Chapter 8
Jude hated to keep pushing May. She not only looked exhausted, but very out of her element. And that made him want to keep her around for more than just the obvious reasons. Never before had he felt so emotionally protective of a woman. The need to make her life easier, combined with the gut-churning desire to have her in his bed, made for a potent mix.
He wanted to tell her to lie down, to sleep, and that he’d take care of everything. Unfortunately, he knew May would never let someone, let alone a man, take over her life. He had to be honest with her and hope for the best.
“First, this is your brother’s debt, not yours, and he’ll damn well work it off.”
“I agree it’s his debt. And believe me, I’d love to see him be held accountable. It’s just…” May removed her glasses to rub her tired eyes. “Knowing what’s right and getting Tim to do it are two different things.”
Jude could see the lack of sleep catching up to her. She’d probably run herself ragged in preparation of the gallery art show, so she would have been weary even before her brother got stomped. She needed sleep.
But then, so did he.
The idea of curling up with her appealed in a big way.
“I’ve never liked the way Tim treats you, but until now, it wasn’t my business.”
“You don’t understand how it was when we grew up.” Like a shield, she replaced her glasses before looking him in the eyes. “My parents are…different.”
“Different how?”
“Not like yours.”
“My parents are great, but we’ve had our bumps in the road, too.”
“Bumps?”
He shrugged. “Everyone has problems with their family, May.”
Her smile held no humor. “Yeah, that’s what people tell me, that mine is no different. Until they meet my folks.” After a heavy sigh, she looked out at his yard. “My mom and dad have always babied Tim beyond all reason. As his sister, I’ve never really understood.”
Because they didn’t afford her the same pampering? Jude knew that some parents picked a favorite. He didn’t approve, but he’d seen it happen.
“For as long as I can remember, anything he wanted,” May continued, “they thought he had to have, and they went out of their way to give it to him. If he screws up, they make excuses so he doesn’t have to own up to his mistakes. He never has to learn. They…feel sorry for him, which is really bizarre. He’s a handsome young man, healthy and intelligent. But they’ve almost crippled him with their attitudes.”
“They’re enablers.”
“Yes.”
Gently, Jude said, “But then, so are you.”
Rather than deny it, May lowered her head. “I’ve tried to be different, but I guess I fell into the same rut. My parents expect me to treat Tim the same way they do, and sometimes it’s easier to just go along with them.”
“It doesn’t take a genius to see that you feel responsible for Tim. But you aren’t his mother, so there’s only so much you can do.”
As if admitting a grave sin, she whispered, “Sometimes I really resent him.”
“You’d have to be a saint not to.”
One side of her mouth lifted in a slight smile. “Thanks. But my parents would disagree with you.”
It wouldn’t be easy to like her folks. Already, Jude wanted to cut them out of her life. “Obviously, their perspective on the situation is skewed. I’m sure they think they’re doing the right thing, but their way hasn’t been working. In fact, it’s almost gotten Tim killed, right?”
Given the present circumstances, she couldn’t deny it. “Yes.”
“So now you’ll let me give it a try.” And God willing, he’d make a difference.
Her hands twisted in her lap. “How can I say yes when you’re talking about putting yourself in danger?”
With a smile, Jude crouched down in front of her and took her fretful hands. “Look at it this way—what have you got to lose?”
Warm fingers curled around his with surprising strength. “You.”
Her soft voice caused his heart to miss a beat. He hated to admit it, but in so many ways, May had the power to do what a bogus criminal charge hadn’t; she could destroy him.
And that scared him.
Dumb, he told himself. He wasn’t a kid to fall headfirst into gentle brown eyes, a big heart, and a stacked bod. He’d had women, some that he’d liked a lot, some that he’d lusted after. But never before May had he suffered such an awful excess of sensation. It plagued his mind, heart, and body all at the same time.
Trying to regroup, to shield himself, Jude choked out a laugh. “Don’t bury me yet. I’ll be fine.”
She didn’t look convinced, but Jude let that pass for now. He pushed back to his feet and smiled down at her. “There’s no reason to worry about your brother, either. I’m not going to abuse him, I promise. But I will hold him responsible. I have some ideas on how he can repay the money, ways that’ll keep him out of trouble, but with good men to keep him in line.”
“He has to work at the car dealership.”
“He’ll show up for work, but with supervision.” Pleased with his plans so far, Jude explained, “He’ll hire a man I trust, someone who’ll report to me. If Tim tries to sneak off to gamble or drink, I’ll know about it. Until he repays me the fifty grand, I own him.”
With a groan, May slumped back in the chair. “My parents aren’t going to like this. Tim’s supervision of the dealership is the one thing they’re adamant about, even though Tim’s made it clear that he hates it.”
“Why is that, you think?”
“I have no idea. My dad still hangs out there a lot, and my mom butts in constantly. Yet they want him as a figurehead. They left him little choice in running it, even though they haven’t turned it over completely to him.”
“You’re older,” Jude pointed out. “Why didn’t you get it?”
“I’m female.”
“A noticeable fact. So?”
“Well, for my parents, that excludes me. My mother’s famous sentiment is that she’s not leaving anything to ‘a damned son-in-law.’ My dad says if I want a dealership, I should marry a man with one.” She slanted a look at Jude. “I told them both that I wanted nothing to do with cars.”
Anger burned inside Jude. Sure, all parents favored a kid at various times, depending on the different stages children went through while growing up, their personal interests, and how much trouble they got into. But parents should love their kids equally, and they should at least make a pretense of being fair. “It’s a wonder Tim hasn’t lost it yet.”
“It’s been a close thing a few times. But in that, Tim’s not much different from my folks. They aren’t into saving money, so they pretty much live off what they have. It’d take one small catastrophe, like a major health issue or something, and they’d all be broke.”
No, Jude thought, unable to keep his gaze off May for long, they’d look to her to save them. “Have you put away for a rainy day?”
“Since it rains a lot around here, yeah.”
Jude grinned with her. “It’s always amazed me when a celebrity goes bankrupt. Do you know how much money they squander on absurd luxuries? Took me forever to get used to it, and I admit, I spend my fair share now, too. But I also have a magic touch when it comes to investments. I make more than I spend by a long shot.”
May peered at him uncertainly. “I wasn’t asking…”
But for whatever reason, he wanted her to know. “When you boil it all down, I’m the same person I was before the movies. I’d still rather make money than waste it, so with my input, the dealership will gain value. Your parents won’t have any reason to complain.”
“They’re real protective of Tim.”
“Their idea of protection has left him weak. Without you, what would he have done with this current mess?”
“Good question.” Typical of May, she leveled her shoulders and lifted her chin. “But he does have me, and I can’t just turn my back on him.”
“You’ll be helping him in the long run, but if it’ll make you feel better, I promise to tell you ahead of time what I’m doing with Tim and why. So what do you say? Are we in agreement so far?”
“I don’t understand you.” Knees pressed together and expression fretful, she leaned forward in the chair. “You’re being so generous.”
“I can afford to be generous.” Jude caught her hands and pulled her to her feet. “But I’m not finished. I also want a special arrangement with you.”
In exaggerated frustration, she collapsed against him. “I’m afraid to ask.”
Jude kissed her forehead. “Never be afraid of me, May. I wouldn’t hurt you.”
“Jude Jamison,” she said, only half teasing, “you would break my small-town, country-girl heart, and you know it.”
More likely, she’d break his. So far, she’d proven efficient at fending him off—while he’d run the gamut of emotions trying to get past her defenses. In so many ways, her strength awed him. “I guess I’ll have to prove you wrong.” He leaned back and put his hands on his hips. “But first, the rest of our agreement.”
“I hope you don’t expect me to sign anything.”
“I want to dress you.”
She laughed—but when he didn’t, her face went first blank, then hot with color. “You have to be kidding.”
“We’ve already concluded that I’ve got money to burn, so let me have the fun of buying you clothes.”
“No.”
Such a weak denial could be easily ignored. “What you wear isn’t the least bit flattering. You have a kickin’ body, and I know just how to show it off.”
She pushed out of his hold. “No.” Jude headed for the door. “Denny will be back soon. Go ahead and get changed so you’ll be comfortable, then come down to the kitchen. I haven’t eaten yet and I’m starved. We can all talk over brunch.”
“Jude.” May scrambled after him.
He started to pull the door shut, but at the last second, he caved. Damn it, he didn’t want to walk away while she looked so flustered. “How about a kiss to tide me over?”
May frowned, but she puckered up and kissed him. It was a virginal kiss, mouths closed, no tongue—and he still loved it.
“Nice.” He flicked the end of her nose. “Do you realize we can buy you an entire new wardrobe over the Internet? We won’t even need to leave the house.”
“I won’t wear it.”
“You haven’t even seen it yet. I have great taste in women’s clothes.” He winked. “But if you want to go naked, hey, I promise I won’t utter a single complaint.”
The door shut in his face. A second later, he heard a thunk that could have been her head hitting the door, followed by a groan. Poor May. He was starting to confuse her as much as she confused him.
All things considered, not a bad sign.
Feeling like an idiot in the man’s jacket and backward baseball hat, Ashley leaned on the doorbell—and continued to lean on it while examining a broken nail. Next to her, Denny grumbled—but then, he’d done a lot of that. Like May, he wanted to take care of everyone. He’d alternated between treating her like a lost orphan and a favored niece. He might be old enough to be her dad, not that her dad ever gave her as much attention, but she wasn’t a child. She could take care of herself.
The sooner Mr. Zip realized that, the better they’d get along.
The door opened, and there stood Jude Jamison in the flesh. Wow. Ashley had met him before, but familiarity hadn’t reduced his impact. A lesser woman might have sighed in pleasure just looking at him, but she held it in. How the hell May kept resisting him, she didn’t know. The man was a certified stud.
He smiled his megawatt movie star smile at her. “Hello, Ashley. Thanks for coming.”
She pulled the hat off her head and let her hair fall down her back. “What, no butler?”
“I’m the butler,” Denny pointed out.
“Now, why didn’t I know that?”
Grinning, Jude pulled the front doors open wide, and Ashley stepped inside. She wanted to see May. Her friend had strange ideas about romantic relationships—most specifically that she couldn’t have one. Being in the home of a man she secretly adored probably had her out of sorts.
With a low whistle, Ashley took in the interior of the mansion. Everything matched and looked new and… perfect.
As a lover of clutter and comfort, she knew she could never live that way, but she said, “Nice digs, Jude.”
“Thank you.”
She didn’t spot May, so she called out, “Lucy, I’m home!” The words no sooner left her mouth than the twelve-foot ceilings sent them back to her. “Cool, an echo. Imagine that.”
Jude laughed, but Denny didn’t share in the amusement. He glared at Ashley. “I had a hell of a time getting her into those clothes.”
Ashley cast him an evil glance. “Most guys bitch because they can’t get me out of my clothes.”
“They must not know you well.”
She made a tsking sound. “I told you once, Denny, a little politeness wouldn’t have hurt anything. One of these days, you’ll learn.”
“I was trying to save your skinny ass, not flatter you.”
“Oh, trust me, no one would ever accuse you of flattery.” Then, just to shut him up, Ashley gave her attention to Tim. “Hallelujah. For once, Tim’s not complaining.”
Actually, Tim occupied himself by sizing up Jude’s home. He had stars in his one good eye and a look of connivance on his beat-up face. Anyone could see that he wanted what Jude had.
To sneak them out of the apartment without notice, Denny had worn dark glasses and a baseball cap similar to Ashley’s, but in a different color. He’d more or less muscled Tim—who whined and carped the entire time—into threadbare jeans and an Aerosmith T-shirt. With mussed hair, more dark glasses, and a lit cigarette hanging from his mouth, he looked less like Tim the Wimp and more like every other twentysomething guy.
Keeping the cigarette between his bruised and swollen lips had proved tricky. The second Denny had them both in the car, Tim had tossed it. He’d lounged in the backseat while Ashley rode up front with Denny.
Tim said, “Whas goin’ on? Why’m I here?”
Jude started to answer when May appeared at the top of the stairs, and he became riveted on her instead.
And no wonder. Not since they were kids had Ashley seen May so…dressed down. Her hair was even more tumbled now than when she’d left her apartment. Cell phone to her ear, she hesitated at the top of the stairs. “Mom, I really have to go now. No, I can’t…Yeah, I know. I won’t. I promise. Yes, Mom, I’ll take care of it. Yes. ” She waved to Ashley, her bare feet shifting anxiously while trying to end the call to her mother. “ Mom, I need to go.”
Unless Ashley missed her guess, May had removed the too-tight sports bra. Only an enormous, well-worn SBC T-shirt and a pair of loose navy blue shorts covered her.
Judging by the rapt expression on Jude’s face, he noticed the loss of a bra, too.
“Look,” Ashley said, elbowing Jude in the side, “she’s got knees. Who knew?”
“I did.” In a near trance, Jude started forward, but May finally disconnected the call and, holding the hem of the shirt as low as possible, rushed down the steps.
“Sorry about that.” Bouncing in a dozen places, May came to a halt in the entryway. “I had to call my mom and dad, and naturally, they’re…concerned.”
Ashley snorted.
“Chris’, May,” Tim complained, “you did’n tell ’em anythin’, did you?”
“I told them only as much as I had to without lying.”
“Freakin’ wunnerful.”
“You should have been the one to call them,” Ashley pointed out to Tim. “You had plenty of opportunities.”
“They know we’re here now, at Jude’s home.” May sent Tim a look of apology. “Mom wants you to call her as soon as you can.”
Denny spoke over the top of Tim’s moan. “I was planning to put him in the guest rooms downstairs.”
Without much interest, Jude said, “Works for me.” His focus remained on May.
Fighting off her smile, Ashley looked from Jude to May and back again. A hungry, blatantly sexual glimmer lit Jude’s eyes—which was probably why May wouldn’t look at him.
“Downstairs?” Tim limped toward May. “Why’r they puttin’ me downstairs?”
“It’s close to the pool and sauna,” Denny explained. “I’ve seen fighters beat up way worse than you, and water always helps the recuperation process.”
That only agitated Tim more. “Will someone tell me wha’ the hell’s goin’ on?”
Seeing Jude struggle between his fascination with May and his self-assigned obligation to Tim thrilled Ashley. She wondered if her friend understood the significance of his involvement. Knowing May, she doubted it. Guys could ogle her all day, and she never paid the least bit of attention.
Before May could address Tim’s concerns, Jude put his arm around her and turned to Denny. “What’s the verdict?”
“Other than a bad case of wuss-itis, he’s fine. Lots of colorful bruising, but nothing’s broken.”
“What about his ribs?” May asked.
“They’re fine.”
Just to keep Denny riled, Ashley said, “I agree, but you can’t rule out breaks without an X-ray.”
Right before her eyes, Denny seemed to swell. “I keep telling you, I’ve had years of experience in treating injuries.”
“Then you should know what I say is true.”
Typically, May fretted. “Should I take him to the hospital, do you think?”
Tim said, “No!”
Denny stepped past Tim to confront Ashley. “Even if he went for X-rays, they don’t do anything for broken ribs except rest. And, Ms. Smarty Pants, sometimes even an X-ray’s inconclusive.”
Ashley glanced at Jude. “Is he always such a hard-on?”
May gasped.
Jude grinned and said, “Pretty much, yeah.”
And Tim started moaning again.
“Damn young people today think they know everything.”
Enjoying herself, Ashley replied, “And cranky old farts think they can boss everyone around.”
“Old!”
“Well, sure. Compared to a young person like myself, forty’s old.”
“I’m forty-seven.”
“Really?” Ashley lifted her brows. “You’re in great shape.”
Denny had his mouth open for more arguments, but when the compliment sank in, he snapped it shut and glared at her in suspicion.
Jude stepped between them. “Let’s all go to the kitchen for now. Tim can answer some questions over a meal.”
Liking that idea, since she hadn’t yet eaten, Ashley asked, “Do you have a cook?”
Through his teeth, Denny said, “That’d be me.”
“A jack of all trades, huh? The Amazing Denny Zip. I’m proud to know to you.”
“For today,” Jude said, “I took care of the meal.”
“ You cook?”
“Course he does,” Denny snapped, taking exception to everything she said. “Does he look helpless?”
“No, just filthy rich. But hey, admittedly I don’t know squat about the habits of the rich and famous. If you say they all cook, then I believe you.”
That took the wind out of Denny. “Jude here is the only nabob I know well, but he’s not like the rest.”
“Thus my confusion.” Ashley walked away to hook arms with May, saying in a stage whisper, “Some guys can dish it out, but they sure can’t take it.”
“I heard that, young lady.”
More or less dragging May with her, Ashley laughed. “So where’s this kitchen? I’m starved.”
May stared at her brother in dismay. “What do you mean you don’t know how to repay the money?”
Slumped in his seat with an empty plate in front of him, Tim looked like a petulant child. Much of the swelling in his face remained, but he could now open both eyes and speak more clearly. Not that what he said helped much.
“I didn’t have the money to pay, so I didn’t ask.”
Jude smirked. “You just figured you’d kill me and be even-steven?”
Tim was wise enough to avoid Jude’s gaze. “They beat the hell outta me, okay? I wasn’t thinking straight.”
“You never think at all, or you wouldn’t be in this situation—a situation that now involves your sister.”
Face coloring, Tim glared. “If she hadn’t made me walk to the Squirrel—”
May started to object, but Jude beat her to it.
“Enough.”
Tim shrank back in his seat.
“I’m going to tell you this one time only, Tim, so I suggest you listen. This is your mess. You took the money, you gambled it away, and you’ll be the one to repay me—on my terms. May is the only reason I’m willing to help. You won’t insult her, you won’t blame her, and you won’t attempt to involve her further. If you do, I’ll cut you loose, and you can fend for yourself. And don’t look at your sister, damn it. If she had fifty thousand to give you, neither of you would be here now.”
Very quietly, May said, “That’s not true.”
With a smug smile, Tim straightened, until May said, “I came here because you were threatened, too, Jude. Otherwise, I’d have convinced Tim to go to the police.”
“Now, wait a minute,” Tim protested.
“Oh, shut up,” Ashley told him. “Let your sister talk.”
May couldn’t help it. With everyone picking on Tim, she did feel sorry for him. A lifetime habit wasn’t easy to break. “I still think the police should be notified. But I didn’t want to do anything that might jeopardize Jude. He needs to know who wants him dead.”
Pointing his fork at Jude, Denny said, “I already know who it is, even if Jude won’t admit it.”
“ I’m the one in trouble here,” Tim reminded everyone. “They said they’d kill me if I went to the police. That means no police.”
Under his breath, but not under enough, Denny muttered, “Chickenshit.”
Affronted, Tim glared around the table. “Okay. I get it. No one cares about me. Let them kill me. I won’t be missed.”
Jude rolled his eyes.
“But you should remember, they said if they couldn’t get me, they’d get her. ” He pointed his finger at May.
“I’m not going to let that happen,” Jude told him in an icy, controlled tone.
Wound up, Tim lifted out of his chair to address everyone at once. He braced himself with one hand flat on the tabletop, his other hand at his ribs.
“They said they knew I could get to Jude, because he hung around May. They said I’d be doing May a favor by getting rid of him, before he got rid of her.”
Denny slammed down his fork.
“They said if I didn’t care enough about her welfare to protect her from him, why should they care? They said—”
“That’s enough.” May was so furious, she shook all over. “You know what you’re saying is nonsense, Tim. You know it’s all lies. How dare you—”
“It’s all right, May.” Calm personified, Jude squeezed her hand while addressing Tim. “You won’t raise your voice to your sister. Ever. Do you understand me?”
Heaving, Tim stared at Jude, then at May.
“This is between us, Tim. Quit waiting for your sister to defend you, and tell me you understand.”
Finally, he relented. “I understand.”
“Tomorrow morning, my banker will deliver papers that spell out the terms of the loan and how you’ll pay me back.”
Surprise slackened Tim’s expression. “Pay you back?”
“Did you think it’d be a gift?”
Obviously, he had, but he pinched his mouth shut and reseated himself without a word.
“Wise decision.” All business, Jude leaned forward and crossed his arms on the table. “You’ll sign the loan agreement with witnesses present so there won’t be any mistakes.”
“I’ll be no better off with your so-called help. The only difference is the loan shark.”
“Fine.” If May could have reached her brother, she’d have kicked him. She shot to her feet and flattened her hands on the table to lean toward him. “Then don’t take the loan. Be an idiot. Get up and leave right now. Take your chances with…with whomever.”
“Calm down, May.”
“Calm down?” She turned on Jude and found him eyeing her rear in the awful shorts. Good God, she’d forgotten she wore them.
To better conceal herself, she plopped back down in her seat and considered screaming.
Tim’s behavior both shamed and embarrassed her. And Jude shrugged it off as nothing. To Tim, she snapped, “At least Jude won’t kill you over the money!”
Totally deadpan, Jude said, “Don’t make promises you can’t keep, honey.”
“Jude.”
He laughed—when it was far from a laughing matter.
“You might want to give your sister’s suggestion some thought. No, I won’t kill you. But I won’t let you weasel out of the loan, either. You might prefer another beating to dealing with me when it comes to money.”
“But you’re loaded,” Tim reasoned.
“And I intend to stay that way.”
Scoffing, Tim asked, “Why would you even care? Fifty thousand is nothing to you.”
“There’s where you’re wrong. It’s a debt that you will pay back. But I’ll be generous.” Tim looked hopeful, until Jude said, “I’ll give you until tomorrow morning to think about it.”
Snickering, Denny stood and gathered up the empty dishes. Nodding at Jude and May, he said, “You two should get some sleep. You both look beat.”
That sounded like a wonderful plan to May. She was so tired that it hurt her eyes to blink.
His voice a little too deep, Jude said, “I’ll see that she rests.” He caught May’s hand and pulled her to her feet.
“In the meantime,” Denny said, “I’ll start working on getting Tim back in shape.”
Horrified by that prospect, Tim whispered, “No.”
“We’ll ice what’s bruised, then work out the stiffness with some swimming, and finish up with the sauna to relax everything.”
Both hands in his hair, Tim slumped forward and moaned.
“Sounds like you guys have everything all set.” Ashley pushed back from the table and stretched, then looked at her watch. “Just in time, too. I need to run to my place to shower and change, and then get to school.”
“Ash,” May protested, “you have school this morning? Why didn’t you say something?”
“I have school every morning during the week.”
“But you were up all night, too.” To Jude and Denny, May explained, “She works from eight at night to four in the morning, then catches some sleep before school. But last night I called her, so she hasn’t even been home.”
“It’s no big deal, May. I’ve pulled all-nighters plenty of times.”
“But not under these circumstances,” May insisted.
“And not,” Jude said, “with probable danger. I agree with May. You should stay here. At least for the rest of the afternoon.”
Typical of Ashley, she shook her head and laughed off the idea of protection. “No can do. I’ve got a test today, and if I miss it…Well, let’s just say my instructor scares me way more than the idea of some idiot who thinks with his fists.” Determined on her course, she added, “The professor can fail or pass me. But the idiot who thinks with his fists would have to catch me first. And truthfully? I’m too busy to slow down for him.”