“Oh, I don’t—”
“Go on.” Jack squeezed her shoulders. “I’m not like your mother, I don’t expect something. I want to spend time with you, and I think this will do us a world of good. Dress comfortably. Those grey sweats you wore when we went for a picnic will work.”
Gillian blushed and hurried toward the bedroom. He listened to her moving around in the room, his heart breaking for the obvious wounds her mother had inflicted. As long as he was around, Gillian wasn’t going to have time to believe her mother, and if the bitch showed up, he’d give her a piece of his mind.
“Gilli, baby, I’m gonna run out to the truck, clean out the cab. I’ll make a couple of calls while I’m doing that so we can get going as soon as you’re changed. Then we can grab a bite to eat before we head over there.”
Jack closed the door and trotted down the steps. He pulled the phone from his pocket and dialed a familiar number. He jerked open the truck door and reached for the old discarded coffee cups from too many stops at the coffee shops on the way to or from work.
“Good morning, this is—”
Jack chuckled at the familiar spiel from his friend. “I know who you are, Tim. Look, I need a favor. Got a friend who’s looking for a place to rent.”
“You know I got two places.”
“Yeah, but she don’t want my help.” Jack glanced up at the window of Gillian’s home. “She wants to do it on her own. If she stops by, consider me a reference, and tell everyone I’m her reference, okay?”
“Sure, but you know it’s rare one of your girls would need—”
“This one’s different,” Jack whispered tightly. “She’s the kinda sexy it takes a second to see. She’s not all boobs, no brain. This one is keeper material.”
“Why, Jack, didn’t know you had it in you.” Tim chuckled in his ear. “I’ll put the word out. Only two places to go to find rentals here in town, and I’ll let ’em both know she’s looking. What’s her name?”
“Gilli Hilliard.”
“Hilliard? Why is the name familiar?”
“Her mother married Lenny. Thanks, man, I owe you a beer.”
“Or two. Her mother’s a flat-out bitch. Pity Lenny bedding down with her.”
“Well, we all have our blind spots.” Jack crawled into his truck. “Look, I gotta run, but thanks, man, for looking out for her. I appreciate it.” He hung up with a sigh. Cursing a blue streak, he dialed again. No point in putting off whatever Lenny wanted.
“You called?” Jack listened to Lenny heave a breath.
“Yes, I did. Barbara just called me, upset, in tears—”
“So, why call me? I’m not her keeper.” Jack leaned against the back of his seat, his gaze firm on the door of Gillian’s townhouse.
“Look, just do me a favor and stay out of their business. Barbara’s distraught over Gillian’s attack on her, and I’m not about to—”
“Barbara is a cold-hearted, self-centered bitch who deserves to rot. She marches into Gilli’s home and starts laying out accusations. How does she get Gilli attacked her?” Jack swore. “You know what, my personal relationship is not open for discussion. You want to smooth your wife’s ruffled feathers, placate her. I’m not going to stand by and watch someone I care about get abused by a parent because you’re worried about getting your dick wet.”
“How dare you? Gillian is part of my family and I have—”
“She’s your wife’s daughter.” Jack tensed as the front door opened and Gillian stepped out. “To me she’s something far more important, and I’m not going to give her up. Not even for you. Look, we’ve been friends for a long time, Lenny, but you’re off your rocker if you think for a moment I’m going to stop seeing Gillian.” Hanging up, he tossed the phone in the glove compartment and slid out of the truck.
“Hey, pretty lady, you ready to go?”
“Yes, but I don’t know if this is such a good idea. I have—”
“Nothing to do, but spend a few more hours with me.” Jack pressed a kiss to her lips and ushered her into the truck.
Chapter 21
Two days later, Gillian stood in front of her apartment, her heart in her throat, an icy cloak encircling her as she stared at the number on her ringing phone. Hitting Ignore, she clutched the phone as the red light stopped flashing. A few moments later, she flipped it open. Her throat tight with fear, she dialed her voice mail and listened.
“Bet you thought you were rid of me. Making out a police report, talking to your lawyer, kinda pointless, ain’t it?” Mike snickered in her ear. “They’ll make a note, file it, and nothing’s gonna happen. Nope, I’ve got it made, sweetie-pie. Pretty soon we’ll be together again. And then, well, we’ll be as happy as two clams.
“Were you hoping I’d just go away? Well I’m not going to. I meant what I said, Gillian. You belong to me. Nothing is going to change that.”
Her heart racing, she whispered into the cool morning air. “I don’t belong to you, I never did.”
“Still a sexless, stupid bitch.” Mike laughed. “I heard all about the firefighter you’re screwing. Yeah, I heard all about him. How he’s so good looking, how he’s got plenty of appeal. Man’s got a reputation with the ladies. What makes you think he’s gonna want your scrawny ass?” Mike’s voice dropped.
“Get rid of him, Gillian, or you’ll regret it. I don’t share. Remember that. I told you before I wasn’t done with you, and I meant it.” His voice slithered over the phone, freezing her heart. “I can make him disappear and you know it. Maybe I won’t, maybe I’ll just beat him to a pulp and leave him on some back road. Make
