by Lori Foster
With silky menace, he asked, “What kind of job, honey?”
Oh, given that tone, she knew what kind he thought. The man really did have a rather uncomplimentary opinion of her ability.
“A starting position,” she whispered, struggling to keep her eyes open in the face of such overwhelming need. “Waitress, cook, cleanup, secretarial…anything legitimate that would pay well, offer opportunity for advancement, and some benefits.”
“Since when does waiting tables offer benefits?”
“Some do.” The people she’d gone to were willing to help her—because she could help them. In exchange for giving one of the women a good job, Shay would use them for her charity events. Catering, displays, advertisements…she put on functions of all kinds. In fact, her sister had met her husband at a male auction that had raised a lot of money for abused women.
Companies loved to be included in her events, because it showcased them and gave them more business in return.
Bryan put some respectable space between them, stepping back and letting her feet touch the floor, at the same time releasing her breast. But he didn’t leave her. He pressed her head to his shoulder and hugged her, surrounding her with his warmth. “I’m sorry.”
Shay instinctively knew that he didn’t apologize often, and she took pleasure in the special moment. Being hugged by him was special, too, and comforting. “For using me?”
“For doubting you.” He tilted her back, and one corner of his mouth lifted in a crooked smile. His fingers trembled the tiniest bit as he touched her cheek with incredible tenderness. “I wasn’t using you, Shay. I was fighting myself. If we weren’t here, now, I probably wouldn’t have stopped, because stopping now is about the hardest damn thing I’ve ever done.”
Her heart swelled in yearning at that awesome admission, but the others were coming back and Bryan moved away from her, reseating himself at the table. He finished off his root beer just as Leigh and Dawn walked into the kitchen.
“You two ready?” he asked, and if Shay hadn’t known better, she’d think he’d been sitting there the whole time, rather than ravishing her.
But Dawn was no slouch. She’d been in the flesh business too long to miss the signs. She took in Shay’s rumpled hair, swollen lips and dazed expression, then cast a suspicious glance at Bryan. Shay shook her head, warning her friend not to say anything.
Leigh, for some reason, kept grinning. She even looked at Shay once and giggled. It was nice, making her sound like a regular nineteen-year-old, instead of a cynical, wary woman of the night.
Within seconds, Bryan had them ready to go. He thanked Dawn, put a solicitous hand at Leigh’s back, and started out the door.
Shay said, “Go on. I’ll be right there.” She needed a minute to talk to Dawn in private.
Reluctantly, his expression dark with suspicion, Bryan escorted Leigh outside. The moment they were out of sight, Shay rushed into a speech. “I have to hurry before Leigh says something she shouldn’t.”
Dawn shook her head. “No, I told her that the preacher thought you were a hooker, too. I have to tell you, Shay, it’s the first time I’ve heard Leigh laugh like that.”
Awareness dawned. “So that’s why she kept giggling?”
Her friend nodded. “You gotta admit, the idea of you being a call girl is hilarious.”
Shay started to frown, but how in the world could she take offense at that? She waved away Dawn’s teasing comments. “First, call Eve and tell her I’ll be with Bryan but that she doesn’t know me.”
“Oh yeah, and that’ll make a lot of sense.”
Shay laughed. “I’m sure you can explain it to her. She’ll play along.” At least, Shay hoped she would. In the past, Eve had helped a lot with Shay’s efforts. “And can you get some clothes together for me?” During the bus ride, Shay had compiled a list of what was needed. Pulling it from her back pocket, she handed it to Dawn.
“Sure. I’ll run by your house today.”
“No, I mean for the other women. Well, clothes for me would be good, too, but nothing fancy. Just more jeans and some casual shirts. Some sandals, too, maybe. Underclothes and something to sleep in. But here’s what I really want.” She went over the list with Dawn, hoping she had guessed correctly at the sizes. “What did the realtor have to say?”
“There are three buildings you can look at. One’s just down the street from the preacher.”
“Really?”
Dawn laughed. “Yeah, I thought you’d like that.” Dawn handed her the addresses so she could check them out herself. “There’s no rush. The buildings have been up for sale for a while.”
“Thanks.” Shay tucked the piece of paper away, and gave her friend a hug. Through the front door, they could see Bryan standing by the old station wagon, his impatience almost palpable. Shay already had fantasies of working side by side with him, each running a shelter of sorts, confiding in each other—and spending each night together.
Dawn cleared her throat. “Leigh tells me that the preacher never gets involved with any of the women.”
Without taking her eyes off Bryan, Shay said, “Some of the women told me the same.”
“Seems he was pretty involved with you.”
“I’m working on it.” Shay headed for the door. “Wish me luck, okay?”
“I always do. Just be careful, all right? He’s a good man and he’s not going to like it that you’re playing this game. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“I’ll tell him everything soon, I promise.” But not before she felt sure that he liked her, that he’d trust her, and that he’d want to keep on seeing her.
After that scorching kiss and the tender way he’d held her afterward, Shay knew she’d already made considerable headway.
If she could just get him alone, she might be able to build on their growing closeness.
And then maybe, when he finally heard the truth, it wouldn’t drive him away.
Chapter Six
Bryan went around to the rear entrance door of the clinic that led to Eve Martin’s office. Thanks to the clinic’s location in the less auspicious part of town, they were always busy. There seemed to be no end to the illness and injury among the underprivileged. He’d always known that, of course, because his brother discussed his work often enough. But seeing it firsthand was something altogether different.
He knew this was Eve’s lunch hour—the only break she got—and he regretted his timing, even while considering it beneficial. No one would see them entering, and that would mean less risk to Eve.
Unlike before, he’d kept his eyes open and so he knew they hadn’t been followed.
Being smart made Eve the cautious sort, and she peeked out through the miniblinds before opening all the locks.
“Preacher,” she said in greeting.
“Hello, Dr. Martin. Thanks for seeing us.”
She waved them inside, and once the door was again secured, she turned to Leigh.
Leigh, bless her heart, looked pale and uncertain and embarrassed. He didn’t know Eve Martin as well as Bruce did, but his brother assured him that, although she seemed strident and all business, she had a big heart.
Bryan witnessed it now as she took in Leigh’s expression and reserved posture.
“You must be Leigh,” she said with a smile. “It’s very nice to meet you.”
Leigh stared.
“Have a seat, please. All of you.”
Shay, acting very maternal, hovered over Leigh.
And Bryan, damn it, found himself hovering over Shay. Eve raised a brow at him and he moved back, taking a chair opposite Leigh.
Leaning against the edge of her desk, Eve smoothed her slim dark skirt before folding her hands over her lap. “I have a garage apartment that you can use, Leigh. It’s small but private.”
Without raising her head, Leigh whispered, “Thank you.”
Poor girl. Bryan wished for some way to reassure her. He saw Shay put her hand on Leigh’s shoulder, offering silent
comfort and reassurance.
Eve continued. “The preacher told me you’re looking for a job and I could really use some help here in the office. I can’t pay much, but it’s not hard work and I’d be deeply appreciative. In fact, the timing couldn’t be better for me. I was going to have to start interviewing people soon, but if you’re willing, I’ll be saved all kinds of time and frustration.”
Bryan relaxed. Bless Eve, she made it sound like Leigh would be doing her a favor. And that tactic must have worked, because with a trade-off in the offering, Leigh perked up. “Oh, I’d be happy to help out. You don’t have to pay me.”
To her credit, Eve didn’t let the girl grovel. “You won’t be out around the patients since your location is to be kept quiet. But here in my office, there are always papers to be filed, mail to be sorted, supplies to be restocked. That sort of thing. Your contribution will be most valuable to me.”
Leigh looked overwhelmed with the offer. “I’ve…I’ve never worked in an office before.” Her shoulders slumped a little and she swallowed. “I’ve never done a real job anywhere. Freddie said I wouldn’t know how.”
“Freddie’s wrong. Everyone starts new, and I’ll show you everything you need to know.” Eve pushed off her desk. “So that’s settled. Preacher, was there anything else?”
Bryan was amazed at how quickly and easily things had been resolved. In his experience, people weren’t so helpful or giving. In his experience, everyone had an ulterior motive, which made them suspect and worthy of caution.
More than ever before, he felt the difference in his world compared to his brother’s. Bruce had his share of creeps to deal with, but he also knew some incredible people with generous hearts.
Now Bryan knew them, too, and he felt humbled. He took Eve’s hand in gratitude. “You’ve covered everything. Thank you.”
“My pleasure.”
Shay stepped forward. “I’d like to give you my cell phone number, just in case anything comes up.”
Raising a brow, Eve inquired, “And you are?”
Damn, he’d forgotten his manners—about ten years ago, actually. But playing Bruce, he needed to recall them real quick. “Sorry. Dr. Martin, this is Shay. She’s staying at the safe house, too.”
Eve’s expression was comical. “She’s…?”
“Staying at the safe house,” Shay repeated. “It’s a wonderful place.” She grabbed up a pen off Eve’s desk and jotted her number down on a notepad. When she handed it to Eve, their gazes held. “Leigh and I are friends.”
No way could Bryan miss the significance in their exchange. It held a wealth of innuendo. So Shay knew Eve already? He remembered her reaction when he’d asked her to go and get checked out. Had she been to the clinic before, maybe to be treated? Or had she met Eve while helping someone else?
How well did they know each other? And what made Shay think he was dumb enough to be fooled? He was both insulted and throbbing with curiosity.
Shay gave Leigh a hearty hug, whispered in her ear, then stepped away.
“We won’t keep you any longer,” Bryan said, and he took Shay’s arm. “You already have my number. Call with any concerns at all. I’ll check in with you tomorrow.”
Eve opened the door to let them out. “We’ll be fine. Take care.”
Shay was far too quiet as they walked to the car. It bothered Bryan. He was used to her being chatty and brazen and confident, not introspective. He opened her car door and watched her slide in. Leaning down, he said, “All right. What is it?”
“What? Oh, nothing.” She smiled. “I’m just worried about Leigh. I hate shuffling her around like this.”
Bryan shook his head in wonder and went around to the driver’s side. “She’ll be safer here, in case that was her ex hanging around outside your friend’s house.”
“I know.”
As Bryan drove into traffic, he asked, “What’s going on, Shay?”
She twisted to face him as much as her seat belt would allow. Eyes direct, she said, “I like you and what you’re doing. I want to help. The world needs more men like you and I find it very appealing that you, a very manly man, could be so helpful to women used to selling their bodies. Most men wouldn’t be able to behave. Or they’d be filled with disgust. But you…you’re compassionate and understanding and kind.”
“I’m not a damn saint.” Bruce might be, but being twins didn’t make Bruce’s qualities his own.
“No. You’re sexy and macho and strong—and that only makes what you do that much better. It shows the women that good men do exist.”
“Do you know much about good men?”
She grinned. “Yeah, I do. My sister is married to an astounding man. Like you, he’s really big and capable and very handsome.”
Bryan frowned. He didn’t like hearing her compliment another guy, even a guy married to her sister.
“He’s also very aware of the injustice in the world. I love him. He’s terrific.”
Hands tightening on the wheel, Bryan asked, “How does he feel about you?”
“I asked him that once. He said I was pushy and shrewd and too outspoken.” She laughed. “But he hugged me when he said it. We were actually friends long before he married my sister.”
Most of what she said didn’t sit well with him. The insults, even tempered by hugs, bugged him. And the hug itself made him see red. Shay was a beautiful woman, sexy as hell, and he found it hard to swallow that any guy would hold her and not want her. Men were men, and Shay was too appealing.
He knew zip about her past other than the sketchy details she’d shared about her childhood. He knew other men had wanted her, that she hadn’t lived in a cocoon, but that didn’t mean he had to like it.
What really got to him, though, was one particular word.
“Shrewd?” Megan had been shrewd, more so than anyone might have guessed. He’d figured Shay for being an open book, but what her brother-in-law said contradicted that.
She was looking out the window, the sun on her face and shining in her fair hair. “I admit it, I like to get my own way.” She turned her head and those incredible blue eyes caught his. “I’m too stubborn not to get something, when I really want it.”
And she’d already told him that she wanted him.
It was time for a serious chat with his conscience. He only hoped his conscience was smarter than various other parts of his body.
Eve closed and locked the door, while still absorbing the absurd notion of Shay in a safe house. The woman owned and ran three shelters for abused women. She was wealthy beyond belief. Her philanthropic tentacles were spread far and wide. The last thing she needed was a free place to stay.
What was she up to now? Whatever it might be, it was surely to benefit someone else. Shay was a remarkable woman, and Eve counted her as a friend.
She turned to smile at Leigh. The girl stood back, her eyes wide, her manner uncertain. “Have you had lunch?”
“Yes, ma’am. At Dawn’s.”
Getting to know each other over lunch would have been nice, but she’d make do anyway. “All right. Then we can go over your duties while I eat. If you have any questions, just let me know. And Leigh, thank you. I can’t tell you how helpful this is going to be to me.”
Eve watched Leigh smile with a combination of hope and gratitude, and realized she was quite pretty when one ignored the shadows in her eyes—and the shame that she couldn’t quite hide.
But now, thanks to Shay, she’d have a chance to be a happy young woman. That seemed to be Shay’s biggest goal in life—helping others, especially women, who otherwise might have to struggle their entire lives. Eve knew that was in part due to Shay’s own tragic past as a child, but also because she had an enormous heart and a capacity to understand and empathize, which few others could ever claim.
So, what was Shay doing with the preacher?
And as to that—what was the preacher doing with Shay? In all the years she’d known him, Eve had never seen Bruce Kelly look at a woman qui
te the way he’d looked at Shay.
Eve smiled. She’d have to give Dawn a call back when she had more time to talk. This seemed like a very interesting situation, and she couldn’t wait to hear the nitty-gritty.
Bryan finished dragging the razor over his chin, then rinsed his face. He could use a haircut—hell, he looked almost as shaggy as Bruce—but he doubted he’d take the time for it right now. He had more important things on his mind. At least, the majority of the time he did.
With iron control, he managed to block most thoughts of Shay. It wasn’t easy. In the last five days, he’d only seen her in passing. He’d avoided being alone with her, hadn’t let her get within touching distance, and had steered any conversations—all of them brief—away from intimate talk. Yet…soft images, bits of conversations and fleeting smiles kept creeping back to him, and he’d find himself smiling for no reason at all.
She was an enigma. A beautiful, kindhearted enigma.
He could ignore her beauty, but the rest…
Clean-shaven, he stalked into the kitchen for more coffee. Maybe a rush of caffeine would exorcise her from his soul.
He’d just finished refilling the cup when, through the archway, he saw the doorknob turning on the front door. Very still, he listened for just a moment, and recognized the sound of his brother’s attempts at stealth.
With a sigh, he got down another cup.
The door crept open and Bruce slipped in. His brother seemed to enjoy his furtive role in their switch.
When Bruce turned he saw that Bryan was aware of his entry and watching him. He also noted that Bryan wasn’t dressed, was in fact buck ass naked in the kitchen. Bruce’s jaw fell open.
Smirking, Bryan ignored his surprise and strode forward to hand him the second cup of steaming coffee. “You look like you could use this.”
Bruce accepted it automatically, still somewhat stunned. “Is there a reason you’re not dressed?”
“Hadn’t gotten to it yet.”
“But…you’re in the kitchen.” He sounded scandalized, and that amused Bryan.
