Page 16

16

HELPLESS

Jack

W e’re almost in the same position we were the last time Brett was here, sans my new favorite sports reporter, also known as the most frustrating woman on the planet.

When I saw that guy grab her, I thought I was going to lose my fucking mind.

Never have I felt so damn powerless. I’ve been a lot of things in my life. I was the kid with no dad. The kid with shit clothes and holes in his shoes and my bedroom was the sofa until I was in middle school.

Hell, I never would’ve known that wasn’t the norm had I not spent half my childhood at Levi’s to know that other kids actually had their own bedrooms, or that they weren’t raised by a grandmother so their moms could work two and a half jobs to support an unconventional family.

I was too busy being smothered in sappy love by two women who were more determined than the Pope to make sure the long line of asshole men in my ancestry stopped with me.

Don’t get me wrong.

I know I can be an ass of a different variety.

Growing up, I was never where I was supposed to be. I drank too much and experimented with drugs just enough to realize that my mom and grandma were right—that shit will fuck you up so fast it’s like getting hit on your blind side. All I had to do was look around to see it play out in front of me.

But I was never helpless.

Hell, if anything, I was the opposite of helpless. I made sure I was in absolute fucking control of every aspect of my life. I was not going to sit back and watch the universe pass me by. I was already behind the eight ball with no father while skating the edge of poverty.

I was the kid who got free lunches at school and handouts from the counselor whenever there was something to hand out. Mom and Grandma made sure I was grateful and never looked a gift horse in the mouth. I heard those words growing up over and over and never knew what they meant, I just knew the women in my life were serious and would get out the wooden spoon if I showed my true ass by not being grateful.

But being an asshole to a woman?

I would never. To say I’m in touch with women is an understatement.

Every aspect of the female psyche was ingrained into me so deeply, even I’m surprised I turned out straight.

Am I proud of myself that I went caveman on Emma and told her what to do?

Not really.

Am I proud that I got pissed at her for not doing what I told her to do?

Again, no.

But this is where helpless has gotten me, dammit. It’s hitting me from all angles of my personal and professional lives, blurring into a dark sea of emotions I cannot get under control.

“You’re sure you can’t think of anyone on the team who would do this?” When I told Brett what Deep Throat said to Emma today, he was as shocked as I was.

Brett shakes his head. “No way. I’ve been in the organization for a year. I’ve done nothing wrong. I did what I was hired to do.”

I stop pacing and turn to him. “You did more than that. You killed it. There’s no way they’ll replace you next year.”

“There will be if I’ve been charged with drug possession and stolen weapons. Drugs and guns on their own … idiots get off all the time for being stupid. But you mix drugs with the guns, and the charges go through the roof.”

“How do you know that?”

Brett juts to his feet, throws out his arms, and raises his voice. “What do you think I’ve been doing for days? Drinking wine and playing with cows? I’ve been researching my future, Jack, and it’s not looking good. In fact, it’s looking pretty fucking bleak.”

I drag a hand through my hair. “There’s one rule in life: when you have a medical or legal emergency, stay off the internet. Everyone knows that.”

He gapes at me. “Really? That’s the only rule in life? Well, I’m pretty sure you can add to that list possession of illegal drugs along with stolen, fully automatic weapons. That’s pretty bad in the state of Nevada and anywhere else I looked it up—just because I’ve got time to kill.”

“I’ve rarely seen those rules apply when it comes to celebrities. Trust me, I know. I’m a lawyer—even if I don’t argue daily in front of a judge. If this goes south and charges are filed, I have the best of the best in my back pocket when it comes to representation. She might cost nine hundred dollars an hour, but she’s a fucking shark. If it comes to that, you’ll be fine.”

For the first time since this all went down, Brett finally loses it. “If it comes to that, I promise you I WILL NOT BE FINE!”

I pause and lower my voice. “Did you just yell at me in all caps?”

“What the fuck are you talking about?” he bellows.

“Nothing.” This time I add tossing my stress ball into the air and catching it rhythmically as I continue to pace. “I’ll call the lawyer tomorrow in case it blows up—which it won’t, but it won’t hurt to be prepared. What I’m more worried about is who has it out for you from within the organization. Especially after you delivered the trophy. If they did it once, they’ll do it again. Have you talked to anyone else today?”

Brett falls to his ass once again. “Morse checked in with me a few times. We’re tight and he’s been supportive of me since he went down early in the season. There was no reason for me not to take his calls. Other than that, I’ve gotten messages from a lot of players, but I let them go to voicemail. At first, I didn’t have the energy or want to deal with anyone. Now I’m glad I ignored everyone.”

I stop mid-pace and fist the stress ball so hard, my knuckles go white. “Acosta.”

Brett narrows his eyes. “The agent?”

“Gary Acosta represents Mark Morse,” I add. “Acosta has had it out for me for years since I left the Pike Agency. I ran into him today in the VIP tent before the parade. He was more stressed than I’ve ever seen him. I put it out of my head after what happened to Emma. He all but threatened me that Morse would be back on the field next year and you’d be on the sidelines. I barely had a chance to set him straight when I saw our anonymous informant grab Emma.”

“If it is him, there’s no way to prove Mark is in on it. Acosta could be acting alone to get his client back on the field.”

“Going to the police … that would be the logical thing to do. But it happened in Vegas. Whoever set you up was smart enough to figure out how to kill the surveillance. And it’s not like the cops are knocking on your door with an arrest warrant. I’m not sure we want their attention. Then there’s the fact Deep Throat warned Emma. I can’t risk anything coming back on her.”

“I don’t want that,” Brett says. “She’s been helpful and cool.”

I pull in a deep breath before exhaling my only idea that feels questionable at best, but it’s all I’ve got. “Let’s test Morse. You said he’s been calling you. Give him something. Something that only he’d know. We can see what happens.”

“What am I going to tell him?”

“Start with something small. Something innocent. Lie about where you’re staying. Hell, tell him you’re with me strategizing how to crawl out of this shit show. We’ll see if anyone shows up. Like the fucking media. Your behemoth monster is parked out front if I’m home. That’ll make it easy. The press knows your ride from coming and going at the games.”

“You really want the paparazzi at your place?”

I toss the ball one more time and shoot him a wide grin when it lands back in my hand. “Look at me, Brett. I was born to handle the press. If it reveals the fucking traitor, bring it on.”

Brett stands and digs his keys out of his pocket—my keys since he’s still driving my car. “Let me get out of here and I’ll call him on the way back to Whitetail. Unlike you, I’d very much like to avoid the media right now unless it’s your girlfriend.”

My girlfriend.

It’s been a long fucking time since I’ve referred to any woman as my girlfriend. Hell, I’m not even sure I was in college the last time I did that.

I follow Brett through the family room and kitchen to the garage where he parked so he wouldn’t be seen coming and going from the busy street.

“Let me know what he says,” I call for him as he makes his way to my car through the cramped garage.

Brett lifts his chin before he fits his large frame into my driver’s seat. “If he answers. He might still be partying after the parade today. I was the only one who didn’t want to be there.”

“If anyone deserved to party today, it was you. You made the winning touchdown. I’ll wait for your call.”

Once he’s gone, I waste no time.

Her cell rings exactly once before she bypasses a traditional greeting. “Are you going to talk to me like you text me—in all caps?”

“Emma,” I call her name in a low, smooth tone. “There are a few things in this world that require all caps. Kidnapping is at the top of that list.”

She sighs. I’ve been with her enough in the last week that I can tell she’s very fucking horizontal. I’m very fucking pissed I’m not horizontal with her.

“Hang on, baby,” I say.

I touch the screen a few times before going back to her. “I want to see you.”

“So demanding,” she mutters, but doesn’t hesitate.

The next thing I know, my screen is nothing but big dark eyes, messy hair, and Emma. And I was right. She’s horizontal.

So fucking beautiful.

“I knew it.”

“What did you know?” she asks.

I lean back in my favorite leather club chair. It’s the only place I sit in the whole place, and it’s not often. If I’m not sleeping, I’m pacing. “That you’re in bed. I could tell by the sound of your voice.”

She tries to bite back a smile. “Oh, do I have a bedroom voice?”

“You very much have a bedroom voice. I like it better when it melts across my skin than when it comes through a small screen.”

“Mmm,” she hums, right before she licks her lips. “I do like that.”

“Are you done being mad at me?” I ask.

She settles into her pillow farther. “Was I mad at you?”

It’s my turn to smile. “You know you were. But I couldn’t help it. You bring out the monster in me. You needed me, and I couldn’t get to you. It didn’t sit well.”

“Has anything sat well since we ran into each other at Nebula?”

“I think our first night went really fucking well. And every other time when it’s just you and me and we shut out the world. You don’t agree?”

“It’s been a little manic. I need to mentally compartmentalize the good from the bad, but when I do, you’re at the root of it all.”

I shrug. “I’ll admit I’m not surprised by that. Probably not the first time a woman has thought that about me.”

“But the bad isn’t your fault. Other than texting me in all caps. I don’t like that.”

“You’ve made that clear. The last thing I want to do is something you don’t like. Can we agree that I will only talk to you in lowercase letters as long as there is not a kidnapping involved?”

She changes the subject. “What did Brett say? Does he have any ideas who might want to frame him?”

“We have a hunch, but we’re not sure. Mark Morse’s agent was acting more awkward than normal today. It could’ve been the whiskey he was drinking for breakfast, but my gut says it’s more. Brett’s going to call Mark, feed him some lies. See what comes of it.”

“That makes me nervous. I’m not sure that’s a good idea. I wish there was something more I could do.”

“You’ve done more than anyone else. We have the ever-so-charming Deep Throat because of you.”

“Charming,” she echoes. “He could use some chill when contacting me. Otherwise, delightful.”

I’m sick of talking about Brett or the informant. “This shit show won’t last forever. When it’s over, it’ll be just you and me. I can’t wait for that.”

Her expression softens. “What will we do without the drama swirling around us?”

My blood rushes to my cock just thinking about uninterrupted time with Emma. I adjust myself as I speak. “I’d book the most private table I could find in all of Northern Virginia and the District. Then I’d tell you to put on the sexiest dress you own. I’d wine and dine you the way you deserve. Depending on how private the table was, I’d touch you in every place your dress allowed. Because when I’m with you, I can’t not touch you.”

“That sounds scandalous.” Her chest rises and falls with a quick breath. “I like it.”

A smirk touches my lips. “For some reason, I thought you might. You’re a brave one.”

“It seems I am for you.”

“I like that even better.” My tongue sneaks out to wet the crease of my lips. “That you’re only brave for me. That’s a theory I’m not willing to allow you to test with anyone else.”

“Allow.” She wastes no time quipping back, but this time she does it with a smile. “There you go again thinking you can tell me what to do.”

I lean forward as if I can get closer to her through the damn screen. “When it comes to the thought of you doing anything with anyone besides me, you bet your sweet ass I will. And, trust me, that’s not me being an asshole. That’s me wanting you and only you.”

“This is fast, Jack.”

“That’s me—fast Jack.”

Her dark eyes flare. “You know what I mean.”

“I’ve known you your whole life. How is that fast?” What I do not think about is Levi. No one knows me better than he does, which does not bode well for me when I finally break the news that I’m into his sister in a big way.

She’s about to argue with me again, probably about the fast track we’re on that I refuse to acknowledge, but I get another call.

“Hang on, baby. That’s Brett.”

“I’m not going anywhere, but you’d better tell me what he says.”

I flip over before I lose the call. “Hey. Did you get hold of him?”

“I did,” Brett says with highway noise humming in the background. “I did what we talked about. He didn’t seem interested in where I’m staying but offered to get together with me soon for a drink. He expressed again how what happened sucks and no one on the team believes it. Like that matters.”

“We’ll see what happens.” I get up and walk to the bay window that overlooks one of the most historic streets in Old Town Alexandria. “I’m here for the rest of the evening and night. Bring it on.”

“I hope we don’t regret this,” Brett says.

I turn and start pacing again. “I’ll let you know if something happens. Enjoy the wine with a side of cow.”

“I think this’ll be the last night. I appreciate your friends letting me stay, but I’m getting antsy, and quite honestly, pissed. I’m tired of hiding out.”

“Let’s see what happens in the next day or so. I happily take the heat for my clients. I’ll touch base if anyone shows up.”

“Thanks, man. I don’t know whether to hope we talk soon or not. It’s hard to wrap my head around my teammates doing this to me.”

“Time will tell.”

“Later.”

Clicking back over to Emma, I have too much pent-up energy all of the sudden. Knowing this is the best I’m going to get tonight, I wonder when I became the guy who’s anxious to Facetime anyone.

I don’t even do that for my grandmother, and I’ll do anything for her.

I don’t have a chance to tell Emma all the things I’d do to her in the back of a limo when she starts in with her journalistic inquisition. “What did he say?”

Emma

“You know, if I didn’t know how much you’re into me, that would hurt my feelings,” Jack drawls.

I smile. “Sorry. This is like some crazy mystery game that I’m itching to solve. I can’t help it.”

He acts like he’s put out, but he tells me in detail about Brett.

“Thank you,” I say when he’s done. “More wait and see, I guess.”

“Now we can get back to what I’m going to do with you in a restaurant. Or in the back of a limo.”

“You didn’t tell me there was a limo.” I can’t keep the stupid smile off my face. “Would I hike my fictional dress and straddle you?”

“Baby.” His voice dips. “Only after I slid your panties to the floor.”

“You know how weird it feels having this conversation as an adult woman in my teenage bedroom with my dad and stepmom downstairs?”

“No weirder than it does having this conversation with Levi’s younger sister.”

My smirk grows into a smile bigger than it should. Just a few days ago I never could’ve imagined this conversation would be a reality. I thought Jack Hale would only be a one-night experience. “I’ll protect you from my brother. I’m brave that way.”

“I’ll gladly take a beating from Levi if it means I can have you. Whatever it takes for him to get over himself. But I don’t want to talk about him. I want to talk about you riding me in the back of a limo.”

Wetness pools in my panties at the thought. “That sounds like I’m doing all the work. What is your part in all this, and what do I get out of it?”

His blue eyes close a touch. I recognize the lust in his features as he talks about me. “I get to feel you. Inside and out. I get to watch. And you, baby, get to come.”

I turn the volume down a notch on my cell and hug my pillow tighter. My nipples are hard and there’s nothing I want more than a limo ride with Jack.

“I want that,” I whisper.

Jack stops pacing. “Not as much as I do. I can’t fucking wait to make that a reality.”

My cell beeps with an incoming call.

Not just any call.

An unknown caller.

I let go of the pillow and sit up straight.

“Jack, I’ve got a call.”

Gone is the lust. “Who is it?”

“Unknown. Shit. I need to answer in case it’s him. Shit. Shit-shit.”

“Answer it,” he bites. “I’ll be right here when you’re done.”

I touch the screen and put the cell to my ear. “Hello, this is Emma.”

“What the fuck did you do?”

It’s him. Every nerve ending in my body goes haywire. “Wh…what do you mean? I didn’t do anything.”

“You did something,” he bites. This is just like his first call, but this time he’s angry. “I’m trying to help you. Fuck, I’m trying to do the right thing for once in my fucking life, and you fucked it up.”

I jut to my feet and do everything I can to keep my tone from sounding as panicked as I feel. “No, I swear. I didn’t do anything. What happened?”

“They know where he is. I got a call with a job. I had to lie and tell my guy I wasn’t close enough. I guess I do have boundaries. I’ll drug a guy but I’m not killing anyone. Not for any amount of money.”

My free hand goes to my hair and fists it. “Kill him? No. You have to stop it. How did they find him?”

“They found out where he’s staying. Who the fuck would let that information out?”

“Jack,” I whisper.

“Who?” my anonymous informant growls as I hear feet hit the pavement in the background.

“Oh no. I’ve got to go. I need to warn him. Please, whoever is doing this, make them stop. Please! And call me back.”

My fingers tremble. I’m afraid I’m going to disconnect the call on accident, but I finally manage to switch to Jack on FaceTime.

His warm blue eyes are intense when he sees me. “Now it’s my turn to demand?—”

“Jack!” Tears streak my face. “Get out. You have to get out. They’re sending someone for Brett. Get out!”

Jack frowns. “What the hell did he say?”

“Get out! Please,” I beg. “They’re going to kill him. They think he’s at your house. Someone is coming. Listen to me!”

“Emma,” Dad yells for me from across the house. “You okay?”

I ignore him and don’t take my eyes off my screen. “Jack, did you hear me?”

He drops his cell and moves across the room. I can’t see him. All I see is the damn ceiling.

“Jack!” I scream.

My bedroom door bursts open. Dad stands there with Keelie pulling up the rear. Their expressions are as confused as mine is horrified.

“What the hell is going on?” Dad demands.

I shake my tear-streaked face and turn back to my phone.

I think my heart skips a beat when I see Jack’s face. He shakes his head and shrugs. “Em, there’s no one here. I swear. I’d tell you if there wa?—”

And that’s the last thing he says before it happens.

Gunshots.

And not just a few.

Memories fill my mind from a moment in time long ago, but a moment I’ll never forget.

One of the worst in my life.

“NO!” I scream.

My cell falls to the floor when I drop to my knees.

Helpless.

Scared.

And empty.

More so than I’ve ever felt in my life.