“Jimmy was convinced enough to date me and marry me.”
“That Jimmy must’ve been some kind of smooth operator.” A muscle flickered at the corner of Clay’s mouth, and April wanted to press her lips against it.
She’d settled for Jimmy because he’d been a Clay clone. Adam didn’t admit it on the phone, but he most likely trained Jimmy to push all of her buttons. She’d never love anyone the way she’d loved Clay—still loved him.
“I’m pretty sure right now that Adam coached Jimmy into my heart.” She laced her fingers together, and her knuckles blanched.
“I’m sorry.” Clay covered her hands with one of his own. “Adam needs an ass-kicking. He must believe this garbage about your father.”
“We didn’t have a chance to talk about it, but I’m sure he does. He may have even been the one to convince Jimmy of it.”
“Why didn’t you tell me any of this when you showed up here? Especially when I told you about the carving of the fly?”
“I was getting ready to tell you—most of it, anyway, even though it made me look like a fool.”
“Join the club.”
Her eye twitched. “But then Adam called.”
“What did he say?”
“He told me if I told anyone about Jimmy and his business, Jimmy would kill Adam...and me.”
Clay reached forward and wrapped his fingers around her ankle just below the elastic of the green sweats. “Did this guy ever threaten you before?”
“Never.”
“But he raised your suspicions somehow. That’s why you had to sneak into his office and eavesdrop on him.”
“It was just the finances. He was always so vague about his business. Being an accountant—which you’re right, I hate—I was curious about his numbers. He brought in a lot of money, lived a lavish lifestyle.”
“Is that how he seduced you?” His fingers tightened around her ankle briefly before he released her.
“Are you calling me a gold digger?” She narrowed her eyes and curled her toes into the cushion of the couch.
“I don’t blame you for wanting someone to take care of you. What Jimmy offered must’ve been attractive after what you’ve been through.”
“I admit, the money made his life seem easy—people to handle the pesky details, private trainers, personal chefs, private jet. I was living in some kind of fairy tale until I woke up in that office and realized how fake everything was—including my feelings for Jimmy.”
“I’m assuming Jimmy knows you ditched the wedding because you found out about him and his motives. Can Adam spin it? You got cold feet? Hell, it is kind of a pattern for you.” Clay smacked his palm against his chest. “In fact, this is what I recommend you do. Call Jimmy and apologize for running out. Tell him you’re not ready. Tell him you went back to your ex.”
April’s heart skipped a beat. If only.
“How long did you know him before the wedding?”
“Six months.” She pulled her hair back from her face. “This could work.”
“Perfect. You were too hasty.” Clay pushed off the table and stepped over it on his way to the kitchen. “Do you think that moron brother of yours kept his mouth shut about you? He needs to convince Jimmy you don’t know anything about his dirty business.”
“I don’t think he told Jimmy I eavesdropped on the conversation with Gilbert.” She twisted her fingers. “I did take that carving, though. He probably missed it.”
“Where was it?”
“It was one of several in his desk.”
“Maybe he won’t miss it. What would it mean to you, anyway?” Clay turned around, his phone in his hand. “You didn’t tell Jimmy I was Border Patrol, did you?”
“I didn’t tell Jimmy anything about you, other than I had been engaged before and ended things right before the wedding.” April folded her hands and pinned them between her knees. She hadn’t wanted to tell Jimmy anything about Clay—never even told him his name.
“That’s good.” He held up the phone. “Do you think it’s too late to call Adam and warn him to stay quiet?”
“I can’t believe Adam even kept your number in his phone.”
“Probably insurance. Figured I could get him out of a jam if he ever needed the help.”
“That sounds about right.” She snapped her fingers. “I’ll call Adam and find out. And if he told Jimmy that I know he’s a drug dealer?”
“You’ll have to convince Jimmy you won’t tell anyone.”
Clay placed the phone in her outstretched hand, and she went to his recent calls and tapped Adam’s number. At the first ring, she leaned forward. At the second, she glanced at Clay. Adam’s cell rang for a third time, and April licked her lips.
When the phone tripped over to Adam’s voice mail, she put Clay’s phone on speaker. “What now?”
“Don’t leave a message.” Clay lunged for the phone and ended the call. “Just in case.”
“Just in case—” April pressed her fingers against her throbbing temple “—Jimmy has Adam’s phone?”
“Or he gets to his voice mail. You don’t want anything on record.”
“Should I call Jimmy now?”
“Not from my phone.” He held up his cell and then returned it to its charger on the counter. “You can pick up a burner phone tomorrow and call him from that. Maybe Adam will see the missed call from me and get back to you.”
“I wonder why he didn’t pick up.” April rubbed her arms. “It’s a little early for him to be in bed.”
“Maybe he’s with Jimmy and doesn’t want to answer any calls, which would be the smart move.” Clay lifted an eyebrow. “Is Adam still using?”
“Says he’s not.” She hunched her shoulders.
“But you don’t believe him.”
“You may think I’m overly protective where Adam is concerned, but that doesn’t mean I don’t see him for what he is.”
“He’s your brother. I understand.” Clay grabbed his water glass and set it in the sink. “You can stay here if you want to watch TV. The spare room doesn’t have one. I’m going to hit the sack. Unlike Adam, it’s not
