Break Point (5 page)

“Jake, this place is phenomenal,” she beamed, sitting down on the bed. “Don’t tell me you decorated this yourself.”

He shook his head. “Those who can, do. Those who can’t, hire a friend’s sister.”

“I figured. You don’t strike me as an interior designer type.”

“Maybe not.” He winked as he leaned against the door frame. “But I’ve got other talents.”

She sensed the suggestion in his words and she pretended not to let on. Instead she examined the red velvet comforter impressed by the rich feel of the fabric. “Got to hand it to you, Harrison, I was expecting a loft over some bar with empty pizza boxes and stained carpeting. But this...you’ve impressed me.”

“Come on, a girl like you sees places like this all the time.”

“Not really. I mean, I’ve stayed in my share of luxury hotels and villas but that is when I’m on the road,” she lay back on the bed and sighed. “I’ve never actually lived in my own house.”

“Oh yeah? What about the place you’re in now?”

“It’s owned by the Vitalie School. I sort of rent it from Anston.”

She gazed out the glass ceiling above her. Clouds spilled across the half-moon casting ghostly shadows across the room. The muffled roar of the rising tide coaxed her eyes to close. She breathed in deep, enticed by the scent of Jake’s musky c
ologne lingering on the linens.

“I should get you home to sleep,” she heard him say. “You played hard today. I’m worried you’ll be sore in the morning.”

As comfortable as she was right now, that was hard to believe. She sat back up and stared at him still in the doorway. “Jake, can I ask you a question?”

“Of course.”

“Do you...well...do like me?”

His brow wrinkled. “What the hell does that have to do with anything?”

She was sure nothing, but for some reason the question was incredibly important at this moment. “I don’t know, I just thought I’d ask.”

He walked into the room, and sat down beside her, farther away than she’d bargained for. His eyes were fixed in front of him, as if searching for the right words to say. “Summer, I work for you. You are paying me for a service. Now, I admit I didn’t read my contract, but I’m sure making a pass at the boss is against the rules.”

She smiled. “Yeah, I’m sure that’s in there somewhere.”

“I know I only met you a few days ago, but I feel like I have a pretty good read on you. If you’re afraid, you’ve got every right to be. What happened to you warrants it. But if you’re afraid of me, I’m telling you now there is no reason to be.”

He was facing her now, his crystal blue eyes meeting hers. “I’m not afraid of you,” she whispered. ”Really.”

“You’re sure?”

She nodded, the lump in her throat impeding her speech.

“Good.” Slowly he brought his hand to her face, running his fingertips down the line of her jaw. “And to answer your question, yes, I do like you.”

His hand slipped over her hair and she closed her eyes, daring herself to give in to it. It was strange how his large, burly hands could be so incredibly gentle. Her quivering lips parted when she felt his mouth on hers. Soft but potent, stirring her heart and stealing her breath. She could taste the wine as he teased her with his tongue. A perfect mixture of sweet and spice. The most incredible flavor she could imagine.

The sudden ring of a phone startled them both. “Damn it,” he mumbled, sliding his cell from his pocket. His face clouded when he looked at the caller ID. “It’s your father. I’m sorry but I have to answer it.”

“I know.”

He tugged on her sleeve as if to apologize, then pushed up off the bed. She watched him disappear out the door, still tasting his kiss on her swollen lips.

***

“Jake Harrison!” The deep voice bellowed through the earpiece. “I was wondering if I would hear from you. I told the boys the only thing that would keep you in on a Friday night would be a good solid lead. You got any good news for me?”

Jake sat down at the kitchen counter and scowled at the bedroom door. “Unfortunately, no. But it’s good you called. I have a few questions for you that I thought you might shed some light on.”

“Go ahead.”

“What do you know about Geoffrey Martin?”

Jake smiled when there was a pause on Al’s end. Even the best of liars needed a moment to frame their thoughts.
“I don’t know.” Al began. “He’s a good business man which is probably why people hate him so much. But he’s made Summer a whole hell of a lot of money. And he loves her. With him she’ll have a home and family. I couldn’t have planned it better.”

Jake raised an eyebrow, grabbing a pen and a pad of paper off the counter. “I feel like something isn’t right about him. I’d talk to him myself but he’s out of the country.”

“You really think he has something to do with Summer’s attack?”

“It’s too early to rule anyone out.” Jake tapped the pen against the paper, waiting for a response. Al wasn’t stupid and never sloppy. Giving up pertinent information on a casual phone conversation was something he killed people over. Fat chance he would do it himself. “I just want to cover my bases. I figure Geoffrey Martin would be a good place to start.”

“Sounds good, Harrison. Listen, the gang is heading out this weekend. Over to the Eager Beaver. A little food, a little drink. I thought you could bring my daughter out. Maybe she’d want to spend some time with her Dad.”

“Nice. This weekend sounds good. I was thinking we could use a night out.”
He turned back to the bedroom door. “Tell the gang I said ‘hi’ by the way and have a cold one for me.”

“Already planned on it.”

Jake flipped the phone closed and jammed it back in his pocket. A night out with Summer’s dad was nothing to look forward too, but he could think of something that was. He ran his tongue over his lips. He added “bad timing” to the long list of things he hated about Big Al.

Trudging back toward the bedroom, he noticed the light had been turned off inside. Normally his libido would demand he turn it on and wake her, but for some reason that didn’t cross his mind. As much as he wanted to finish what they’d started, he didn’t want to keep he
r from a good night’s sleep.

He slipped inside the room, allowing a moment just to look at her. She was huddled under the covers with her cherry lips parted and her golden hair splayed across the pillow like a halo. God was she beautiful—in a way he wasn’t used to. Confident but naïve. Unassuming. Completely clueless of the reactions she could conjure in a man. If he was smarter he would have considered that maybe she was playing a cover, but there was something that made him believe she was genuine. He had to. Otherwise how could he explain his a
ttraction to the devil’s spawn?

He reached down and tucked the blanket tighter around her. In his whole career he had never had a problem using sex as a means of furthering an investigation. But now that he had kissed her…the only reason he wanted her trust now was if he deserved it.

When the hell did he grow a conscience?

When he felt his fingers twitch to touch her, he knew his willpower was weakening. Jamming his hands in his pockets, he headed for the door, making sure the lock engaged before walking away.

The kiss would have to sustain him.

Chapter Five

Jake held a death grip on the steering wheel, trying like hell not to notice the dangerously high slit of Summer’s skirt. In the two days since he had kissed her, he’d replayed the scene in his head a million times and it always ended in painful frustration. He wanted her and he could have had her if he wasn’t sucker-punched by his new found conscience. Tonight he faced no such assault. Except, of course, for the incredible urge to pull off the road and pick up where they had left off.

He shifted in his seat, thinking how her vanilla-bean scent smelled good enough to taste. And that damn hair of hers. God, what he wouldn’t give to tangle himself in it. Snapping off the air conditioning, he rolled down the windows eager to air himself and the car out.

“Something wrong?”

“What?” He looked over at her and shook his head. “I’m sorry, did you say something?”

“No but you looked like you wanted to.”

Had he? There were tons of things he had to say to himself recently, but nothing meant for her ears. He shifted in his seat and settled on a common subject. “I was just thinking about your dad.”

“Oh.”

She’d been quiet all evening, a side of Summer he wasn’t used to. Stealing a glance from the corner of his eye, he reached out and playfully nudged her shoulder.

“What’s wrong with you? You haven’t insulted me once tonight.”

She sighed, then mercifully pulled the slit closed on her skirt. “If you must know, I’m a little nervous. I’m worried I am overdressed for a place called Eager Beaver’s”

He smirked. “I know what you are thinking, but it’s a sport
s bar. You know how those are.”

“Leave it to my father to frequent a place like this.”

Jake kept his eyes on the road and his mouth clamped shut. Any mention of Big Al could mean a lead, especially from Summer’s perfect lips. Regretfully, he squelched the horny letch within him and conjured the diligent agent to the surface. “He gets under your skin, huh?”

“He’s always treated me like a show pony. I win, I’m his darling. I lose and he doesn’t speak to me for a week. It’s weird, but since my attack, he’s been nicer to me than he ever has.”

“He’s probably worried about you.” Jake cringed at his own words. Even if he was playing a cover, he hated to stick up for the guy. Without thinking, he placed a comforting hand on her knee. “Look, I know I can’t speak for him, but I’m sure he feels for you. Just have a little faith.”

She didn’t answer, instead placing her hand over his. He was startled by the stinging shock it brought him, like her energy had charged his system. Common sense told him to break the contact but instead he ran his thumb over her fingers.

“So where is this place?” she asked, squinting into the darkness. “There isn’t much out this way.”

“It’s
up about a mile, on the right.”

From the corner of his eye, he watched her fidget with the buttons on her thin, white sweater. She slipped it off then adjusted the spaghetti straps on her tank top. “What do you think, Jake. Less dressy with it off, right?”

He licked his lips. With most women, he would interpret the invitation to check her out as a come-on. But not Summer. She really did just want to know if she looked okay, and he loved that she trusted him enough to ask. “You’re kidding, right? You are going to start a riot in there. Put the sweater back on.”

She looked down at her chest then back up at him. “Are you sure? It’s not that low cut.”

“Well, in my opinion, it is. It will be chilly in there tonight anyways so keep the sweater on.”

She took his advice and he mentally kicked himself in the head. When would Jake Harrison ever encourage a beautiful woman to put clothes on?

“But Jake, this is cashmere. The smoke will ruin it.”

“Then I’ll give you my jacket.”

“It doesn’t match my outfit.” She declared as if he were stupid to even suggest such a fashion error. “Fine I’ll put the sweater back on, but if it smells like smoke, you’re paying for the dry cleaning.”

“I’ll add it to my expense log.”

They pulled into the lot and parked the car. Jake got out and took a few steps before noticing she was still in her seat. “Aren’t you coming?” he asked, coming around to her side of the Porsche.

She stared out the windshield her eyes reflecting the light from the blinking neon sign. “What if he’s in there?”

He raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean, sweetheart? He who?”

“Him. The guy who attacked me.
This is a bar, right? I’ve never been to a place like this. In movies, this is where the bad guys always hang out. Seedy bars.”

“Summer, this is a restaurant too. Kids and families will be in there. This isn’t some dive by the airport.”

“But how do you know?”

“I don’t know. But I do know this, if he is in there I’ll find him.” He squatted down to her level and rested his arms on the open window. “Why don’t you just enjoy yourself and let me do the worrying.”

She looked at him, then down at the floorboards, then back at him. “Okay,” she finally agreed. “But these are Prada shoes. Somebody spills beer on them, I know who to blame.”

She pushed the door open, almost knocking him to the ground. When he righted himself, he followed her, unable to stop himself from staring squarely at her behind.

***

Summer walked a few steps ahead of Jake, feeling more comfortable knowing she was in his plain sight. When she went through the door, she could feel every eye turn toward her. It didn’t bother her. In fact, she enjoyed it. She was glad to see no one had forgotten her in her absence.

“Hey, you two! Over here!”

Big Al waved his hand in the air, motioning them over to his corner table. He was surrounded by the usual guys and an empty seat directly to his left. “Where the hell have you been?” he asked glancing at his Rolex. “I expected you a half hour ago.”

“Sorry Daddy,” Summer offered when she sat down. “I didn’t know what to wear.”

“Does it matter? You’re gorgeous. Hey everyone, tell my baby she’s gorgeous.”

“You're gorgeous.” The stooges answered in unison. More proof they all shared a single brain.

“I’m glad you guys made it. I thought by now you could use a night out.” A waitress brought a pitcher of beer to the table and placed mugs in front of them. She almost dropped her tray when her eyes fixed on Jake.

“Oh my good God,” the girl stammered, as if she’d just seen Elvis’s ghost. Before he could answer, she turned to the rest of the patrons, cupping her hand around her mouth. “Hey, everybody! Streak is back.”

Cat calls and applause filled the bar. Summer’s jaw dropped when she saw Jake raise his hand, offering everyone a small wave.

“Drinks are on the house, baby.” She leaned over and kissed him, the red remnants sticking to his cheek.

“Thanks, Courtney.”

Summer turned in her chair and scanned the bar. Smiling people wielding pens and paper began leaving their tables and barstools. A small crowd of people formed around Jake’s chair, watching him like they would a zoo animal. When he smiled, they would. When he laughed, they did—only louder. He was every bit as charming as she was used to, but he was guarded. Like all the attention somehow embarrassed him.

She knew how he felt. This was the type of reaction she was used to getting when she was out on the town. It was a switch being a spectator, and in a way, it was nice. But also unnerving. What did the rest of the w
orld know about him she didn’t?

“Quite a reception, huh, Jakie?” Al kidded as he poured some beer into his glass. “I know you hate the attention, but I thought it might be nice for Summer to socialize.” Her father said as if this were a PTA meeting. “It’s good to be friendly, right kid?”

“Right, Daddy.”

“You want a beer or something?”

“Daddy, I’m an athlete. Athletes don’t drink.”

“Yeah right, tell that to Streak here!” The table erupted in laughter, obviously sharing an i
nside joke she wasn’t privy to.

“Excuse me? Are you Streak Harrison?”

A boy in a NASCAR t-shirt pushed his way in between them. “I was.” Jake answered, then placed his beer back on the table.

The kid’s face hit every shade of red before he thrust a tattered baseball cap in front of him. “Can you sign this, please?” he squealed. “You’re my favorite driver ever! I still wear your number. See.”

The boy shoved the hat further in his face. Summer craned her head around to read the embroidered number thirty-seven with a white lightning bolt through it. She watched Jake run his fingers over it, and his throat bob in a hard swallow. Finally he smiled, then pulled a pen from his jean pocket.

“What’s your name, kid?” he asked.

“Dylan” he replied. “Hey, do you still have shards of metal in your head? I read where you were burned over half of your body.”

“Dylan!” A woman yelled from across the restaurant. “We’ve got to go!”

The boy turned back to Jake, his eyes as wide as his gap-toothed smile. “Thanks again, Streak!” He disappeared into the sea of staring zombies as quickly as he had materialized.

This wasn’t fair. The man beside her had been her constant companion for over a week, but all of a sudden he seemed like a perfect stranger. “Who the hell is Streak?” Summer finally blurted, her voic
e more accusatory than curious.

“Summer, don’t raise your voice,
” Al laughed as he lit a cigar.

“What accident? And why do you have metal in your head and why is everyone staring at you?”

“Hey look, honey, how about you save the questions for later and we talk some business instead.” Al took a drag, blowing out a cloud of smoke. “So, how’s is the case coming?”

“Nothing new.” Jake said slowly, his gaze still tangled with hers. “I’m really just a bodyguard for now. I’ve gone through her fan mail and phone records. I don’t want to sound indifferent about the whole thing, but it may just be a crazy isolated incident. If the guy pops up again, I’ll find him but I think it might be one of those hit and runs.”

“Well, look who is out on the prowl.” A woman in a short, black business suit leaned over to Jake’s ear. She whispered something and when it registered, a cockeyed smile spread across his blushing face.

“Leslie.” Jake stood and kissed her on the cheek. “Long time, no see. You look great.”

“You too,” she gushed, pushing her short auburn hair behind her ear with a French manicured finger. “I’ve missed seeing you. You haven’t been out with the gang much lately.”

“I’ve been busy.” He motioned to Summer. “Big case.”

“Jake was supposed to call me.” Leslie laughed, taking the empty seat beside Al. “Funny, my phone hasn’t rung in weeks.”

“Aw, cut him some slack” Al kid
ded. “He’s a hard working kid.”

“Always has been.” She agreed. “Just like at school. He was always the last one to leave the library.”

“And the last one to leave a party, I bet.” Al added, bumping elbows with the guy next to him.

Again, Summer felt like she had walked in on the middle of a movie. This Leslie woman didn’t match her father’s stooges. She was way too put together with the suit and the all-business chin-length hair, which did little for her pale, narrow face. Pretty, in an IRS auditor type of way. But nothing like a woman she figured Jake would hang around with.

“We met in criminology class.” Leslie explained with a self important air that made Summer nauseous. “I was doing research on insider trading and he let me borrow a few books. I don’t have a PhD like he does, but I like to think I am good at what I do. Al seems to think so.”

“Yeah, she’s doing some business consulting for me.” He gnawed on the end of his cigar. “Doesn’t seem fair for the FBI to know where to invest their money and not anyone else. It’s nice of her to share her insight.” Al flashed a knowing smirk, as if sharing a deep, dark secret to the table.

“You have a PhD?” Summer asked, grabbing Jake’s arm. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

He smiled
at her. “You didn’t ask.”

“And wait a minute, I’m confused. Investment consulting?” Summer posed the question to the table. “What does that have to do with criminal psychology?”

“Nothing.” Al explained simply. “She works for the FBI in the White Collar Crimes Division. She tracks insider trading.” He leaned across the table and winked. “Thanks to her, I just paid cash for a new condo down on South Beach.”

Leslie spun the stir stick in drink with her perfect long fingernail. “Al thought I could help with any busywork you had with Summer’s case,” she said to Jake. “Of course, I jumped at the chance. I was telling Al how much I
missed spending time with you.”

“I miss it, too.” Jake smiled, topping off his beer with what was left in the pitcher.

“Hey Jake, you got a limit.” Al warned, eyeing the refilled glass. “Remember you got to stay sharp. You’re looking after my baby here.” He took one last drag of his cigar and then stubbed it out in the ashtray. “Look people, I have some business of my own to conduct. If you will excuse me. I see an associate up at the bar.”