by D. D. Ayres
She watched him swallow hard before he could speak. Or maybe it was his tie tied a little too tightly that made his oversize head appear like an inflated balloon. “Afternoon, Ms. Reese.” He had a hearty Texas drawl better suited to selling used autos or ambulance-chaser attorney services.
“Call me Carly.”
She came toward him, doing an exaggerated catwalk strut in six-inch heels that made her tower over his shorter five-foot seven-inch frame. He seemed to enjoy the view as a grin spread his lips, revealing two rows of capped, Chiclets-sized teeth.
Some men were pathetically easy, depending on what a woman wanted from them.
She threaded an arm through his and turned him away from the building. “You’re just the man I wanted to see. Shall we sit over here and talk?”
“I guess.” He must have sensed something in her eagerness, because he was suddenly wary. “I don’t have much time.”
“This won’t take long.” She led him to an iron bench with wooden slats on the sidewalk and sat first, crossing one long leg over the other. “I’ve been so worried since our fire.”
“You told me insurance covered your loses.”
“That’s true. But merchandise isn’t everything.” She made her eyes wide, while stifling the urge to gag at her own antics. “After all, I was here when the fire started. I could have been a casualty.”
The tomato-pink drained from his face at the thought. “But you look fine.”
“Thank you. But since I was almost barbecued, I think I deserve to know who did this. The arson investigator who interviewed me wouldn’t give me any information. But now here you are. What have you heard?”
He blinked, his gaze growing shrewd. “I heard I’m not liable for the break-in or the subsequent damage.”
“That’s not what I meant. I want to know if the authorities know who did it.”
“Not that they’re sharing.”
Something overhead caught her attention. A big smile broke over her features. “What about the footage from your security cameras?”
She pointed to the one nearest camera, mounted on a lamppost and aimed in their direction. “What did you see on that footage, Burt?”
The big man flushed. It wasn’t pretty. He was suddenly the stroke-inducing color of a tomato. “Wasn’t nothing to see.”
“Why not? Did the perpetrator disable all the cameras?”
“Not exactly.” He frowned at the device. “They don’t actually record.”
Carly dropped her pose. “What actually do they do? Are they monitored at a center station? What?”
Burt frowned at her sharp tone. “Do you have any idea how expensive monitored security is? All surveillance companies do if there’s a problem is call the police or fire department. Any tenant would do that much. It’s a rip-off paraded as peace of mind.”
He must have seen something alarming in her expression because he rushed on. “Before you get your panties in a twist you should know you signed a lease in which the coverage of our security services is stated in black and white.”
“You didn’t spend any time pointing that out.”
He snorted. “Not my job. And this isn’t my only property. No, sir. Wise Developers oversees more than two dozen other buildings in the county. And not one of those tenants wants to pay the additional cost for monitored services. Way I figure it, my paying for and installing cameras was expense enough. Got them at Costco. Saved a bundle, let me tell you. To my way of thinking, if the criminal thinks he’s being recorded, he’ll move on to easier pickings. That’s why I put signs all over the property saying that tampering with the cameras will result in an alarm being sent directly to the police.”
“But it’s fake peace of mind.”
“Oh really? We haven’t had a single break-in anywhere since those cameras were set up.”
Looking at his smug face, Carly couldn’t decide whether she was more annoyed or appalled by his risk-taking. “You had a fire Friday night. One of your tenants, namely me, nearly died.” No point in bringing up Noah’s name now.
He shrugged it off. “Yet here you sit, safe and sound. I rest my case.”
“Who put the system in for you?”
He drew in his chin. “Why’re you asking so many questions? You thinking about suing me?”
Maybe. When the dust settled. “I have insurance. My agent wants to know.”
“You tell them to talk to my lawyer. You signed a contract. Everything’s in there.” He stood up, clearly annoyed now. “I’m within my rights to secure my property as I see fit.”
Carly thought fast. She was losing him. She stood up. “Thanks for the conversation. By the way, I should thank you. I got a discount on my reclamation needs because I’m using the same company as you.”
“That so? I do throw a lot of business their way.”
“So you’ve had other fires?”
“No, nothing like that. They do jobs for my historic preservation projects.” He pointed at the building behind them. “Most developers don’t want to take on old buildings like this one because of the costs. Nearly all need rewiring, new plumbing, and things like asbestos removal and mold remediation. That kind of stuff can increase my overhead something fierce. But I’m a city backer, proud of our heritage. So I cut a deal with CowTown for all my renovations to lower the upfront layout of cash. Saves me money. Bam.” Wise was suddenly as animated as Emeril showing off a new recipe.
“On top of that, I get a break from city hall for reclaiming historic properties. Bam. Saves me more money. And then there’s Historic Site Tax Exemptions for historic preservation from the Landmarks Commission and the City Council. Bam. I’m golden.”
Carly smiled. “I’m impressed.” She did wonder if he’d be so golden if the City Council knew about his security shortcuts.
He shrugged, but a smile of satisfaction won out. “I do okay.”
“So then, we’re agreed. I will be let out of my contract. Penalty free.”
“What gave you the idea I’d do that? You signed a two-year lease!”
She pointed at her back door. “Do you see anything like business going on in there?”
“Not my problem.”
“You’re absolutely right—if you let me out of my lease. Otherwise, I’ll see you in court. And you’ll get loads of publicity because I am a celeb.”
He watched her through hard eyes tight in the corners. “You think you can play hardball with me?”
She folded her arms casually and shrugged. “I made a lot of money modeling. I don’t mind spending some of it to out a shady business man.” He eyed her up and down. “You won’t find any cracks in my facade, Mr. Wise. I’m flawless.”
Wise worked his mouth as though he did all his calculations with tongue and teeth. “I keep the first and last months’ rent. And you promise to leave the premises broom clean. Plus, this deal stays between us.”
Carly didn’t hesitate. “As long as I have our terms in writing and signed.”
He grinned at her. “You got the makings of a decent business woman.”
“I am a decent business woman.” She smiled and turned away.
* * *
“I need to use your phone.”
Jarius looked up to find his cousin standing behind him in the dessert line of the Fellowship Hall. “I thought you’d left.” She simply held out her hand. After juggling two plates of desserts, he handed it over. “Here you go.”
“Not this one. I need your booty-call phone.
Jarius looked quickly right and left before answering. “What are you talking about?”
“Don’t even start.” She tugged his arm to pull him out of line. “I know you carry a burner phone so that you can call women you don’t necessarily want to have your real name and number. That’s cold. But right now I’ve got some calls to make that I don’t want traced either.”
“Then get your own. They’re cheap.”
She held out her hand, eyes like daggers.
“Okay.�
� He reached into another back pocket. “You scare me sometimes, how you know things, cuz.”
“I may need to keep this a while. Is there anyone whose messages you want me to pass on?”
Jarius shrugged. “Not really. I’m seeing someone.”
Carly’s brows rose. “Is it serious?”
“Maybe. That’s what I’m trying to suss out. I’m not seeing anyone else while I do.”
“That’s a grown-up thing to do, Jarius. About time.”
“Don’t you start. Moms is always on me about settling down. I tell her I’m a young man in my prime.”
“You need to watch you don’t turn into a burn-out situation past your prime. No real woman wants a played-out playa.”
He grinned at her because they both knew he was far from being burned out. He seemed to be getting better looking all the time. “So, what kind of calls will you be making? Anything overseas?”
“I’ll pay this month’s bill. Okay?”
He nodded. “We’re good.”
Carly waited until she was back in her apartment before she looked up Noah’s number and called. It was past four thirty.
“Glover. What?”
“Not the friendliest hello I received.”
“Carly?” He sounded very wary.
Her chest tightened. “Was this a mistake?”
“Yes. I’m hanging up now.”
“Wait! This isn’t my phone, if that’s what’s bothering you. It’s a pay as you go. Untraceable.”
She could practically hear him thinking. “Has it occurred to you that if I wanted to see you again, I would’ve called you?”
“No.” Carly held her breath. He was really angry. She hurried on before she could lose her nerve. “I’ve been doing some thinking. I need to see you.”
“Why do I suspect you’ve done more than think?”
“Do you want to know what I’ve learned, or what?”
“If it’s important tell me now.”
Carly blew out a breath of frustration. “Maybe I should just listen when everybody tells me to stay the hell away from you.”
“You got a visit from Durvan.”
“How did you know? Does he always have a giant stick up his butt?”
“Pretty much. But he’s the best in the business. Tough, thorough, relentless. If he told you to stay away from me, he meant it. If he finds out different, he won’t like it.”
“Nobody tells me what to do.”
“Tell me about it.” He sounded less aggravated. “What happened to that not-my-problem attitude of yours?”
You did. But she couldn’t say that without revealing feelings she wanted to keep private. “Your arsonist messed with my life and things I care about. I’ve got a stake in this.”
He wondered if he was one of those things. Then he continued, “He’s a killer, Carly.”
If he hoped to give her pause, his words had that effect. Carly felt a chill sweep up both her arms, raising goose bumps. But fear also made her more determined. “I made a list of questions I’d like answers to.”
“You want facts? Here’s a fact. You’re not safe. And not just when I’m around.” He didn’t sound angry, just cold and distant. “Why do you think the fire department has kept the details about the fire out of the media? I suspect it’s because it would tell the real arsonist that you spoiled his plan to have me die in the fire. Think he’s going to be okay with knowing that?”
“Then we need to get the bastard first.” Brave words for someone who was shaking in her stilettos. Thank goodness he couldn’t see that.
This time the silence on the phone was Siberian.
“Are you certain you want to get more involved with me?” There was a dare in his voice, as seductive as it was dangerous. This man played hardball.
Carly wasn’t sure they were still on the topic of the arsonist. “I don’t know. But I do know this. I can’t stop thinking about … everything.” Let him make of that what he wanted. “Also, I won’t get any peace arguing with myself. I need to do something. Make something happen.”
His voice this time was quieter, almost strangled. “I don’t want you to be hurt.”
“I’ve been taking care of myself for a long time.”
“I can’t stand the idea that you’re being pulled into something I might not be able to control.”
“Control is an illusion that only men buy into. That’s why you don’t read instructions or ask for directions.”
“I suppose you asked for directions today?”
“I asked a lot of things. Things you might be interested in knowing the answers to.”
She could feel the tension running through him. Or maybe the tip-off was Harley’s whining in the background. “I’m starved. You like steak?”
“I’m vegetarian.”
“Of course you are. But no meat, ever?”
“What do you have in mind?”
The playful note in her voice sent Noah’s thoughts straight to his dick. He stiffened so quickly he had to take a breath.
He jerked his thoughts out of his pants. If he said no, she’d do something else. Better she was with him than out there stumbling into trouble. Still, she had to know what she was getting into.
“I may have someone tailing me.”
This time she didn’t have an instant reply. “Noah?”
“Hm?”
“Lose them.”
He smiled despite himself. “What businesses are open on Sunday that are within walking distance of your place?”
“CarePlus Pharmacy is nearby.”
“I’ll pick you up in the parking lot in twenty minutes. And, Carly, dress down.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Noah watched Carly cross the pharmacy parking lot toward his truck. She wore skintight jeans that showed off miles of leg and cupped her butt like a territorial boyfriend. A metallic silver hoodie, patterned with green sequin shamrocks all over the front, stopped just short of her hips, accenting that curvaceous butt as she cat-walked her way to him in knee-high, lipstick-red stiletto boots. Every step sent vibrations of sexual energy across the parking lot. Each and every one of them brushed against his crotch as if they were her fingertips on his bare dick.
This was her idea of dressing down? Just watching her made his eyeballs sweat. She was turning him on, fully dressed. And that wasn’t good. Because he wasn’t the only one paying attention.
Two young men in hoodies and droopy pants had paused next to his truck to watch her too. He rolled down his window and gave them the stink eye. “Nothing for you here. Move along.”
The young men looked startled, not realizing anyone was in the truck. The first to catch his drift grinned at him. “You know her?”
“Yes.” Noah gave the single syllable the force of his law enforcement personality.
The other guy punched his friend in the arm. “Yo, bro. You got to know that wasn’t runnin’ round free.” They play-scuffled for a second and moved on.
Noah’s predatory gaze followed them across the lot as if they were known felons until he realized what he was doing. Hell, he was jealous of even another man’s gaze on Carly!
Which was the most stupid thing he could be. She was world famous, had been seen by millions on the runway, in magazines, and on the internet.
His mind flashed to the nude photos he’d seen of her online, and a low growl revved in his chest. Maybe he wasn’t sophisticated enough to deal with a woman like Carly, after all.
He shook his head, still amazed she’d had sex with him, an ordinary guy. No, not just sex. She’d taken him a million miles from the lonely place he’d lived the last five years, where sex was just mutual physical release. She’d made it personal, and intimate, and irresistible. Now he was so horny he was nearly bent double with lust.
He’d made a mistake last night. He knew that now. He’d made a worse one agreeing to see her now. But there she was, so alluring he was thinking about things that would get them arrested if he acted them out in publ
ic.
So, he was just going to have to gut it out and get over it. No, get over her.
A moment later, Carly yanked open the passenger door and slid in, a big grin on her face. “Hi.”
“Hi, yourself.”
Carly’s smile held its ground, though his low-pitched voice didn’t sound all that enthusiastic. Was he still annoyed that she’d called? Really?
Hoping to ease the tension between them, she scooted closer, took his face between her hands and gave him a quick kiss on each cheek, continental style. “Bonsoir, mon cher.”
She thought nothing of the gesture until she realized he had stiffened, his mouth becoming a flat line of disapproval as if the greeting was unwelcome. Looking into his intense blue gaze, she saw that he was reacting to the commonplace continental greeting as if she’d planted a juicy full-tongue kiss on a stranger.
“Do you greet every man that way?”
The irritated rumble surprised her. Was he pulling a jealous act? Oh no. She didn’t play that.
She scooted back to her side and reached up to fluff her curly pompadour. “I do pretty much what I want. Haven’t you noticed?”
“All the time.” His pinched the bridge of his nose, as if he had a pain there.
Confused and frustrated by his lack of enthusiasm at seeing her again, she reached back between the front seats to greet Harley, who’d been barking and dancing in joy to see her. “Allo, mon grand garçon.”
“Harley doesn’t speak French. German Shepherd.” Noah sounded pissed.
You’re being a butthead probably wasn’t the best response, considering his mood, Carly decided.
Instead, she gave Harley a good scratching behind both ears then raised up and planted a kiss on his doggy shiny black nose.
She flicked a glance Noah’s way as she settled back in her seat. He looked untouched by her nearness. She’d had a very different emotional response to seeing him again. Touching him had sent little ripples of pleasure rushing through her fingertips. He looked like she’d offered him a slap. Legs spread and one hand resting on the steering wheel, he stared straight ahead. His handsome profile might as well have been cut from Texas granite. He was dressed casually in jeans and a blue plaid dress shirt open at the throat. It took a second for her to realize that the black nylon strap over his shoulder wasn’t some designer artifice but the very utilitarian right half of a shoulder holster. That made her heart pick up a notch.