Stolen Hearts (Thoroughbred Men Book 2)

by Sterling, Ginny

  Jacob felt he would never make any headway with her if he couldn't even get the chance to talk to her. He continued to send her flowers every Monday, and before he knew it, he was closing on the house. Which meant a month had passed for them with no contact between them. He loved her and missed her. It was that simple. He wanted Millie to be a part of his life and she wanted no part it seemed. Jacob was determined to change that.

  Jacob closed on the house and had a small get-together with the boys from the precinct. They all teased him and ribbed him about how badly he was ‘pouting’ around the station. He good-naturedly took the teasing and put them all to work revamping the much-needed kitchen. The group had the kitchen pulled out in one day, and Jacob arranged for a plumber and electrician the next to make sure things were in working order and safe prior to starting the repairs. He had Danielle collaborating with him, secretly hounding Millie on colors, cabinets and counters-claiming that she was in the process of remodeling her own kitchen. Millie unknowingly was selecting her own items for her own home, which was exactly what Jacob planned.

  Jacob took Danielle’s advice and left Millie alone. He was delighted to see her drive by the house one afternoon as he was walking from the backyard area to the front to get rid of some debris. Millie sped off as he attempted a wave with his hands full of yard debris and waste he was cleaning up. He smiled from ear to ear the rest of the afternoon despite the miserable heat.

  Jacob patiently waited for another sighting and when it wasn't forthcoming, he decided to kick the interest level into high gear. He showed up at the office with coffee for Danielle and not Millie. She stormed out the back door of the office without a word and slammed the door.

  “You realize I have to work with her, right?” Danielle quipped sarcastically. Jacob nodded affirmatively but it made no difference. Either she was interested or she wasn’t, and either would be painful for him. “Why don't you try some other tactic than jealously?” Danielle asked, curious.

  Jacob was unsure as to what would work. Millie was different from other girls, but jealously seemed to be universal it seemed. “She obviously doesn't miss me like I miss her,” he said dejectedly. “I am not sure what can get her to be in the same room with me for more than five minutes so I can try talking with her.”

  Danielle thought about it for a long while, sipping the coffee. She sat up and snapped her fingers excitedly. “How far are you from having the cleanup on the house done?” she asked. Jacob looked at her oddly “I have two rooms left to paint and some flowers to put in…why?”

  “I think you should move and list the house,” Danielle said, shocking him.

  Jacob felt his jaw drop at the ludicrous suggestion.“Seriously? Why would I move when I am almost done fixing the place up? Hell, I have a fountain at the house to put in that is waiting for me when I get home,” he said frustrated. He had just begun to make headway and could see a finish in the future.

  “No! No! No! You have to think differently!” Danielle said excited. “You have to appeal to her and get her to sit still for a few, right? You want to talk? So talk. Tell her you are moving away, relocating, and you are being force to list the house. You need to sound really upset about it and tell her you want to discuss it, that you want her to list it. Tell her you weren't pleased with me, even though you were naturally,” she said with a wink. “Get her to sit down and spill your guts, man,” she said happily. “Give it a week or two, finish up what you need to get it ‘ready to show’ and let’s get you two back together.”

  Jacob was thrilled with the idea of them being back together, he was not pleased with tricking Millie whatsoever. He suspected that if she found out, she would never forgive him for lying to her. Jacob left to finish his shift and begin the process of putting in a fountain in the dusk this evening after work as he pondered Danielle’s idea.

  16

  Millie was hurt. She was embarrassed and devastated. Her heart was broken. All these feelings were wrapped into one and she was having a hard time hiding it and dealing with it. She went home after pouring out her soul to Danielle.

  Millie cried and cried. She thought of them making love, and cried some more. Mourning the loss of what she ‘thought’ was there between them. Turns out he was a typical man looking for an easy piece, and frankly that was what embarrassed her the most. The fact that she gave up her virginity to someone that fooled her into believing he cared.

  It truly stung to see him sending flowers. That’s what people in love do, not deceive each other. He did that, he made her feel like a fool and apparently it was all a game. Millie could not open the envelopes yet, she could barely look at the flowers and not feel like crying or throwing them across the room. However, she could not bring herself to throw them away either. Millie called in the next day, claiming she was ill. She was more sick to her stomach and wanted to hide from Jacob…and from the world.

  Millie had sent off a terse email to Jacob, she thought that was blunt enough for him to get the hint. Unfortunately, it only caused him to show up at her front door banging away. She refused to answer or make a sound. She simply sat there on the couch, clenching a pillow angrily and tears streamed down her face silently.

  Millie attempted to go into the office the next day, avoiding the emails from Jacob. She tried to make it a regular work day, like before she met Jacob, however he was not going to allow it. She saw his patrol car drive by once or twice. Then he stopped in with coffee. She left without a word.

  Days later, he still came by the office but the coffee was for Danielle now. Millie seethed. How dare he? How could she? Millie brought it up one afternoon to Danielle, trying to keep from yelling at her.

  “You do realize that he is being nice because he wants something, right?” Millie started, almost nastily. “I fell for the same thing, don't be an idiot like me” she warned her friend angrily, wiping her eyes and slamming her desk drawer.

  Danielle snapped back at Millie,“I know you are hurt, so I am going to ignore that tone you just used and pass it off as ‘injured Millie’ and let you get away with it this time. Yes, I realize he is being nice to me, probably because he has asked me to show him a house or two since you fired him. I am trying to earn some money for the company, not looking for the next boy-toy. Relax, he is not my type,” Danielle said sarcastically. “You can have him, but I for one, am not passing up a sale.”

  “I apologize, that was uncalled for…but can he keep from coming in while I am here?” Millie said forlornly. She sat at her desk, staring at the flowers that had been delivered that morning. “It hurts,” she whispered after a moment.

  Danielle sighed at Millie’s tone.“I know it does. Have you thought about talking to him?” Danielle asked gently.

  “No. I am not ready. Danielle, I was a game to him…” she said brokenly. “I never thought he would do that to me. He never argued it when he got out of the car. He never denied it in the email that I did read. What am I supposed to do? I don't want to hear it yet. I just want it to stop hurting so much.”

  “Again, I think you should try at least hearing him out?” Danielle parroted, but received no response.

  The flowers kept coming like clockwork. Each Monday, her week started out with a delivery first thing in the morning. Each time, the card was pulled off and tossed in her desk drawer unopened.

  Millie snooped around the office, specifically Danielle’s desk, and found Jacob had bought the home Millie had shown him. The home she had given herself to him. The ultimate trophy? She couldn't bear to think that, it made her chest ache with loss.

  Millie got brave one afternoon and picked up one of the envelopes littering her desk drawer and opened it, not sure what to expect. Words of love? Apologies? A thank you? She slid open the tiny pink envelope, pulled the card and it simply said, “Miss you.” She grabbed another, opened it and the same statement was inside. She opened two more envelopes, again the same. “Miss you,” stated boldly on each card. Even though she wasn't sure what to expect, that
was not it. She dropped them back in the desk drawer and slammed it shut.

  Millie grabbed her car keys and left for the day. Instead of heading home, she found herself driving down the long, winding road Jacob’s house was now located on. She pulled up slowly in front, looking for any signs and was pleased to see the yard mowed and the house had been freshly painted. There was a small swing that had been chained up at the end of the wrap around porch that looked so inviting. She let a wistful sigh slip as she thought about them sitting together in the dusk.

  Millie then saw Jacob come around the corner of the house dragging some cut branches and debris towards the front. Jacob stopped suddenly when he saw Millie’s car on the street in front of the circular drive. Millie caught her breath as she saw him. He was shirtless, sweaty and oh so tanned… and smiling right at her. She put the car into gear and left quickly before he could get to the car.

  Millie forced herself to go the speed limit because she could not take another officer teasing her, nor could she afford another ticket. She drove straight to her apartment this time, ran up the steps and shut the door, locking it, like something was chasing her. She pulled out her computer to work and found herself opening an email from Jacob. Tears streamed down her face as she read it.

  Darling,

  I miss your smile. Can we talk about it?

  Jacob

  Millie sat there, staring at her computer and closed the laptop again. She did not open any others. She drew a bath, soaked for a bit and went to bed. She laid there for quite some time in the dark thinking of Jacob’s smile.

  The next morning, Millie awoke and got ready for the day. She felt optimistic for the first time in weeks. Maybe Danielle was right. Maybe it was time to see what he had to say? To talk about it so she could move on and begin the healing process. She just wasn't sure how to do so.

  Millie pulled into the office, grabbed a cup of coffee and finished opening the tiny pink envelopes she had still tucked away in her drawer. All said, “Miss you,” but one. A single envelope said, “I am sorry darling-call me.” Millie sipped on her coffee, and turned to her computer to read the emails to see what they said. She stared at the monitor, clicking every once in a while to move to the next email.

  Danielle viewed this all happily. This was the first sign of progress she had seen from her friend. “Millie, how about we have lunch today, my treat?” Danielle offered thinking that maybe she could get her to talk for a bit and see how she was doing mentally and emotionally.

  Millie nodded happily. “I would love that, but let’s do dinner? Would you mind? It has been a while hasn't it? I hate to shut down the office for lunch anymore. That’s how we ended up on split shifts,” she said with a smile. “Remember?”

  Danielle grinned.“Oh yes, who could forget the tongue lashing that old fart gave us because we weren't there to show him the house right at that moment?” she teased.

  A tremulous smile hovered on Millie’s face.“I know, and after all that? He moved into the darn apartments where I live!” Millie said wryly. She was honestly happy to have something to look forward to and hoped it turned out to be a dinner with a friend, rather than a working dinner where all they discussed was business.

  The two walked out of the office together and headed to Danielle’s Saab convertible. Millie pulled her hair back into a ponytail and Danielle donned a baseball cap. At Millie’s suggestion, they drove to Tito’s for dinner and a margarita. Millie said she would treat for the drinks since Danielle said she would take care of dinner. Millie was not surprised to get the cold shoulder from Mama Maria whatsoever. She and Danielle were ushered to a small booth towards the front of the restaurant. A young man brought out the famous chips and salsa Jacob loved, before walking off.

  Danielle took a moment to peruse the menu, however, she also took a moment to text Jacob where they were. Millie looked over the menu also, unsure what to order since Jacob had ordered for her last time. She figured she would stick with the enchilada like before. Adventurous meals would have to wait. She just really needed a bit of down time first.

  Millie and Danielle talked and talked over the chips, and then over dinner. Both girls had two margaritas and both were feeling the effects when Millie saw Jacob walk in the door. Danielle said nothing to her friend. Millie just looked at her and then looked at Jacob, who was carrying a single red rose.

  Jacob walked to the table and stood for a moment, unsure of how to start. “Millie, do you think we could talk for a few minutes outside?” he said quietly and laid the rose down beside her. He wanted so much to sit down next to her and hold her, but he didn't dare just yet.

  Millie said nothing for quite some time, it seemed. Danielle finally kicked her in the shin and Millie jumped, kicking Danielle back under the table. Millie looked up at Jacob and could feel tears building. “Jacob, I want to but I don't think I can yet. I hope you understand,” she said softly and looked away before she started crying. The margarita’s made her feel so fuzzy and she barely felt in control between the drink and her rolling emotions. Oh yes, she loved him and it was killing her inside to think that he could have been toying with her.

  Jacob hesitated. He dropped down next to the table and grabbed her hand. “Baby, please… Take your time, don't shut me out. I miss you and want you back,” he said desperately placing her hand on his cheek right there in the middle of the restaurant where they were gaining quite an audience.

  Millie felt his warm, stubbly cheek she adored and wanted so much to believe him.“I miss you too,” she whispered, “but I'm scared of you hurting me again,” she said pulling her hand from him.

  Jacob nodded abruptly, hurt. “Of course, I will be waiting when you are ready,” and he turned and left.

  Danielle kicked her again under the table. “You are a damn fool. He is so hung up on you it’s not funny. He wanted to talk to you cause he has been reassigned. He is moving you dork and emailed me that he wanted the house listed for sale,” she said frustrated and grasping at straws. Danielle and Jacob had discussed the plan, however, she was sure he would end up backing out afraid Millie might get even more upset. Danielle had no fear, Millie was just hard headed and needed a swift kick in the bum.

  “What?” Millie gasped. “He is moving? Leaving? Oh my God” she whispered. “Can you take me back to my car? I want to go home,” she said broken, fighting back tears. Danielle nodded and waved over the waitress, explained they needed to leave and pulled out several bills to cover the meal.

  Millie thought she would be sick several times on the way home. She was in shock and could not believe that he was moving. She was devastated that she would not talk to him or listen at the restaurant. It crushed her to push him away. She missed him but she was still so hurt. Her pride was hurt.

  After being dropped off at her car, Millie drove home and stunned she sat in bed for quite some time just thinking. She didn't want to be the butt of anyone’s joke, however, it was not just her pride that was hurt. It was her heart.

  Millie got out of bed, grabbed her laptop and sent Jacob an email before she could change her mind.

  Jacob,

  I have been thinking about what you said tonight. What is your schedule this week?

  Millie

  Millie shut the laptop firmly and put it back on the charger. She lay down in her bed and for the first time in weeks, she felt a spark of hope blossom in her chest. She smiled when she thought she might see him as early as tomorrow.

  Millie got up the next morning with a smile, got ready and headed into the office early. She beat Danielle there and decided to get the two of them donuts from across the street. Millie’s stomach was so nervous about seeing Jacob and talking about their relationship, she only ended up eating part of her donut.

  Danielle arrived and started sifting through her paperwork in effort to avoid Millie’s eyes. She didn't want her to see any matchmaking written on her face and Danielle knew she was an open book to Millie. They had known each other way too long to be able to
keep any juicy secrets. Danielle’s trick to get Jacob and Millie together again was downright deceitful. Danielle sincerely hoped it worked, for both their sake.

  Millie checked her email several times over throughout the day, to no avail. Jacob had not responded yet. She kept herself busy doing filing, working calls and following up on leads. When she broke away for a quick lunch, she walked towards the park and when she didn't see him, she turned around and came right back to the office. Millie sat down again and proceeded to set up appointments and schedule two open houses.

  About 4:00 PM, Millie was getting a bit miffed. Surely he was not giving her the silent treatment? Although she probably deserved it, she thought. How long did she not respond to him? Millie checked her email one more time and let out a huge sigh.

  Danielle almost laughed aloud at the disappointment that was evident from her friend and coworker. If Millie’s ramrod posture would have allowed it, she believed she would have honestly slouched in the chair! “Would you do me a huge favor? I am to feeling so hot and I think I’m going to go home, if you don't mind? Could you run out to Jacob’s house and get the photos so the listing can go online soon? I haven't been able to and my lunch is not agreeing with me. I hate to ask, but the house is empty so you should be all right…” she said letting it trail off. Danielle wiped the grin off her face and turned away to hide her expression.

  Millie’s heart thumped in her chest. She wanted so much to see Jacob and to see the changes he had made in the house. She still could not believe he had to relocate so suddenly. Millie checked her email, once more, and took the camera from Danielle. “Sure, get some rest. We will upload them in the morning,” she said, grabbing her purse and keys, heading out the door.