Jade wanted to throw up. She willed the ground to swallow her whole. When that didn’t happen, she managed to squeeze out a few more words. “No, don’t worry about it. I-I’ll just catch him later.”
The woman didn’t answer. She stood there for a moment with one eyebrow raised in amusement on her heart-shaped face. Then she pivoted on her heel and slammed the door. Without hesitation, Jade turned and fled back down the palm tree-lined walkway to her car. Rocks spewed everywhere as she tore out of his driveway. She tried to rein in the tears, but they were streaming down her face by the time she hit the Usina Bridge.
She certainly had no claim on David. He was free to screw whomever he wanted. Still, a cold knot formed in her stomach. The farther she drove, the tighter it stretched and the more painful it became. Last night he’d looked at her like she was the most precious possession in the world, and even though she hadn’t admitted it then, even to herself, she liked it. Maybe even craved it. She was so stupid. How could she have been so wrong about him? The desire she’d seen in his eyes last night had been real, like scary real. He’d wanted her in a bad way. Of that she was certain. And if she hadn’t been, the erection she’d felt when he’d moved on top of her was proof enough. A man couldn’t fake something like that.
When she pulled into her driveway she was even more confused than when she left. It would be so easy to drown in her thoughts if she allowed it. A brisk walk would clear her mind. She grabbed her purse and started the walk to work while trying not to think about David and what a conniving bastard he was.
Unfortunately that was all she did.
When her cell rang, an irrational hope sprang up that it was David. Immediately she wanted to kick herself. The guy was a liar. A big one. She didn’t want to hear his stupid voice. Despite her dark mood she smiled when she checked the caller ID.
“Hey, Maya.”
“Hey, you want to have lunch today? I just spoke to Mom and she’s free too.”
“Sure. Oh, by the way, remember that man you wanted to set me up with, Rick something? If he’s still available, I’m ready.”
“It’s Rick Mancino, and he’s definitely still available. He’s been pestering me nonstop to set him up ever since he saw your picture. Why the sudden change of heart? What happened to your no-cop rule?”
Jade didn’t feel like telling her sister what she’d just seen or what she’d done the night before, but Maya would drag it out of her eventually. For the sake of time and sanity she decided to give up the battle before it started. “To keep this very short, last night David and I uh, fooled around a little but I freaked out and left.” Her sister gasped, but Jade didn’t give her a chance to interrupt.
“Wait, it gets better. This morning when I stopped by to talk to him about it, a half-naked woman answered the door looking very satisfied.”
“What?” Maya gasped.
“You heard right. I’m such an idiot, and I hate that I even care.” She cared so much more than she could have imagined. A lump the size of a baseball had settled in her throat, and it was taking all the energy she possessed not to break down in tears. The thought of him with another woman tore at her heart and brought up feelings of inadequacy and jealousy she didn’t know she had. He hadn’t brought another woman around in… She racked her brain to remember a time. Dang, had it really been two years? It was selfish, she knew, but she’d always thought of him as belonging to her. Not in the boyfriend sense, but he was always around. Always there when she needed him. Looking at her car when she had trouble, or checking out her air-conditioning when she asked.
“What did this skank look like?”
Jade snorted, which earned her a strange look from an elderly couple out for a morning stroll. “She was fucking gorgeous. I’m talking Victoria’s Secret model gorgeous.”
Maya laughed, which only spurred Jade’s annoyance. “Why is that funny?”
“Oh, I’m not laughing at your story. I just don’t think I’ve heard you say fuck since you were sixteen. It didn’t sound right then, and it sounds even more ridiculous now.”
“Damn it, Maya, don’t try to make me feel better or change the subject. I know exactly what you’re doing.”
“Wow, you cursed twice in one conversation. I think that’s a new record for you.”
Despite her heavy heart, her mood slightly improved. But not by much. “You’re impossible. I just got to the store, but come by around eleven and we’ll take an early lunch. Hopefully we’ll beat the crowd.”
“See you then. And if you’re sure about the whole date thing, I’ll talk to Colin and see when Rick is available.”
“I so am.” Jade fumbled around in her oversized purse for her keys and finally located them. Once inside, she scowled at her bright store. The front windows faced east so she didn’t bother turning any lights on this early in the morning. The light cast against the pale yellow walls created an airy atmosphere that normally relaxed her.
Today, she didn’t want to see anyone.
Pam strolled in a little after ten o’clock, just as Jade put the finishing touches on a new accessory display case. Her young employee looked beautiful as always, but the dark circles under her eyes were a giveaway that she desperately needed a huge cup of coffee. And maybe a shot of espresso.
“Hey, Pam, long night?”
“Coffee,” Pam grunted.
Jade grinned and pointed toward the back room. “I’ve already got a fresh pot on.”
“Thanks.” Pam stumbled once in her heels before disappearing from sight.
Jade cringed as the sound of breaking glass met her ears. “There goes another coffee cup,” she muttered to herself. It wasn’t the first and certainly wouldn’t be the last. Pam was one of the biggest klutzes she’d ever met. She might be tall and striking in appearance, but the woman had no natural grace.
As she took a sip of her own coffee, the bell attached to the front door jingled, and a very slim woman walked in. She looked almost ethereal, and there was a certain grace to her walk. She was a natural brunette, but beautiful golden highlighted her hair, lighting up her pale face. Normally Jade didn’t pay this close attention to her customers, but there was an almost tangible edginess that surrounded this woman. She kept glancing around, and dark half moons were visible underneath her hazel eyes.
“Can I help you find anything?” Jade smiled at her, hoping to put her at ease.
She shook her head and smiled tightly. “No, I’m just browsing. Thank you.”
“Well, let me know if you change your mind.” Jade gave her space but cringed when she started trying on scarves. If customers said they didn’t want help, Jade usually listened, but this woman clearly needed it. Every time she tried to tie a knot at the nape of her neck, the scarf slipped off her head.
“I know you said you didn’t need help, but will you allow me?” She spoke softly and motioned to the woman’s hair.
The woman grimaced at her own attempts to fasten her hair in place. She handed the silk scarf to Jade. “Yes, thank you.”
Jade quickly and expertly pulled her hair into a low chignon. Then she tri-folded the long scarf and tied it firmly behind the woman’s neck.
The woman looked in the mirror and a half-smile cracked her tired face. She lightly touched the scarf and gave a brief nod of gratitude. “Thank you. For some reason I can never get these things to stay put.”
“Try bobby pins. They work wonders, and you can buy them in the exact color of your hair.”
“Thanks. Do you sell sunglasses here too?” The woman glanced around.
Jade pointed toward the register. “Right over here. The Jackie O style is classic. If you pair these with that scarf, you’ll have a timeless Hollywood look.”
The woman tried on a few but finally settled on a golden-brown pair of Diors.
Jade started to ring her up when Pam collapsed on the stool next to the register. “Ugh, those creepy men are back again.”
“What are you talking about?”
She motioned toward the front window. “Oh, there were some beefy-looking goons hanging around outside this morning. They were trying to hassle me, asking about some woman as I walked to work. I told them to shove off or I’d call the police. That sent them scurrying. I’ll get rid of them again.” She rolled her eyes and stalked toward the front of the store.
Jade shook her head and gave the total amount to the customer who had paled to an ashen gray. “Are you all right?”
“I’ve just had a long day shopping.” The woman took a slim wallet out of her purse and pulled out two bills. When she did, Jade noticed an exquisite ring on her finger.
“That’s a very unusual ring. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
The woman glanced down at her hand. “Thanks,” she said quickly, then darted a look out the front store window.
Visible tremors shook the woman’s entire body, so Jade followed her gaze. Two men had their backs to the store, and one of them was talking on his cell phone. Pam had her hands on her hips as she stood by the door like a guard dog.
The woman tore her eyes from the window and looked back at Jade. “Actually, I’ve been thinking of getting rid of it. It was a gift from my ex-husband. Would you trade me something for it?”
“You’re sure?” The band was white gold or platinum and it held a flat oval-shaped stone. Surrounding the stone were intricate carvings of some sort. She wasn’t a jewelry connoisseur by any stretch, but it looked like it could be a pearl-colored sea shell or some other type of glass in the middle.
“It holds a lot of bad memories. I’m not even sure why I’ve been holding on to it for this long.” She slipped it off her slim finger and held it out to Jade.
“I couldn’t. Maybe you should think about this a little longer.”
The woman placed it in Jade’s hand and closed her own over it. “Please. You obviously like it, and it would make me happy to know that someone else will take joy in it.”
Jade wanted to say no, but the woman seemed so desperate to get rid of it. “Okay, but in case you change your mind, you can still come back for it.”
Relief washed over the woman’s pale face. “Great, now how much do I owe you again?”
Jade shook her head. “Nothing. The ring is payment enough.” She normally didn’t make trades, but for this piece of jewelry, she’d make an exception.
The woman put the bills back in her wallet and sneaked another peek out the window. “Do you have a back door to this place?”
A sudden understanding swept over Jade, and she too glanced once more to the men. They weren’t paying any attention to the customers inside, but she got the feeling they were waiting for someone. Probably this woman. “Follow me.”
Jade paused at the back door. “Are you sure there isn’t more I can do to help you? Can I call someone? My brother-in-law is a cop if you’re in some sort of trouble.”
The woman shook her head. “Hold on to that ring for a few weeks. That’s what you can do for me.”
“What?”
“Please, promise me you won’t sell it.” She clasped Jade’s hand tightly.
The raw fear in her voice made it impossible to say no. “Okay. I’ll do it.”
“Thank you. More than you know.”
The back door to the store led to an alley that bordered another side street. Jade watched the woman leave and tried to quell her worry for the stranger’s safety. She glanced down at the ring and turned it over in her hand to inspect it further. Thinking she might help the woman, she rushed down to the end of the alley but she was gone, lost amid a sea of tourists and local shoppers.
Chapter Seven
“I’m worried about Jade.” Maya slipped her red heels off and stretched her legs as she sat on the edge of the bed. She’d just had lunch with her mom and Jade. Despite her sister’s insistence, she was convinced that there must be some sort of misunderstanding between her and David. She’d seen the way that man stared at Jade when he thought no one was looking. He was so smitten it was a little nauseating. There was no way he’d fool around with someone else if he thought he had a chance with Jade. And if he and Jade had gotten hot and heavy then he wouldn’t be hooking up with someone else the same night. There was just no way.
“You worry too much. I’m sure she’s fine.” Colin’s gaze narrowed as he zeroed in on her legs.
“No she’s not. Jade was miserable at lunch today. She tried to deny it but if she wants me to set her up with Rick Mancino it means she’s hurting.”
“Rick’s a good guy.” He sounded defensive.
“I know that and you know that’s not what I’m saying. She doesn’t really want to be set up with him. She’s just pissed about David.”
“Leave it alone, Maya.” Colin stripped off his polo shirt and laid it across the back of the microfiber chair in the corner of their room. He’d just gotten back from an all-night stakeout and she knew he was beat, but this was important and she needed his help.
“I can’t leave it alone. She’s my sister. He could be my brother-in-law if they can get their act together. I can’t believe this doesn’t bother you.” She tugged her dress over her head and inwardly smiled when his eyes darkened. The weather had warmed up the past couple days so she’d been able to wear lighter clothing. With a built-in bra in the dress, wearing one hadn’t been necessary. Her nipples peaked under his gaze but she turned her back on him and strode toward their walk-in closet. Without looking, she knew he’d track her movements like a hungry hunter. After the other night he’d been a lot more attentive. As she slipped the dress onto a hanger, Colin’s big hands settled on her hips.
She hadn’t even heard him move. For such a big guy he moved very quietly. Sometimes she forgot how he could sneak up on her with no warning.
His calloused palms gently rubbed against her hips and waist. He fingered the thin straps of her bikini-cut panties. “Are you ready for bed?” he murmured close to her ear. She hadn’t seen him strip the rest of his clothes off but she could feel his cock pressing against her lower back.
“I’m not tired. You’re the one who worked all night, not me. It’s the middle of the day and I’ve got stuff to do.” She didn’t turn around.
“Your mom has the kids for a few hours. You could take a nap.” By his seductive tone she knew he had no interest in napping.
Despite the shiver that ran down her spine, she shook her head and turned to face him. She placed a hand in the middle of his chest. “I can’t think about anything else right now. Jade’s been through so much and she deserves to be happy.”
Colin groaned and let his head fall forward. He gently pressed his forehead to hers. “You want me to call David?”
She smiled. “Yes.”
Sighing, he grasped her hips again and tried to tug her close, but she stepped away. This time only to tease him. “So how was your shift? You haven’t said anything about work yet.”
Colin’s breathing was erratic as he took another step toward her. He didn’t respond so she took another step away and out of the closet. “Are you going to answer my question?”
He wasn’t. She could tell. It had been a long time since she’d seen him like this but Colin sometimes got to the point where he was beyond talking when he was ready for sex. Not that he needed to talk in the bedroom. No, he was very good with his hands. Still, she liked to tease him sometimes. Especially after the dry spell they’d had.
As she reached the edge of the bed, she grasped the straps of her panties and shoved them down. When they pooled around her feet, she stepped out of them. “I think I will take a nap with you. I think I’m too tired to do anything else though,” she murmured as she grasped the comforter and yanked it back.
Behind her Colin growled but didn’t respond. He stalked to his side of the bed and lay on his back. His erection stood tall and proud but he didn’t make a move to touch her as she turned off the lamp and slid in next to him.
Rolling on her side and away from him, she wondered how long it would take hi
m to make a move.
Seconds later his mouth tugged her earlobe but he didn’t press his body against the full length of hers. “Does it turn you on to taunt me?” His gravelly voice sent shivers rolling over her.
“What do you think?” she whispered.
With one of his hands, he reached between her legs from behind and slowly dragged one of his fingers along her slit. “I think you’re wet for me.”
Her inner walls clenched involuntarily. She wanted his finger and more. “So what are you going to do about it?”
“Nothing since you’re too tired.” He pulled away, leaving her missing his warmth.
Smiling, she rolled over and crawled on top of him. She straddled him and pushed up so that she was sitting just above his cock.
Maya leaned forward and pressed her lips to his. Immediately he took over, invading her mouth with his tongue. His penetration was familiar yet still managed to make her shiver in appreciation. When one of his strong hands cupped her jaw and lightly stroked her cheek, her pussy heated at the action.
Playfully, she sucked his bottom lip between her teeth before sitting back up. His eyes were hungry as he stared up at her.
Colin’s normally hard lips curved up into a half-smile. “Not so tired anymore?”
In response she lifted up on her knees and stroked her pussy lips over his hard length without penetrating. When she did it again, he reached for her but she grabbed his wrists and held them down by his side. In reality she couldn’t stop him from doing anything. He worked out six days a week and could probably bench press two of her.
But he let her have her fun. His mouth parted slightly when she started to lower herself onto his cock. She only let him inside her a fraction then she lifted back up again. Her inner walls clenched in protest but the expression on his face was worth it.
He groaned a deep, tortured sound, making her determined to stretch this out even longer. She splayed her hands up his muscular abdomen and equally muscular chest before kissing his nipples. His were smaller and weren’t as sensitive as hers but she loved licking them.
Tempting Target Page 7