Careless Rapture

by Dara Girard

  “No.”

  “Don’t you like money?”

  “I like money, just not that kind.”

  Jackie began to grin. “Did you hear what happened to him?”

  Clay looked bored. “No.”

  “He got his hands burned in his own car. Could you imagine such a freak accident?”

  “Guess he won’t be touching things for some time.”

  “Yes.” She looked at him. Something suddenly clicked. Her mouth fell open. “Clay? You didn’t.”

  He raised an innocent brow. “What?”

  “You know what. That’s awful.” She wagged a finger. “It isn’t nice to play pranks, little boy.”

  “Mischief made me do it.”

  “Thank her for me.”

  He pulled her onto his lap. “I plan to.” He glanced at the door. “Do people usually knock before they enter?”

  Jackie undid the top button of his shirt. “Yes. Why?”

  “Because I want to kiss you and I’d prefer not to have an audience.”

  She pressed her lips on his chest. “I didn’t know you were shy.”

  “I could learn not to be.” He drew her close and kissed her.

  The phone rang.

  Jackie grabbed his jacket and rested her forehead against his chest. “Fate is against us.”

  “She probably has the right idea.”

  Jackie grabbed his arm before he stood. “Don’t go away, please.”

  “Answer the phone.”

  “Don’t go away.”

  He sat back. Relieved, she picked up the receiver.

  “Jackie Services, HOPE speaking.” She shook her head. “I mean HOPE Services, Jackie speaking.”

  “Bad day?” Eric said.

  Sure. If you consider trying to make out with your lover when your brother calls. “Sort of. Hi.”

  “Hi. I was thinking about your financial trouble and wondered if you’d thought about Kevin.”

  “Kevin?”

  “Yes, Cassie’s friend. He’s got loads of money. You could ask him to contribute. I didn’t want to say anything in front of Drake. You know he hates him.”

  Jackie slapped her forehead, wishing she had thought of him herself. Kevin, of course. “That’s a good idea. Thank you so much.”

  “Naturally, I’d get a percentage for offering you this suggestion.”

  She rested against the desk and toyed with her pens. “You’ll get a percentage. How does zero sound?”

  “Sounds like the amount of sensible ideas that enter your head. What are you up to?”

  Jackie stopped. “What do you mean?”

  “Cassie said you weren’t yourself the other day.”

  “You spoke to Cassie?”

  “No, I spoke to Adriana, which is basically the same thing.”

  “I’m thinking about work.”

  His tone grew serious. “You’re talking to me, not Drake.”

  Damn him for being so astute. “Truth is there have been a number of clients who have been canceling our service. One mentioned some adviser who had told her to do so. It has me worried. So I’ve been preoccupied thinking about this mysterious adviser.” She crossed her fingers, hoping her explanation would fool him.

  “Have you thought about having Clay look into it for you? He helped me out once.”

  She tried to sound surprised. “That’s a good idea.”

  He suddenly laughed. “And I’m sure you thought about it before I did.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “It means whatever you’re up to I’ll keep it between us. Bye.”

  “Bye.” She slowly hung up-the phone, then looked at Clay guiltily. “That was Eric. I think he’s on to us.”

  Clay shrugged. “By the time he figures things out, we’ll be over.”

  She made a face. “You don’t need to sound so pleased about it.”

  “Aren’t you pleased? I doubt you want to explain me to them.”

  “No, but—”

  “Then relax.”

  She wished she could, but the thought of him out of her life was a gloomy prospect. He’d been in it only a short time and had already become a staple.

  “So, what’s a good idea?” Clay asked.

  “That I go to Kevin for help.”

  Clay frowned. “I think you should stick with proposals.”

  “You don’t like Kevin either?”

  “I know his sort,” he grumbled. “Just don’t feel grateful if he says yes.”

  She raised an innocent brow. “I’ll be very grateful if he says yes.”

  His jaw twitched. “How grateful?”

  She winked. “Maybe give him what you don’t have time for.”

  He leaned back, his eyes dark and unreadable. “You’re doing it again.”

  “Doing what?”

  “Trying the ‘Mack’ approach.”

  “I was only teasing.”

  “I don’t like that kind of teasing. If you want to start a relationship with Kevin, go ahead. I won’t like it, but I won’t stop you. However, you’re making that crucial mistake again by trying to manipulate me instead of telling me what you want. I don’t play games, little girl.”

  This time the reference stung with its accuracy. “I want to see you more.”

  “I know. That’s why I came over.”

  “You just wanted to give me the money.”

  “I could have mailed it.”

  Her eyes fell, shame crawling over her skin. He was right. He’d made an excuse to see her. “I’m sorry. I guess—”

  “You want more.”

  Her eyes flew up. “No, this is fine.” She pushed herself from the desk. “I’m glad you came by. Let me just schedule a meeting with Kevin, then we’ll go to lunch.”

  “I’m not sure about Kevin.”

  She laughed at his grim expression. “Unlike you, I know how to handle him.”

  “I’m coming with you.”

  She was inwardly thrilled at the prospect, but merely shrugged. “Suit yourself.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Kevin Jackson was a wealthy man who’d once been Drake’s romantic rival for Cassie’s affections. A playboy by nature and a rogue by choice, he spent his spring and summers on his Maryland estate just an hour drive out of D.C. On ten acres of land, his magnificent home boasted a private lake and landscaped row of trees. Jackie and Clay waited for their host in the sitting room under a large, vaulted ceiling, trying to get comfortable on furniture more suited for form than function. A few moments later, Kevin entered the room, an attractive man of easy confidence and excellent dress. He flashed a big smile.

  “I see you brought an escort,” he said to Jackie with mock dismay.

  “I’m just the driver,” Clay said. “Pretend I’m not here.”

  “That won’t be hard. I’m used to ignoring drivers.” He gave Jackie his full attention. “So what do you need?” Jackie explained the situation. Kevin asked her pointed questions that hinted of a fine business mind behind his quick smile and handsome face, and finally said, “I’ll think it over.”

  Her enthusiasm died. She’d hoped to get an easy yes. “Okay.”

  “You’re disappointed,” he said, catching the passing expression. “I know what you wanted to hear, however—”

  “I understand,” she said, trying to appear professional though she wanted to stomp her foot in frustration. “But consider this. We could name something after you for longevity purposes.”

  “How about a venereal disease?” Clay muttered.

  Jackie pinched him.

  “Thank you. I’ll tell you my decision in about a week or two. But enough about business. How is your brother Drake doing?”

  “Oh, he’s great.”

  He frowned with regret. “I was hoping for some good news.” He rested back and grinned at them. “So what’s going on between you two?”

  Jackie’s eyes widened; Clay stiffened.

  His grin broadened. “Oh, I see I’ve hit a nerve.” He
rubbed his hands together with pleasure. “Does anybody else know?”

  Jackie opened her mouth then closed it. Clay merely stared.

  Kevin raised a knowing brow. “I won’t tell anyone.” He released a dramatic sigh. “Seems I’m always a step too late. I was hoping to get to Jackie myself. But you wouldn’t like that.”

  “Neither would Drake,” Clay said.

  “And you think he’ll approve of you?” he scoffed. “He may not like me, but I’ve got the background to shut him up. I like to use that advantage on occasion. You, on the other hand, have nothing.”

  Clay’s tone hardened. “I make a decent living.”

  “What’s a decent living nowadays? A hundred fifty thousand?”

  Clay didn’t respond.

  “The truth is, you’re good enough for a pal, but not for his sister.” He shrugged. “But you don’t have to face that because this isn’t serious, right?”

  Clay blinked lazily. “What do you think?”

  Kevin glanced at Jackie then back at Clay. “I think you’re in over your head.”

  Jackie spoke up. “We’re just having fun.”

  “Fun? So which McDonald’s has he taken you to?”

  “You’re not being fair.”

  He shrugged, then took Jackie’s hand and kissed it. “When you want some caviar and champagne, come by.”

  Clay leaned forward. “Listen—”

  Kevin shot, him a glance. “I thought you were just the driver.”

  “I’m also a part-time bodyguard.”

  Kevin let Jackie’s hand go. “And a full-time something else.”

  Jackie spoke before Clay could. “Thank you for seeing me. I hope to hear from you soon.”

  “Don’t worry. You will.” He stood. “Clay, I want to show you something.” He left the sitting room and told his assistant to keep Jackie occupied, then led Clay into the garden. They were greeted by the sound of rushing water from a fountain of a lion roaring.

  Clay shoved his hands into his pockets. “What do you want to show me?”

  “Some common sense. You seem to have lost yours.”

  “Are you trying to sound clever, or do you have a point?”

  “I’m a jerk. I know that. My escapades with women are legendary. But I understand them.”

  Clay flashed a cold smile. “Are you warning me off? Drake would be proud.”

  “I’m advising you. You’re going to hurt her.”

  “And you wouldn’t?”

  “No, because she wouldn’t fall in love with me.”

  “Flash enough cash and she might.”

  Kevin stared at him a moment, then said, “You don’t understand women at all.”

  “I understand them enough.”

  “Then let her go.” His eyes gleamed. “Unless you can’t.”

  He shrugged. “I like having her around.”

  “I can help you beat Drake. I could set you up with an income twice his salary.”

  “How often would I have to kiss your ass?”

  “I have plenty of people who do that so you wouldn’t have to.”

  “No, thanks.”

  “Of course you don’t need my help.”

  Clay stilled. “What?”

  “I did a little investigating on you. You’ve made some very profitable investments. So why the pretense? Because it doesn’t fit the image? Don’t worry, I understand the importance of image.” He folded his arms. “But I can’t figure yours out. Is it easier to be an outsider than to belong?”

  Clay turned to the house.

  “The image will rule you if you’re not careful.”

  He spun around. “Has yours?”

  “No, I created my image, yours created you.” He walked past him. “Let’s go inside. Jackie’s waiting and this is about as deep as I get.”

  “Do you want Jackie?”

  Kevin grinned over his shoulder. “Not as much as you do.”

  ***

  Jackie and Clay drove back in silence, the Maryland hillside soon making way for city buildings. Jackie rolled down the window. “There’s no reason to be upset. You know Kevin likes to flirt.”

  He changed lanes. “I’m not upset and he wasn’t flirting.”

  “It doesn’t matter anyway.”

  “Stay away from him.”

  Jackie checked her wrists and ankles.

  He looked at her curiously. “What are you doing?”

  “Trying to find my chains. For a moment there you sounded like a jailer.”

  Clay glanced at his rearview mirror, embarrassed. He wasn’t a jealous man and he certainly wasn’t a possessive one.

  “I’ve lived life this far,” she informed him in a curt tone. “I don’t need instructions.”

  “You’re right.”

  She saw his jaw twitch. “You’re still upset.”

  “I’m not upset.” He tapped the steering wheel. “He was right about Drake. I’m good enough for a mate, but not for you.”

  “Drake isn’t important. Besides, he can’t look down on you. You both ended up on the streets at sixteen and worked your way up.”

  Yes, but he escaped. I’m still there. He stopped in front of her building.

  Jackie smiled. “Oh, by the way, I’m wearing black.”

  “What?”

  “I’m wearing black.”

  He looked at her, confused. “Your top is blue.”

  “Underneath.”

  He caught on and grinned. “Really?”

  “You won’t know until we reach my place.”

  “I don’t get a sneak peek?”

  She stepped out of the car. “Why settle for a sneak peek when you can see the whole thing?”

  ***

  He had her on the bed and naked before he even noticed the color. “Where are your—”

  “In the side table.”

  Clay opened the drawer, grabbed a condom, and began to rip it open. He stopped. “Hang on. I didn’t know they made this brand anymore.” He flipped it over. “It’s expired.” He shifted through the drawer, amazed. “All your condoms have expired.”

  She sat up and searched through with him. “Are you sure?”

  He lifted another one. “I think this one’s made out of sheepskin.”

  “I guess it’s been a while since a man’s been here.” She fell back on the bed. “Great. No condoms.”

  “Is there a drugstore nearby?”

  Jackie jumped out of bed and grabbed a shirt. “Yes.”

  “You don’t need to come with me.”

  She threw his shirt at him. “I want to make sure you’ll come right back.”

  “Stay here. Don’t worry. I’ll be right back.”

  ***

  He didn’t come right back. He would have—with a box of condoms and a spring in his step—if he hadn’t seen Tanya and her boyfriend through a bar window. He halted and peered closer just to make sure it was them. It was. He swore fiercely, then considered his options. He could walk past, pretend he didn’t see them, and have a fantastic evening with Jackie, or get Tanya safely home in her father’s arms and close the case.

  He pictured Jackie waiting for him and started walking. He actually had a woman waiting for him. The last time that had happened he’d been in his late teens and accidentally lost the keys after handcuffing his date to the bed. That was an accident, this was on purpose. Jackie was in her bedroom, naked, waiting for him. His body responded to just the thought of it. Yes, he would pretend he hadn’t seen Tanya. He knew she was in the general area, that was enough. He stopped, his sense of duty taking hold. He couldn’t do it, he couldn’t leave her. He kicked the side of a building. “Damn it!”

  “Brother, you okay?”

  Clay spun around and saw a wino grasping a brown bag in the shape of a bottle. He took a deep breath. “I’m fine.”

  “You need to just chill.” He held out his crumpled bag. “Want some?”

  “No, thanks.”

  He nodded and sauntered off.

&
nbsp; Clay rested his forehead against the cool brick building. This would definitely make Jackie reconsider Kevin’s offer. He wouldn’t blame her. He gritted his teeth and dialed Jackie’s number.

  “Are you lost?” she asked.

  “Umm. No.” He glanced at the bar, noticed how the shadow of a tree reflected in the window, its budding leaves blowing in the slight breeze. “You’re not going to like this.”

  “Probably not. What is it?”

  “I’ve just spotted someone I’ve been looking for. It’s part of a case.”

  She didn’t reply. He closed his eyes, waiting for the blast. She finally said, “All right. I’ll wait for you.”

  He paused. She wasn’t supposed to say that. “What?”

  “I said I’ll wait for you.”

  Perhaps she misunderstood. “This is a case. It may take hours.”

  “It’s a Saturday night. I’ll be up.”

  He’d expected anger, maybe even tears. He would have welcomed it. Not this quiet acceptance. He suddenly realized he didn’t want her to wait for him. He didn’t like how it was beginning to feel like a real relationship. “Jackie, I don’t think you should—”

  “Good-bye, Clay. I’ll see you later.” She hung up.

  He began to dial her number again, then stopped. He couldn’t deal with her right now, he had to think about Tanya. He dialed Mack’s number, then told him the situation and location while watching the pair eat their appetizer. That was a good sign—they didn’t look as though they would be leaving soon. If all went well, it would be easy. He wasn’t optimistic. When Mack came, they watched Tanya leave the table and head to the bar. With the pair separated it was a good time to go into action.

  Clay walked past the table and glanced at Frank, Tanya’s date, a slender man of indeterminate height, a nose too wide for his face, and a stubborn chin easily knocked out of joint. Clay approached the bar and rested a foot on Tanya’s stool. She looked a lot older than seventeen with her short black hair, tight clothes, and heavy makeup, which was why the bartender had fallen for her fake ID. “Tanya Patten?”

  She turned around. “Yes?”

  “It’s time to go home.”

  She screamed.

  Frank leaped to his feet and flashed a knife. “What do you think you’re doing?”