He almost sounded embarrassed when he made his confession. Marty slid a look at him from the corner of her eye. Was he blushing?
"Well, just pull your RV around to the side of the cabin. There's electrical outlets you can hook up to."
Marty moved to follow his instructions, settling herself in the driver's seat of Big Red. She maneuvered the vehicle carefully to the spot he directed her to then shut the key off and simply sat there for a couple of minutes.
She'd never met a man who had this effect on her. Inside she was trembling, shaking with desire, or lust, or some other crazy emotion. Never before had she come in contact with a man who made her feel so vulnerable, so turned on. How was she supposed to deal with these feelings? Not only was Jake Stryker a celebrity, he was a musician. There was nothing worse than a musician in Marty's book.
She thought she had prepared herself to meet the man but he was so much more awesome in person than he was in photos that she was dumbstruck. She instinctively wanted to jump his bones, wrap herself around him. What the hell was up with that?
Holy crap. She was in trouble.
Holy crap. He was in trouble.
He felt like he'd been hit upside the head with a sledgehammer. He didn't remember ever being so provoked by a woman. And she wasn't even that beautiful. Oh, sure, she had hair like red gold silk that framed a peaches and cream complexion. Her eyes were a true turquoise, bold and bright, framed in long, thick lashes. And those lips…damn, he could make a feast out of those lips.
Now stop it, he ordered himself harshly. Okay, so she was beautiful. She had a body to die for yet a natural earthiness that appealed to him. He'd known some of the prettiest female singers, models, and movie stars in the world but nobody made him feel the way Marty Donahue did.
And he'd only just met her.
He moved when the door of the RV opened and Marty stepped out followed by a big orange cat that stuck right by her side as she moved around to open a cabinet on the side of the motor home. Oh boy, his dog Boo wouldn't like that. The huge shaggy dog did not like cats. At all. Good thing he must be off roving the woods somewhere.
The thought had just crossed his mind when he heard a big woof from behind him and a thundering of paws as Boo came running their way.
"Boo. Stop." The dog raced right past Jake and headed straight for the cat. The feline turned slowly to face the huge Irish wolfhound mix and never flicked a whisker. He simply stood there, waiting, casting a haughty eye over the dog. Boo galloped closer then skidded to a stop. You could practically read the expression on his face: Hey, why isn't this guy running away? That's what cats do.
Not this cat, though. He stood there, fearless, and stared the dog down. Jake turned to watch his dog tilt his head, a puzzled look in his eyes. The canine took one cautious step forward, then another. Finally, he got brave enough to sniff the cat and was rewarded with a disdainful nod of the big orange head. The next moment the two animals seemed to have come to a truce. Boo lay down and the cat condescended to curl up next to him.
"I'll be damn. I've never seen that dog make up to a cat before."
"Well, Gruff is not just your ordinary cat, but once he decides to be your friend, he's your friend for life. I guess he likes your dog." Marty spoke as she dug around the storage cabinet and retrieved a big orange extension cord.
"But Boo hates cats. He loves to chase them, tries to eat them."
"And Gruff didn't run so no chasing. Guess it's no fun if the other guy won't play."
"Yeah." He scratched his head and reached for the cord, his hand accidentally brushing hers. Whoa. Now it was hard to speak because a spasm clenched his body, but he finally managed to growl a few words.
"I'll take this end to the outlet."
It was only a moment before her RV was electrified. Hmm, she knew the feeling, she thought as he approached. There were enough sparks in the air she wouldn't have been surprised if something spontaneously combusted.
"Well, I guess I'm all set. Thanks. Will I meet the kids tomorrow?"
He nodded, his hands stuffed in his pockets. "Yeah. They're spending the night with my housekeeper and her husband at their cabin down the hill but they'll be home in the early afternoon."
Marty noticed a shadow pass over his face. Were things not working out with the kids? She thought about asking but she really didn't know him well enough to talk about his personal life.
Silence stretched between them, tension building. Finally, Marty broke the stillness.
"Well, good night then. Come on, Gruff." She patted her leg and the cat reluctantly rose and stretched. Boo gave a soft whine and lumbered to his feet.
"Good night. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call. Anything at all."
"I will. Thanks again." She hesitated, waiting for him to turn to leave but when he didn't move she stepped inside the RV, the cat jumping in beside her. She shut the door reluctantly and turned her back to him. In a moment he was gone.
Jeez Louise. How the hell was she supposed to focus on her work when every time she was near her employer her brain turned into a ball of mush? She had a feeling it was going to be a long six weeks ahead.
Chapter 4
Marty thought she'd have trouble falling asleep, but to her surprise, she conked out the minute her head hit the pillow. It seemed she had just closed her eyes when a pounding on the RV door roused her.
"What the hell?" she muttered, shoving her hair out of her eyes. "Who the hell is that?"
Moving groggily, she swung her feet over the edge of the loft bed and lowered herself to the sofa below. She moved to the door and peered through the long panes of glass.
Legend Hayes, clutching a bottle in one hand and two glasses in the other.
Good God almighty. What did he want? This can't be good.
"Hey, baby, open up. Let's have a little drink." His words were slurred, his voice loud.
"No. Go away."
"Hell, you know you don't mean that. It's me, Legend Hayes."
"I don't care who you are. I'm not letting you in. Now go away."
"Quit kidding around. Every girl wants a piece of Legend Hayes. You're going to be lucky enough to actually get one." He pounded his fists on the door impatiently. "Open up."
Marty swayed between anger and fear. What a jerk. He was actually nervy enough to believe she would let him in, sleep with him, just because he was Legend Hayes, the country singer. His arrogance sent a wave of anger washing over her.
He was obviously intoxicated. He staggered against the door of the motor home, one of the glasses falling from his hands.
"God damn it!" he hollered at the top of his lungs, sending a shiver down her spine. He reared back and aimed his booted foot at the door. "Let me in!"
Marty prayed the lock would hold and moved to the tiny closet next to the stove. God, she didn't like guns. She hated guns. But as a woman alone she had one in case she ever needed to defend herself. Maybe now was the time she'd have to use it. Her hands were shaking as she took the pistol from its case and stationed herself in front of the door, eyeing the man on the other side of the panel.
"Legend." Another voice rang through the night air.
"Mind your own business, Jake." Legend slurred his words as he gave the order. "This is between me and the stripper."
"I told you she's not a stripper." Marty cringed at the coldness of Jake's tone.
"Then she's a hooker. Don't worry. I'll pay her well."
Jake moved like lightning. Before she knew what was happening he flew through the air and landed a fist squarely on Legend's jaw, sending the blonde man tumbling backwards. He landed on his ass, the bottle flying out of his hand and smashing on the ground, his other hand crushing the red Solo cup it held.
Legend released a growl and tossed the cup aside, rising to his feet. He threw a fist at Jake, barely swiping the side of his cheek. Jake jerked away then propelled himself forward, his shoulder slamming into the shorter man. Legend crashed earthward, lying still for a m
oment before he reached his hand out and grabbed a piece of the shattered bottle.
He rose to his feet and waved the glass shard in Jake's direction. "Not so brave now are you, Jakie boy? You think you can take me? Huh? Then come on with it." He lunged forward and managed to nick Jake's upraised arm. A thin ribbon of red quickly lined his forearm.
Marty's stomach turned at the sight of his blood. She didn't think, just acted. Shoving open the RV door she stepped onto the ground, raised the gun above her head, and pulled the trigger.
Both men froze in mid-motion and slowly rotated their heads towards her.
"Legend Hayes, if you don't get out of here right now I swear to God I will shoot you dead." She leveled the pistol straight at him, her voice never wavering. The sight of Jake's blood sent a cold wave of hatred boiling through her.
The criticalness of the moment seemed to shake some sobriety into the asshole. He raised his hands slowly, gradually stepping backwards.
"No need for violence. I'm going." He kept walking backwards, never taking his eyes off her. "Sorry for the intrusion."
With those words he turned and scrambled away, leaving her standing alone with Jake. Suddenly her muscles collapsed and she lowered the gun as she began to shake uncontrollably.
"Hey, it's okay. It's all over now." Jake was at her side in a flash, wrapping her in his arms, pulling her close. "It's over."
Marty felt like crying. She was pissed, mad as hell at Legend Hayes, the bastard. She felt great sobs building up within her and she clung to Jake like a drowning woman clings to a life preserver.
He cradled her like a baby, nonsense words pouring from his lips, his hands rubbing her back. He brushed his lips across her forehead, his heart clenching. God, he'd wanted to kill Legend himself. He couldn't believe it. Legend was an old friend. He'd been instrumental in bringing about Jake's success in the country music industry. But he'd never hated another man the way he had Legend when he saw him threatening Marty.
Gradually her shuddering stilled and Jake became aware of her pressing against him. Her tears soaked the neckline of his shirt, her hands clenched in his hair. He knew she was frightened. Now was not the time to come on to her no matter how bad he wanted to.
He gently stroked the length of her hair, soothing her, but selfishly enjoying the feel of the silky tresses beneath his palm. Finally, he pulled his face back and looked into her eyes.
"I am so sorry this happened. Legend's been drinking way too much lately. He'll be gone in the morning, I promise you."
Marty couldn't seem to find her voice so she simply nodded and clung tighter to him. He was the only thing grounding her right now. If she didn't hold on, she might just shatter into a million pieces.
"I'm sorry," he whispered again, drawing her head down to his shoulder. He couldn't stop the wave of overprotectiveness that swelled through him. He didn't like seeing her scared. He knew if he could prevent her ever feeling frightened, sad, or uncertain, he would move heaven and earth to do so.
And that thought scared him to death.
Chapter 5
Marty didn't know what was happening to her. She'd never needed anyone, had always fought her own battles and taken care of herself. Now she was like a blubbering schoolgirl, totally dependent on the man whose chest she leaned on. He was her strength, the only thing holding her up.
Gradually she drew herself together and managed to put on a strong face.
"Thank you for coming to my rescue." She straightened, her voice breathless, strangled in her throat.
"It should have never happened. Again, I'm sorry." He let go of her and took one step back. For a moment she thought she would collapse without him to lean on.
But that wasn't an option.
She hesitated, the air filled with expectation. He was going to kiss her. She knew it.
No, she couldn't let that happen.
"Come in. Let me take care of that arm.
He shook his head. "I can do it."
"Well, thank you again. Good night." Marty spoke hurriedly, then turned and climbed back into the motor home. "I'll see you tomorrow. Or, I guess I mean today."
He didn't speak for a moment then simply said, "Sweet dreams," before turning and walking away. She stood staring at him until he disappeared from sight.
Morning took forever to get there. Sleep came only in restless snatches the rest of the night and she was haunted by old nightmares instigated by Legend Hayes. He'd planned on raping her last night. She knew it and couldn't stop thinking about it. It was the reincarnation of a traumatic event that had happened to her three years ago.
She'd pulled into a campground to spend the night when she'd been traveling between Indiana and California. It was in the middle of the week and the campground was near deserted. When an older man approached out of nowhere she hadn't felt frightened. He was a meek looking fellow, skinny and just a couple inches taller than her. He seemed friendly enough and she invited him to stay for a campfire dinner.
It was while she was cooking the hot dogs over the open fire that he made his move. He raced up on her and clubbed her in the head, knocking her silly. Before she knew what was happening he'd pinned her to the ground, a knife held tightly against her throat.
"Don't fight me and you'll be all right. I won't hurt you."
But she had fought him with everything in her. She'd hit and kicked and screamed, raking her fingers across his cheekbones, drawing blood. But his hands were faster, stronger, and they pinned her to the ground and fastened her wrists above her head in one strong stranglehold.
His other hand explored her body, feeling up her breasts, roaming across her ass. Before she knew it he'd divested her of her clothes, his hands mauling her naked body. When he slammed his dick into her she screamed with pain, with anger, with humiliation.
He'd ripped her pride from her, stripped her of her confidence. He left her lying in a heap, like discarded garbage, bruised and devastated. It had been the worst night of her life.
She'd finally managed to pull herself together and call the police. She'd endured the humiliating exam at a nearby hospital and when the time came she returned for the trial.
And he'd been found innocent.
Innocent. That's when she lost faith in the justice system. He'd raped her but he walked away a free man.
She bought the gun the next day.
She'd quit having nightmares a year or so ago. That night she lived through the incident again and again. But this time the culprit was Legend Hayes.
Legend Hayes. Just one more reason to hate musicians.
When Marty finally fell asleep around dawn, she slept long and hard. She was astonished and dismayed to realize she'd actually slept past eleven o'clock. Jeez Louise, she couldn't remember the last time she'd slept that late.
Gruff stretched out on the back of the toilet and kept her company while she dashed through a shower and went through her morning routine, her mind confused. She didn't understand how she could have been reliving the rape just a couple hours ago yet hungry for Jake Stryker now.
"Stop looking at me like that," she scolded the one-eyed cat. "I didn't do anything wrong."
Gruff seemed to sneer at her as she brushed her teeth.
"Well, I didn't. I may have been tempted but I resisted." She nodded her head at her reflection in the mirror. Remembering how it felt with her body pressed against his, the warmth that spread through her, color mounted in her cheeks. The memory was so sharp, so clear, goose bumps popped up all over her skin. Her breath caught in her throat as she pictured herself flattened against his sculpted body. God, he was so hot he should be illegal.
Marty rinsed and spit, ignoring the accusing eye of the cat. Damn, why the hell should she be judged by a cranky furry critic?
She blew her hair dry and donned a pair of white capris and a turquoise t-shirt. After slipping her feet into a pair of white leather flip-flops, she fed Gruff, pulled her hair into a loose ponytail, then headed out the door. It was gone noon.
Maybe the kids would be home.
Marty squared her shoulders as she approached the front door of the house. She wasn't prepared to see Jake Stryker again but she knew she had to. Damn, this project was going to be a lot harder than she expected. Just being within shouting distance of the man was nerve wracking.
She waited for an answer to her knock, giving herself a pep talk the whole time. Yet when Jake opened the door she still felt socked in the stomach. God, he was so manly standing there before her. His hair was tousled, his cheeks stubbled with morning shadow. Hell, he looked hot.
"Morning, Marty. Come on in."
His silvery voice slid over her like warm honey oozing across her skin. Despite the steamy August temperatures, she shivered, her nerves feeling totally exposed. His eyes flicked up and down her body, a warm glint of approval lighting his gaze.
Hot damn. Suddenly her body was wide awake, a hum of expectation pulsing through her. A sudden awareness surprised her. She wanted this man. She hadn't slept with anyone for a long time but it felt like time to change that.
Stop it, she ordered herself. For God's sake, this man was poison. He was a musician and she knew what they were like and she wanted nothing to do with them.
Then why did a part of her feel so sad?
Chapter 6
"Did you sleep all right after the excitement last night?" He asked the question with a light tone but she could tell by the look on his face he was still upset.
"Not too bad. You?"
"For a bit. I got up early to get Legend out of here." He shrugged. "He's gone. Hey, the kids are home. You ready to meet them?"
Actually, she was a little nervous. For some reason, the opinions of these children meant a lot to her.
"Can't wait." She followed him through the living room and into the kitchen. Two small children sat on booster seats at the round kitchen table, busily stuffing their faces with fresh homemade cookies. Both of them boasted a headful of blonde ringlets and big blue eyes framed with long, feathery golden lashes.
Bad Boy Series: Soul Songs (Bad Boy Romance Book 2) Page 2
