Gillian moved into the living room and began the concentration and meditation exercises she’d learned in the hospital. Maybe she wasn’t doing them often enough. Maybe she’d been too comfortable in New Crescent and that comfort had led to a dangerous complacency. Complacency was something she simply couldn’t afford. She was distracted by what was happening between her and Travis, this she knew for certain. She needed control on more than one level; her gift and her hormones. It wouldn’t be easy.
Gillian made sure she was on time to pick up Sandy for her doctor’s appointment. She sat by the younger girl through the entire examination and could see the toll it was taking on her. With one hand on Hank’s vest clad shoulder, Gillian stayed close, occasionally holding her hand or stroking her hair.
The doctor promised to get the results to the Sheriff’s office post haste. On the drive back, Sandy and Gillian talked about how Sandy was holding up.
“I think it was a good idea to tell my parents. They’ve been very supportive. I wasn’t sure what my Dad was going to say, but he’s been wonderful. If they ever catch this guy I hope they keep him away from my Dad. I think he’d kill him if he ever got the chance.” Gillian felt a momentary flash of sadness at the loss of her own parents but was glad Sandy had the support.
“This kind of thing has never happened in New Crescent in my lifetime. It’s going to be hard for the whole town. I’ve decided to tell my friends tonight. They need to know. He’s still out there and no one is safe. It’s probably best if people know so they can take precautions.”
Gillian was impressed by Sandy’s ability to think of others. “Good idea. If people are aware he’s out there, they can report anything suspicious, as well. I guess the sheriff’s office is going to be pretty busy tracking down all the information they’ll get.”
“I hope Travis isn’t too busy to see you.”
Gillian laughed. “Don’t worry about that. I could use the time on my own. All of this is happening too fast.”
Sandy looked down at her hands and said, “I always thought that when it’s right, it’s right, no matter what the time. Gillian, even with what I’ve been through, I’d still welcome the right guy in my life. There is something special between the two of you. It’s like the air quality changes when you get within three feet of each other. It’s unmistakable. I’d like that with a man someday. I know it would be worth the risk. Take it all if you can get it.”
Gillian wondered how someone so young could be so wise and she smiled at Sandy and said, “Maybe. I’ll think about it.”
When she got home, Gillian began work on the announcement for Aunt Ernestine’s party. She hoped to have some mock-ups to show Ruth Sinclair at dinner on Thursday.
It felt wonderful to be designing again. She’d forgotten how much she enjoyed working on a design. The slightest movement of type created such different nuances; it never ceased to delight her. It grew dark outside as she immersed herself in the work she loved. When she heard a car pull up in front of the house, she quickly saved her files and moved to the window to see who had dropped in.
She smiled. It was Travis, of course. Who else? She forced her hands to still and refused the temptation to check her face and hair in the hall mirror.
He didn’t knock. He was already in the kitchen when they came face to face. He didn’t say a word but his smile was so engaging she melted right in front of him. What the hell. Maybe Sandy had the right idea. Take what you can get, when it’s offered. She smiled and moved toward him. She didn’t get very far as he correctly interpreted the look in her eye and made a grab for her, all defenses down.
Entwining a hand in her hair, he tilted her face to his. She closed her eyes and welcomed his kiss. He was brief but thorough. She was without breath when he finished.
Surveying his handiwork, he said with satisfaction, “That’s better.” She blinked up at him, still unable to say anything. He took her silence as encouragement and kissed her again.
Finally, he pulled away and said, “You have to stop doing this to me, Gilly. I can’t think straight. I’ve got all kinds of work to do, but I couldn’t keep from stopping by to see you, to touch you. What have you done to me?”
The feeling of power his words gave her was sweet and she savored it for a moment before answering him. “You have no one to blame but yourself, Travis. You should maintain better control.” She laughed and eluded his arm when he tried to pull her close to him once again.
“Would you like a coffee?”
He gave her a look that was meant to shame her but she ignored him and finally, he said, “Sure, coffee would be nice. How was the trip to the hospital with Sandy?”
“She handled it like a trooper. She’s going to talk to her friends tonight and I think that’s a good idea.”
“I agree. I don’t think it would hurt if they all stayed alert. This kind of thing can gut a community like this. I haven’t got much to go on and could use all the help I can get. I’m hoping those girls will report anyone suspicious. I’ve been trying to trace the comings and goings of the lion’s share of men in this town on the night she was raped. It could be anyone at this point.”
“The doctor said you’d get the results of Sandy’s examination as soon as possible.”
“Good. Let’s hope he can give us something.” A look of concern crossed his face. “I worry that the only way we’ll get any more evidence on this guy is if he strikes again, but that’s the last thing I want. I want to catch him, but not at the risk of another woman getting hurt. Sometimes, I hate this job.” He ran his hand through his hair in frustration.
“Why do you do it then?”
“I have no other choice. Maybe it’s a calling...the very reason I was created. I don’t know, but I can’t seem to help myself. It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. At first it led me to the FBI, far away from my roots. You know the story, young fish seeking bigger pond. Well, I got my fill of the big leagues and eventually, I was drawn back. I’m needed here, to protect people, to protect this town.”
Gillian understood that his need to protect others was an integral part of his character. She admired him for it.
“You’ll catch this guy, Travis. I believe that.”
“I’m glad you have confidence in me.” He absently stroked the hand she laid on the table. “Have you spoken to your doctor about all of this?”
“Just this morning.” She looked at her watch, “He’s back in the city by now.”
“It sure was a coincidence him being in the area just when all of this started.” His words hung in the air like a bad smell.
Finally, she responded, “Are you saying you suspect Dr. Smythe?”
“It’s my job to suspect everyone, Gilly.”
“Yes, but if, as you’ve suggested, Sandy’s attack is linked to mine, I didn’t know Smythe until after the attack.
“Maybe not, but you don’t remember a significant chunk of time before your attack. Who’s to say you didn’t run into him, say, a day before it happened? Maybe he saw you when you were with Marcus.”
She shook her head and said, “That’s unlikely, I’d never really been close to Marcus until after my attack. I was admitted to the hospital where he works. He found out about it, and was there for me. But you make an interesting point; my attacker could be someone I only encountered during the time I’ve lost. I wouldn’t necessarily recognize him today, even if I ran into him on the street.” He shrugged again and she said, “That’s just creepy. Well, hell… a lot of help I am.”
“More than you know.” He pulled her to his lap and buried his face in her hair. For a moment, he was silent, simply enjoying her unique fragrance. “Brave woman. How lucky am I?” He pulled back and looked into her unusual lavender eyes, “God, you’re beautiful.” She offered no resistance as he traced the fine line of her throat with his lips and tongue. She sighed with pleasure. Encouraged by her response, he continued his tender progress to her shoulder and slid the neckline of her t-shirt down, exposing her b
reast. The crest was already puckered with desire. He made a sound of approval as he took what she offered him. She drove both her hands through his dark hair and pressed his mouth more firmly against her. Alive with feeling, she felt his glorious hardness and surrendered completely to her longing. He could have whatever he wanted.
Travis cursed the man who invented cell phones. He cursed the man and his entire family. Hell, he even cursed the man’s dog.
“What?” He barked into the phone. Gillian moved away and he frowned at her.
“Got you at a bad time? Interrupt something, did I? Say hi to Gillian for me.” His friend, Sam Daniels taunted in his ear.
Travis uttered something that made Gillian’s eyebrows lift in shock. Through clenched teeth, he asked, “What the hell do you want, Trust Fund?”
“Chase and I are here at your place waiting for you, man. Did you forget we’re supposed to be watching the game right now? It was your idea.” Sam wasn’t in the least fazed by Travis’ greeting. “We’re in your living room watching your big screen, drinking your beer. Get your ass over here. Chase wants to order broccoli on the pizza. I swear he’s speaking in tongues. Said something about nutrition. Save me, man.”
“Sure, I’ll come home…and arrest you. We don’t count the threads in our sheets in jail, buttercup. I’ll get there when I get there.” He hung up. “Sorry about that. I forgot I’d asked Chase and Sam over tonight. They’re waiting for me.”
“Then you should get home. Don’t stand them up on my account.”
“Hell, I’d stand them up on my account but something tells me the moment is lost.”
“There will be other moments.” She smiled at him; the truth of the statement startled even her.
“I like the way you think.” He moved towards her, his intent clear.
She put a hand up to stop him. “No way, I won’t let you ditch your friends for me.” She motioned to the door and primly dismissed him, “Now, off you go. Have a good time with your little friends.”
“Little you say. I’ll have you know, there is nothing little, about me or my friends.” He raised his eyebrows suggestively.
She laughed and arched her own brows at him, “Hmm, so I noticed.”
“Oh, now you’re just asking for it.” He grabbed her by the small of the back and pressed her against him. He arched her over his arm and took her mouth with his old, Hollywood style. The kiss was filled with laughter and careless flirtation. It was delightful.
When he finally released her, she was breathless and had just a bit of trouble standing on her own.
“Yeah…that’ll do.” He studied her face with satisfaction, took hold of her shoulders and gently eased her to a chair. He turned to Hank and said, “You take good care of her, boy. I’ll see you both tomorrow. Sweet dreams.”
He was gone before she could utter a word.
Chapter 15
The game was in full swing when Travis arrived at the guesthouse on the Sinclair property. He’d been living here since he’d come back to town. Because his Aunt Ernestine had so stubbornly refused to let him purchase the house on the cliff, he was left in limbo at the moment. At least, the guesthouse was private. It would do until he could find a place.
Sam and Chase were sprawled comfortably in front of a huge television screen and they acknowledged his arrival with a grunt and a nod of the head. Maggie greeted Travis with enthusiasm.
When he opened the fridge to get a beer, Sam hollered “Grab me one while you’re at it. It’s about time you got home.”
“Damn it, Sam. I didn’t know you cared. And just when did we get married?”
“I’d never marry you, jackass. Your taste in clothing lacks imagination and your ankles are too thick. You know how I love a trim ankle. But, oh my…you do have long eyelashes.” Sam fluttered his own.
Travis pitched the beer can and Sam caught it in mid air. The three men watched the game in quiet companionship. Every once in a while they’d react to a particularly brilliant play or argue over a call. On the whole, it was a typical game night shared with good buddies.
At a commercial break, Chase asked Travis, “So, how is the lovely Gillian?”
“She’s just fine without either of you in her life, thank you very much. I’ve already warned you both.”
“Damn, but you’re territorial, man.” Sam laughed, “Poor Gillian, she’ll never know what she could have had. I’m relatively unattached at the moment too. I have the time.”
Travis sneered. “All you have is spare time, Trust Fund. Gillian has better sense than to give you a glance. She’d see through you in a heartbeat, you lazy, rich boy. Besides, I saw her first. Hands off.” Travis looked over at Chase and said, “That goes for you too.”
Chase held up his work-roughened hands, in surrender. “Message received…yet again.”
Sam said, “Fine with me, if it’s fine with her.”
Chase and Sam exchanged a look. The three men were as close as brothers; they knew everything there was to know about each other. Travis had never staked out his territory like this before; he’d all but put his paw on her and growled. His friends didn’t bother to ask questions and just waited for Travis to speak.
“Look, you know I’ve been preparing for trouble for weeks. Well, it’s here now and something tells me, it’s going to get worse before it gets better. Ernestine’s being cryptic about it all. One minute she tells me to trust my instincts and the next she tells me that everything is riding on this, so I better beware. She’s made herself unavailable to me, so I’m on my own. I’d appreciate it if you’d stay close, in case I need you.” Both men understood immediately and nodded in silence.
“Gillian has an untrained gift and she’s doing all she can to help me. She’s extraordinary.” He sighed. “All I’m going to say is, God sure as hell knew what he was doing when he made women. Man was just the sloppy practice model. He got it right the second time around. Thank you, God.”
“You have a point there.” Sam said. “But I wouldn’t say they’re the superior sex. They still have to go to the bathroom in pairs.”
“And shoes. Why so many shoes?” Chase asked.
Travis looked at his friends and ended the argument with two words “Multiple orgasms.”
All three of them took deep gulps of their beers and nodded in silence.
“And the ladies have it.” Sam declared with a rueful smile. He was nothing if not graceful in defeat.
* * * *
A couple of miles along the coast, Gillian curled up with Hank and a much anticipated, best selling novel. The night had grown a little cool but she was reluctant to shut out the fresh, sea air. Instead, she built a fire in the grate and drew a chenille throw around her legs. Hank stayed close by. Earlier in the week she’d purchased the Pat Somers book in the little bookshop in town. She’d always admired this particular writer’s work. However, this night, she had trouble envisioning the hero in the story without seeing Travis’ face. Finally, Gillian slammed the book down in frustration and opened a bottle of wine.
She sat enjoying the sound of the surf and the mellow taste of the wine. It was a beautiful night and after a couple of glasses, her confidence swelled and she decided to venture outside. She felt perfectly safe on the beach at the foot of the cliff, with the big dog next to her and the wine warming her blood.
It didn’t take long for her mind to find its way back to thoughts of Travis. She would have loved to walk along the shore with her hand in his. He’d shelter her from the wind; his body offering her all the warmth she needed. Maggie and Hank would frolic in the water, while she and Travis watched with indulgence. Maybe some day they’d make love on this beach. Maybe some day they’d make love.
Gillian wondered what it would be like to be that intimate with a man like Travis. What she’d seen so far made her heart skip a beat. The mere thought of him, had her senses throbbing with awareness. She embraced these feelings with her newfound courage. Opening herself up to the wind, she threw her head
back and raised her arms out to the sky.
The feeling slammed into her with the unexpected force of a hit and run truck driver. Her mind screamed but she made no sound. She felt him. He was out there in the night. She could hear him in her mind; hear his vile whisper, “Mine...mine now…forever mine.” She tried to reject the mental invasion and the bile rose in her throat. She dropped to her knees and vomited in the sand. Hank whimpered and she used his strength to regain her footing. Leaning on him heavily they walked back up the pathway to the house on the cliff.
She kept one goal in mind. Get to a phone. Tell Travis. He’s out there tonight. She could feel him in her mind. His obscene thoughts were so intense she was able to pick them out of the wind without physical contact. The bastard had found his next victim. Somehow, Gillian had connected with his mind. With trembling hands, she opened the French doors and locked them behind her. Telephone in hand, she sank to the floor. Her fingers were clammy and ended up slipping off the keys while punching out his cell number.
The ballgame was over and Travis was alone when his phone rang. Another man might have hung up when he heard only breathing on the other end of the line. Another man might not have sensed her. Travis knew it was Gillian.
“Gilly? Honey, what is it? I’ll be right there. Use Hank. I’m on my way.” He kept talking to her on the short drive to her house. She didn’t respond, but somehow he knew she could hear him. He took each turn at breakneck speed, praying she was okay.
Trouble [New Crescent 1] (BookStrand Publishing Romance) Page 12
