Текст книги "Something Witchy This Way Comes "
Автор книги: Veronica Blade
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Текущая страница: 7 (всего у книги 19 страниц)
He looked at me like I’d spoken in another language. “Yeah, if all I wanted was sex. That’s not why I want you to stay over.”
“So you’re saying you don’t want to have sex with me? Should I be offended?”
He laughed and raised a hand from the steering wheel. “Whoa. That’s not what I meant. Of course I want to get naked with you. But I want more than that. I like your company.”
It didn’t compute. He enjoyed just being around me? “Why?”
“When I’m with you, it’s easy. Fun. And I like the way you call me on it every time I get out of line.” He grinned.
Hayden made it sound like a sibling-type affection. Maybe he only threw in the part about me getting naked so I wouldn’t get my feelings hurt. Somewhere deep inside, I was powerfully relieved that it might not be sexual. Because that would mean I wouldn’t be tempted to get involved with him. The other part of me wanted to crawl into a hole and eat three pounds of chocolate while wallowing in self-pity with a box of tissues in hand.
This type of situation – me wanting Hayden to like me and worrying that he didn’t – was exactly what I’d avoided since first seeing him in the principal’s office. Each time I wavered, I needed to remember that Hayden was not a nice guy. He should be with someone more worldly anyway, someone more experienced, like Back Up Plan.
I glanced over my shoulder and checked on Bree. She was still sleeping. A silver sedan caught my attention through the rear window. It looked like the same one that had been behind us at the freeway onramp. It also resembled the car that followed me some days to and from school. “I think someone’s tailing us.”
“Yeah, same guys that are always shadowing you. Don’t know why they bother. They obviously suck at their jobs or I wouldn’t have had to get you after the kidnapping.”
True. “You’re not worried?”
“Would worrying change anything? I’m starving,” Hayden said. “Let’s eat first.”
When we arrived at a cafe, Hayden toted my muzzy sister until she was alert enough to walk on her own. During lunch, they chatted it up and he playfully teased her. My chest tightened watching their easy camaraderie. I wouldn’t fall hopelessly in love with him though. It wouldn’t be long before he screwed up again and made it impossible for me to love him.
We finished lunch and he snagged the check and made a run for it. Before I could stop him, he’d handled the tip too. He was really racking up the brownie points. Probably trying to weaken my defense… which was crumbling. I should get away from him before he succeeded and I stopped caring about his motives. Once we were back at his house, I would make an excuse and escape with Bree – in my own car.
“That whole kidnapping thing really threw me off my routine. I forgot about my shift at Delia’s tonight.” I took Bree’s hand in mine as we walked to the ghost town.
He took Bree’s other hand. “Call in sick.”
“No way. In my world, you meet your obligations. You know, some of us don’t have family riches to fall back on. Some of us have to think about our future and supporting ourselves.”
“Sorry.” He glanced at me and rolled his eyes. “But I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to go to work. Tessa, it was only a few hours ago when you were…” He glanced down at Bree. “You know. White van. Deserted building.”
I sighed. He had a point. But… “I don’t think their intentions are bad. I’m too valuable to randomly…” I glanced at Bree too. “Eliminate. And they wouldn’t risk losing me for their side. Besides, what will I do tomorrow and the next day? I can’t hide forever.”
He stopped at the entrance to the ghost town. “I’ll let you go, under one condition.”
I squinted at him. This was going to be good. It had better not involve a body massage.
“I’ll drive you and Bree home then wait while you get ready for work. I’ll personally take you there and hang out. Probably call Skyler and Brad so I don’t get bored or look like a stalker. Then I’ll get you to my house. Call that guy and have him meet you there where I can keep an eye on him.”
“This is ridiculous.” My hands flashed to my hips.
“If you don’t agree, then I’ll take this guy out before he ever makes it to your bedroom window.”
I believed he’d do it. Psychic powers or not, I couldn’t see Mr. Perfect standing up to Hayden physically, or to the gun he might still have. “Fine. Whatever. But I’m not…” I reminded myself of five-year-old ears. “Staying there is not an option. After the meeting, I leave. I’m sleeping in my own room.”
“Maybe.” He grinned.
Damn him. I could feel my resolve melting. At the same time, I saw into the future and felt the inevitable ache when he betrayed me. Seriously, what would he do when lunchtime came on Monday? Sit with me and my friends? I doubted it. “Hayden…”
His smile slowly faded at my expression.
“What are you guys talking about?” Bree scrunched her face at me, then Hayden. “Standing here is boring. I thought we were gonna see ghosts.”
I smiled down at her before returning my gaze to Hayden. He took the hint and opened the door. Bree ran ahead of us, investigating everything as she hunted ghosts. I kept an eye on her but I wasn’t through with Hayden yet.
“I really appreciate you saving me and looking out for me. But after today, I’d like to keep our relationship business only. I’ll tutor you after school and you teach me to fight. That’s it.”
He nodded. “We’ll see.”
Chapter Fifteen
Tessa
My mom’s joy knew no bounds. While I got ready and settled Bree, she gushed over Hayden. I could hear her higher-than-usual voice echoing through the house, all the way to my room. It was nauseating. I sped up my movements to get us out of there faster.
I felt like an intruder as I stood there in my work uniform holding my purse. They looked cozy facing each other on the couch, the tip of Mom’s index finger on the back of his hand. God, no, please don’t let the reason for her gushing be that she was cougaring him. “You ready?” I asked him in a steady voice, but my agitated fingers tapped my thigh. I had to get out of there.
He checked his watch. “Are you in a hurry?”
I looked at the ceiling then him. “Uh, yeah. If you’re not fifteen minutes early, you’re late. It’s called work ethic. Ever heard of it?”
He glanced at my mom with a look that said everything. Your daughter is an uptight bitch. Well, good. Maybe he’d stop hitting on me, stop tempting me.
“What’s wrong?” he asked once we’d loaded ourselves into my car.
“Didn’t you notice my mom coming on to you? Geez, Hayden, I know you’ve been around. Don’t you see the signs? Gross.” I looked out the window.
He chuckled. “Even if that were true, who cares? It’s not like she’s got anything on you. Plus, what is she, like… late forties? That’s older than my mom. You want to accuse me of wanting sex, imagine me with someone more like you.”
Interesting how he didn’t actually deny the possibility of hooking up with another woman. Why, why, why did I keep half-expecting him to change his man-whore ways? And even if he ever did, it wouldn’t be for someone like me.
“I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’m what some people might call a nice girl. You know what that means?” I didn’t wait for an answer. “It means that I’m not going to sleep with you or party with you. I’m certainly never going to drink if you’re anywhere near me because I am never going to kiss you again. You stick to your own kind and I’ll stick to mine. Everybody’s happy.”
Hayden remained quiet the rest of the way to Delia’s. When the car stopped, I got out without looking at him. I could sense him though, right behind me. I went inside and disappeared in the back to clock in. When I arrived at the counter, he wasn’t anywhere. As my predecessor cashed out, I counted my starting bank and put it in the register when she left.
Hayden reappeared at the counter. “I’ll have a cappuccino.”
“Coming right up.” I made his drink quickly and efficiently, hoping to get him away from the counter. Lord, but he was distracting. “That’s four-fifty.”
“Keep the change.” He handed me a ten, spun on his heel and went to the far corner of the room where he could see everything that went on in the place. I stared after him. Hayden had already bought lunch and paid for gas earlier. No way would I let him tip me that much. He’d get it back later.
My phone went off. Beep. Beep. Beep. A text. My boss was in the back so I snuck a peek. It was a message from Chait. Who the hell was he? Sorry abt earlier. That was Rena, not me. Still on for 2nite?
So that was his name. Mr. So-perfect-he-must-be-a-mannequin. He’d programmed his number and I’d never checked to see what he put in there. Mr. Mannequin was crazy if he thought I’d willingly meet with him alone after the abduction. I’d prefer 2 talk in a public place. Come by my work b4 9:30. Then I could bypass Hayden’s house altogether.
Only four people populated the deli, which left me with little to do. I busied myself cleaning the cappuccino machine. The door chimed and I turned to see Nadia and Corinne. The cavalry had arrived. Or not… They weren’t very supportive of my rejecting Hayden. When they saw him watching me, they’d get the wrong idea. My shoulders drooped.
“Hey.” Hayden rose from his chair and waved them over. “What do you drink?”
They glanced over at me, clearly baffled. I shrugged. They sat at his table and gave him their order. Hayden approached the counter and repeated the order but I’d already begun making the drinks. The place was small and my hearing had improved over the last few days. My sense of smell, too. Earlier, I could smell the delicious aroma of roasted beans from the parking lot and the door hadn’t even been open.
Hayden waited patiently and when I sat the drinks on the counter, he handed me a twenty-dollar bill. I didn’t take it. “Are you going to wait for change this time?”
He grinned.
“You have five-fifty on account.” I gave him a fake smile. “The total here is five even. Cheap dates, huh? So I guess I still owe you fifty cents.” I reached into my pocket. He rolled his eyes and left with the drinks.
The next half hour passed pleasantly enough. Skyler and Brad arrived with three pretty girls. I didn’t recognize them so they didn’t go to our school. The boys stole chairs from nearby tables and they all crowded around Hayden and my friends. Too many girls. Hayden was probably in heaven.
The brunette clearly liked Brad, and Skyler seemed quite cozy with the blonde. That left the auburn-haired girl for Hayden. She seemed to know it too. Her hand somehow kept finding its way to his thigh. She smiled frequently and he returned it easily, as though talking to a pretty girl was the most natural thing in the world.
My self-lecture that Hayden wasn’t meant for me hadn't helped. I still wanted him.
A half hour later, he seemed completely engrossed with the striking auburn-haired girl. That was good, right? Maybe he’d go off with her and I’d be free from that onslaught of flirting. Hell, I’d bet anything that I’d fallen off his radar as soon as she had walked in the door.
I busied myself wiping down a table to keep from glancing their way – and sensed Chait behind me.
“Do you have time to talk?” he asked.
“No, she doesn’t. And I can’t believe you have the nerve to show up after your little kidnapping stunt earlier,” Hayden hissed.
I whipped around to see Hayden, and was genuinely surprised that he’d noticed anyone else other than the girl. “Down boy. I knew he was coming. We’re just going to talk.”
Hayden ignored me, eyes trained on Chait.
“Go.” I shoved at Hayden’s shoulders but he didn’t budge. “Hayden, give us a minute.”
“Fine. But I’ll be right over there.” He backed away. “I’ll be watching.”
A glance around told me that our little scuffle went unnoticed and everyone in the deli was taken care of. The boss was in the back. “We can talk right here.” I pointed at the table next to us and sat. But not before I snuck a peek at Nadia and Corinne who stared at Chait as though he were a double chocolate mousse cake drizzled with hot caramel. There would be an interrogation later, for sure. “But if you don’t drink something, the boss might come in and think I’m slacking.”
“Espresso would be good.”
“Coming right up.”
When I finished making his drink, we sat at the nearby table.
“I’m really sorry about that kidnapping business.” He kept his voice low. “You have to know I had nothing to do with that. If my superiors had understood the situation, they wouldn’t have signed off on that order. Rena manipulated the facts.” He scratched at a hardened piece of something on the table that could only be fossilized pie crust.
I checked Hayden’s table. He and my friends were still staring when I turned back to Chait. “I want to believe you. I do. But you’re still guilty by association. She’s your partner and part of the group you want me to join. If I can’t trust her, I can’t trust the entire group.”
“I get it.” Chait focused on the table surface again. “I think you should come over and meet the others though. It might be good, you know, to see them, talk to them. Might balance out your impression of Rena.”
The chair on the other side of me scraped and swiveled. Hayden straddled it backwards, his chin resting on his forearms draped over the back of the chair. “Time’s up,” he said.
“If I meet with these people, I want Hayden to come with me,” I told Chait.
“That won’t work.”
“He knows everything,” I said.
“Everything?” His voiced had dropped even lower.
“Everything.” My chin tilted up.
“That’s against the rules.” Chait eyed Hayden and sighed. “Frank and Lila didn’t tell you about keeping our abilities secret?”
“Yes, they did. But you’ve already informed me that they can’t be trusted. I already know your people can’t be trusted. Him, I trust.”
“Fine,” Chait said reluctantly. “Keep this between us, okay? Don’t tell anyone that he knows, especially not Frank and Lila.”
“It’ll be difficult to keep it a secret if I’m at your meeting,” Hayden added. “You’re trying to convince Tessa how upstanding you guys are. If your conversation is limited so I don’t learn something, the meeting is pointless.”
“I’ll… I’ll find a way to fix it. They might be forgiving since you’re new. Tomorrow?” Chait gulped the last sip of his coffee and pushed the cup away.
“At my house.” Hayden stood. “I’d say it was nice meeting you but that would be a lie. Time for you to go.”
Chait scowled at Hayden and rose.
“And no more late night visits to her bedroom. Tessa won’t be there anyway. She’s staying at my place now.” Hayden’s shoulders squared as he folded his arms over his chest.
I shrugged when Chait looked to me for confirmation. When a vision rushed me of Hayden and I making out, I realized my reply wasn’t necessary. By Chait’s face, he got Hayden’s picture. Literally.
“I’ll call you tomorrow and we’ll set up the time. Good night.” He nodded at me, then Hayden.
“Wait.” Hayden’s brows furrowed. “My parents are having a dinner party at my house tomorrow.”
“We’ll work it out. Maybe we could use the abandoned building Rena took you to.”
Memories of being kidnapped and taken there rushed me. “I don’t know…”
Chait jerked his head toward Hayden and grinned. “He can bring his gun. You guys will be fine.” He gave a quick wave and headed to the door.
I watched Nadia and Corinne drool as he disappeared then saw them focus on me. Great. How was I going to explain that whole thing? My friends could be relentless.
“Tell them you met Chait the other night and I’m the possessive type. You know, I’m insanely jealous.” Hayden grinned. “They’ll totally buy it.”
I hated lying. But right now the truth wasn’t an option. I didn’t know every detail about the secrecy rule and had no idea what the penalty was for breaking it. Regardless, I figured punishment had to increase with the number of violations. “What choice do I have?”
* * * *
Hayden pulled up right behind my car.
“If you park here, I won’t be able to leave.” He probably planned to keep me trapped at his house.
Putting the car in reverse, he backed up then moved forward, stopping alongside my car.
“You’re coming inside, right?”
“No, Hayden, I’m leaving.” I groaned and got out of his car. He followed suit. “Why won’t you give up?”
He stopped beside me at the driver’s side of my Scion. “It’s absolutely fascinating how you pretend not to like me.”
“Wow. Is your ego so inflated that you can’t imagine even one girl being immune to you?”
“I’d almost buy that except I remember the way you kissed me last night. You’re lying. Not only did you like our little interlude but you want to do it again.” He smiled confidently.
“There is a possibility that you could be right. That I liked it. Past tense. But think about it and think hard. Do you really believe I’d want anything to do with a guy who’d make out with me, then another girl minutes later?”
He studied me a long moment.
Then he swooped.
Without my consent, my mouth opened for his tongue and a lust bomb exploded in my belly, sending ripples of desire to every cell in my body. When I’d first met Hayden, I’d wondered why none of the many girls he’d dated complained when it was over. Now I knew. Who’d complain with kisses like that? He made you feel grateful you got anything at all.
He pulled back and smacked his lips. “I tasted a lie on your lips.”
I forced a condescending smile. “Just because you’re a good kisser and kinda hot automatically means I like you?”
Hayden’s eyes narrowed. “You make a good point. But I still don’t believe you.” He looked less certain than a moment ago though.
“Guess what? I don’t care.” Oh, I cared a lot. And my knees trembled for wanting Hayden’s mouth on mine again. He couldn’t know that though. I turned around and searched my purse for my keys.
“They’re not in there.”
I whirled around. “What?”
“You left your purse in the booth at the restaurant. When you and Bree went to the bathroom earlier, I snagged your keys.”
I didn’t know if I should be furious that he’d invaded my purse to steal my stuff or totally turned on that he’d do such a thing because he wanted me to stay. Indignation won out and I gritted my teeth. “Please get them for me. I’ll wait here,” I said as politely as I could manage.
“Fine.” He rummaged through the SUV’s glove box and brought them to me. “Tomorrow at eight-thirty. I’ll pick you up.”
“So we drive in your car and I’m at your mercy all day? Not on your life. I’ll meet you. Where?”
“No, I’ll pick you up. It’s safer that way.”
I shook my head. “Not really.”
He held up his hand, palm out. “I promise. No more sneakiness. We go running, practice fighting, then I take you home. That’s it. I won’t bother you again until it’s time to meet with Chase.”
“Chait.”
The corners of his mouth curled.
“Fine. I’ll see you at my house in the morning,” I said.
“On second thought.” Hayden scratched his chin as though deep in thought. “Maybe you should come here. I’ll probably be out late tonight.”
“Okay, I’ll be here.” I prayed to God there would be a woman in his bed, waiting for me to discover her. I really needed him to do something foul, something to erase the memory of the most recent kiss. “See you later.” I turned.
“Hey.”
I glanced over my shoulder.
His face sobered up. “I’m not comfortable with you over there. I’m really not. Access is too easy for anyone.”
“I can’t sleep here, Hayden,” I said softly. “I can’t.”
He nodded, opening my door for me. I got in and bailed.
Chapter Sixteen
Hayden
I’d finally lost my mind.
I liked the pretty auburn-haired girl that Skyler and Brad had brought to Delia’s. She showed all the signs of being totally into me. If I’d wanted, she’d be waiting in my bed for me right now. Naked and no strings attached. I should’ve taken advantage of my situation. But I couldn’t because it was impossible to stop thinking about Tessa.
She was stunning and witty and funny. The girl of my dreams though? No such girl existed. So why was I acting like she was mine to keep?
Tessa’s Scion rolled to the end of my driveway and disappeared around the corner, and I jumped in the Viper. Minutes later, I opened the door to the basement of my friend’s house where the sounds of partying wafted up to greet me. I let the door shut and descended the steps. My lungs protested as cigarette smoke invaded them.
“Hayden. My bro.” Brad waved a shot glass full of something caramel colored in front of his face. “Come share.”
“Nah, not tonight. Not in the mood.” Even if I were tempted, getting wasted when Tessa needed guarding didn’t seem smart.
“Hey, Hayd. Watcha doin’?” Scantily dressed Lisa covered my body with hers. She was my go-to girl. Any party where either of us lacked other real prospects, we usually ended up together.
She handed me a bottle. Beer I could handle. Shots, no. I took a sip.
“Just seeing what’s going on.” I smiled at her bleary eyes. Yep. Easy.
“I’m goin’ on. Are you ready for me?” She pressed herself closer.
I sat the bottle on a nearby table, took her hand and dragged her into the make-out room. As soon as I closed the door, she pulled me to the bed and placed my hands on her breasts. I filled my hands with them while she worked the zipper on my jeans.
In my fantasy, Tessa’s were nicer. Not as full but perky. Tessa. I mentally shook my head and concentrated on Lisa whose thumbs were about to pull down my jeans. Her mouth found mine, our tongues tangling.
Tessa was a better kisser too. I liked the little sound she made when I’d surprised her with the kiss earlier tonight. And I loved the way she looked at me when she was turned on. She smelled good too, like springtime and fresh laundry.
I rolled over and zipped up my pants.
Lisa blinked. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” I kissed her lightly and popped off the bed. “I have to go. Sorry.”
Showing up had been a bad idea. Sleeping with Lisa was perfectly fine. Usually. But to be with her while thinking of someone else? It felt… deceitful. One thing I’d always prided myself on was honesty with girls.
I couldn’t get away fast enough and sped home where nothing could interfere with my thoughts of her.
* * * *
Because I’d left the party so early and gone to bed, I woke up before the alarm clock sounded and was ready long before Tessa arrived. I alternated between pacing and checking the time while I waited.
Ten more minutes.
Burned out on pacing, I switched on the television to distract me but it didn’t help.
Damn it. I couldn’t wait to see her.
I leaped up at the knock and flung the door open. “Hey.” I grinned and backed up so she could come in.
She gave a tentative smile. “Good morning. I didn’t expect you to be up already.”
“I went to bed early last night,” I said. She flinched ever so slightly and I hurried on. “I didn’t have company, if that’s what you’re wondering.”
“None of my business.” She casually examined some photos hanging on the wall. “Please don’t feel you have to stop your usual… activities on my account.” She gave me a sly smile then returned to the photos. “She had to rush home, huh?”
Sassy little witch.
“No one’s been here but me. I came home alone last night and slept by myself.” I moved behind her and brushed her hair off her neck. “But I’m sure you could care less,” I whispered against her skin.
She jolted as if I’d breathed fire. I chuckled. Tessa was full of it if she thought I believed she was unaffected by me.
We were both so screwed.
I could only think of one solution to our problem. But I’d wait for the right time to spring it on her. “You ready to go?”
Without answering, she headed toward the door. I watched her firm ass move with each step. I liked the black pants she wore. Thin and stretchy, molding to every inch of her and giving me a perfect outline.
We’d have to go running often.
I stopped with her at the passenger side of the Viper.
“Good morning, honey.” I looked up to see my mom coming down the driveway, her creepy husband right behind her.
“Hey, Mom.” I flicked a thumb to my left. “This is Tessa. Tessa, my mom Rachel and her husband Sam.”
The creep smiled at Tessa, his eyes darting to me, then her again. It’s a good thing I couldn’t read minds because if I confirmed what I suspected, I’d have to kill him.
“Nice meeting you.” Tessa seemed to shrink back, reaching for the door handle like she needed to flee.
“So nice to meet you,” my mom said, oblivious to her snake-of-a-husband and his ability to repel us. “Where are you guys going so early on a Sunday?”
“Running.” I would’ve loved to spend more time with my mom but she was always with Sam. Since I couldn’t stand to be around him, I avoided her. I glanced at Tessa again. She looked pained, shrinking against the door, as though the car could block out Sam’s thoughts. I took the hint. “We should get going.”
“Have a nice day.” My mom beamed and disappeared into the house with Sam.
I opened the car door for Tessa. “Figured maybe you might want to do something together Friday or Saturday, whatever night you’re not working.”
She’d been about to climb inside, but froze. “You mean like just you and me?”
“Yeah, why not?”
“I’ll tell you why not.” Her tone hinted that I should prepare myself for a smart-ass remark. “It seems like only a couple days ago that you kissed me and someone else the same night. Oh, wait. It was a couple days ago.” Her mouth formed a straight line.
“Tessa, I’m not like that anymore. I haven’t been with anyone since.”
“You mean you’ve gone a whole two days without? God, how have you survived it?” Sarcasm dripped from her words.
“That’s a long time for me,” I mumbled, my gaze falling to the concrete of the driveway.
“I don’t get it.” She exhaled in a whoosh, as though I’d exhausted her patience. “Why bother? There are so many girls dying to be with you. Choose one, scratch the itch and move on. Like you always have.”
Shoving my hands in my pocket, I forced the next words out. “I tried. Didn’t work out.”
Her brows rose. “Do tell.”
Inwardly, I groaned. Opening myself up this way made me feel vulnerable. But I couldn’t let Tessa think I wanted anyone but her. “Last night, I went to Skyler’s. This girl was all over me, but I couldn’t do it.”
She grimaced. “You mean like you couldn’t…”
“No, that’s not what I meant. I could have, I’m sure.” I growled softly. “I didn’t want to. I couldn’t stop thinking about you.”
Tessa didn’t look flattered at my confession. She just stared, then abruptly got inside the car.
I closed the door and rounded the hood.
“Well, the good news is that this attraction you think you feel for me can’t last forever. Pretty soon, you’ll be wondering why you were ever interested in me. However, my humiliation at being used by you will last a lifetime. That alone is enough to keep you at a safe distance.”
“It’s not like that with you,” I muttered, starting the engine.
“Whatever you think you feel isn’t real, Hayden. I’m not who you want. You want someone like Christina or Back Up Plan or the girl from last night. They’ll take good care of you.”
I bowed my head, knowing it was pointless. Why couldn’t she see that it was different with her? Different because of her. “I don’t want them. I want you.”
“Well, pardon me if I have a hard time believing that,” she snapped.
After a few moments, we paused at a stop sign and I felt compelled to try again. I had to. “Skyler’s parents are out of town this weekend. He’s throwing a party Saturday night. If you’re not working, maybe you can stop by. Lots of people around will make it feel less like a date, right?” I doubted she’d go but if she told me she about her plans, I could accidentally show up wherever she went. If she didn’t volunteer any information, I would listen carefully all week to see if she slipped.
Me, Mr. Stalker? Absolutely.
“Your mom seems nice,” Tessa said, changing the subject. “But Sam is a total sleaze.”
I held up my hand, my jaw clenching involuntarily. “I don’t want to know what he was thinking.”
She sighed. “I wish I didn’t know. Why is your mom with him? You think she loves him? Is it like a money thing or something?”
I gave a short laugh. “Don’t know what she sees in him but it’s not money. She was loaded before she ever met him.”
“You think she’s scared to leave him?”
I glanced briefly at her. “You tell me.”
“Not sure. It was difficult to get anything from her with all his—”
“Don’t want to know. I already have a hard time not squashing him, Tessa.”
“I don’t blame you,” she mumbled, looking out the window. “If he’s your step-dad, why do you have the same last name?”
“He adopted me right after they got married. Cool, huh?” I scoffed.
“Yeah, super cool. What happened to your real dad?”
“When he went to jail, my mom coerced him into giving up all rights to me. That was way back when she still had balls. I don’t know what happened to her since then.”
“Why is he in jail?” Tessa asked.
“Money stuff. Fraud, embezzlement. Every scam you could think of.”
“Is that how your family got rich?”
“No. My mom comes from old money. And thank God she was smart enough to have my dad and Sam both sign pre-nups. If she dumped Sam, he’d be broke.” I spared Tessa a glance as I navigated the narrow street to the park. “I have to restrain myself every single day not to toss his ass out of the house.”
“Well.” She turned to me when the car stopped. “Maybe you shouldn’t hold back.”
Which meant that she’d plucked fetid garbage from his head. I didn’t want to know. I exited the Viper and tried not to think about that.
“You’re going to talk to Mr. Linton tomorrow, right?” she asked, getting out the other side.
“Yeah. Why? You know something?”
“Not really. My gut’s telling me that you need to get whatever you need from him by the end of the day.” Tessa shadowed me to a chain link fence beyond the sidewalk.
I put my hands against the fence and leaned forward. “Stretching before a run is important. Just do what I do.” I watched her mimic my movements and struggled to keep the lust at bay. “Keep your feet flat. Feel it in your calves?”
“Yeah.”
Damn. She was so hot.
We planned to go to the karate studio after our run, then meet with Chait and his hoodlums later. How could I get her to spend the rest of the day with me?
