“Nope, we’re good. Each one of those needs to sell for two bills. We’ll raise the price once we get return clients.” Vince’s mouth curved into a slow smile. You could tell he was thinking about something, and right then I didn’t think I wanted to know what it was. “I’m counting on you, E. You’re my best salesman.” He cackled at that.
“There’s a reason for that too.” I smirked. “I’m better looking than these other jokers.” I grabbed my bag, and flung it over my shoulder as I began making my way back out to my car. I didn’t want to stick around for whatever bullshit was going to go down from my comment. Michael has always wanted to be the one on top. He had that label now, but Vince trusts me more. That’s all that really matters. I need him to trust me for this operation to work.
Ooooooooo
After securing the product in my trunk, I rushed to the safe house where I usually met Toni. I texted her, and let her know that I had product, and needed cash to trade it out with. I had to be on high alert getting this back safely so I wouldn’t blow my cover.
As I was climbing out of my car to go into the safe house, my phone rang. I didn’t even look to see who was calling. “Yeah?” I held it to my ear, and a gasp sounded on the other end.
“Is that how you always answer the phone?” Jenni’s sweet voice filled my ear.
It took me a minute to catch my bearings. “I see you finally decided to be the one to call me.”
“I wasn’t going to, but I figured I needed a reason why you were standing me up.” She was trying to sound irritated, but there was a lilt in her voice that said she was failing miserably.
“Standing you up?” I was confused.
“Um, yeah. Lunch? You invited me to lunch.” I could hear traffic in the background so I could only assume that she was outside.
“I lost track of time. I’m sorry.” I felt like such an ass. “I’m stuck right now. Work stuff. Can I make it up to you?”
“Did your boss call you in, or something?” I could tell she was confused. Hell, I would be too if I was being fed the line of bullshit that she was at the moment.
“Something like that. Listen. I really can’t talk right now, but I’d love to pick you up after your shift and get dinner somewhere. I’ll pay, and you can pick the place since I screwed up this lunch thing.” I rushed inside the safe house. I’d been so distracted with Jenni that I’d been standing outside, holding the duffle.
“Sure. Ok.” I could hear the disappointment in her voice, and it killed me. I’d been trying to break through for months, and the day I finally get somewhere, my job has to take it all away. This moment right here was showing me why Mark left when he did.
“I’m sorry, Jenni. I really am. I’m glad you finally used my number though.” I chuckled as I slipped into one of the rooms inside. “I’ll call you back at this number when I’m on my way. Deal?” I waited for her to answer. I knew I needed to get off the phone.
“Deal.” She sighed into the phone, and all I wanted to do right then was wrap her in my arms and promise to never disappoint her again. Wherever she ended up choosing for dinner was going to be the best date ever because this was definitely a date tonight. I’d make sure of it.
Chapter 16
Evan
“Are we good?” I paced the small room while Toni checked out the contents of my duffle.
“Yep.” She zipped it shut, and reached into the purse she was carrying. She pulled out a manila envelope that was folded over. “Here ya go. Put this somewhere safe until Monday. We don’t want Vince getting suspicious over you selling out that quick.”
“I’m on a buy next week if all goes well. We can set up the sting then, yeah?” I ran my hands over my head. I was sweating, and my hair was driving me crazy. I wanted to cut it so bad, but it was part of my disguise.
“Perfect.” Toni smiled. She didn’t smile very often when it came to work, but I knew she was wanting to close this case as much as I was. “Watch your back, Loverboy.” My mouth dropped open in surprise. I thought I’d done a better job of hiding things. “I know all about you and… Jenni, is it?”
“Dev needs to keep his fucking mouth shut,” I growled.
“It wasn’t Dev who told me. My fiancé works there too, remember?” She tipped her head to the side.
“Just bust these fuckers so I can tell her who I am,” I huffed as I tugged at my hair again and chuckled lightly, “and so I can cut this mop on my head.”
“Get the details on that buy, so I can get a sting set up, and we will.” She slung the duffle over her shoulder, and headed toward the door. “Wait five minutes.”
I held up my hand to cut her off. “I know the drill. I’m not some newbie.”
I paced some more as I watched the seconds tick by. This was the longest five minutes I’d ever waited for. I was itching to get home and change. I wanted to go pick up Jenni and take her out. I wanted to show her how great we could be if she’d only give me a chance. I hoped that I’d get the kiss I should have gotten the other night when I took her home.
Ooooooooo
Traffic was heavy as I made my way to my apartment. I hadn’t been here for more than sleeping in weeks. The place was a mess, and looked like a bachelor pad in the worst way. An empty pizza box was on the counter along with several other take-out boxes. The fridge held nothing but bottled water and beer. There were clothes in a trail down the hallway, and I had to shove against the door to get it to open. “Fuckin A,” I muttered as I stepped over the pile of clothes on the floor in need of washing. Good thing I had no intention of trying to bring Jenni here tonight.
I peeled off my clothes, tossing them to the side, as I grabbed a towel hanging on the door. I sighed as I stepped into the bathroom and turned on the shower. While I waited for the water to heat, I examined my ribs. The bruise from a few weeks ago was now a faded green. I still had a pretty good welt on my upper thigh, but I finally didn’t look like I’d been in a fight.
As steam filled the room, I stepped in under the spray. The water felt heavenly on my tired body. I wasn’t lying when I told Jenni that I’d been busy with work. Between keeping up the ruse at the bookstore, and then being at Vince’s beck and call, I was exhausted.
I closed my eyes as I leaned forward and let my head droop. The water ran down my back and I sighed, not wanting to move. The only thing that would make the shower better would be having Jenni there with me. I’d been thinking about her way too much lately. What did she look like? Feel like? Taste like? What would she sound like? The more I let the questions invade my head, the harder I got.
As I wrapped my fist around the shaft of my cock, I pictured Jenni’s hand. It would be significantly smaller, but I’d show her how I liked it. The soap made my hand slick, and before I knew it, my hips were thrusting forward as I squeezed as hard as I could stand. My entire body shuddered as my release burst forth, causing a groan to slip from between my lips.
I finished washing, and turned off the shower. As I stepped out, I noticed a message flashing on my phone. I ran the towel over my head before tying it around my waist. I picked up the phone and swiped the screen. It was a text from Jenni.
Jenni: How do you feel about outdoor eating?
I laughed as I stared at it before answering her back.
Evan: I’m good with whatever you want as long as you’re there.
The three little dots appeared again, but disappeared before an answer showed up. This went on for several minutes, but she never responded again. I’m guessing she couldn’t decide what to say. I’d love to find the asshole who made her this way. There are moments when I think I’m with the real Jenni. They’re fleeting and unpredictable, but they’re beautiful. Jenni’s like a dove with broken wings, and I want to be there when she finally flies.
Ooooooooo
When I pulled up to Ford Stevenson Securities, Jenni was sitting on the front steps. She was dressed in a blue sundress, and carrying a white sweater. I didn’t remember her wearing this earlier, but I could have missed it
with everything I’ve had on my mind. She had the leather cuffs on her wrists, a staple in her wardrobe since the summer started.
“Hey.” She smiled as she stood, and bounced toward me. She was in a better mood than this morning, and I sighed a little inside. I shouldn’t have stood her up today.
“You look beautiful.” I smiled back as I opened the door for her.
“Thanks. I went home when you didn’t come for lunch. I wanted to change for tonight.” She blushed as she settled in the front seat.
“I’m sorry about that, really.” I closed her door, and rushed around to the driver’s side. “Where to?” I buckled my seatbelt and turned in her direction.
“Ever been to one of the Concerts in the Park?” She pressed her lips together.
“Not this year.” I put the car in gear, and headed to the park. “I went to a couple last year.”
“Daughtry’s playing tonight.” She bounced in her seat. It was the first time I’d witnessed an excited Jenni.
“And you wanna go?” I grinned.
“Un huh.” Her head nodded furiously.
“Then we’re going.” I got as close as I could to the park before parking on the street. I scored us a spot about four blocks away. I could have used my badge and gotten us in much closer, but I had to hide that from Jenni for now. Her safety was priority, and I had to be careful I wasn’t seen by Vince or Michael. This would be the perfect place to sell. It’ll get dark soon, and even though there’s security, they can’t watch everything.
We hopped out, and headed toward the gate. Jenni actually let me hold her hand. To say I was surprised was an understatement. I was fucking shocked. It shocked me even more when she leaned into my side.
“Crowds make me uneasy.” She murmured as we made our way to a grassy patch to sit down.
“I’ll protect you.” I winked. She didn’t know how true that was right then, but I would protect her, with my life if I was ever asked to.
ooooooooo
Jenni
“Here’s good.” I started to lower myself down as Evan scanned the crowd as if he was looking for someone. There was a slight shake to this head before he sat beside me. “The vendors should be passing through soon. We can eat from the carts.” I bounced on the ground slightly. I couldn’t help it. I loved Daughtry, and having Evan here meant that I didn’t have to worry about getting hit on.
“Are you sure you’re ok with that? I’d take you to a restaurant, Jenni.” Evan’s brow dipped as he leaned closer. I don’t know why that didn’t bother me tonight. There were a lot of things about Evan that weren’t bothering me anymore. Maybe I was starting to trust myself more, I don’t know. I do know that Evan has been sticking around when most guys would have given up. Evan treats me like Mason does. I just wish I could totally let go.
“Thanks for agreeing to this.” Evan smiled as he stretched his legs out in front of himself.
“I should be saying that to you.” I grinned. “I did kinda throw this at you.”
“Nah, I like Daughtry too.” He shrugged.
I matched his pose, placing my hands on either side of my hips. We hadn’t touched since I released his hand, and the only reason I held it was because of the crowd. He was the lesser of two evils. Now, as we sit here waiting for the music to start, I find myself missing his touch but too afraid to ask for it. I slowly let my left hand move toward him. Inch by inch until our pinkies are touching. Evan didn’t move a muscle as my finger brushed his. He seemed unaffected almost. I crept closer, this time letting my finger be more insistent.
Evan smiled, and without looking my way, he lets his pinkie brush back. We stared at the stage, continuing our little dance as the band came out and the crowd at the front began to go wild.
“This was a good idea.” Evan leaned closer and knocked his shoulder against mine. “You hungry?”
A cart was just making its way toward us. It looked like one of the hot dog and burger vendors. “Sure. I’ll take a Chicago dog.” I grinned as he stood, and flagged the guy down. Within a few minutes, he was sitting back down, and handing me my hot dog. “Mmm.” I sighed as I took a giant bite. I closed my eyes and chewed slowly. I hadn’t had a hot dog like this in forever. When I was younger, I wasn’t allowed to. It wasn’t on the approved diet from my gymnastics coach. I got in the habit of eating healthy, and I’ve never really stopped.
“That good, huh?” Evan chuckled.
“Oh yes.” I slowly opened my eyes to see Evan staring right at me. I licked my lips and blinked, unsure of what to do.
Evan cleared his throat and turned away, breaking the moment. “You finished?” He set his trash to the side.
“Yeah.” I glanced around. The concert was still in full swing. “You don’t want to leave already, do you?” I blinked a few times as he stood up beside me.
“Not at all.” He held his hand out to me. I wasn’t sure what he was getting at here, but I stared at his palm as if it would burn me if I touched it. “Trust me?” His head tipped to the side as his eyes softened. I tentatively placed my hand in his, and let him pull me to a standing position. There were people all around us. Some sitting on the ground, some sitting in chairs, some standing, and some were even using the park’s picnic tables to stand on.
“What are we doing?” I squeaked when he stepped closer, almost brushing my chest with his.
“I want you to dance with me.” He smiled as he took my hands in his, and placed them on his shoulders. “Tell me if it’s too much,” he murmured before his arms wrapped around my waist, and held me lightly to him. He started swaying us to the music. The more we moved, the more relaxed I became. I missed things like this. Nate took so much from me, and Evan seems to be determined to give it back even though he knows nothing about my past.
“This is nice,” I whispered as I peered up at him.
“I’ve been dying to do this for months, Jenni. I don’t know what happened to you, but I swear… I’m not him.” He bent his head so his mouth was right beside my ear. “Whatever he did… don’t let it define you. You’re beautiful, and smart, and funny, and a hell of a pool shark. I wanna kill the guy, and I don’t even know him.” I sucked in a deep breath, and Evan sighed. “I’m sorry. I’m not trying to push you. I’ll do this however you want, but I need you to know that I’m here. I’m here, Jenni, and I’ll be here waiting as long as it takes for you to trust me.”
“I do trust you.” My lower lip trembled as my eyes filled with unshed tears. “There’s so much I want to tell you. I’m just not ready.”
Evan nodded. “I’ll wait.” He leaned down and pressed a kiss to the top of my head. “I’ll wait forever if I have to.”
“Forever is a long time,” I murmured as I slowly leaned forward. My entire body shook with nerves as I repeated ‘it’s ok’ over and over in my head. Evan stilled as I placed my head on his chest. I could feel the beating of his heart against my cheek, and I knew he was safe. All my insecurities were slowly melting away as we swayed to the music.
When I look back on tonight, I won’t remember what we were listening to when this moment happened. I’ll remember Evan and his patience. I’ll remember the way he held me, the way he listened, and the way he didn’t push for more. I’ll remember the way he reassured me, and made me feel like I could finally let the walls down. Evan Shaw was healing me; I just hoped that he truly meant everything he said.
Chapter 17
Jenni
When I woke up this morning, I wished I could just stay in bed all day. Memories of the night before flooded my head as I blinked against the morning sun shining though my window. Evan and I had stayed until after the encore. Once the band finished, we sat on a bench until the crowds thinned. Neither of us seemed to be ready for the night to be over. When he drove me home, he walked me to the door of the building, and gave me a hug. I don’t know if I was relieved or disappointed that he didn’t kiss me. Parts of me wonder what it would be like, but then other parts are terrified. I think he knows this
, and that’s why he didn’t try.
“You’re gonna be late.” Mason’s voice came from somewhere down the hallway. We’d been missing each other for days. He’s been staying with Dani, and I think he’s trying to ease me into living alone so it won’t be such a shock when I get my own place.
“No, I won’t!” I yelled back as I rocked forward, and swung my legs around to the floor. I wiped my eyes as a yawn bubbled out of me. It was going to be a long day. I grabbed a cotton skirt and blouse as I made my way to the bathroom. After dressing, I ran a brush through my hair, quickly applied a small amount of makeup, and then made my way out to the living area. Mason was standing in the doorway to the kitchen grinning at me. “What?” I flung my arms out to the side. It was then that I realized I hadn’t put the leather cuffs on. I rushed back to my room to correct that before shaking my head and running out the door. I had no idea what he was grinning about, but I had a feeling that it had something to do with the person leaning against his car in front of the apartment.
ooooooooo
“Hey.” He smiled as he stood and opened the passenger door.
“What are you doing here?” I skidded to a stop, and lightly patted the sides of my head to smooth my hair.
“I thought we could have breakfast, and then I’d take you to work.” He grinned bigger as he waited for me to agree.
“I can’t, Evan. I’m gonna be late.” I sighed as I glanced at my watch.
“No, you’re not. Your brother told Dev that you were going to breakfast and would be a little late today.”
“Mason called in for me?” I turned to glare up at our window, and hoped that Mason was watching. That was not cool at all.
“Not really. We’re making a coffee run for the office too.” Evan chuckled. “Now will you get in before I get in trouble for parking here?”
I laughed lightly as I climbed in and he closed the door. As I sank down in the soft leather, the smell of Evan’s cologne or soap, filled the space. I needed to find out what he wore because it was becoming one of my favorites. “Where are we going?” I folded my hands in my lap.
On Broken Wings (The Witness Series Book 7) Page 11
