BlackJack (A Standish Bay Romance Book 1)

by Donovan, Christine

  “My friends and I are students at NYU, we’re broke most of the time, but we scraped up for your concert. There was no way we were going to miss it.”

  Cole couldn’t help but warm up to her. “I appreciate it. Can I buy your table a round of drinks as thanks?”

  She seemed surprised by his offer. “Um, that’s not necessary, Mr. Jackson.”

  Cole chuckled. Someone raised this girl properly. “It’s Cole.”

  Blushing and smiling shyly, she said, “Cole.”

  He signaled the bartender. Fished a crisp hundred dollar bill out of his pocket and plopped it on the bar. “Keeps the drinks flowing for the lady and her friends.”

  He slid off the stool, touched the brim of his hat and smiled at the young woman. “Goodnight.”

  Cole left the bar and went to his room to order room service and a movie. The movie played before his eyes, but none of it registered. His mind was back on Ward. Several years after he’d been in prison a sex scandal had emerged between Ward and a volunteer for his campaign. He may have won the reelection the year he was convicted, but his career ended with a resignation. What did he want from him? There had to be something?

  Hoping to take his mind off Ward, he began thinking about the beautiful Shannon Gallagher. He knew little about her, about her past and what she did on a daily basis. Yet his whole being craved to know everything there was to know about her.

  He wanted to know what her favorite food, drink or movie was? Did his music rate way up with the best of them like Aerosmith, Pink Floyd, U2, and The Rolling Stones? Hell, he sighed, there were so many great rock-n-rollers where did the list end and where did he fall?

  Cole wanted to hear about her writing. What inspired her? Who inspired her, and when did the need to write hit her? Jesus, he wanted to know everything. Why the hell hadn’t he gotten her phone number before he left Boston? And then he remembered her ex-husband John. He didn’t blame John for not wanting Cameron near him, but Christ, the kid had talent and Cole wanted to help him.

  There was no doubt in his mind the kid would make it big all on his own someday, but Cole had connections to smooth the way for him. He’d never had the opportunity to help anyone in such a capacity before, and he desperately wanted to do it for Cameron now.

  His last thought before sleep took over was to make some phone calls and find Shannon’s number.

  Chapter Six

  The morning Shannon planned to leave for Chicago, she took a cab to the courthouse and after many tries finally found someone who could get her a copy of the trial transcript. It would take five to seven business days to mail it to her. After giving them her home address, paying the fee for the postage, she headed back to the hotel to grab her suitcase and hailed another cab to the airport.

  She slept through the flight to Chicago. It was dark, cold and windy when she arrived, and she headed straight to her hotel room and ordered room service. She was spending three nights here and had a guest appearance on the Marlene Simpson Show with two other well-known authors, one mystery writer and one fantasy writer.

  On Shannon’s second day in Chicago she ate a light supper in the hotel restaurant, afterwards she took a shower and when she stepped out of the bathroom she froze.

  “Hi,” he said in his sexy, masculine voice.

  She leaned back against the door for support, clutching the fluffy white towel to her moist body as her eyes lingered on Cole. She watched him stroll toward her. He looked uncertain, not quite sure how he would be received. Reaching out with his hand, he slid it down her cheek and lightly swept his thumb across her bottom lip. “I bribed the maid to let me in.”

  Shannon thought for sure she was going to collapse to the floor from his touch.

  “Was it all right to come here?”

  Shannon beamed at him. “Better than all right, but how did you—”

  “I made some calls, I booked a room and I was hoping we could go dancing.”

  Christ, he stood so close to her she couldn’t breathe. He fully dressed, she practically naked. All she wanted to do was drop the towel and make love to him. She saw the lust radiating from his eyes, and she couldn’t believe his self-control, his restraint. How did he do it?

  Shannon shivered and stepped back toward the bathroom before she embarrassed herself by begging him to make love to her. “Give me some time to dress,” she said, sounding breathless to her own ears. “Where should I meet you?”

  He jammed his hands in his front jean pockets and tilted his head. “Downstairs. There’s a piano bar.” He grinned at her and left. Shannon leaned up against the wall and hugged her trembling body. My God! What that man did to her. It was insane.

  Thirty minutes later she walked into the dimly lit lounge where a man in a black tuxedo played a baby grand. There were a dozen or so around cozy tables encompassing a small dance floor. She didn’t see Cole until he stepped out from the shadows, and her heart stopped dead in the middle of a beat. He’d changed. The man did love black and black loved him. He wore charcoal slacks and a black button down dress shirt, his hair held back with a black leather strip.

  He was undoubtedly the sexiest man ever, and he’d come to Chicago, no tracked her down in Chicago, to see her. She swallowed the lump in her throat as he strolled toward her.

  “You look beautiful,” he said, never once taking his smoldering brown eyes off hers.

  “So do you.”

  He laughed out, “I’m not beautiful, but you…” He placed his warm hand in hers, causing scorching heat to dance through her veins. “…my dear, are.”

  “Cole?” she breathed out. She would not beg him to love her. She would take whatever he could give her and be satisfied.

  “Yes?”

  “Dance with me.”

  He smiled and his eyes sparkled. “I thought you’d never ask.”

  They spent the next three hours in each other’s arms. Shannon had never felt more cherished. Cole had a way of making her feel as though she were his whole world. His focus and attention never wavered from her. The hotel could have fallen down around them, and she didn’t think he’d notice. She knew she certainly wouldn’t.

  He danced beautifully. She was surprised by his light feet and grace. They danced with one of his hands in hers, holding it close to his heart and one splayed against the small of her back. Both burning her skin, causing her body to be aroused and aware of him. The one good thing about being nearly as tall as Cole was his erection hit her where she craved it most. There was no seeking it out. It was there and there was no mistaking he wanted her.

  At some point Cole switched her arms so both were around his neck and he moved both his hands to her hips, one drifting a little to the right, cupping her bottom, and he pulled her even closer, molding their bodies tighter.

  “I dreamed this,” he said as he nuzzled her neck and she shivered.

  “Dreamed what?” Shannon whispered into his ear.

  “This, dancing with you and holding you such,” he breathed out.

  ***

  Their hips swayed in sync with the music and for the life of him, he couldn’t tell you what the piano player was playing. All his focus centered on Shannon. As far as he was concerned, they were the only two people on the dance floor, and Shannon was the only one who mattered to him.

  He pressed his cheek against hers and he breathed in her provocative scent. It was light and floral, possibly jasmine. Whatever it was, he couldn’t breathe it in fast enough nor could he get enough of it. Now, not only when they were apart would he be able to picture her face in his mind, he would be able to conjure up her scent. He swallowed a groan as she set him on fire.

  All he could think about was sliding into her sweet body and losing himself in paradise. But not yet, he wanted everything to be perfect when he did. So until he cleared his name, he would have to be content with holding her and fantasizing about making love to her.

  When the gentleman at the piano bid a goodnight, Cole walked Shannon to her room and with
restraint worthy of a saint, he kissed her once. It wasn’t quick. Oh no, it was long, hot and wet. It was a melt your bones and marrow, shatter your mind and blood vessels kiss that left them both panting and hungry for more. Cole, showing more of his restraint that was killing him, pulled back, winked at her and barely managed to form the words, which came out deep and raspy. “See you in the morning.”

  ***

  When the wake-up call came in the morning, Shannon wished she were waking up wrapped in Cole’s strong, secure arms. But alas she wasn’t. When she’d found him in her room last night, she’d nearly broken down and wept with relief because she had been so afraid she’d never see him again or that she didn’t mean as much to him as he meant to her. She would never make that mistake ever again. They may not have made love or expressed their love for one another verbally, but every smoldering look, every silky caress, every graceful dance, every sensual kiss, had spoken volumes.

  Shannon was shocked last night when Cole told her he wanted to accompany her to the Marlene Simpson Show and the one book signing she had in the afternoon. She was also surprised to find him at her door that morning dressed in jeans, a leather jacket, with his sunglasses as the only deterrent from being recognized. His thick blond hair was once again tied with a string of black leather. And she noticed once again how utterly and completely he took her breath away and caused her brain to fumble for words—coherent words.

  Shannon had chosen to wear a short black skirt with a matching jacket. Underneath the jacket she wore a cream tank top. She wore sheer silk hose and black leather riding boots.

  Cole kissed her quickly on the lips. “You look beautiful.”

  “Thank you.” She winked at him. “So do you, I love men in jeans and black leather.”

  He threw his head back and laughed, and it thrilled Shannon to see him so relaxed and enjoying himself. Two things he probably hadn’t had much of in his life, and damn it, he deserved it as far as she was concerned.

  The studio sent a car for Shannon and they drove together. When they arrived, an assistant, assistant, director of something, led them to a dressing room. There was a vase of flowers and a note from Marlene welcoming her to the show.

  A short time later, make-up came in, touched up and powdered Shannon’s face. During the whole ordeal Cole sat silently observing her, causing Shannon to squirm in her seat.

  It seemed only seconds later when the same assistant, assistant, director of something, came by to escort Shannon to the section of the studio where the taping took place.

  Shannon turned and smiled at Cole, hoping he couldn’t tell how nervous she was. Television positively paralyzed her. “I’ll be back. I don’t know how long I’ll be. Maybe you could find the cafeteria or something.”

  Cole got up from the couch and took her hand. “I’m coming with you,” he said, surprising her once again.

  When Marlene Simpson spotted Shannon, she immediately came over to greet her. “Shannon Gallagher, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you. Thank you for agreeing to appear on the show.”

  Shannon shook her hand. “Hello, thank you for inviting me.” She put her hand on Cole’s arm. “Marlene, I’d like to introduce you to—”

  Marlene took over from there and held out her hand. “Cole Jackson. It’s an honor to meet you.”

  “The honor’s all mine. Would it be possible to wait here during the taping?”

  Marlene smiled a sugarcoated smile and her face beamed. “For you, anything.” She turned her attention back to Shannon. “If you’re ready, I’d like to introduce you to Sam Shields and Justin Long.”

  Shannon turned to Cole. “Will you be okay waiting here?”

  Cole pulled her into his arms and whispered in her ear. “I’ll be fine. I have a perfect view of the stage and you, knock-’m-dead.” He kissed her and for a moment she forgot where she stood and clung to him, and he must have known she was lost and had forgotten her surroundings, or maybe he did as well, but eventually he pulled back and rested his forehead against hers, his breathing uneven.

  “You better go.”

  Shannon turned around and found her eyes locked with Marlene’s intuitive ones. “Is Cole Jackson open for discussion during the show?”

  Shannon glanced back at Cole and then turned back to Marlene. “No.”

  The taping went great. Shannon had been so nervous at first, but somehow, she managed to relax. Her eyes sought out Cole’s whenever the camera wasn’t on her. And respectfully, Cole Jackson’s name never came up.

  Of course, after the taping, Marlene tried her best to persuade him to be a guest on her show. He politely declined, but promised her an interview, if and when he ever broke his silence. She seemed disappointed but accepted his answer graciously. She was a classy woman and a respectful one as well.

  Shannon and Cole strolled arm and arm down the street to a cozy Italian Restaurant. They were seated in a warm corner. Cole leaned forward, elbows resting on the table, hands under his chin and his eyes sparkled. “Finally I can bombard you with questions.” His eyebrows raised. “Personal questions.”

  Shannon’s laugher rang out. “Okay, fire away.”

  “First ... how long were you married to McKenzie?”

  “Five years.”

  “That long, or not very long depending how one looked at it...hmm.” He paused and Shannon’s heart tripped up waiting for the next question.

  “So tell me when did you begin writing and why?”

  “Mr. Jackson, is this an official interview?”

  “Well now that you mention it, it could be.” He winked. “Answer the question.”

  “Boy you’re tough.” Shannon curled her hand around her water glass and drank a large thirst quenching sip. “When I was in high school I loved to write, but it wasn’t until two years into my marriage that I began crafting short stories, and it took me another two years for bravery to set in before I submitted any to several women’s magazines.” She reached for her water again, all too aware of Cole’s intent interest in her story. Once again he made her feel as though she centered his whole world. He had terrific listening skills.

  “I sold the first one,” she continued, staring right back at him. “Two years later I wrote my first romantic suspense. It was harder than I thought.” She laughed quietly. “Trying to write one hundred thousand words killed me. My first draft hit seventy and I thought, come on, how in the world can I add another thirty? I didn’t. I added thirty-five.”

  Cole broke out laughing. “See, you set your mind to it and presto.” His wrist flicked in the air. “You succeeded and surpassed your goal.”

  “Well don’t get too excited. I ended up taking out about ten thousand words of garbage.”

  “That’s my girl.”

  She blinked and smiled at his words, my girl. “It sold and the rest is, well, the rest is what you see.”

  Cole reached out and placed his large hand, cold from his water glass on top of hers. Then he turned her palm over and lightly traced it with his index finger, just barely skimming the surface of her skin. Shannon felt an immediate pull to her stomach, causing her to lick her suddenly parched lips.

  “Cole?”

  “Hmm.” He smiled, his eyes partly closed. “Yes.”

  “What about you?”

  “What about me?”

  “Tell me about how your career began.”

  “Later, I just want to sit here, eat my lunch and watch you. After we eat, I want to take you to this bookstore where I hear there’s a phenomenal author visiting today.”

  ***

  Cole poked around the bookstore and the mall while Shannon signed copies of her book for her fans. He’d stayed in the background while she spoke and read a passage, and he couldn’t help but swell with pride over everything she’d accomplished in her short life. He was glad for his sunglasses as not one person approached him. Oh, there were some strange looks his way, but no one spoke to him. Once again he wondered at his paranoia.

  They went bac
k to the hotel so Shannon could freshen up before dinner. Cole was sitting on her bed watching television when he heard Shannon’s cell phone ring. Without giving it a moment’s thought, he answered it.

  “Hello, Ms. Gallagher’s phone.”

  “Hi, may I speak to Shannon Gallagher please.”

  “May I tell her who’s calling?”

  By this time Shannon stood in front of Cole looking sexy in the thick hotel terrycloth robe, her hair dripping wet. He dipped his head to nibble her neck but the earth moved out from under him, causing him to sway as he heard a name from his past.

  Chapter Seven

  Cole’s head snapped up in shock and Shannon watched in horror as his eyes burned in anguish and the color evaporated from his face. He thrust the phone at her and disappeared into the bathroom, and to shock her even more, she heard him getting sick.

  With suddenly trembling hands and a nervous knot in her gut, she put the phone to her ear, though all she wanted to do was run to Cole.

  “Shannon Gallagher speaking,” she spoke into the receiver.”

  “Ms. Gallagher, Detective Simone returning your call,” clipped a hard voice on the other end of the receiver.

  Shannon’s hand went to her throat and the room spun circles around her. Oh God! What must Cole be thinking? Knowing she sounded distraught, but not caring, she spoke back into the phone. “I’m terribly sorry Detective, but I’ll have to call you back.”

  With an unsteady hand she knocked on the bathroom door and opened it. Her heart stopped beating. Cole sat on the closed toilet seat with his head in his hands. Tears immediately sprang to Shannon’s eyes. This was all her fault. She caused this turmoil she saw him struggling with. Falling to her knees on the cold tile floor in front of him, her hands resting on his thighs and her voice quivering, she whispered, “Cole, I’m sorry.” Would he think she overstepped the boundaries in their relationship? Did they even have a relationship? Would he think she had second doubts about his innocence? “I made some inquires. I’m trying to get pertinent information together so I can help you prove your innocence.” Why wouldn’t he look at her? Panic set in beyond anything she’d ever imagined, and she suddenly thought she’d be sick as her stomach revolted. Had she blown it? Would their so-called relationship end before it had the chance to go from seed to seedling to full-blown plant full of precious blossoms? She sniffled and wiped her tears away with the back of her hand. “I want to help you.”