was to make her believe he needed to as well. Damn, this is going to suck.

  Jada asked softly, “Do you mean you’ve lost sleep over it too?”

  David had lost a lot of sleep from the moment Rafe told him he was assigned to watch her. At first, it was because he was angry and was trying to think of how to get the hell out of it. And then once they met, he couldn’t sleep without thinking he would do anything in the world to keep her safe. “It’s natural.” He wouldn’t lie to her, so he had to choose his words wisely when he answered her questions.

  “I know it’s over. Dennis is in jail somewhere awaiting trial. I cannot stop thinking about the women he hurt. And the ones that he . . . he . . .”

  David let go of her hand, scooped her into his arms, and sat her on his lap so he could hold her close to him. One hand gently stroked her back as he said, “He did some horrible things, Jada. And he’s going to pay for those crimes.” If I had my way, it would be very slow and fucking painful.

  “I want to be there,” Jada said, her voice shaking as she fought for control.