Big Girls Don't Cry

by Taylor Lee

  Jake’s voice was hard, tight. “Don’t let her out of your sight, Brady. And I mean the whole fucking night! I’m going to get her moved out of there tomorrow. I’m arranging a place for her now.”

  Brady grinned. “I don’t know, Jake. From the stories I hear told, that little girl is no pushover. Hell, I heard she practically decked the chief. She might be more of a handful than you’re accustomed to, big guy. You might’ve a little more trouble throwing your weight around, Jake. ”

  Ignoring Jake’s muttered expletive, Brady continued. “Not to kick a guy when he’s down, but she sure as hell didn’t look happy when you two got back here. Hell, neither of you did. Trouble in paradise? Come on, Jake, I’m sitting under a tree in clothes that Goodwill wouldn’t give their worst customers. Give a guy some hope!”

  `Brady laughed out loud when Jake hung up without saying goodbye.

  ~~~

  The next day, Jake sat in the parking lot waiting for her to return. When the red Camaro pulled in, he climbed out of the Army Jeep and swaggered over to her. He shook his head taking in her cutoff jeans and stretchy tank top. Her platform sandals laced up around her slim ankles added dangerous inches to her show girl legs. Down, boy, he warned himself. Not that it would do any good. He’d had a hard on since he met her. It was clear that he wasn’t going to get relief any time soon.

  She was unloading grocery bags when she saw him. If he didn’t know better, he might think she was glad to see him. He huffed to himself, that wouldn’t last long. He was right.

  “Don’t you ever work?” Her chin went up in the air as she narrowed her eyes at him.

  He smiled a hard smile. “Yes I do. I’m investigating a murder. How about you?”

  When she tossed her head and turned to walk away, he caught her arm and took one of the packages from her.

  ”Tell you what, sugar, let’s put this stuff in the Jeep.”

  She flushed and glared at him. “Now, why would I want to do that, Agent Gardner?”

  Jake shook his head. “You obviously didn’t pick up your messages. Or is it just mine you ignore?”

  When she flushed and looked away, he continued.

  “It’s not safe here, Lexie. I’m moving you, darlin’. This place isn’t safe for you.”

  She frowned, then looked away, not meeting his eyes. Surprised that she didn’t protest, he decided to lay it out.

  “Someone was in your room last night, when you were out with me.”

  Her frown deepened, but again, she didn’t answer. With a shock of understanding, he realized she sure as hell didn’t look surprised.

  The anger he’d tamped down all morning flared. His voice was hard, crisp. “But you knew that, didn’t you?”

  When she looked up at him, her cheeks were bright pink. She bit her lip, then turned away, refusing to meet his eyes.

  He moved toward her backing her against the car, purposefully looming over her.

  “Goddammit, Lexie. You got back here, and knew someone had been in your room? And you didn’t bother to call me? You stayed in that fucking room all night long knowing that some intruder had been there? And chose not to call me? Is that what you’re going to tell me? “

  She angled out from under him and threw him an angry glare.

  “I’m not going to tell you anything. But…I… didn’t sleep in the room. I slept on the balcony.”

  At the mention of the balcony, Jake’s vision blurred red. It didn’t help to know that she was too scared to sleep in the room and she still didn’t fucking call him.

  His voice was sharp. “Go get packed. I’ll talk to the guy at the desk and clear out your bill.”

  She jerked around and pressed her fists against her sides.

  “I can take care of my own bill, thank you.”

  Jake shrugged. “I wouldn’t be so sure of that, sugar. They’re already raking you over the coals. They’re charging you for an executive suite, double the cost of a basic, and aren’t giving you the military discount. I’ll put it this way. You can handle it or I will. Your choice.”

  She hesitated then said stiffly. “Go ahead. You like to be in charge. Go for it!”

  ~~~

  When she came down the stairs, he met her on the landing and retrieved her suitcase and duffle bag. She clutched her big shoulder bag and refused to give it up. She followed him across the lot, then walked over to her car.

  She met his eyes and pressed her lips together in a thin line. “I don’t have much. I can put everything in my car.”

  He squinted down at her. His voice was cool, crisp. “You can, but you’re not going to. You’re riding with me.”

  He tossed her suitcase and duffle bag in the back of the Jeep and hauled the rest of the groceries out of her car. He grabbed her by the elbow and pulled her toward the Jeep.

  Opening the door, he picked her up and deposited her in the bucket seat.

  “Jake, this isn’t necessary.” Her voice was terse.

  He shrugged and dropped his dark mirrored shades over his eyes and strode to the driver’s side.

  When he got in, he held out his hand.

  “Your car keys.”

  She hesitated. Her hands shook, but she gave him the keys.

  Ignoring her shocked gasp, he tossed them to the homeless guy sitting on the curb.

  “Brady, bring her car over when you’re sure you’re not being followed. Check it over and make damn sure they didn’t put tracers on it.”

  The scruffy man grinned and gave him a mock salute. “You got it, boss.”

  The hobo glanced over at Lexie and gave her a slight bow. “Sure am glad you’re getting out of here, ma’am. This is a hell of a place for a woman like you.”

  Jake nodded and cranked up the engine. Within minutes, they were on the highway leaving the horror of the motel behind.

  Chapter 9

  Lexie stole a glance at Jake. His jaw was set in a rigid line, his eyes shielded behind the mirrored lenses. He hadn’t spoken since they got in the Jeep. He’d flipped on the radio. The dulcet sounds of a sax wailed a bluesy tune that should have helped her unwind except that the tension rumbling between them made relaxation impossible. She thought of all the things she wanted to say to him, but his unwavering attention on the road and distinct withdrawal from her made her shrink further into herself. She stared out the window and took deep calming breaths that didn’t calm.

  She had no idea where they were going and refused to ask. She’d decide when they got there whether she would stay. She reminded herself anything would be better than the filthy place they’d left. But she needed to make it clear to Jake that where she lived and what she did was up to her, not him. She choked back a grim laugh at her pathetic assertion of independence. For now, at least, he controlled every bit of her surroundings, including the wrenching silence between them.

  He turned off the highway following the signs to the military base. The men at the gate stepped back and saluted when they passed through, a reminder of Jake’s station in life and her lack of one.

  She forced her voice to be calm. “Is this place on the base?”

  His response was curt, almost dismissive. “Yeah, it is.”

  Lexie screwed up her courage, forcing her question to be as controlled as his response.

  “Will I need permission to enter and leave?”

  His lip curled in a slight sneer.

  “No, Lexie. You are not a prisoner here. You may come and go as you wish at any time of the day or night. I’ve arranged a V.I.P. pass for you. It’ll get you on and off the base without any hassle.”

  They passed rows of military housing lined up one after another. After a couple of blocks, Jake turned the corner and entered what looked like a private street. Lexie saw that the houses all had yards and were immaculately kept. All of them featured well-tended trees and flowering shrubs, lending a pleasant upscale ambiance to the secluded cul de sac. Jake pulled into the driveway of the house at the end of the block. He hit the garage opener in t
he Jeep and the garage door swung up. To her surprise, she saw Jake’s motorcycle on one side of the garage.

  He opened her door and helped her down. Following her gaze, he nodded at the bike.

  “I’ve been storing it here. I don’t like to leave it on the street. Too damn many eighteen and nineteen year olds around. She can only take so many stares and whistles before she starts getting nervous.”

  Lexie tried to decide if he was making a joke, but his firm jaw was inconsistent with humor.

  He added. “I’ll get it out of here by tonight.”

  Without waiting for a response, he grabbed her bags from the back of the Jeep and motioned for her to go inside.

  Lexie was startled at the interior. It was as welcoming as the outside. The décor was authentic southwestern, not the kitschy knockoffs that had swept the country. The broad beams and saltillo tile were common elements throughout the house. What looked like genuine Navaho rugs divided the living spaces. The living room had a comfortable sofa and matching overstuffed chairs. Bookcases lined one wall. A fireplace in the corner was stocked with wood and the ashes on the grate spoke of recent use. The kitchen was small, but had new appliances and a carved plank table that could have been in any Spanish kitchen in the last hundred years.

  When Jake opened the refrigerator to put in her supplies, she saw that it was full of fresh fruit, water, and vegetables. He pointed down the hallway. “There are two bedrooms. You can use one as an office if you need it. It has a desk and wifi. The base is on a special server, but I left the passwords for you on the desk. They have maid service twice a week and bring fresh linens at that time.”

  Lexie swallowed hard, then asked the obvious question.

  “This is your place isn’t it, Jake?”

  He gave her a dismissive nod. “It’s for visiting brass, and, yeah, I guess I’m considered one. You don’t need to worry. I’ve cleaned out all my stuff and moved in with a buddy of mine who served with me in Afghanistan.”

  Lexie froze. “Jake, I can’t. You know I can’t throw you out of your home, your house. I…I won’t.”

  He gave a harsh laugh. “Too bad, sugar. You already did.”

  He ignored her pained look and continued pointing out various features.

  She made her voice as firm as she could.

  “Jake, no. I can’t. I won’t stay here. It isn’t right. I’m not even in the military, much less a decorated hero.”

  Jake whirled on her. Some of the anger she’d felt from him since they left the motel boiled over.

  “You just don’t get it do you, Lexie? Your brother, Sgt. Anthony Beloi, was a national hero. This whole base is stoked up tight over his death. Rage doesn’t begin to describe the reaction to the way he died.”

  He paused. Lexie frowned waiting for him to continue. He stopped as if he had said something he wished he hadn’t. Lexie shoved against the icy chill that hit her.

  Jake shook his head and said simply, “Later”

  He walked to the door then turned back. “Listen up, Lexie. Everyone on this base will do anything they can to take care of Anthony’s family.” He added, “No matter how ungrateful they are.”

  He opened the front door and pulled on his beret. He pointed out the door.

  “Two blocks down this street and a block and a half to the west is the finest martial arts studio this side of San Francisco. It’s the reason half the trainees who come here beg to come back, has everything from mixed martial arts rings to enough bags and equipment for a small platoon. I arranged a pass for you. They’re open twenty four hours a day.” His expression tightened and he glared at her. “It’ll beat the balcony. At least there you can be reasonably certain that your audience isn’t out to do you harm.”

  Lexie felt her face flame first with embarrassment, then a burst of righteous anger. So that’s what he thought? That she’d been on the hideous balcony to entertain the scum who lived in the area? Remembering huddling on the cold balcony throughout the night, afraid to go back in the motel room, she started to shake.

  She heard a slight buzz and Jake reached for his cell phone.

  “This is a text from Brady. He’ll have your car here in twenty minutes. He’ll pick up my bike while he’s here. I left the garage door opener on the kitchen counter.”

  He opened the door and headed down the sidewalk.

  Lexie stood rooted to the floor, her heart beating so hard she was sure he could hear it. She called after him, “Uh, thanks, Jake.”

  He called back over his shoulder, “Don’t mention it. Have a good day, Lexie.”

  ~~~

  Lexie closed the door and slid to the floor. Her legs wouldn’t hold her. She crouched in a ball, struggling to make sense of the emotions crashing over her. She was exhausted and hurt. Too tired to be angry herself, she despaired at Jake’s anger. She longed to hear his voice like it had been. Soft, sexy, funny. Not this stern humorless man who looked at her as though she disgusted him, as though he had given up on her.

  She didn’t know how long she sat on the cold floor when she realized the clanging noise was the doorbell, not a distant echo in a dream.

  With an effort, she dragged herself to her feet and opened the door. A too late warning flashed through her muddled brain. Never open the door unless you know who is there. To her relief, she saw the man Jake tossed her keys to. Over his shoulder she saw the welcome sight of her Camaro. The guy didn’t look nearly as scruffy as he had at the motel. His clothes were ragged, but he’d washed the grime off his face. His beard shadow and long dirt-blond hair tied back in a ponytail added to his bad boy vibe. It was impossible to miss his dancing green eyes or that damnable rock hard army body. Leslie grimaced. Did they all have to look like they stepped out of the latest Avengers cartoon?

  “Uh, come in. I…I was…” She stopped. How could she tell the man with concern etched on his face that she wasn’t sure what she had been doing.

  “Hey, there. I’m Brady, the guy who brought your hot car back to you. And I’m still wondering why I didn’t steal it when I had the chance. While I’m here, I’m gonna pick up Jake’s bike for him. Hell, from one rockin’ ride to another. I must have done something right in my life. ”

  She tried to smile, but it must not have worked. He frowned and said. “Hey, are you okay?”

  She hesitated, then blurted, “No… no…I don’t think I am.”

  He looked startled, then nodded.

  “Can’t blame you for that, Alexis. Hey, do you mind if I come in? I’ll be honest. You don’t look good. Jake would have my ass if I left you lookin’ like a little puppy dog that lost her best friend.”

  He must have seen the pain she felt on her face, because he shook his head and ran his fingers through his scraggly blond hair.

  “Damn, I’m sorry. I’m makin things worse, aren’t I? Okay, let me try this again. Mind if I come in and hit you up for a soda or, if there is a god, maybe you have a beer?”

  Lexie stepped back and motioned him in.

  “I’m not sure what I have. I haven’t had time to…to know what is here or not.”

  Brady walked in. He took hold of her arm and led her over to the kitchen table.

  “Tell you what, you park that snazzy butt of yours in this chair and let me see what you’ve got in the refrigerator. Knowing Jake, there won’t be a thing you’ve been craving in the last year that won’t be around here somewhere.”

  “He’s that competent?”

  “Yeah. Without a doubt, the best friend or commander a guy could have. Or, in your case, a beautiful young woman could want.”

  Lexie sunk in the chair, grateful that this impertinent, brash man was here. She didn’t want him to leave. Within minutes, he plopped a bowl of tortilla chips, some guacamole and salsa in front of her, along with two beers. Almost as an afterthought, he pulled a fruit tray out of the refrigerator and put it in front of her. Pointing to the chips, he said, “That’s for me. Guy food. But you look like you haven’t eaten in a while. Maybe yo
u should start with this.”

  Lexie smiled. “Thanks, Brady. Actually the thing that looks the best is the beer.”

  He grinned at her, snapped off the top and saluted her with his bottle.

  “Hey, a girl after my own heart.”

  They sat quietly for several minutes. Lexie let the cold beer run down her throat. She wasn’t much of a drinker. She’d seen what it did to people, how it changed them. But as she quietly sipped the cold tangy brew, she looked forward to the numbing effect she hoped would come.

  Brady stared at her, his concern apparent.

  ‘You look pale. Sure you’re okay?”

  She struggled to smile. “I…I’m just tired. Last night was a rough night.”

  He tipped his bottle to her in agreement. “Yeah. It was.”

  She looked up at him. “You were there? Did you see him?”

  “No, he was there before I got there, while you and Jake were out to dinner. A couple of kids told me that they saw a man come out of one on the rooms on the third floor. Unfortunately, you were the only guest on that floor.”

  Lexie trembled. “He… he went through my things. He did something with the papers, the reports, the chief gave me. They weren’t the way I left them on the desk.”