“What’s the smirk for?” she asked, her eyes narrowing even more.
“I’ve never seen you so...”
“What? Frazzled? Losing my sanity? Confused and terrified all at the same time?”
Jack closed the space between them, instantly regretting that he hadn’t taken better care to protect her. She was fine physically, but he should’ve seen that this entire process would take its toll on her emotionally. Not to mention the fact that she was a single mother. She gave to everyone but herself, always and in all ways.
“Something happen?” he asked, searching her eyes for the hint of tears. If she shed any, he’d be a goner. He could handle anything but the vulnerability of a woman, especially this woman. The instant tears came onto the scene, he was ready to slay any proverbial dragons on her behalf, even if that meant himself. And he’d hurt her, he knew that, but he was trying like hell to never do it again.
“Just the Feds in today, questioning me again.”
“I listened to the audio. You did amazing.”
He’d been so damn proud of her for sounding so confident, giving the same answers she’d given time and time again. But with the Feds still working the case, things would look suspicious if Viv wasn’t questioned just as much as the rest of the staff and family at O’Shea’s. He and Viv had gone over her story and background so much before she’d ever started working for them, there was no way she would flub up. He’d made sure she was mentally armed before going into enemy territory to do his battle.
And that still pissed him off. He hated placing her inside, knowing she was getting tangled up in that corrupt family. The sooner he could bring them down, the better off they’d all be. At this point, he was itching for them to screw up and just get a parking ticket—anything to open up the field to investigate every aspect of their lives.
Katie struggled in Viv’s arms and Viv eased her down onto the floor. Jack watched as the infant pulled herself up, holding on to Viv’s legs. She gripped the hem of Viv’s pencil skirt and started glancing around the unfamiliar territory.
Yeah, his house wasn’t kid friendly.
“So what was so important?”
He focused back on the woman before him, the woman he shouldn’t want, but did, almost as much as he wanted to solve this case.
“You’re moving in here with me.”
Thirteen
Viv laughed, sure she’d heard him wrong. “Nice try. What do you really want and where is our chaperone?”
Jack rested his hand on the newel post and leveled his stare at her. “Tilly is on vacation for the next several days and you are moving in. It’s not up for debate.”
Who the hell did he think he was?
“I don’t know what plan you have in that overactive mind of yours, but I can’t move in here.” She pointed down to Katie, who had started crawling around the hardwood floor of the foyer. “We’re a team.”
“Move her in, too,” Jack stated, as if things were that simple.
Viv shook her head and crossed her arms. “What has gotten into you? I turn down your oh-so-romantic proposal of sleeping with you at your beck and call, so now you’re trying to overcompensate by having us live together?”
“Damn it, no.” He blew out a breath and rubbed his hand over the back of his neck. “I think you’d be safer here. If Braden were to piece things together or get a hint that we’re working together... It’s just too risky. You’ve already heard suspicious noises at your apartment. Next time I may be too late to help.”
Viv nodded, fully in agreement about the safety issues. “I can work from home for you, so why jump to the conclusion that I’d be safer here?”
“First of all, the security in your building is ridiculous.”
Viv rolled her eyes and crossed to the entryway to the formal living room. Katie was off exploring and Viv knew from experience that she needed to keep her eyes on the active child.
“You have to have a code to enter my building. I’m perfectly safe. I’m sure a neighbor was moving furniture or something and I just overreacted.”
When Katie started crawling toward the stone fireplace, Viv intervened. The last thing she needed was the baby climbing up onto the hearth and falling. As if sensing the end to her fun, Katie turned and speed-crawled toward the low coffee table. Thankfully, there was just a variety of classic novels on display and nothing breakable.
When Viv turned toward the wide, arched doorway, Jack met her gaze. Leaning against the frame, he had his arms crossed and that look on his face that said he wasn’t in the mood to argue. Welcome to the club. She wasn’t too keen on having been summoned here to have this insane conversation.
“If there was nothing else, we’ll head back home. I’ve never been a fan of driving in this crazy weather.”
Didn’t matter that she’d lived here for years, she still didn’t like navigating the narrow Boston streets when they were snow covered.
“We need to talk, so if you want to go home tonight, I can drive you, or I can take you home in the morning.”
Viv glanced at Katie as she pulled herself up with the help of the coffee table. Maybe Viv could lower her blood pressure if she counted backward from one hundred. She doubted it, and she didn’t have the time. Jack seemed to be under the impression that she would just do anything he commanded.
“You should know me well enough to understand I don’t do demands.” Viv circled the table and took a seat on the leather sofa. The thing looked like nobody had ever sat there, which was probably true, considering Jack wasn’t the most social of butterflies. “I’m safe where I am, but I will agree to not go into your office until this is all over. That’s the compromise.”
Jack pushed off the door frame and stalked toward her, his eyes never wavering. When he stood only inches from her, Viv smiled.
“Intimidation may work on your adversaries, but I’m not afraid of you.”
Turned on, reliving every moment of their night together in vivid detail, but not afraid.
“I won’t let you get hurt. And if Braden figures all of this out...”
Jack’s growl sent shivers through her. Knowing what she did about his past, about the crippling loss he’d suffered, was the only reason she wasn’t grabbing Katie and leaving. He was scared...for her. How could she be angry about that?
Still, she wouldn’t be bullied into staying here. For her own sanity, she couldn’t. She was half in love with him, and being under the same roof, faux playing house, was not an option.
“I’m not going to get hurt,” she informed him. “Actually, I was offered a full-time position at O’Shea’s.”
“When was this?”
“Today.” Viv peered over her shoulder just in time to see Katie heading back to the fireplace. “Braden came in and talked to me after the Feds left.”
Katie protested when Viv picked her up. Jack’s house was definitely a bachelor pad. Yet another reason they wouldn’t be staying here.
“And what did you tell him?”
Viv pulled off her bangle and handed it to Katie. Promptly, the gold bracelet went into the infant’s mouth, but at least she wouldn’t choke on it. Jewelry, the new teething ring for on-the-go mommies.
“I said I’d think about it and get back to him.”
Exhaustion set in and Viv went back to the unused sofa and sank down. She slid her shoes off, not because she was staying, but because there was only so long she could be “on.” She’d reached her limit for the day.
“I explained that I needed to think about what was best for Katie, but I knew I needed to talk to you, as well.”
Jack came to sit next to her. Resting his elbows on his knees, he leaned forward and stared across the room. “I don’t like this,” he murmured.
Confused, Viv shifted in her seat, tucking Katie into
the crook of her arm. “I thought you’d jump on board. Having me there every day would give us the leverage we need.”
“I think they know something.”
Viv shook her head. “I don’t agree.”
Jack’s dark brows rose. “And why is that? Because you’ve become so chummy with them?”
The hurt in his tone made her feel guilty. She certainly had plenty to feel guilty about, but not because she’d gotten to know the notorious family on a personal level. She wanted justice for whoever killed Katie’s parents, but didn’t happen to think it was her fake employer.
“I don’t want to argue with you.”
Viv started to rise when Jack placed his hand on her knee.
“Stay.”
The simple command had her stilling beneath his touch. Jack had a way of looking at her that made her want to obey his every word, and that irritated her. She couldn’t let herself get swept into his world. He didn’t want her there on a personal level and she had a damning secret that would blow everything out of the water.
Inevitably, the situation would come to a head, and she knew for a fact they’d both be hurt in the end. “I’ll take the full-time position,” she told him. “It’s the smart move. I can work from home in the evenings for you, plus I’ll be alone some if I’m a regular employee there. This will bring us closer to solving the case, I know it.”
Jack blew out a sigh and shook his head. “I don’t like it, Viv. If you find something incriminating, you can’t take it. They may not suspect you yet, but this is a test. If anything at all happens, you’ll be to blame.”
Katie wiggled down once again, taking Viv’s bangle with her. “I’m aware of that. I won’t do anything to raise a red flag.”
Viv knew where all the security cameras were, knew nearly all the passwords to various accounts and she’d be the contact people would speak to if she was the only one there.
The irony in all this? She’d been completely innocent in her actions when she’d stumbled upon Patrick’s journal. When she actually tried to snoop, she’d discovered very little. She’d copied those files in the hopes something would be in them, but no such luck.
Which only went to confirm her own suspicions about the O’Sheas being exactly who they claimed to be.
“I want to know your every move, every contact, even what you eat for lunch.”
Viv laughed. “Don’t you think that’s a bit much?”
He leveled his gaze at her. “Where your safety is concerned? It’s not enough.”
Shivers slid through her at his throaty tone. That whole dominating, protective trait was the sexiest part about him...and he had a whole lot of sexy going on. There was no way she could be this close, inhaling his masculine scent, and not recall exactly how he felt with his weight pressed against her. The way his hands had traveled over her body was a memory she’d carry forever. Even though he hadn’t stayed in her bed, their intimacy was one of the best moments of her life.
She needed to leave. Unless they were strictly discussing business, she needed to keep her distance, because she only wanted him more, and she had no right to.
Every part of her wanted to tell him about that journal, but trumping her need to be truthful was the guilt she felt about being the one to hurt him. And knowing who his father was would destroy him. His passion for justice would come second to the cold, hard truth of his paternity.
Jack jumped up from the sofa and sprinted across the room. Viv came to her feet in time to see him grab Katie before she could climb onto the stone hearth.
Great. She’d been fantasizing about her boss and totally ignored Katie’s safety. If that wasn’t a sign she needed to get her priorities straight, she didn’t know what was.
“Nice try, speedy.” Jack scooped Katie up and did some mock airplane moves around the room. Frozen in place, Viv could only take in the sight. He would’ve been a great father. His protective side was obvious, but this playful side was something she hadn’t seen. Jack would’ve put his family first, above all else. He might be a big shot in the industry and moving into global territory of security and investigating, but the smile on his face right now told her everything she needed to know.
The man wanted a family. He didn’t want to be as closed off and hard as he came across. She’d witnessed his caring nature time and time again. And watching him right now had Viv’s heart tumbling in her chest. Jack would be the perfect husband, father. He’d be the fiercest protector and greatest provider.
There was no denying the fact, now that she’d fallen face-first in love with Jack Carson. She’d tried to dodge her deeper emotions, hoping she was just physically infatuated. But no. She admired everything about him, and at this point, being with him would never be an option.
Tears pricked her eyes. Blinking them away didn’t help as they slid down her cheeks. She swiped at the dampness with the back of her hand and pushed her hair behind her shoulders.
As Jack spun around, he zeroed in on her and stilled. Pulling Katie close to his chest, he strode over to Viv.
“She’s fine,” he assured her.
Viv nodded, emotions too thick in her throat to form words.
“What is it?” he pressed, patting Katie’s back.
His large hand covered Katie’s entire pink floral jumper. Such a strong man who’d had so much taken from him, and Viv was only adding to his heartache...only he had no idea.
Another round of tears hit and she didn’t even try to hide them. She needed to tell him the truth. Viv loved him and he deserved to know. In the face of her feelings, this case was nothing.
Jack’s free arm wrapped around her shoulders as he pulled her to his side. Viv instantly rested her head on his shoulder, even though she had no right to. Seeking comfort from the man she was lying to was hypocritical, at best.
“Jack, I—”
Katie reached out and fisted a handful of Viv’s hair.
“No, no.” Jack twisted his body, pulling Viv slightly to the side. “She’s a grabber. Apparently, everything goes into her mouth.”
Viv squeezed her eyes shut. The words weren’t coming. She’d just fully confessed to herself that she loved him, and here she was, ready to tell him a secret that would destroy him. Why did life have to be so complicated?
“What were you saying?” he asked.
“I’m sorry,” Viv sniffed in an attempt to compose herself. “I guess I’m just tired from work and trying to figure out what to do for Katie’s party.”
“I’ll help plan the party. Tell me what to do.”
Viv laughed, the room blurring before her from the moisture in her eyes. “You plan first-birthday parties often?”
Jack glanced down at her, his crooked smile melting her heart. “Never, but how hard can it be? She’s one. She has no expectations yet.”
“I know.” Viv moved from his hold, because it was so easy to lean on him, to draw from his power and strength. “I just want her to have the best.”
“She will. I’ll make sure of it.” Jack glanced at Katie, who was toying with the tiny button holding down the collar of his dress shirt. “Right, speedy? You’ll have the biggest cake and a roomful of presents—”
“Let’s not get carried away,” Viv interrupted. “My apartment isn’t that big.”
She smoothed her silk blouse back in place and dabbed beneath her eyes, sure her mascara had run against her splotchy skin. If there was ever an Ugly Crier award, she’d win hands down.
Of course, if she weren’t waging such an epic internal battle, then there wouldn’t be an issue.
“Stay here tonight,” Jack told her, looking back her way. “You’re exhausted.”
Viv shook her head. “I’m fine. Besides, there’s only a few diapers left in my bag and Katie doesn’t have the stuffed animal she hugs when she falls asl
eep.”
The intensity of his gaze warmed her. The man inside who had loved and lost was still there. Would he ever make a full appearance? Would he ever let down that guard again and open himself up to a relationship?
She hurt for him. She hurt for the life he’d been through and the truth he’d yet to discover. She loved this man, wanted more than anything to be with him, but she couldn’t form the words.
“Don’t look at me like that, Viv.”
“I see the truth,” she whispered. “I know you want more and you just won’t let yourself feel.”
His jaw clenched. “I can’t afford to feel. Not anymore.”
“Then I’ll be living in my own apartment and working from there.” Viv reached for Katie, who protested and reached back for Jack. “We’re going home, sweetie.”
Turning from Jack and those mesmerizing eyes, Viv made her way to the foyer. He fell in step behind her, but she ignored him as she busied herself getting her and Katie’s coats on.
“I want to know when you’re home.”
Viv picked Katie up, securing her on her hip. “You don’t have that luxury, considering I’m only your assistant.”
She circled around him and jerked the door open. “I’ll see you in the office—actually, I won’t, because I’ll be working from home—”
Jack’s hand flattened on the door, slamming it shut and closing out the cold air. She whirled around, but before she could say a word, he kissed her hard and fast before he released her.
“You’re more than my assistant, so quit throwing that in my face,” he commanded. “You will tell me when you reach home because I care. Damn it, Viv. I care too much and that’s the problem.”
When he said things like that he made it damn near impossible to stay angry.
Reaching behind her, she turned the knob. “It’s only a problem for one of us.”
Fourteen
Four days had passed without any real contact from Viv. Without hearing her laugh, her soft tone of voice. Without seeing those expressive eyes as she watched him when she thought he wasn’t looking.
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