Intuition (9 page)

She took a long sip. The refreshing liquid slid down her parched throat. He waited and watched as she drained the contents and took the cup away, placing it on the nightstand. Jake reached up and pushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear before brushing his fingers down her cheek. The slightest touch sent shivers through her body. She needed to think straight. She couldn’t, no, she wouldn’t, get attached to this man.

“I slept fine. How long was I out?” She eased into a sitting position.

“About an hour. Are you hungry?” he asked.

Her stomach growled at the mention of food. She placed her hand to her stomach and willed it to stop. “I’m starved, but I’d kill for a bath first.”

“I’ll start you a bath before I go dig us up something to eat.” He rose from the bed and went to the adjoining door. She heard the water running as he came back, an unease evident in his eyes. He stared at her for a moment, then he shook his head, clear with whatever decision he had just made.

“Towels are in the bathroom closet. Help yourself to anything else you need.” He retreated out of the room, leaving her alone.

The bathroom was out of a dream. He had started a Jacuzzi-style bathtub. The jets were going to feel like heaven on her bruised muscles. She picked up the bubble bath from the counter and inhaled the flowery aroma.
He must entertain a lot while he’s here, unless it’s his wife’s.
The thought came out of nowhere. She looked into the mirror. Her cheeks were a bright red.
I’m such an idiot, I didn’t even think to ask.

The thought reminded her why she was reluctant to stay with Jake. Emma needed to stay focused on her goal and not on Jake, because her goal did not include him. Still, she gushed at the measures he’d gone to in order to make her comfortable. A virtual stranger she hadn’t even known existed several weeks ago had taken her in. Of course, it had all been as a favor to her brother, she reminded herself. It was still noble, and she knew Ben wouldn’t have done so much as lift a finger without complaining.

Emma eased her battered body into the awaiting bath. The warmth invaded her bones as the jets caressed her skin, making her body feel boneless. The stress from the day had drained her mind, body, and soul. After washing her hair, she leaned back and closed her eyes. She’d sleep like the dead when she lay back down, even in an unknown house.

“How do you feel, baby girl?”

Momma Mae’s unexpected voice startled Emma from her relaxation. Was there no place off limits to those in the afterlife?

“Like I got hit by a truck.”

“Emma, are you okay in there?” Jake asked from behind the closed door.

“Crap,” she whispered to herself. She raised her voice. “I’m fine. I’ll be out in a few minutes.” When she heard the bedroom door close, she let out her breath.

“He’s going to think I’m mental if I keep talking to myself,” she whispered to Momma Mae. She had never slipped up revealing her abilities so many times in her life. Something about Jake made her feel at ease, comfortable in a way she'd never felt.

“You need to tell him.”

“Oh no I don’t! He won’t believe me. He’ll probably try to have me committed.”

“Give him a chance, Emma.”

“I can’t, Momma Mae. I don’t trust him yet.”

Emma leaned back and closed her eyes once again. When she reopened them again minutes later, Momma Mae had vanished. The stubborn old woman would be back in full force later, pushing and prodding until she got what she wanted. She always did.

Emma wrapped a fluffy white towel around her as she climed out of the tub. She grabbed a brush from the countertop and ran it through her tangled hair then slathered some lotion along her skin, skipping all of her cuts and bruises she inspected along the way. She saw some much needed pain medications in her future.

Emma grimaced looking at the scrubs laying on the floor. She longed for her own clothes, something softer against her skin, something to wear that was hers. She needed something to wear. Jake had already been out in the room once while she was in the tub, so she wasn’t taking any chances. She slowly opened the door and peeked out, scanning the room, ensuring she was alone before emerging nervous and wrapped in a towel.

 Emma was getting ready to rummage through his drawers and closet for clean clothes but stopped short when she noticed her pink suitcase sitting on the bed. She looked up to the heavens and whispered her thanks. She smiled, happy to have her own things until she saw the contents inside. Her new, comfortable pajamas weren’t packed. Oh no, leave it to her brother to pack her old, ratty pair instead of the pretty ones. Jake should have asked one of her sisters to do her packing.

After dressing, Emma opened the door and became lost as she explored the house, so she followed the faint voices she heard. Curiosity tempted her to peek in one of the four doors on her hall.
How many rooms does this place have?
There were no pictures hanging on the wall that would give her a hint to the occupants. She reached for the door handle to the room next to hers and stilled, hearing the voices in the distance growing louder.

“She’s in the shower.” That voice was familiar: Jake’s.

“I can’t believe he never told us about them,” an unfamiliar voice responded.

Oh god, what did they find out and by who?
Emma chewed her bottom lip as she inched closer to the end of the hall, not at all sure what she’d find. She rubbed the dampness off her hands on her pajamas as she peeked around the corner.
I could never be a spy
. She wasn’t the sneaky type. She straightened from her crouch and cleared her throat as she rounded the corner to stop on a landing. The grand staircase descended on both sides down into a big foyer. Jake stood below with a large blond man. He was just as tall as Jake with his arms crossed on his chest. Dressed in fatigues and a black shirt that stretched over his chiseled muscles, he looked like he’d just come from a mission.
Now, he could pass for a spy
. She chuckled.

“Why did you call us here?” the blonde man asked.

Emma descended the stairs and stopped in front of them. Inhaling a deep breath, she cleared her throat. “I’d like to know that too.” Hands on her hip, she tapped her foot and waited for a response. It wasn’t her business, but she had a nagging suspicion she was the topic up for discussion.

The blond man looked from Emma to Jake. “Now I know why,” he said with a sly grin as he slid closer to Emma.

“Back off, Edwards,” Jake sneered. “Emma, this is Butch Edwards.” Jake took her elbow and guided her down the hall and toward the swinging double doors. He didn’t turn once to see if Butch followed, but she glanced back and was rewarded with a wink. The doors pushed open. Emma stopped, and her jaw dropped as she took in the enormous kitchen. She wondered what it would be like to have a kitchen this size. And this clean. It was bigger than she had at the café.

It sparkled and smelled lemony fresh. The granite counters and tile floor were immaculate. Emma wondered if he really lived here at all. No stray dishes or glasses littered the counter, and there were none in the sink. No pizza boxes or beer cans either. This wasn't the typical bachelor pad she'd expected. She walked around the room, trailing her finger over the counters, admiring all the space. Emma stood next to the island, tilted her head back, and looked up. Hanging above the island were brand-new stainless steel pots and pans, high enough only a giant could reach. She balled her fist by her sides. Her hands twitched to grab one and start cooking. She might need a ladder to get them down, but she would find a way.

Emma walked to the French doors and strained to see through the darkness. All she could make out was the enormous deck. She turned from her new spot and glanced once more around the room. There were no frills or personal items on the counters, and the walls were empty. Maybe that was the way he liked it; either him or his wife. She shrugged. A dog bark broke the silence, making her jump. She was a nervous wreck. Her heart raced as she spun too quickly back towards the door. Blood drained from her face as the dizziness assaulted her. She grabbed the closest countertop to gain her balance and closed her eyes.

Butch walked to the doors, pushed them open, and yelled, “Hush, Maxine!” He turned back to her. “I’m sorry, Emma, it’s just my dog. She’s really a big baby.”

“Don’t overdo it, Emma,” Jake warned. He placed an arm under her legs and one against her back and scooped her up in his arms. His steel arms encased her and pulled her close, causing her to wince. Her tender body still ached from the accident. Emma fought the urge to rest her head on his shoulder as he strolled toward the chair and eased her down. Her stomach growled and broke the uncomfortable silence. Propping her elbows on the table, she hid her face in her hands; sure her cheeks were red from embarrassment.

Jake and Butch chuckled. “Is an omelet okay?” Jake asked as he started to pull ingredients from the fridge.

“Sounds good to me.” Butch plopped down next to her, leaned the chair back on two legs, and locked his fingers behind his head.

Emma couldn’t take her eyes off the man who sat inches away. He seemed comfortable in any situation, at ease even her presence. This must be nothing new for him. He was quite the looker; his relaxed persona contradicted his chiseled face and tattooed arms. A chance meeting with Butch in an abandoned alley would have scared the shit out of her. He wasn't going anywhere, anytime soon, and she wasn't asking him to. As she pulled her gaze from his body up to his eyes, Butch had a goofy grin on his face, and he winked. Heat traveled to her cheeks as she looked away.

“Jake, I’m sorry Mike dumped me on you. I’ll be out of your hair in the morning.” Emma’s shoulders slumped as she stared down at her hands, unable to look him in the eyes. She didn’t want to be a burden on anyone.

“He didn’t, Emma. I insisted, remember?”

“You going to fill me in now?” Butch asked from his comfortable position. Emma started fidgeting with her hands.

“Someone’s after her, and I need help protecting her until I find out what’s going on and deal with it.”

Emma’s head shot up. “Now wait just a minute! Who appointed you my keeper?”

“I did.”

“Only for the night. I won’t put you in danger too.”

“What do you mean
too
?”

“I’ll fill you in later, Butch,” Jake sighed.

Jake had his hands on the counter with his head down. He drew in a deep breath then released it slowly as though making a decision before lifting his head to look up at her. He seemed to have made up his mind. “Em, did Mike tell you about me?” He gestured with his hand toward Butch “About us?”

She looked from Jake to Butch, and her eyes widened. It made perfect sense. She wanted to kick herself for not noticing it sooner. She thumped her hand against her forehead. “Oh I get it! You’re gay,” she said in a singsong voice as she pointed back and forth between the two of them.

“The hell I am!”

“It’s okay, honest.” Her hands went up in surrender. “I work with a gay guy.”

The chair landed with a thump as Butch sat forward again. “Have you lost your mind? Do we look gay?”

“Well…” She paused and looked both of them up and down. “You’re both hunks. So I thought either gay or married.” She shrugged and felt her lips raise to a grin.

“Neither gay or married,” Jake said as he turned back to whisking the eggs. “We were in the military with your brother. He didn’t talk about us?” He glanced her way with his eyebrows raised.

“Nothing specific. He tried to keep us from worrying.”

“We’re in security, Emma, and I’ve just made you our next assignment.”

CHAPTER 12

Emma ate in silence, and the men were quiet, allowing her time to think. Her mind raced as she tried to figure out what to do. The aroma of her cheese omelet, normally a favorite of hers, made her stomach churn. The internal questions weren’t the only things making it impossible to enjoy her meal. She sat picking out the veggies she wasn’t about to eat.

He could potentially be an asset if what he said was true. He might be able to help her set up the trap and flush the lunatic out. He’d already proven he had skills. Could she risk falling any harder for Jake, a man she knew next to nothing about? The choice could save her life or break her heart. Hiding her secret would be a struggle, but she’d managed before. Her previous near slip-ups had happened under duress. At least she kept telling herself that as justification.

The decision made in her mind, she pulled her shoulders back, looked him in the eyes, and cleared her throat even though accepting help made her feel insignificant and not in charge of her own destiny.
Well, I’ll be damned. Didn’t Momma Mae mention destiny twice since meeting Jake? That stubborn apparition knows more than what she says
. Emma liked being able to handle things for herself, but she wasn’t stupid. She needed all the help she could get. Fighting the butterflies in her stomach, all she managed to choke out was “Thank you, I could use your help.”

Jake let out a breath, and his lips quirked as he looked from her to Butch. “I told you she was beautiful and smart,” he said as he winked in her direction. “Emma, you look exhausted. Why don’t you go get some rest and I’ll check on you in a bit.”

“I am tired.” Relieved she wasn’t alone and would have help, she stood up and said “good night” on her way to the door. She turned to her savior one last time. “Thank you for rescuing me tonight. I wouldn’t be standing here if it weren’t for you.”

“You’re welcome, Emma.”

*****

For the next few hours, Jake and Butch discussed how they would handle Emma’s threat. He knew the sisters wouldn’t like the plan they came up with, but he’d convince them it was in their best interests. For the second time that night, Jake went upstairs to check on Emma and wake her up. She mumbled in her sleep, carrying on conversations with whomever occupied her dreams. As he walked to the side of her bed, she screamed. Her head thrashed back and forth as though she was fighting an invisible ghost from her dreams.