by Jen Talty
“I’m a loser,” she muttered. Why couldn’t she land herself a normal guy? One that was good-looking, interesting, emotionally available, and didn’t try and control her every move? But that would be too easy. Nothing came easy to her.
11
Jared pushed back his office chair. He rolled his neck and rubbed his aching shoulder. Research hadn’t been his favorite aspect of his job, but the most necessary.
“Excuse me, sir.” Harmon peeked his head in. “Special Agent Randy Garrison is here.”
“Send him in and join us,” Jared instructed.
“Yes, sir!”
Jared chuckled. Harmon might be green and young, but where instincts were concerned, the kid was one of the best. Jared would enjoy signing off on his request to join the scuba squad. Hell, if Jared had stayed in Lake George, with his own swimming abilities, he would have enjoyed going through the training with the kid.
“Good to see you,” Randy said, stretching his hand out.
“Thanks for stopping by.” Jared offered him a seat. “How’s the FBI treating you?”
“Different from being a state trooper, but I’m glad I made the move.”
“So, what do you have for me?” Jared motioned for Harmon to sit. Hopefully, the kid would learn to relax a bit.
“Eddy Houser has cooperated fully, but we’re not going to pursue anything further regarding this ‘Reliever’ thing. We need to find out who’s behind the disappearance of some of these college girls. We believe it’s some kind of black market or human smuggling and these girls are being taken out of the country.” Randy opened up his briefcase and took out some folders. “Honestly, we just stumbled onto Houser. But here’s a complete history of the guy. Nothing out of the ordinary.”
Jared flipped through some of the papers. The information seemed detailed, but as Randy said, Eddy seemed to be relatively normal, as perverts go. “What about Tom Grady?”
“I spoke with the arresting officer from his juvie file. He exposed himself to a bunch of girls.”
“He got arrested for that?” Jared thought back to his streaking days. What teenage moron didn’t flash himself at least once?
“The cop said he was wasted and hit one of the girls. He also resisted arrest. The judge sentenced him to community service and sealed his record.” Randy tossed a few more papers toward Jared. “Rudy’s a nutcase, but then again, I’m sure you knew that.”
Jared wasn’t quite sure what to make of Rudy Martin, but he wasn’t on the up and up, no matter what the guy’s parole officer said. “How about the Stillmans?” Jared pushed back his chair. He’d called in a big favor on this one, since Lisa and her husband didn’t fit into the suspect list yet.
“She spent a few months going from town to town and doing drugs. She got picked up here and there, but nothing huge.” Randy cracked his knuckles, then lifted a folder. “She ended up working for an escort service, where she met her husband.”
“Oh, great,” Jared muttered, swiveling his chair. What he’d ever seen in that woman was totally lost on him now. Then again, he certainly knew how to pick them.
“He had an exclusive contract with her, then married her about three years ago.”
“How long has she been living in Saratoga?” Jared questioned, running a hand across his head.
“About as long as she’s been married.”
“That doesn’t make sense.” Jared stood and began to pace behind his desk. Why just show her face now?
“Sir?” Harmon spoke for the first time. “I think the old man owns land in Kentucky, too.”
“Actually, that’s his brother. Lance left the family business and moved here about ten years ago. Had a falling out with his dad, so he started his own farm. Pretty successful, I might add.” Randy remained in his chair, pulling more papers out and settling them on Jared’s desk. “However, I got some credit card info and it seems she travels a lot, alone. And she isn’t here much, just makes appearances.”
“Marriage of convenience.” Jared should’ve known. She’d always wanted money; guess she’d caved on the respect part.
“Probably. Except for her street days and possible prostitution, they’re both clean. Not even an issue with taxes.” Randy stood, collecting his briefcase.
“Doesn’t mean she wouldn’t hold a five-year-old grudge.”
“I’ve held one for a lot longer,” Randy admitted. “So have you.”
Jared focused his gaze out the window, not wanting to admit Randy was right.
“I’ve got to get back to the office.” Randy headed toward the door.
“Nice meeting you.” Randy smacked Harmon on the back as he strolled through the door. “Chuck called and asked me to meet him at the Mason Jug. Did you know he’s dating Penny?”
“Seen it with my own eyes. The guy’s flipped his lid.”
“Yeah, well, if Penny’s there, then so is Ryan. I haven’t seen her in a while, and she sure would be a sight for sore eyes.”
Jared opened his mouth, then clamped it shut. He had no right to say one word about Randy’s comment. He had no claims on Ryan and didn’t want any. Then again… “She’s not your type.”
“According to him, she not anyone’s type,” Harmon added.
“Don’t you have work to do?” Jared said.
“If I didn’t know you better, sir, I’d say you’ve got the hots for her.” Harmon turned on his heel and practically jogged down the hallway.
Randy chuckled.
“What the hell is so funny?”
“Nothing.” Randy cleared his throat. “Hell, you’re so damned protective of her, I think you’re missing out on what’s really right in front of you.”
“And you’re chasing a ghost.”
“Yes, I am. I’ll see you later.” Randy shook Jared’s hand, then pushed back the main door and made his way to his truck.
The only thing Jared had ever missed out on, besides getting to know his son, was this promotion. He’d wanted to work for this unit since he’d joined State. Well, maybe not this particular unit, but something more exciting than what he did now. Nothing was going to stand in his way. Not this time.
Ryan glanced in her rearview mirror as she made the turn onto Mason Road, making sure no one followed her. The sun had started its descent behind the mountains, and the red glare forced her to squint, only intensifying her already paranoid feelings.
Damn Jared!
He had her so worked up she didn’t trust a soul. Everyone was suspect in her eyes these days, and that drove her nuts. Tom was just annoying and in need of some attention from someone other than her. Eddy might have an odd fetish, but he was harmless, and Lisa was just a bitch.
George McIntosh, on the other hand, was behind bars for a reason, and he was the only one who had motive to cause Ryan bodily harm. She just had to get Jared, or maybe even Frank, to focus their attention on George and nail his ass. The sooner Jared left, the sooner Ryan would be able to move past him.
She shifted his truck into park, then slammed the steering wheel. Just because his BMW was in the garage, and he was home, shouldn’t make her feel safe.
She stepped from the truck, taking a look around. Jared was probably watching from the kitchen, and she was in no mood for a lecture. How she could’ve ever thought he was some kind of dream man was beyond her. She couldn’t imagine anyone wanting to be with a man like him.
Her body shivered, remembering his gentle kisses and soft caresses. “Oh, God.” She could probably have a spontaneous orgasm just thinking about his lovemaking. Okay, so he had one redeeming quality, but the rest of him was damn annoying.
She flipped open her mailbox. “Jerk.” He’d picked up her mail. Did he think she was completely incapable of taking care of herself? The back porch steps squeaked when her heels clunked against them. Tomorrow she’d be staying with her brother. She sighed. That wouldn’t be much better. Maybe Penny wasn’t staying at Chuck’s place all the time and she’d be able to stay with her.
“Yeah, right,” she muttered, using her foot to push back the kitchen door to the main house.
“What?” Jared crumpled the papers he’d been looking at and peered over them. “You okay?”
“Oh, I’m just ducky.” She tossed her briefcase on the kitchen table, sending it tumbling across the ceramic top. It landed on the floor with a thud.
Jared followed the flying briefcase to the floor, then glanced back to her with a lifted brow. “Bad day?”
“My life can’t get any worse. And I owe it all to you.” She plopped down in the chair, kicked off her heels, and wrinkled her toes.
“Care to tell me what I did?” He chuckled as he set his paper aside. He clasped his hands together and lifted them behind his head, like he was amused.
“Thanks to you, I’m paranoid, afraid of my own shadow, and I can’t even have a conversation with someone without wondering if they’re out to get me.” She gave him a nod, pursing her lips, then went back to rubbing her aching feet. “And you got my mail!”
“I happened to be getting my mail and your box is right next to mine. Excuse me for being a gentleman.”
“Trust me, you’re no gentleman.” She dropped her left foot to the floor, then lifted her right and started rubbing the ball of her foot.
“What happened that you’re not telling me?” he barked in his usual commanding tone. The table shook when his hands landed on the top.
“You see?” She bolted upright. “You’re such a control freak. I can’t take it. I think I’m going to my brother’s tonight.”
“No, you’re not.” He glared at her.
“Oh, yes I am, and don’t try and do that thing with your eyes then kiss me you know where, because I’m not sleeping with you again.” Stomping to the refrigerator, she pulled back the door and grabbed a soda.
“Is that what this is all about? Us?” He rubbed the back of his neck like he always did when something bothered him.
“Relax, Jared. There is no us.” She patted his shoulder. “I’m just annoyed by the way you try to control every aspect of my life. And now, having to come home to you? I miss living by myself.”
“You’re not living with me.” He reminded her with a harsh tone. “And don’t fret, because I think we’ve got some good info on Rudy. I wouldn’t be surprised if we were able to make an arrest in a day or two, although that doesn’t mean you can be lax about your safety.” He stood and hovered over her, cupping her chin with a firm hand. “Rochester is hot for me to start, so don’t sweat it. I won’t be around to annoy you much longer.”
She swallowed, staring into his angry eyes. “You really think it’s George through Rudy?”
“Yeah.” He dropped his hand and turned from her, taking slow steps toward the hallway. “Chuck called me this afternoon. He’d like us to be at the Mason Jug around seven. He’s got a surprise for Penny, and he’d like you to be there.” Jared paused and glanced over his shoulder with narrowed eyes.
“I think he’s going to propose, and it would be nice if you were there for your best friend.” He waved his finger at her. “But that’s just a suggestion. I wouldn’t want you to think I was controlling that aspect of your life. Hell, I’m sorry I ever cared.” He smacked his hand against the doorframe. “Damn it,” he muttered.
Ryan watched in shock as Jared walked away. She stood in the middle of the kitchen for what seemed like an eternity, just blinking and staring off into nothing. She’d been hard on him, yes, but she never dreamed he’d react like she’d actually hurt the man’s feelings.
“Impossible.” She shook out her trembling hands. That man was just impossible, and no one would ever be able to live with him. How could she have fallen in love with him? “Oh, God, no,” she whispered, dropping her face into her hands. I don’t love him, I don’t love him! She tried to tell herself, but it was no use.
She loved him.
All of him.
Now what was she supposed to do? All of her toiletries were in the master bathroom, where he was probably changing from his uniform and jumping into the shower. “Don’t even go there.” She scolded herself.
Squaring her shoulders, she left the kitchen and made her way upstairs. Jared’s words about Chuck rang out in her ears. She’d do anything for Penny. Even if it meant she had to face Jared at the moment.
She tapped on the door, but got no response. She pushed it open. Thank goodness, she could hear the water running in the bathroom. She tiptoed toward her duffle bag, reached in and grabbed her favorite jeans and the skimpiest top she could find. Anything to annoy the man.
Everything else was in the bathroom. Well, she figured one of the other bathrooms in this house had to have soap and towels. She’d survive. But could she survive the glorious smell of Irish Spring seeping from under the bathroom door?
“You can have it now.” His dark sexy tone made her jump. “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.”
“I’ve been like that all day.” She tried to scurry past him without noticing the towel draped low around his waist. But he stopped her by curling his fingers around her forearm.
“What happened? More hang-ups? Did someone threaten you?” He tilted her chin with his thumb. “I’m not trying to control you, but keep you safe, and do my job.” His greenish eyes held her stare.
She swallowed the emotions leaping from her gut, screaming at her to throw herself at him. “Lisa visited me today, on business.”
“Really.” His brows shot up. “What kind of business, and why didn’t…” He cleared his throat. “I wish you would’ve called me.”
“She wanted to book some rooms for a business function for her husband, but she made it very clear she can’t stand the sight of me.”
Jared tightened his grip. His eyes reduced to narrow slits and his jaw clenched tight. “Did she threaten you?”
“Jared?”
“What?”
“You can’t go off half-cocked because Lisa came to see me at work. I was the person she was directed to. She probably tried to avoid me.”
“Are you going to accuse me of being controlling when I tell you that she’s got her own set of problems and could be a possible suspect? Are you going to flip out on me because I’m trying to do my job?” He released her arm, but his face had turned flaming red.
“No, but I’m going to tell you that I’m in charge of my life, and you have no say in who, where, or what I do.”
His chest heaved up and down with his ragged breath. His eyes had grown dark, a look she knew well. However, the intensity of his stare carried a sense of passion she’d never seen before. His gaze dipped to her middle. “Two things I won’t budge on.” He raised his head and met her gaze head-on.
“Excuse me?” The muscles shaking in her legs caused her to falter and tumble into his arms. His tone had softened, but his words seemed harsh against her ears.
“You’re to do things my way regarding your safety until I have someone in custody. And if you’re pregnant, you will tell me, and we’ll decide what to do together, got it?” His tone wasn’t meant as a question, but an order. Not something she could live with, ever.
She cupped his face. “You are a big ogre. But—”
He opened his mouth to say something, but she tapped her finger against his lips and shook her head. She’d never lie to him, but she wouldn’t cower from him either. No matter what happened or didn’t happen in the future, he had to know she was her own woman. And a capable one at that. “I will trust you when it comes to my safety. I will take all the necessary precautions when I stay with Pat, and I won’t do anything stupid. Heck, if you want me to call you five times a day, I will, if it will keep you off my back.”
His lips formed a half smile.
“As far as the whole baby thing goes, no point in talking about it until we know, and it would appear I’m going to get my period any day now, so no stress.”
His smile faded for a moment. “What exactly does that mean?”
“If you must know the details, my b
ody does certain things a few days before, like I gain five pounds and my breasts are swollen and tender.”
“Really?” He cupped her breast and gave it a squeeze.
“Hey.” She jumped back.
He chuckled as he adjusted his towel. “You’re right. They are bigger.”
“Oh, my, God. You are an impossible man.” She appreciated how he tried to lighten the mood, or possibly change his attitude when it came to her, but sometimes she couldn’t read him as well as she would like. Although she knew for certain Jared was not a family man. Not anymore.
“Yep.” He turned and maneuvered toward his dresser. “Now, unless you want me naked and on top of you, you best get in the shower and…” He glanced at the clock. “And we have about forty-five minutes, which gives us plenty of time.”
“Not.” She slammed the door behind her, then locked it. The nerve of that man. The nerve of her stupid body aching to be filled by the most arrogant, self-centered, condescending, adorable, sexy, kind, and loving man. “Oh, God.” She stepped into the shower, not allowing the tears to fall. Talk about falling for the wrong person.
Jared bit his tongue the moment Ryan entered the kitchen in a top that left nothing to the imagination. Not to mention the jeans that hugged her body showing every glorious curve. He knew if he said what he was thinking, she’d probably smack him. “You want a sweater? It’s kind of cold out there.”
She tilted her head and pursed her lips.
“Fine,” he muttered, pulling back the door.
She laughed, then tossed her hair behind her shoulders and smiled as she walked out the door.
“Wonderful,” he mumbled, resting his hand on the small of her back. “We walk or ride; you get to decide.”
“Oh, how big of you.” She crossed her arms around her middle and shivered. “Ride.”
“I won’t say I told you so.”
“You just did.” She opened her own door, scooted in, then slammed it shut without giving him a second glance. Why did he care so much? Why did she have to smell like peaches and roses?