“It was a test. You passed.” He moved to lean against the wall. “No biggie.”
Guess I was making it into all sorts of circles tonight. I knew one thing… Jenni Stone was slowly becoming my kryptonite, and if I didn’t watch it, she’d be the end of me… literally.
Chapter 14
Jenni
Ever seen the way two dogs act when you introduce them? You know, they might growl or bare their teeth. You convince them that the other is friendly, and then they might sniff each other. Before you know it, they’re playing together and marking things as theirs. That’s kinda what tonight was like. I watched my brother stare Evan down. They played a few games of pool, and by the third game I think Mason finally realized that Evan was a cool guy. They’re on their fifth game now, and it’s like they’re best friends. I’ve watched them punch each other’s shoulders, pour each other drinks, and now Mason’s trying to set up some group outing.
Dani was here for a while, and my brother thinks we should double date. At least Evan thought of me. I wasn’t real keen on the idea, and I think he could sense it. He told Mason that he’d have to check his schedule at work. I didn’t know how many shifts he covered, but I appreciated the break.
“Hey, Jen. You wanna play?” Mason held out his cue toward me.
“I’ll take it easy on you.” Evan grinned. It was cute, really. The fact that he thought he could beat me.
“Sure. I mean, I guess.” I hopped off the stool, and came over to where my brother was grinning. He knew I’d kick Evan’s ass, but he wasn’t going to out me. “I think this cue might be a little long.” I examined it like I didn’t know what I was doing.
“Wanna switch?” Evan started to hand me his.
“Maybe.” I shrugged. “Let me see how I do with this one. You wanna rack ‘em?” I watched as Evan rounded the table, tossing balls up on it from the pockets. He tossed the triangle near the end, and began lining everything up. “You can break. I’ve never been good at that. Not enough upper body strength.”
“Sure thing.” Evan leaned over and took a shot. He ended up dropping a striped.
“That’s pretty good.” I smiled.
As he circled and took a few shots, he ended up sinking two balls. “Your turn. I’d go for the yellow. It’s an easy shot.”
“I’ll consider it.” I pressed my lips together to keep from laughing. What Evan didn’t understand was my brother taught me to play not long after my parents passed. We used to go to pool halls to pass the time. It helped with the healing process, and we kinda bonded over the game. Mason is the only person who’s ever beaten me. “I like the red better.”
“That’s a banked shot, and considerably more difficult.” Evan’s brow scrunched.
“I know.” I smiled as I leaned over and took the shot. The cue ball bounced against the bumper before tapping the red ball, causing it to drop. “Hey. I made it.” I widened my eyes as I glanced at Mason.
“Way to go, sis.” Mason raised his hand for a high five.
“Thanks.” I rounded the table to where Evan was standing. “Do you mind?” I glanced at him.
“By all means.” He stepped back, and I leaned down to line up my next shot. One by one I sunk the solids until all that was left was the eight ball. “Looks like I’m about to win.” I nibbled my lip as I lined up.
“Looks like somebody is a hustler.” Evan chuckled from behind me.
“Eh. Learned from the best.” I shrugged as I tapped the eight ball and watched it slowly fall into the side pocket. “Wanna go again?”
“You’re on, but I want another beer first.” Evan turned to go over to the table we had claimed for our drinks, and discovered the pitcher was empty. He held it up, signaling that he was going to get a refill at the bar.
“If you think that’ll help you.” I tried, I really did, but I couldn’t help but laugh. I grabbed my middle and bent over as it took me over. I hadn’t had this much fun in years. I’d almost forgotten what it felt like.
“Hey, Jen.” Mason came over, staring at his phone. “You mind if Evan takes you home? Dani just called, and asked if I’d stop by her place.”
“You’re ditching me for a bootie call?” I scoffed.
“She’s my fiancée, not some friends with benefits bs,” he growled. “Come on. You’ll be fine. Please?”
I stood there convincing myself that I could do this. It wasn’t a big deal. Evan was cool. We were friends. He had given me no reason to think that he was anything like Nate. He was a good guy. “I guess,” I mumbled.
“I’ll make it up to you.” He hugged me, and kissed my forehead. “Kick his ass a few more times first.”
“Yeah, sure.” I chewed one of my nails as I watched Mason’s back disappear in the crowd. I’m sure he was going to find Evan and ask him about the ride. Everything would be fine. I’d be fine. I had to be fine.
ooooooooo
Evan
“Yo. Evan.” Mason pushed his way to where I was waiting to get the pitcher back.
“Hey.” I lifted my chin in acknowledgement. “S’up?”
“I have a favor to ask. I gotta leave, and Jen’s having fun. You think you could give her a ride? I don’t want her out by herself at night.”
“Yeah. I can do that. Does she know this?” I was surprised by the request. I’ve tried to give Jenni rides before, and she’s always turned me down, pretty adamantly too.
“Yeah. I talked to her already. She has her keys with her, so just drop her at the apartment. Thanks.” He patted my shoulder, and then rushed away. I don’t know what made him bail, but I could see the change in Jenni as soon as I got back to our table.
“You ready to lose again?” She leaned against the corner, eyeing me.
“Who says I’m losing?” I set the pitcher down and starting racking the balls. I watched as Jenni wrapped her arms around her middle. She started fidgeting with the leather cuffs on her wrist, and tucking her hair behind her ears. She was trying to not let the loss of the shield her brother was affect her, but it was. I could see how exposed she saw herself, and how she was slowly withdrawing from me. “You ok?” I waited thinking she’d say no, but she just nodded.
“You break.” She pointed to the table, and then stepped back out of the way.
We played two more games before both of us called it quits. I’d like to say I won at least one of them, but that’d be a lie. Jenni’s a hell of a pool shark. “You ready?” I placed my cue back on the rack on the wall.
“Sure.” She tipped her head down and stared at the ground. This was the Jenni I met the first time. This wasn’t the girl I’ve been studying with. It’s like we took a giant leap backwards. “My car’s in the side lot.”
She nodded as she fell into step beside me. When we breezed through the door, and out into the warm night air, I lifted my arm to place it on her lower back. I wasn’t thinking about how she would react, I was merely guiding her where we were going.
The second I made contact, she went completely stiff. “What are you doing?” Her head flew to the side, her eyes meeting mine.
“Sorry.” I removed my hand. “I didn’t mean to upset you. It’s a habit, Jenni.” She nodded as she mumbled something to herself. We reached my car, and I held open the door for her. “Your chariot awaits.” I grinned as I swept my arm out in a dramatic motion.
“Thanks.” She climbed in and I closed the door.
I jogged around to the driver’s side all the while berating myself for forgetting about her aversion to being touched. I knew this. Why the hell did I touch her? “Because you want to, Evan,” I growled before I opened my door. I wanted to touch her so bad. She was beautiful, and my fingers tingled whenever I was around her. They wanted to know what her skin felt like. They wanted the one thing they couldn’t have at the moment.
“I live five blocks down on this side.” She pointed to the right as we pulled out of the parking lot.
“Must be nice to be this close.” I attempted to fill the quiet in
the car.
“Sometimes.” She sighed. I didn’t know what that meant, but I wasn’t going to push her. I’d already touched her. The last thing I needed was for her to start avoiding me again.
When I pulled into the lot of the apartment building, I took a spot near the entrance. I was hoping to talk, but Jenni had other plans. She quickly unbuckled, and started to climb out. “Wait.” I reached out, my fingers brushing her arm. She recoiled like I’d burnt her.
“Fuck!” I hissed. “I’m sorry.” She sat there with her hand on the door handle, just staring at me.
Her eyes closed, and she took a deep breath before she stared right at me. “Who are you, Evan Shaw?”
“What do you mean?” I swallowed. I couldn’t be honest, but I wanted to be as honest as I could.
“I mean… you bring me coffee. You stalk me on campus. Make friends with my brother. You seem like a nice guy, but I don’t know anything about you.”
“What do you want to know?” I mimicked her pose, minus trying to escape.
“Anything. Everything.” She flung her arms in the air.
“Hi. I’m Evan.” I held my hand out for her to shake. “I’m a Leo. My favorite color is green. I have a younger sister. I grew up in the ‘burbs. I’m pretty good at pool, and I have this thing for quiet, shy girls.” I grinned at her as her eyes flashed wide. “Something surprise you?” I sat up straighter, and leaned a little closer to her.
“No.” She nibbled her lip as she swallowed hard. She liked me too. She just didn’t want to admit it. “I have to go.” She shoved open the door, and sprang from the car like her dress was on fire.
I sat there until she disappeared into the building wondering what I was going to have to do to break through her walls. They were made of steel, and as much as I should be staying away, I just couldn’t fucking help it. I was screwed, that much was certain.
Chapter 15
Jenni
It was finally summer and school was out. It felt good to have a little freedom when it came to my time. I’d been working at Ford Stevenson Securities for almost a month now. Things were good. I liked working for Dev, and he seemed to be happy with my employment.
Today, I decided to walk to work. It was only a few blocks, and it was beautiful outside. When I stepped out onto the sidewalk, I slipped my sunglasses on to ward off the brightness of the midmorning sun. Mason had stayed at Dani’s again last night, so I didn’t have breakfast this morning. Most days we shared something, but if he wasn’t here, I typically grabbed something on my way.
Most people saw the busy streets of Chicago as a nuisance, but I loved the noise and bustle of the city. It didn’t take long for me to arrive at the office, and who do you think was outside waiting?
“What are you doing here?” I glanced around to make sure I didn’t take a wrong turn.
“You didn’t think I’d forget our routine, did you?” Evan pushed off the railing of the steps that led to the front door. “I wasn’t sure when you’d get here today, so I’ve been waiting a while.” He handed me a paper coffee cup. “I hope it’s still warm.”
“Thanks.” I furrowed my brow as I stared at the cup. “I’ve been working here for weeks. Why today?”
“I’ve been busy.” He leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest. Today he was wearing athletic shorts and a fitted Under Armor tee. When he moved his arms, I could see the bottom of a tattoo peeking out. I couldn’t help but stare. I hadn’t seen this before, and it was not what I expected from Evan.
“See something you like?” he teased as he uncrossed his arms. He flexed as a grin spread across his lips.
“No. Nothing noteworthy.” I shrugged as I sipped the coffee. It tasted heavenly, and I almost moaned as I swallowed it.
“Ouch!” He placed his palm over his chest as if I’d hurt him. “I just left the gym. Maybe I should have stayed.” He chuckled. “I’ve got a few things I need to do in the area. Wanna go to lunch together?” He shuffled his feet as he stood to his full height.
“I just got here, and you’re trying to convince me to leave? I thought you had a better work ethic than that?” I laughed. “Thanks for the coffee.” I stepped around him, and pulled open the door.
“So lunch?” He smiled. “Come on. You know you want to, and I’ll even pay.” He winked.
“Wouldn’t that make it a date?” I pressed my lips together to keep from smiling.
“Nah. That would make it lunch that I pay for.” He waved. “Later.”
I shook my head as I stepped into the cool air-conditioned relief. I loved the summer, but only in small bouts.
oooooooo
“Morning.” I waved with my coffee filled hand to Dev as I stepped around the front desk, and took my seat. I powered up the computer, and flipped open the appointment book.
“Good morning.” Dev smiled as he came to stop in front of the desk. “I’ve got two new clients coming in today, and next week’s appointments need to be verified.”
“No problem. You got a little…” I pointed to my cheek, and Dev reached up and felt the side of his face.
“Thanks.” He sighed. “Marra had strawberry jam on her toast today.”
“No biggie.” I melted a little inside. Not only was Dev easy on the eyes, but he was a great dad. He and Sam already had two kids, and I wondered if they’d have more. “Have you seen Jase yet today?” I shuffled the papers that were in front of me.
“No, but Tiff worked late last night. He’s probably pampering her this morning.” Dev shook his head as he rolled his eyes.
“Hey boss?” Mark stepped out of his office. “Can I talk to you for a second? It’s important.”
“Let me know if you need anything else. I gotta see what he needs.” Dev’s shoulders dropped in frustration as he left me at my desk, and strode towards Mark’s door. I watched for a few seconds as he stood there, and then he closed it as their voices rose.
I don’t know what was going on, but after a few minutes Dev came barreling out of Mark’s office like he was on a mission. He rushed right by me, and outside, creating a breeze in his wake. It obviously had nothing to do with me because neither of them even looked my way.
oooooooo
Evan
“What are you doing?” A voice shouted from behind me, causing me to stumble to a stop. I spun around to see who was yelling, and saw Dev running down the street.
“I’m working. Why are you following me?” I narrowed my eyes. “Did Toni send you?” I checked my messages quickly before pocketing my phone again.
“Mark saw you out front. Why are you messing with Jenni Stone?” He motioned for me to follow him, and I did, right into an alley. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Shaw.” He stabbed his finger in the air at me.
“I know. I can’t help it.” I sighed as I ran my hands through my hair. “Does she know you came after me? Wait! Does she know you know me?”
“No. I’m better than that.” He shook his head. “You need to be better. You need to stay away until you’re off this case.”
“I can’t.” I started to walk away, and then paced back in his direction. “Fuck! I can’t stay away. You can’t tell me you never got involved with someone on the job.”
“You’re right. I can’t. I can tell you that I vouched for you with her brother. I lied for you because of this job. Do you know what Vince will do to her if he finds out you’re playing him? Have you even thought about what he’ll do to you? Shit, Evan! Think with your head for one second. Do you understand the risk you’re taking, and the danger she doesn’t know about that you’re putting her in?”
“How do you even know about all of this? You left, remember?” I flung my arms out to the side.
“I work with your handler’s boyfriend, remember?” He mirrored my position. “You wanna date Jenni? Fine. Date her away from here. Don’t come to the office. Don’t take her around where Vince might be. You don’t want to play the part when she’s with you, trust me. I’ve done it before. Be
ing an asshole to your girl when you’re under whether it’s for protection or not, sucks ass.”
Just then my phone buzzed. On quick inspection I saw that it was Vince. “I gotta go. Duty calls.” I pushed past him and back out onto the street. I’d walked here this morning, so I had to rush home to get my car, and change. Vince wanted me to pick up my cut for the sales this weekend. I had to be on the Southside tonight for distribution.
“Remember what I said!” Dev yelled from behind. He muttered something else, but I couldn’t make it out.
oooooooo
Right when I was pulling into the warehouse that Vince calls Headquarters, my phone started vibrating again. “What?!” I barked into it.
“Where the fuck are you, man?” Michael’s voice boomed on the other end.
“I’m in the fucking parking lot. I had shit to do this morning.” I parked my car and climbed out, slamming the door behind me. I slipped my 9mm in the back of my waistband as I stormed over to the door. A few loud slams of my fist had the door opening to Michael on the other side. “I’m here, aren’t I?” I flung my arms out to the side. I was hot as hell at the moment. The AC in my car wasn’t working, and I was dressed in my signature all black for this job.
“Get your ass in here.” Michael stepped back and let me pass. Once inside the building, I wound my way around the crates and boxes until I ended up in a back room. There, sitting on the table were four black duffle bags.
“One for each of ya.” Vince stepped from around a corner, and motioned to the table. “That shit should sell faster than we can supply once it gets out there and this city gets a taste.”
I moved with purpose over to one of the duffels and unzipped it. It was filled with small baggies of white powder. Each baggie had Vince’s logo on it, a small devil’s head with flaming horns. “Did you need me for anything else?” I tried to act uninterested, but I was itching to pass this on. These fuckers needed to go down, and it needed to happen sooner than later. I was so tired to the lying and hiding.
On Broken Wings (The Witness Series Book 7) Page 10
