Tame Me (Distracted Book 2)

by Jill Sanders

He started to make his way back to his bathroom but stopped when he noticed a small piece of silk lying on his floor. Picking it up, he smiled when he noticed the silk panties Jamie had flung at his head last night when she’d given him a private strip show.

  Tucking them into his nightstand drawer, he headed into shower to get ready for another full night at UM Hospital.

  Chapter Three

  “Tell me you didn’t sleep with Blaine.” Emily stood just inside the apartment door, her arms crossed over her chest and a very serious frown on her face.

  “I didn’t sleep with Blaine,” Jamie said, sidestepping her friend.

  “That was his car dropping you off.”

  “So?” She continued towards her bedroom.

  “You slept over at Blaine’s. In his room.” It came out as a gasp more than a question.

  “I’ve slept there before.” She shrugged, knowing it was true. Of course, never in the same room as Blaine, since he had always slept out on the sofa when she’d stayed over.

  “Never with him. This time you were in his room and he was in there with you.”

  “What are you my mother?” she asked sarcastically. “Did your boyfriend tell you all the details?” She glanced over her shoulder.

  Emily and Rafe were in the first few months of their newly minted relationship. If Jamie had to be honest with herself, the pair were perfect for one another.

  “He said you two slept together,” Emily said.

  “No, we didn’t.” She shut her bedroom door behind her, knowing it wouldn’t stay shut for long.

  Stripping off her dress and dropping it on the floor, she glanced over as Emily burst in. “You didn’t sleep with Blaine?” She was unfazed by Jamie’s nudity.

  It was one of the things she liked about Emily. She was normal around her. They were friends. Best friends. Jamie had never had that with anyone before. She’d never believed she ever would.

  Jamie laughed. “No, but Blaine, Rafe, and I had a ménage à trois,” she joked, remembering how her friend had woken up sandwiched between the two roommates a few months ago.

  Em narrowed her eyes, seeing the joke for what it was.

  “Why was Blaine bringing you home?” Emily’s arms were crossed over her chest as Jamie made her way to the bathroom.

  “Because he’s a nice guy.” She turned on the shower. She wasn’t surprised to see Emily standing behind her when she turned back around.

  “You have your ‘freshly fucked’ look on your face. Why?”

  Jamie shrugged her shoulders and stepped under the cold spray, then shut the shower door.

  She didn’t want to explain that just talking with Blaine had caused her to feel more alive than any pill she’d ever downed. Hell, even having sex with the dozen or so guys she’d slept with over the past year hadn’t made her feel how she felt after just talking with Blaine on the beach.

  “I’ll get to the bottom of this,” Emily said from outside the shower. “You used to tell me everything.”

  Jamie knew her friend was waiting for her to get out of the shower and wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

  “I don’t remember much. Blaine says we didn’t have sex,” she finally admitted as she lathered her long hair. “But he hinted that something went down.” She shrugged and closed her eyes for a moment, trying to remember what she could.

  She remembered kissing him. Hell, they had done that plenty of times before. But last night it had been… different.

  He’d finally made his move. He’d finally kissed her like she knew he could. The kind of kiss that melted your bones and made you forget your own name.

  When she realized that the room was silent, Jamie peeked out one eye to see Emily’s silhouette still outside the shower doors.

  “What?” she finally asked. “I can feel you judging me, you know.”

  “I’m not.” The room went silent again.

  Jamie stuck her head out the glass door and glared at her friend. “Yes, you are.”

  “Fine.” Emily threw her hands in the air. “Why are you doing this to yourself? Lately, you’ve been…”

  “What?” Jamie asked, sticking her head under the water and letting the soap wash over every part of her that ached.

  “Destructive,” Emily finally added.

  Hadn’t Blaine used the same word? She wasn’t destructive, exactly.

  So she wasn’t cautious like Emily. She loved her roommate, really, but Emily was so cautious, she never really had any fun. In the three years they’d been friends, Emily had never taken a chance. Sure, she’d convinced her to go to the strip club a few times, along with a handful of other bars along the Miami Beach area, but Jamie was starting to wonder if her friend had been a virgin before Rafe.

  Before a few months ago, when the pair had started their relationship, there had never been a guy sneaking out of Emily’s room in the morning, and her friend had never arrived home after a night away.

  How was it they got along so wonderfully?

  “I’m just having some fun,” she answered.

  “What you’re doing is getting one step closer to ending up like all those girls in the news,” Emily added.

  Jamie shivered when she remembered the string of disappearances that were going on around Miami. Girls were disappearing from nightclubs or on their way home from work. So many that they were calling it a serial killer, even though they hadn’t found any bodies yet.

  “I’m careful,” she replied, locking the dark thoughts of her past away. “I always take my pepper spray.”

  “Pepper spray won’t help you if you’re passed out,” Emily added before Jamie stepped out of the shower.

  “Why don’t we head down to the pool?” Jamie decided a change of subject was in order. She’d spent too much time thinking about things already that morning and needed to escape.

  “Can’t.” Emily frowned. “I have a report due.”

  “So, bring your laptop downstairs and sit under the umbrella with me.” She wrapped a towel around her waist and tied another one around her long hair.

  Walking into the next room, she pulled out her newest bikini and slid it on. She combed her hair and started to braid it off to the side instead of putting it in the two messy buns she normally wore.

  “I shouldn’t…” Emily was biting her bottom lip, a sign her roommate was about to crack. “But I guess I could…”

  “Good, go get your suit on.” Jamie glanced back as she finished tying her hair. “I’ll make us some drinks.”

  “No alcohol.” Emily stopped at the doorway. “Just water for me.” She narrowed her eyes at Jamie.

  “Fine.” Jamie shrugged. She pulled out her new skirt wrap and tied it around her body. Emily walked out of her room and Jamie smiled. Her friend was so easily persuaded.

  As she walked into the kitchen to make herself a tall mimosa, she thought about the fact that Emily was in love with Rafe. She’d known since the first time her friend had laid eyes on the man.

  She’d never seen shy Emily blush and stutter so much. Of course, over the past few months, she’d learned to relax around the guy, but Jamie could see the emotion clearly every time she looked at the him. Did he know? Did Rafe feel the same way about Emily? Whatever the outcome, Jamie was determined to protect her friend at all costs. Even if it ended up costing her Blaine.

  Emily and Rafe’s relationship was progressing, even if it was slower than most. Still, she gave them room and, on occasion, her friend would text that she was staying over at his place.

  Taking a few aspirin, she filled her thermal mug with champagne and added a splash of OJ for show. Then she grabbed a bottle of water and her beach towel just as Emily came out of her room.

  “Ready?” She looked at the laptop bag in her roommate’s arms.

  “Yes.” Emily frowned at her. “Don’t you have a paper due?”

  “Yup.” She opened the door. “I got mine done already.”

  “I hate you,” Emily said, stepping past her. “You know
that, right? I mean, I have to stay up all night trying to get grades like you. The fact that you’ve decided to change your degree again just makes me…” Her friend shook her head.

  Jamie laughed. “I know. Think of how I feel, not knowing which path I want to take. You’re the lucky one. You’ve known where you wanted to go for as long as I’ve known you. Come on.” She tugged her arm and pulled her down the stairs.

  She used to worry that when Emily was done with school, she’d lose her friend forever. But in the past few months, things had changed. She no longer worried about losing their friendship. Even if they moved away from each other, she knew that Emily was a lifelong friend.

  Lying in the sun was exactly what Jamie needed. That and the liquor running through her veins. She was made for the sun. Her entire body opened up and relaxed under the warm rays.

  She’d slathered sunblock on the tattoos she’d gotten fresh out of high school to shock her parents. She loved them still and was thinking of adding a few more when she had time.

  The summing pool at their complex wasn’t as nice as the one at Blaine and Rafe’s place, but they did have nice furniture to relax on.

  Emily sat at one of the tables next to her under a large umbrella while she lounged and relaxed. At one point, she was sure she fell asleep.

  Emily tapped her with a toe and told her to roll over. Turning over, she spotted a man across the way as he jumped into the deep end of the pool. Instantly, her mind sharpened. She’d only gotten a flash of the guy, but what she’d seen impressed her. Muscular, dark skinned, and sexy as hell.

  “Who’s that?” she whispered to Emily while the dark shadow swam across the bottom of the pool.

  Emily glanced up from her screen and squinted across the pool. Spotting the dark figure halfway across the water, she shrugged.

  “Rico or Rocko… I can’t remember. He just moved in two doors down last week.” Emily went back to her computer screen.

  “Why am I just finding out now?” She watched the man finish swimming across the water as she made sure her hair was still in place.

  “Seriously?” Emily glanced at her. “I told you like three times.”

  Just then the man pulled himself out of the water less than a foot from her toes. He’d crossed the entire length of the water with only one breath.

  “Hi.” He smiled at her, showing a perfect row of pearly whites. There was a slight dimple in his chin and, instantly, her attraction spiked further.

  “Hi.” She shifted so her breasts jutted out further, and his eyes instantly moved to appreciate her cleavage. “My roommate doesn’t remember your name.”

  Emily toed her in the ribs lightly, causing the man to smile.

  “Rocko.” He moved over and sat next to her, letting his leg brush against her skin. “I don’t remember getting your names either.”

  “Emily,” Emily said quickly, then she went back to her computer.

  “I’m Jamie.” She held out a hand for the man. He took her hand, and she immediately noticed how large his hands were next to hers.

  Something deep inside had her breathing harder. Instantly, she wished for her hand back.

  “Nice to meet you.” His voice was low and rich. Still, her eyes were locked onto his large hand holding onto hers.

  Her breath hitched as her eyesight narrowed on his hands.

  “You okay?” Rocko asked, causing Emily to glance up from her computer screen towards her. Rocko’s hand tightened slightly on hers, sending another wave of panic washing over her.

  “Jamie?” Emily set her laptop aside.

  “I…” Jamie shook her head, but the memory had been set loose and was consuming her. She knew that nothing could shake her free from its hold now. “I need to…” Jamie yanked her hand free and looked over at Emily, who just watched her in horror. “Em?” She silently begged her friend for help to breathe.

  The air felt like it was on fire as she tried to gulp it into her lungs. There was so much pressure on her chest that she was sure her ribs were breaking.

  Emily rushed to her side and took her shoulders.

  Jamie vaguely remembered Rocko yelling for help as Emily cried her name, then everything went dark.

  When Jamie woke next, it was to Blaine’s soft tones.

  “There she is.” He smiled down at her.

  “You scared the shit out of me.” Emily leaned over her, her long hair falling in Jamie’s face. She could see the worry in her friend’s eyes.

  “What happened?” she asked, trying to sit up a little.

  “Panic attack.” Blaine shook his head. “Or at least, as far as I can tell. We’re running a few more tests.” He shifted and helped her sit up a little. “I’ll have to ask you a few questions.” He pulled out a clipboard and pen. He looked so damn sexy in the white medical coat, and her eyes narrowed in his direction. It wasn’t fair to have someone this sexy constantly see you at your worst. “Now…” He cleared his throat. “Have you had anything to drink in the past twenty-four hours.”

  Jamie groaned and leaned her head back on the pillow, shutting her eyes.

  “Don’t you have some bed pans to clean?” Jamie asked, and Blaine chuckled softly.

  “Jamie, you passed out, cold. We couldn’t wake you.” Emily took her hand. “Rocko had to carry you and drive us here.”

  That knowledge had her sitting up slightly and wishing for a mirror.

  “Is he still here?” She glanced around as she tried to fix her hair.

  “Don’t worry, lover boy is in the waiting room,” Blaine added coldly as all the charm he’d possessed moments ago fled.

  “Don’t be jealous.” She glanced over at Blaine and noticed something else behind his blue eyes. Concern? “I’m sure I was just dehydrated,” she added.

  “We’re checking for that.” He sighed. “We’re waiting for your blood work to come back. Your EKG looked good.”

  “You drew blood?” She glanced down at her arm.

  “Like I said, you were out,” Emily added.

  “I’m sorry.” She took Emily’s hand after seeing complete fear in them. “I’m sure I just needed some rest. Honest, I feel fine.” She started to get up, only to have Blaine hold her down.

  “Not until I say you can go.” He glanced over at Emily. “Make sure she stays put and drinks some water.” He nodded to the cup. When he started to walk out, Jamie stopped him.

  “Blaine, thank you.”

  He nodded, then disappeared through the blue curtain.

  “Wow, you should have seen him when you came in.” Emily’s eyes were glued to the curtain. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say…” Her friend shook her head. “Never mind.”

  Jamie glared at her. “What?”

  Meeting her eyes, Emma sighed. “He has it bad for you. Trust me, I know that look. I’ve seen it in the mirror towards Rafe for the past two years.”

  “Shut up.” Jamie leaned back and closed her eyes again. She was tired but knew it wasn’t that or dehydration that had caused the problem. She was screwed.

  She’d fought off the memories as long as she could, using alcohol and drugs to push them to the back of her mind. What had set this off this time? Sure, in the past few months, since a string of girls had started disappearing around Miami, her past had been surfacing. But she’d controlled it with pills and drinking. Hadn’t she?

  She ran over what had happened in her mind.

  Hands. Big hands. It wasn’t the darkness of Rocko’s skin—she’d been turned on by that—but his large hands. Why? Why did large hands set the memory off?

  Things were foggy, too foggy. Opening her eyes, she realized Emily was staring at her.

  “What?” she asked her.

  “Are you going to tell me what happened?” Emily asked.

  “I passed out.”

  “I’ve known you for three years. You don’t just pass out.” Emily narrowed her eyes, then gasped. “Are you pregnant?”

  Just then the curtain was shoved aside and Rock
o and Blaine stood looking at them.

  Rocko’s eyes scanned the room and, upon hearing Emily’s words, a look crossed his face. The look that all men got when they were backed into a corner. Instantly, he started looking for a door. Jamie would have laughed if it wasn’t for the look on Blaine’s face.

  “I’ll, uh… I just wanted to make sure you were okay,” Rocko jumped in.

  “We’re fine.” Emily took charge. “We can Uber home. Thank you, Rocko… for everything.”

  “Sure, uh, I’m glad to see you’re okay,” he added before disappearing down the hallway.

  “No, I’m not pregnant,” she growled at Emily. “Thanks for that.” She poked a finger in her friend’s ribs.”

  “I can assure you of that. That test came back negative, too.” Blaine walked into the room and shut the curtain again.

  “What you are is a little low on potassium and slightly dehydrated. We’re going to set up a drip of potassium and fluids. You should be ready to go home in about an hour.”

  He walked over and set a clear liquid bag down. “We’ll need to do an IV.”

  “I don’t like shots,” she added, tensing.

  “This isn’t a shot.” He was preparing everything he needed, and Jamie watched him closely. “It’s an IV.” He turned towards her and she felt weak all over when she spotted the needle at the end of a long tube.

  “What is it with you and needles?” Blaine asked. “It’s this or…” He smiled as he moved another step closer to her. “I can give you a pill to swallow.”

  “I hate you.” She sat up and crossed her arms over her chest. “You knew I don’t like shots.”

  “I’ll just… wait outside.” Emily giggled and disappeared from the room without either of them really noticing.

  “It serves you right for passing out.” He leaned closer until she could see speckles of silver in his eyes. “Don’t scare me like that again.”

  Seeing the fear behind the laughter, she nodded slowly. Blinking, she noticed something else for the first time—how sexy his eyes were. Soft gray specks over ocean blue. Had she ever noticed them before? Hell, who was she fooling. She’d noticed. She’d just been in denial about her attraction for years.