Saving Thea

by Melissa Schroeder

  “Hey, you don’t have to sound so pissed about it.”

  “I’m sorry but when the man who’s slept with every slut within the surrounding counties says he’s seeing my sister, I’m not going to be overjoyed.”

  “I’m your best friend. And let’s remember, you’re not a virgin either!”

  “Yeah, and I know you better than almost anyone. I want to know what the hell you think you’re doing fooling around with my sister. She’s vulnerable right now after the divorce. I do not want some jackass who wants another notch for his bedpost taking advantage of her.”

  Anger simmered in his blood. Shock held him immobile. He loved this man like a brother and Jed’s statements cut him deep. He’d not always had a spotless record with women, but he never saw them that way. But apparently, Jed thought he did. Is that what his best friend really thought of him?

  Before he could defend himself, the door burst open and Chase hurried into the room.

  “Chase, we’re trying to have a discussion here,” Duncan said.

  “Well, you might want to get back out there and defend your rights.”

  “What?”

  “Jason Warren just pulled into the parking lot. I have an idea he’s looking for your lady.”

  “What the hell is that bastard doing here and what do you mean your lady?” Jed asked but he was ignored.

  “Shit. I told her last night to be careful of him.” He just wasn’t sure if she would resist any of his offers. Last night she did, but this was a man she’d been married to for ten years. He didn’t know if one night of the best loving he’d ever had would be enough to keep her at his side. And there was always the worry that he was somehow involved with the stalking and the wreck.

  “Last night?” Jed strangled out.

  “Yeah, well when I got here, I saw him drive by as we were heading in.”

  “Damn it. Thea and I had a fight this morning before I left for work so I forgot to reiterate to stay away from that asshole.”

  “This morning?” Jed shouted but Duncan ignored him and headed out the door. “Hey, we are going to have a discussion about this, Duncan.”

  “Yeah, I know, but I have other things on my mind at the moment.” Like ripping the head off of one pesky ex-husband.

  Thea walked through the crowd, talking to people she hadn’t seen in years. Through the years, she’d realized she was not a big city girl. During her marriage she knew they would never move to some small town. But she’d insisted on moving to Duluth, a suburb of Atlanta and fighting the traffic. She’d convinced Jason, whose parents still lived in Manhattan, that kids needed lots of fresh air and space to grow. But the children had never come and Jason had sold the house.

  She sighed. She needed to get away from this thinking. Just like at the cookout, she couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching her. Of course a lot of people were gawking because of the scene Duncan had caused but there was that niggling worry that someone, some man, was watching her for another purpose. She shivered.

  Still, it was hard to accept that someone she’d known her whole life was the stalker. These people were like her extended family. She looked around and counted at least ten teachers she’d had, a couple of the ministers, and one of the assistant managers from the grocery store was playing in the band.

  She decided to get some more water. As she walked, the tension in her stomach grew. Someone was watching her, and they were following her. She was sure of it. A chill seeped into her bones as sweat gathered at the nape of her neck. The room was stifling with all the bodies in it, but she shivered again as she felt eyes move over her body.

  The refreshments were in a corner, not isolated, but at the moment, she didn’t like walking through the crowd being stalked. Forget refreshments. She needed Duncan. Something was very wrong here.

  Thea whirled around and bumped into someone who’d been right behind her. She looked up and found herself staring at Jason. His lips curved evilly as panic snaked down her spine.

  Chapter Fifteen

  “Thea, darling, you look ravishing,” Jason said in the patronizing voice she hated. “Although, I find the back of that dress a bit too revealing for a woman with your figure.”

  She almost laughed in his face. “Jason, what are you doing here?”

  “I told you last night. I’m ready to take you back.”

  Her amusement quickly turned to anger. The bastard actually believed she would want him again.

  “Listen, Jason, I want nothing to do with you. You cheated on me and you wanted the divorce.”

  His asinine smile slipped a tad but he recovered when he realized they’d acquired an audience. “But I’ve decided to give you another chance.”

  “Another chance at what?” she asked through clenched teeth.

  “What do you mean?”

  “A chance at being your wife while you bop anything that moves or a chance at running my restaurant?”

  “Why, I would think they would go hand in hand.”

  “You thought wrong. You are the most self-centered, egotistical jackass I have ever met. In your feeble little mind, you actually think I would want to go back to a life with you?”

  “Ah, come on, Allie. We had some good times.” Anger was pumping through her in waves. Before she could jump on him and tear off his face, said face paled three shades and most of the surrounding crowd stopped talking. Even before she turned around, she knew Duncan was standing behind her.

  The hairs on the nape of her neck stood at attention.

  “Warren,” he said from behind clenched teeth. He stood so close the heat of him burned into her back. “I think you’ve outstayed your welcome.”

  Warmth spread through her at Duncan’s defense. And the temptation to let him take care of Jason almost overwhelmed her. But in her heart, she knew she had to do it herself. Something deep down in her gut told her Jason was a problem but he was her problem.

  She turned around. Duncan stood within inches of her, his fists clenched, his eyes as dark as midnight, his nostrils flaring. He was the epitome of an alpha male defending his territory.

  For just a second, her head spun. Except for Jed, a man had never come to her defense and some primitive part of her thrilled at the action. But, as fast as the warmth had spread through her, her levelheaded contemporary self took control.

  “Duncan.” He didn’t even look at her. She laid her hand on his chest and even through all the layers of clothes, she could feel the very heat of him. He looked down at her touch. “I can take care of this.”

  His eyes narrowed, and an emotion that was not anger leapt in his eyes. Vulnerability. That was what it resembled but as fast as it had appeared, it vanished. She shook her head, sure she’d been mistaken.

  “I can handle him.” He raised one eyebrow and then stiffly shook his head.

  As she turned around, the morbid fascination of the crowd wasn’t lost on her. Jason’s eyes narrowed in anger, his face mottled with rage. Thea took a deep breath and took back control of her life.

  “Jason, we’re divorced. As in, no longer married. You wanted the restaurant; you got it, along with all the problems. You’re no longer riding on my coattails. I’m not returning to Atlanta to bail you out.”

  Jason took a step closer and she could feel Duncan’s hot breath as his breathing accelerated. Irritation overrode her anger. She was doing this, not him. No longer would a man dictate to her what to do with her life. She straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin.

  “Fine,” Jason spat out. “You’ll regret this, Thea.”

  He stomped away and the crowd parted. Jason could be mean if provoked but he was a coward. Plain and simple. If he had to fight his own fights, he’d turn tail and run in the other direction.

  “Thea, I think we really need to have a talk.”

  She whipped around and stared dumfounded by the anger in Duncan’s voice. “No, I don’t think so, Duncan. At least not right now. We have made enough of a scene before and now
this.” He scanned the surrounding crowd as if it was the first time he noticed it. Another stiff nod and she had a temporary reprieve. She sighed as the band began to play again. “Since there is no reason to hide it now, we might as well dance.”

  His eyebrows shot up in surprise but he placed his hand on the small of her bare back. Skin met skin and her pulse sped up, heat rolled through her. As she stepped into his arms, she realized she’d not been happy. She felt she had to take care of the matter herself, but for a moment, she liked having an alpha male stand up to protect her.

  Thea carefully avoided Jed for most of the evening. About ten that night, he snuck up and asked her for a dance. She thought about excusing herself, but the look in his eyes had her accepting without hesitation.

  “So, you and Duncan?”

  “Me and Duncan what?” She was being a coward. She knew it and he knew it. But she didn’t care. He was more father than brother sometimes and discussing her sex life with him was doubly uncomfortable.

  “Thea, I’m not in the mood for games.” They reached a corner and he spun her around and then continued on with his interrogation as they two-stepped. “Duncan is not the kind of man you should be involved with.”

  “Oh, and what kind of man is he?”

  “He will not, under any circumstances settle down.”

  “And?”

  “Thea, you deserve more than that. You deserve to get married again, and have kids. You’d be a great mother.”

  A lump formed in her throat. “I thought at one time that was what I wanted but, Jed, I tried that once and failed miserably. I’m just not sure what I want now but I know I don’t want to settle down. At least, not at the moment.” He looked as if he would argue and she raised an eyebrow. “I’m not a kid anymore and you have to let me make my own mistakes.”

  “Just—”

  “Jedidiah. No more. Just promise me one thing.”

  “What?”

  “Don’t let this come between you two. He…well, he is really worried about that I think. Well, to a point.”

  He hesitated. A thoughtful expression lit his eyes, then a slow smile curved his lips.

  “Okay, I promise.”

  She sighed and searched for Duncan. He was on the opposite side of the dance floor, being interrogated by Gwen. She caught his eye and shrugged her apology. He rolled his eyes and spun Gwen around.

  Duncan had a healthy fear of angry and preachy women. Thirty-six years as the son of Selma Perry had taught him that much. Despite that, he had asked Gwen to dance, knowing full well she was ready to give him a peace of her mind.

  “So, you want to tell me exactly what’s going on with you two?”

  “No.”

  “Duncan.”

  “Well, you asked if I wanted to. I don’t.”

  “Quit being a smartass. I’m a teacher. I get too much of that from my students. Now, I’m no longer asking.” He remained silent, searching the crowd for some kind of diversion. “Duncan Perry.”

  “Hey, don’t yell at me.” He saw the determined look her in her blue eyes and relented. “We’re seeing each other.”

  “Jed said you’re sleeping together.”

  “None of your business.”

  “Everything with Thea is my business. I’m not going to fail her again.”

  The song came to an end and he escorted her off the floor and to a darkened corner. “What do you mean?”

  She sighed and studied the swaying couples on the floor. “I think, well Jed does too, we failed her in some way. Like we should have seen what a rat Jason Warren was.” She shrugged. “She married young, we should’ve paid more attention.”

  “You married young.”

  “And look how that turned out.” She looked at him, worry etched her features. “Thea barely knew Jason when they were engaged and I think she married because she thought it would take a burden off Jed.”

  He snorted and her eyes narrowed with suspicion. “Gwen, there’s one thing I know about Thea. There’s no way you or Jed or anyone would’ve changed her mind. Once she sets her mind to something, she’s more stubborn than a mule.”

  She studied him so intently it made him squirm. Then she smiled so brilliantly he blinked. “Why, Duncan, I do believe you know Thea very well.”

  “Yeah…well…anyway it’s not any of your business or Jed’s.”

  She nodded and led them back through the crowd to where Thea and Jed were standing. They chatted for several minutes, all of them avoiding the issue of Duncan and Thea’s relationship. It was a relief when he saw Rusty striding through the crowd. Thea saw Rusty too and insisted on coming with him.

  “Reckless. About time you got here,” Duncan said, sliding his arm around Thea’s waist.

  Surprise then speculation danced across his features. “Well, I would have been here earlier but I got another call.”

  “Is it—”

  “No, this one was a male but it took them forever to get back to me on that. I was halfway here when they radioed it in.” He turned his attention to Thea and his voice warmed considerably. “Thea, you sure have grown up. Are you in town long?”

  “I’m not sure,” she said.

  “None of your business,” Duncan said at the same time.

  Rusty grinned, but dropped the subject, while Thea stared at Duncan as if he’d grown another head.

  “I’ll need to go over that other stuff with you,” Duncan said. When Thea said nothing, he knew she understood it had to do with the murdered women.

  “Well, I’m stuck here for awhile. My mother would throw a fit if I just up and left this evening after being so late. How about I come by your place afterwards?”

  “Okay. You know the old Miller house, don’t you?”

  Rusty studied him then nodded, his grin widening into a full-fledged smile. “Now, I have to dance with a few eligible ladies to make my mother happy. Thea?”

  Before she could answer, Duncan cut in. “She doesn’t meet your criteria.”

  “Oh? Beautiful, available. She meets mine.”

  “Kiss my ass, Reckless. You know what I mean.”

  “I just wanted to know if you did.” He winked at Thea and sauntered through the crowd.

  He glanced at Thea while she studied Reckless as he asked one of Coach Newman’s girls to dance. Just like him to pick the daughter of the coach who’d hated him in high school. Reckless always lived up to his name.

  “He’s changed a lot. Well, at least I trust him more than I would have when he was in high school.” She looked at him. “You need to quit acting like a bull in rut.”

  That blunt statement raised his temper to new heights. He’d stood by and allowed her to confront Warren, and he’d let all those other men dance with her. But, by damn, the woman was pushing him over the edge. Before he could respond, Jed and Gwen approached them.

  “Was that Reckless?” Jed asked.

  “Yes. He was trying to come on to Thea. Why don’t you go threaten him?”

  Jed shot him a warning glance.

  “Threaten him? Jed, did you threaten Duncan?” Thea demanded.

  “No, I didn’t. Jason showed up and interrupted me.”

  “Well, either way, we are out of here. I’ve had a long day at work.”

  He held his breath until she nodded her agreement. After saying goodnight to them, they were stopped at least half a dozen times while trying to reach the door. They retrieved her coat and he hurried her out to his truck. He was ready to remind the woman just who she belonged to.

  The tension grew the closer to her house they got. He avoided the subject of what went on tonight because he knew they’d fight and he decided to put that off as long as possible. Since the moment she could speak, the two of them had fought. About the time she was old enough to tag along, Jed started to proclaim what they were doing as secret but every now and then, Duncan would side with her. He thought she should feel some loyalty.

  He took a peek at her rigid posture and her crossed arms. Yeah r
ight.

  By the time he parked in her drive, he was itching for a fight. Never in his life had a woman tied him up in knots like this. One minute he was horny as hell, the next he was ready to take her over his knee.

  He followed her to the front porch and into the house. She pulled off her coat and threw it on the sofa without stopping on her way to the kitchen.

  “I’m starved, how about you?” she asked. “There wasn’t much selection there tonight and I really didn’t get to eat that much. I bet you didn’t get to eat a thing this afternoon.”

  She paced nervously through the kitchen opening cabinet doors. Anxiety rolled off her in waves reaching out to him, propelling him to comfort her. There was no way he could allow her to go through it alone. Some deep primal urge had him moving across the floor, taking her in his arms.

  She tensed for a second, then returned the hug half-heartedly. She attempted to step back, away from him, away from what he was offering her and anger had him holding on tighter. He crushed her soft body against his, and his heart tumbled when she returned his embrace.

  An emotion, something so strong, almost overpowering, surged through him. It coursed through his veins and sent his mind spinning out of control. He cupped her face in his hands and tilted her face up. Her eyes were half-closed, slumberous. Just the sight of them, looking as if she’d just awakened after a night of loving, sent heat rushing through him.

  He lowered his lips to hers, her eyes slowly closing the closer he got. Her scent, apples and cinnamon and musky arousal, swarmed around him, surrounded him, aroused him even further.

  The taste of her, the wine she’d drunk, the passion surging through her, sent any of the blood still left in his brain, racing to his groin. He traced her spine, delicate but so strong. His groin was heavy with anticipation and he had to have her. He abruptly broke the kiss, and grabbed her hand and tugged her upstairs.

  Only the hall light shone into the dark room as he settled on the bed, her standing in front of him. He’d love to turn on the light, see every bit of her gorgeous body in detail but he knew it would break the mood.