“I have good timing,” he said and she quickly looked up.
“Oh, is there something you need, Jeffrey?” she asked, trying to sound unaffected by the moron. He was persistent.
He glanced at her, looking her body over as he leaned against the door.
“Got my rose.”
“Yeah, you shouldn’t have left it. I’m not interested. I told you that weeks ago.” She placed her stuff on the desk.
“Maybe you’ll change your mind.”
“Excuse me, is this Gia Giselli’s office?”
Gia wished she had a camera as Jeffrey looked way up toward Gunny. He was wearing his gun and badge, making it quite obvious he was a Ranger.
“See you in Dallas,” Jeffrey said then exited the room.
“Hi, what are you doing here?” she asked as she came around the desk to greet him.
Gunny had his Stetson in his hands and was stroking the material. She couldn’t help but imagine those hands on her. Damn, she was a glutton for punishment.
He glanced around her room and saw the rose.
“Who was that?”
Just some asshole. “A coworker.”
“What did he mean about seeing you in Dallas?”
“Oh, unfortunately, I have to take a business trip. I’m leaving tomorrow morning early. Three days. I so do not want to go, but the boss is insistent.”
“You have to go?” he asked and she nodded her head.
“I was just getting ready to leave early. I need to pack.”
“Well then I have great timing. Can we do lunch?”
She nibbled her bottom lip. He stepped closer to her and placed his hand against her cheek.
“Nice and slow, baby. We’ll work it out,” he whispered and she didn’t know why, but she hugged him. He held her tight and she immediately felt safe and secure. No worries about Dallas, no concerns over Jeffrey, she just wanted to spend some time with Gunny before she headed home to pack.
“Just let me grab my bags.” She went to pull away, but he held her close, leaned down, and kissed her softly on the lips.
“I missed you, darling. You didn’t return any of our calls.”
“I missed you, too. I’m sorry. I was in meetings all morning and now you know why. A trip to Dallas to seal the deal.”
She walked back to her desk and grabbed her items.
“That’s a nice dress you’re wearing. You look so professional and sexy.”
She blushed. She came around the front of her desk after locking up her filing cabinets.
“I appreciate the professional comment, but I’m not trying to pull off sexy.”
He stopped her as he took one of the bags from her hands.
“Baby, with you it comes naturally. You’re sexy.”
She blushed as she walked toward the door.
“You’re not going to take the rose with you?” he asked and she immediately worried that he would ask about it. She didn’t want to concern him over this.
“No, I don’t like red roses,” she replied.
“Good to know.” He took her hand and they walked out together.
Once again a McCallister made it very known that she was taken as they exited the office and all eyes were upon her and Gunny, who held her hand and remained close.
She waved good-bye to Robert, who seemed surprised and then smiled.
“Have a nice lunch and I’ll see you in Dallas tomorrow.”
She waved good-bye and Gunny tipped his hat at her boss and maintained his stern law enforcement attitude. She was definitely going to be the gossip of the office.
* * * *
She followed Gunny out of the city and straight to a place closer to her apartment complex. It was a nice deli and bakery with about ten tables near the small shops in town. She parked behind his truck and got out. He was right there to assist her then close the door.
“Baby, you look mighty fine in this outfit.”
“You mentioned that you liked it.”
“I do and I bet Wes and Garrett will like it, too.”
She immediately wondered if they were there as well.
“I should try to call them.”
“No need, darling. They’re here.” He opened the door and was greeted by an older man and woman behind the counter and two young guys. They pointed toward the corner and definitely checked out Gia. As soon as he led her back to the corner she caught sight of Wes and Garrett. Both men widened their eyes then stood up. Garrett pulled her into his arms and kissed her before hugging her to him.
“I missed you. I thought you were mad at me.”
“No, of course not. I’m sorry about last night,” she whispered back and absorbed his cologne. He released her to Wes, who kissed her just as deeply then held her close.
“I’m glad he talked you into coming out to lunch. You look amazing.”
“Thank you and he didn’t have to talk me into it,” she said as she took a seat between Wes and Gunny.
“No, she was on her way out. She has to leave tomorrow for a business trip,” Gunny said and he didn’t hide his annoyance. She swallowed hard but placed her hand on his forearm as Wes and Garrett asked about the trip.
“I told you, I don’t feel like going either, but I don’t have a choice. The owner of the company who created the product wants to meet the artist. That’s my job. Maybe I won’t have to stay the three days.”
“Three days. Shit,” Garrett said then ran his fingers through his hair. Wes placed his arm over her shoulder.
“Can we get together tonight?”
“I have to pack and my flight is at five.”
“A.m.?” Wes asked and she nodded her head.
“It’s one of those business flights. A quick run from Houston to Dallas,” Gunny said as he looked at the menu.
“Do you know what you might like to have for lunch?” Garrett asked and now he seemed somber.
“Listen, guys, I said I needed things to go slow. Last night.”
“We scared you,” Garrett interjected.
“No, I wasn’t scared that it would go too far or that you might hurt me. I just freaked out.” She lowered her head and stared at her lap. She would eventually tell them about Antonio. She wouldn’t hold back information from them, but now wasn’t the right time to tell them.
“I had a bad relationship back in New York.”
“Some guy hurt you?” Wes asked as he clutched her shoulder. She nodded her head.
“I’m just more cautious because of it and I get worried and panic as I remember different things or my mind associates things from the past. It had nothing to do with you guys. I enjoyed the kisses. I liked the way it felt in your arms. I just panicked. I’m sorry.”
Gunner took her hand and Garrett reached over to take her other hand. Wes still held her shoulder.
“We’ll want you to tell us about that some time, when you’re more comfortable with us. We don’t want to scare you,” Gunner said.
“Yes, and we’re willing to take our time. It’s just that, we’ve never felt this strongly about someone before. We want you in every aspect of the word. And right now, wearing that sexy, professional-looking dress, you’re making it damn hard not to kiss you all over.”
Her cheeks warmed and Wes chuckled.
“She just said to slow things down and now you tell her that?”
“Honesty, man. I couldn’t help it. She’s a sexy woman,” he said then played with her fingers.
“Can I take your orders?” the waitress asked and a sigh went around the table.
The men ordered and then she did, but her mind was on Garrett’s words. This was becoming serious and they hadn’t even had sex yet. Maybe when she got back from Dallas, she could start trying to work on getting to know them better and exploring this attraction? But for now, she would enjoy lunch with three sexy, hot cowboy commandoes and relish in the envious looks from the other female patrons around them.
Chapter 7
The entire time Gia was in th
e meeting in Dallas all she could think about was getting back to Houston. She missed Gunny, Wes, and Garrett. It was crazy, but she truly did and she was finally feeling happy about it and accepting trying out a relationship with them.
She sat at dinner, following the long hours of business meetings. Because the boss of the company adored her so much that he wanted his wife to meet her, she had to stay the entire time. Meanwhile, Jeffrey continued to try to flirt with her and currently was making a complete ass out of himself.
He sat next to her and Robert and tried to touch her arm. She kept pulling it away and she noticed that her boss was aware as well as the owner of the company, their client, Mr. Bradshaw, and his wife, Lucille.
“I would quit trying to flirt with Gia, Jeffrey. She’s dating a Texas Ranger,” Robert said and Jeffrey looked absolutely annoyed.
“A Texas Ranger, huh. How interesting,” Lucille added as she smiled wide.
Gia felt her cheeks warm.
“He’s a big guy, too. What is he, like six feet four?” Robert asked.
“Something like that. He’s wonderful,” she found herself saying as she smiled then ran her finger along the rim of the wineglass. She was lost in thought about him and his brothers.
“Oh, it’s serious then,” Lucille said and Gia smiled then nodded her head. Lucille began to tell Gia about meeting her husband and about being married for nearly thirty-five years.
After dessert and finally Robert’s indication that they were all tired and needed to get ready for tomorrow’s meeting then flights home, she stood up and said good-bye. They exchanged pleasantries and Jeffrey stormed off. The Bradshaws left and she felt kind of uncomfortable about the situation.
“Robert, I wasn’t going to say anything, but I feel it’s necessary. I don’t like or appreciate the way that Jeffrey is acting toward me. He’s been trying to get me to go out with him and I’ve refused. He sent me a note and a rose before we left and then visited me and I told him I wasn’t interested. He saw me with my boyfriend. I’ve heard some things,” she began to say as she lowered her eyes and thought about how she’d indicated that Gunny was her boyfriend. She hoped that he wouldn’t mind. After all, she actually would have three if this relationship worked out. Robert touched her hand.
“I’m sorry, Gia. I’ve been made aware of the latest incident with one of the female employees at work. I’ve also had an investigator contact me, just yesterday before we left. I think the board has been covering things up for Jeffrey because his father used to own a fair amount of stocks. He no longer does and that kind of loyalty shouldn’t be given to a man with his sort of behavior. I’m going to have to fire him. This company is too important to me. I have great employees and a lot of women working in the company as well. Including my sisters and cousins. I can’t allow the workplace to feel unsafe for any of you.”
She took a deep breath.
“I’m happy to hear that you feel that way and are aware of the situation. I’m glad we talked.”
He smiled at her. “And I’m glad that you’re on board. The Bradshaws adore you, but then again who wouldn’t? You’re so down-to-earth and real. You have a good night’s sleep and we’ll see you in the morning. Hopefully the meeting is short and you can head back to your Ranger boyfriend by the afternoon.”
She smiled.
“Me, too. Goodnight.”
Gia walked out of the dining area and toward the elevators. It was after midnight. The hotel was quiet and she couldn’t wait to get to bed. As she exited to her floor, she actually anticipated the feel of the soft, king-sized bed in the executive suite. She was traveling first class all the way. Robert had excellent taste.
As she opened her purse to pull out her key card she rounded the corner where the single door to her room stood and there was Jeffrey.
She gasped a moment and he looked at her with evil eyes. She knew this was a bad situation, but she tried to remain calm.
“What are you doing here, Jeffrey?” she asked.
“Waiting on you, like I’ve been for months.” He reached for her and she stepped back.
“Get the hell out of here. I’m not interested.”
“You’re just playing hard to get, but I’m not playing anymore.”
He grabbed her and pulled her into the corner against the door. She immediately pushed against him and he struck her hard against her cheekbone. She screamed and he covered her mouth then tried to rip her dress open. He was going to try to rape her right here in the hallway.
She fought against him. Her martial arts training had become instinct. She lifted her knee hard, striking him in the balls and causing him to loosen his hold. With an upper cut to his chin, his head went back and he retaliated by banging her head against the door. He was strong and bigger than her, but she was determined to get out of this situation. She continued to scream, hoping to alert other guests staying on the same floor of the situation. She felt dizzy but lost the sense of fear and screamed in anger. She forearmed him in the throat then took a swing at his face. In a flash the tables were turned as she used his face as a punching bag and just kept swinging and hitting. Her knuckles were burning, her breathing rapid as he ripped her dress and shoved her hard against the wall, her shoulder feeling as if it crunched against the hard surface.
He swung at her face, but she ducked and his fist hit the hard wall, instantly breaking. She kicked him again then shoved him to the ground. He cried in pain as security guards entered the hallway along with a manager from the hotel.
“Miss, are you okay? My God.”
She slid to the floor against the wall and pulled her dress tightly closed. She noticed that her hand was bleeding and her cheek ached, but more so she felt about ready to pass out. She tried to remain awake, but her head really throbbed. She faded in and out of consciousness. Did he bang my head that hard against the wall? She could see the men in uniform, the paramedics and a police officer. Finally she felt the thump of the gurney as they exited the ambulance and went into the main emergency entrance of the hospital. She knew she was safe now, so she closed her eyes and rested.
* * * *
“So you really miss her, huh?” Teddy asked Garrett as they sat at the bar and watched the game on TV. It was late and Wes just sat down to join them after helping his father in the back room.
“I’m man enough to admit that I do,” Garrett said with a smile as he wiped his hands on the bar towel.
“She’ll be back in a day. Just one more day,” Wes said then released a long sigh.
The bar was crowded and the music blaring, but Teddy felt his phone vibrating. At first he thought about ignoring it, but being a detective, he knew at any time some news could pop up on a case or a new investigation could get started.
“Excuse me while I take this.” He got up and walked down the hallway, noticing the private number that came up on the caller ID.
“Hello.”
“Yes, is this Teddy Warner?” a man asked.
“Yes, it is.”
“My name is Detective Masterson. I’m with the Dallas Police Department. I’m calling on behalf of your cousin Gia Giselli. She was admitted to the hospital this evening.”
“The hospital? Is she okay? What the hell happened?” Teddy asked and he stood there in shock as the details of the attack were explained to him.
He ran a hand through his hair and paced the hallway. He had to get to her. He would leave immediately.
“I can let you talk with her now. They did give her some pain medication so she may sound a bit groggy.”
“Okay. Thank you.”
He waited until he heard her voice and his heart ached for her. She sounded so tired and upset. He knew that she was crying as she spoke to him. She was trying to explain what happened. He got the gist of it. Some asshole at work who harassed women had set his eyes on her. She was attacked outside of her hotel room.
Fuck!
“Please don’t worry. My boss is here. He’s going to take me back to the hotel and
we’ll be heading home.”
“I can fly out there tonight.”
“No, Teddy, don’t be crazy. It doesn’t make any sense. I’m handling it fine. Just please don’t tell the guys.”
He thought about that a moment. Garrett, Wes, and Gunny missed her terribly. They were going to flip out.
“I can’t not tell them, honey. They miss you.”
“Then explain that I’ll be back tomorrow. Really, I can handle this. The police are involved, and there are witnesses and a video from the cameras in the hotel. Please, Teddy.”
“Okay. I’ll take care of it.”
He spoke to her for another few minutes and then she put the detective back on. He couldn’t believe that this had happened to Gia. As he got off the phone he slammed his fist against the wall.
“Hey, what’s going on?”
He turned to see Wes standing there, a look of concern on his face. If it was Deanna, he’d want to know. He had to tell Wes and Garrett.
“There’s been a situation in Dallas. It’s Gia.”
* * * *
Dale and Teddy picked her up from the airport. Both of them looked angrier than she had ever seen them before. She knew she looked battered. Her cheek was black and blue across the entire right side and her hand was bandaged up, completely cut to the knuckles. She’d needed stitches. Aside from a lump on her head, no concussion, and a badly bruised shoulder blade, she was in pretty good shape. They hugged her and she nearly cried.
“I love you so much. I would have flown out there to get you and see you through this.”
“I know, Teddy. I was running on adrenaline and trying to be strong and independent. I couldn’t show fear or weakness afterward.”
He held her shoulders. “Still, Gia, I’m your family. I told you when you first came here from New York that I would always be here for you. I mean it. To think that some asshole from work did this.”
He shook his head. She had explained about the accusations against Robert to Jim and Teddy over the phone. She’d told them about the note and the rose and ignoring his advances at work.
The American Soldier Collection: Escape from Obsession (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 9
