by W. Ferraro
His blue gaze was vivid, even in the twilight; his breath smelled minty and his cologne swirled around her at his close proximity. When she didn’t answer he just raised an eyebrow, waiting.
“I’m not afraid of you.”
“Good, then leaving your car here and riding with me won’t bother you in the least.” Lightning fast he squatted down, threw her over his shoulder in a firemen’s carry as he jogged to the passenger side of the truck cab. She, honest to God, giggled at his audacity. “If I put you down, are you going to comply and get in the truck?” The giggles continued. “Well?”
Still laughing, she tried to sound stern, “Fine, I’ll get in this poor excuse for a truck. Will you just put me down?”
He did, and as he opened the door for her, he whispered, “Spoilsport.”
He pulled out of the parking lot without a word. Ten minutes later, CeCe watched as he passed the turnoff to her to her place, “Where are you taking me?”
“My place.”
“I don’t want to go to your place.”
“Then it’s a good thing I didn’t ask.”
When he didn’t respond to the first two miles of her insisting he take her home, she gave up. To her surprise, he pulled into a parking spot on Main Street in Hamden, in front of the old Mom and Pop hardware store owned by Mr. Burns.
“Come on, or am I going to have to carry you?”
CeCe exited the car and followed him in her heels, up the side wooden steps to what appeared to be an apartment over the store. As she took one step at a time, she couldn’t seem to drag her eyes away from his incredible ass and how it filled out his jeans, but then she noticed the bulge above the waistband—his gun.
They reached the landing, where he easily unlocked the door and switched the light on inside. She had no idea what to expect when she stepped inside, but what she saw certainly surprised her. The small studio apartment was pristine. The large bed dominated the space, and was made with quarter-bouncing accuracy. A small kitchenette was on the far wall next to a life-worn recliner and a small TV, opposite that was a small room she guessed was the bathroom. Nothing was out of place, no week-old takeout cartons or clothes thrown about. The room was cool, confirming the air conditioning worked quite well. Jarod closed the door behind her, halting her inspection.
“Meet your approval?” he asked.
She whipped around, not realizing he was that close, her breasts grazed his chest and her body’s reaction to the touch set off warning bells in her brain. She stepped back, putting distance between them, giving her mind the chance to form a sentence.
“Approval? You don’t need my approval for anything.”
“You’re right, I don’t need it; doesn’t mean I don’t want it.”
“I don’t understand you.” She turned and walked further into the space, putting more distance between them and the Pandora’s box of meaning in his comment. She thought he would pursue her, but to her surprise, he ventured into the room she pegged for the bathroom.
She heard him rummaging in a cabinet before the sound of water running. He reemerged and said, “Why don’t you strip down and get into the bath I’m running. It’ll help you relax.”
“Excuse me?” asked both for his nerve, and for the fact his train of thought was exactly her plan for when she went home to her apartment.
Crossing the small distance, he leaned down and looked into her eyes before he spoke, “That was intense back at the store. I just want you to relax, and try not to worry. I’ll be a gentleman, I promise.” Leaving her eyes, his eyes focused on her lips before he added huskily, “Unless, you don’t want me to be.”
Not waiting for an answer, Jarod reached over to the small dresser, pulled out a t-shirt and handed it to her. CeCe took it without a word before she locked herself in the bathroom and submerged herself in the water.
CeCe soaked herself until she was pruned everywhere in the antique claw foot tub. She admitted she was worried about sinking into the water, concerned Jarod would come barging in, but he never did.
Just when I think I have him figured out.
Climbing out of the tub, CeCe wrapped the surprisingly soft terry cloth towel around herself, tucking it in between her breasts. She examined her reflection in the small vanity mirror, which showed exhaustion. Her eyelids were heavy, not to mention the dark circles underneath, now that she was devoid of makeup. She thought over the events of the last couple of hours; now she could admit when she saw the latest delivery of roses, before the anger, she was scared. Scared knowing who was behind it wouldn’t bring her the comfort it should. Fearful, that without the case, Jarod would disappear, out of her life, again.
That’s what you want right?
Even as she thought the words she wondered if she believed them. Strange, since his arrival, she has wanted him banished, but when the moment presented itself, his departure was the first thing she thought of.
When he came in, his gun aimed, he looked intense and completely focused on his target, but then he looked at her, and that single ounce of concern she saw in his eyes confirmed she was in trouble. It wasn’t the first time she saw the look, opening her mind to the part of her she turned off, all those years ago.
“So what is an innocent pretty little thing like you, hanging around a no-good guy like me?”
“Innocent? I’m not so innocent.”
“Kitten, you are the ‘no’ in innocent,” he smiled his sexy smile.
CeCe looked around the quiet and darkened parking lot of Chase’s, where she stood against the side of his Camaro, and he sat on the hood, his legs dangling over the wheel well. They were alone, but she was constantly concerned someone would come along and interrupt their private moment.
After Dylan introduced her to Jarod, she found herself spending a large amount of time at Chase’s, all in hopes of seeing him. She quickly learned Jarod’s intentions and admirers were plentiful. His reputation preceded him, but there was something about him that called to her. It was obvious he was gorgeous, any female with a pulse could confirm that, but there was something deeper about him, at least to her. She would watch from across the billiard hall as he effortlessly spun an erotic spell over every female. They all vied for his attention; clinging to any morsel he would throw them. However, one day she was pulled into the beam of his pure blue gaze, connecting for what seemed like hours and ending with a smile that was meant only for her. From that moment on, he always seemed to seek her out, but continued with his flirtatious character, unless they were alone. Those times seemed to increase, whether it was later than she should be out, or in the parking lot where she just couldn’t seem to get into her car and drive off. In those moments he would flirt with her, but there was more to it. He talked to her, listened when she talked, and made her feel like she was the only girl in the world. Troy and his ultimate betrayal still so fresh in her mind, but bad-boy Jarod comforted her when he should have scared her and had her running for the hills.
“Your opinion of me is flattering,” CeCe answered, trying to hide the hurt she felt from his words.
There was no humor on his face when he slid off the hood, and turned to her placing his finger under her chin, making her unable to look anywhere but directly into his eyes, “It should be; temptation at its finest.”
“I don’t know what you mean.” she said, unable to help the huskiness of her voice, or the quiver that moved throughout her body at his touch.
“Patterns are hard to break, and even if it seems you’re happy, you rarely are. I wonder if the grass is really greener on the other side of the fence.” He lowered his mouth and claimed hers, sweet and slow. It was the first of many kisses, and private moments, leading to the backseat of his Camaro; then he vanished from her.
The sound of muted voices and the apartment door opening brought CeCe back to the present and the seclusion of the bathroom. She pulled the t-shirt over her head, suddenly engulfed in his scent. She found herself squeezing her eyes shut, letting her sense of smell tak
e over. The light tap on the door once again brought her around.
“You alive in there?”
“Yes, I’m coming,” she called out only to have a low sexy chuckle respond with something she couldn’t quite make out. CeCe opened the door to find Jarod putting together an impromptu picnic on the bed.
“I thought I was going to have to send in a search party,” he joked as he opened the final item’s wax paper wrapping before turning his attention to her. His eyes raked over her, from her naked feet all the way up to her damp hair; she felt his gaze everywhere. “I ordered sandwiches, come have a seat.”
“I think it’s best if I just go home.”
Jarod walked the short distance separating them, and pulled her along by the arm to the bed where he gently pushed her down. “Eat first, then I’ll take you home.” Jarod walked to the small fridge, taking out two bottles of beer, popped the tops and tossed them into the sink. When he reached the bed again, he handed her a bottle before taking a long pull from his.
CeCe gentled sipped the frothy drink, and got up to stretch her legs in the confining space. “Look, I don’t know what this is supposed to be, but whatever it is, I don’t think it is such a great idea.”
Jarod sat down on the edge of the bed, leaning his elbows on his knees and dangling the bottle between his legs before answering, “Why do you think this is something, it’s simply old friends sharing a meal.”
She couldn’t contain the sarcasm, “Old friends? Friends like you, who needs enemies?”
She watched as he shook his head lightly in exasperation before he took a long drink of the beer, draining most of the bottle. He stood, but stopped, momentarily grimacing, then quickly recovered.
“I get it, you think I’m an asshole, but for the next thirty minutes, can you put that thought aside and just eat, drink, and talk with me. We can talk about anything you want; hell, I’ll even let you do all the asking, I just reserve the right to ask one question. Please.” As if he thought the change in position would help his cause, Jarod actually folded his hands, tilted his head and stuck out his bottom lip in a pout.
Rolling her eyes and smiling in spite of herself, CeCe walked back to the bed and answered him, “I guess there are worst ways to spend an evening.”
“That a girl.”
After she nibbled on half of her roast beef sandwich, and he devoured his pastrami with mustard, she decided she couldn’t handle the quiet anymore and asked the first of her questions.
“I didn’t know you had a gun.”
“I’m licensed to carry a concealed weapon.”
“Why private investigation?”
“When my last tour ended, I bummed around for a bit, but found myself bored. I knew any formal law enforcement would have too many rules for me, so I decided to go out on my own. It started as more of a security specialist. I traveled a bit, got my name out there, thanks to some fellow Marines. I found myself working details for some pretty big celebs. But after the nightclubs every night, paparazzi stupidity and arrogance, I decided that kind of security really wasn’t meant for someone like me.” He drank the rest of his beer before continuing, “I started taking some more investigation jobs, and wouldn’t you know, it’s something I’m good at. It’s steady work, allows me to pick and choose the work I want, not to mention keeps my pockets filled.”
It was nice to hear him explain his start up; she knew about the celebrity thing, especially after she Googled him and saw some of the photos with some of the biggest names out there. From other info she was able to gather, he downplayed the success of his business.
“So where is your business home?” she took a pull of her beer
He smiled that cocky one-sided smile, “My office is where ever I am.” He winked. Their thighs touched, and she felt the connection radiate through every pore of her leg.
CeCe looked away, trying to focus on the old wood paneling covering the far wall, thinking of her third grade teacher who looked like a toad—anything to distract her from Jarod being this close to her. Stay strong, girl! You can do this!
“But my main base is my place in Burlington.”
Burlington? How long has he been that close to her, logistically? The way her attention returned to his face, eyes wide, must have pleaded enough for more info.
“I bought the place about six years ago, and have slowly made it everything I need.”
“Six years…wow,” was all she could say.
“Before showing your hand, you need to ensure you have the best hand in the game. The pot isn’t worth nearly as much if it isn’t raised and called until the very end.”
What the hell did that mean?
“Anything else you’d like to know?” Jarod asked as he tucked a flyaway piece of hair behind her ear. The action caused goose bumps to form all over her body.
At the moment, she couldn’t think with her body’s reaction to him, so she just shook her head, ending her round of controlling the conversation.
“Good. Can I ask mine now?”
“One was the agreement.” She could handle one; hopefully, it would be an easy one as far as what she had been doing the last thirteen years.
His eyes burned into hers, and just when she thought he wouldn’t ask, he looked at her lips and inquired, “May I kiss you, Kitten?”
That is his one question? She was stern, “No.”
“Do you want me to kiss you?”
“That is two questions.”
He smiled his devastating smile, continuing to study her lips before raising his blue gaze back to hers and whispering, “Fair enough…and you’re lying.”
No shit!
“Come on, I’ll get you home.”
Just get through the ride home, Cees. When you are behind the security of your door, you can forget these moments of weakness, and resolve to keep Jarod in your past, where he belongs, and where he should remain.
“You are making a habit of this,” Dylan said as Jarod arrived in his S&E office. Neither man bothered to sit, just took identical power stances, with their arms crossed and most sinister expressions.
“I’m going to cut through the bullshit and get right to the point, with everything going on, I think it would be good for CeCe to get away for a few days.”
“I agree. What do you have in mind?”
“The other day, when I was in your office, I heard Seth remind you about a meeting in Boston? You wanted to bring Natalie along; I assume the girls are going as well? Why don’t you imply, or straight out ask, CeCe to accompany you to give you and your wife some alone time.”
Dylan pondered the idea before examining Jarod and asking, “And what are you going to do in the mean time?”
“I have some feelers out, but I don’t need to be here for them. I’ll tag along to ensure the problem remains here.
Dylan looked at the other man, trying to gauge his intentions, but Jarod was right, CeCe needed out, even if it was just for a few days. “Okay, I’ll talk to Cees. But is there anything else I need to know about?” Dylan asked as he stepped into Jarod’s personal space, blatantly trying to intimidate him.
Jarod was well aware what Dylan meant, and implied, but damn if he would discuss what was going on between him and CeCe with Cross. Especially considering he was still trying to convince CeCe to just want to be in the same room with him. “When, and if, you need to know something, you will know.”
“And that is supposed to mean, what, Gates?”
“It means just what you think it means, Cross.”
After another moment mutual glaring, Dylan gave a curt nod before walking off.
In the Old Colony Harbor Hotel’s bar CeCe, Mae and Natalie sat with an unobstructed view of the gorgeous hotel’s vast open lobby. From the beautiful wall of windows that looked out over the harbor, to the lavish and classic leather furnishings, everything just screamed luxury. Boston was one of CeCe’s favorite destinations.
Dylan’s demand of her attendance on their trip put her off, but then he play
ed the softy card that he was hoping to get some private time with Natalie. Since the twins have arrived, that kind of time is rare for them. Needless to say, CeCe agreed to come along, even knowing she had to back out of something she shouldn’t want to.
Even though she was having a fabulous time with her friends, drinking and girl talking, she felt extremely guilty for canceling her date with Derrick for tomorrow night. At first he was upset, but he recovered quickly and said he understood. What a guy! In a way, she didn’t know what her problem was as far as Derrick was concerned. Maybe it was time to reconsider her unattached life. Derrick made her happy, and she had a blast whenever they were together, maybe it is time to really consider it.
“I still don’t know how you do it,” Natalie complained as she placed her martini glass down on the mahogany bar.
“Do what?” Cece inquired, rubbing lint off her navy blue capris.
“Sit there and look stunning, basking in the attention of every set of male eyes in a six mile radius.” Mae offered up, as she emptied her wine glass, motioning for another to the bartender.
“Exactly!” Natalie said, pointing to Mae.
CeCe looked from one friend to the other and then shrugged her shoulders and said offhandedly, “What can I say…it’s a gift.”
All three women laughed at that.
Taking a sip from her drink, Natalie explained further, “When Dylan and I first got together, and we met up at Cal’s, I was so envious of your flirting capabilities, including getting phone numbers and scoring free drinks.”
“I think it has a lot to do with her fantabulous body and those great ta-tas she was blessed with.” Mae added.
CeCe looked down at her cleavage and said, “They are pretty fabulous aren’t they?”
“I would agree,” came a deep voice from behind the friendly female giggles. A voice she was way too familiar with.
All three women turned toward the man joining them. CeCe’s mouth went dry. He looked different from the way he has looked since invading her world these past couple of weeks. He was clean-shaven and wore a blue button-down shirt over khaki cargo pants and polished loafers. He looked nice, really nice. Sexy. It annoyed her.
