Jackson (The Love Family Series Book 8) (4 page)

She dropped her gaze and ignored the pounding of her heart and the butterflies in her stomach. He was just trying to be nice, but not the way she wanted it. Would he stop her if she stripped off more than her shirt and left her body exposed to his gaze? Would he walk away?

He turned her to face the mirror and eased the back of her shirt up to her shoulders as if trying to save her the humiliation.

“It’s still swollen, and your bra strap is making it worse.”

“That’s an easy fix.” She reached into her bra, got the locker key, and shoved it in her pocket before unhooking her bra. She slid the straps off her arms, slipped them through the arms of the shirt and dropped the bra to the floor. “Is that better?”

“You should leave it off as long as possible to give your back some time to heal.” Jackson opened the kit and started applying a cold gel to her back, making goosebumps rise on her arms. He carefully placed a bandage over the cuts. His fingers spanned the small, unmarred areas on her back as he inspected the remaining bruises. She dropped her head to hide her reaction to his touch and the need in her eyes. She stifled her moan. Heat coiled in her belly at the most inappropriate time.

“Start talking.” Her words came out way more lustful than she wanted.

“The security guys that installed the system left a few clues behind. It was only a matter of finding their hideout. They called in for the ransom, and before Frank could even make the drop, I had already gone in and rescued his son.”

“That still doesn’t explain how you knew where they were hiding.”

Jackson lowered her shirt and packed up the bandages he hadn’t used. “You know how Alexis can pinpoint a person just by their essence, for lack of better word?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, on top of putting people to sleep by touching their minds, my brain is like a GPS. If I have an emotional bond with someone, I can find them anywhere. The clues I found from the security feed just let me know who I was dealing with when I got there.”

“That’s convenient. How does your bond work?”

“I have to be emotionally vested in someone, and I guess the best way to describe it, is like a ribbon tied from them to me. I just follow the length with the connection and I can find them wherever they are.”

“Why did you have a strong bond with the kid?”

A smile formed on Jackson’s lips. “I helped deliver him.”

“A man of many talents.” She smiled, took the kit from his hand, and placed it back in the cabinet.

“I have my moments.” He chuckled. “Although our date didn’t go quite as planned, especially the way you teased me at the door.”

She shrugged. He had her pegged. She had teased him. “I only teased you to see how far you were willing to go. I’d already known it was a bet.”

“If that little snot lied to you before the date and you believed him, then why did you go out with me? You could have at least said something.”

“I’m not going to lie. It hurt my feelings, but that was a long time ago, and we’re both a bit older and wiser now. Right?” She patted his chest and had turned to walk away when he caught her arm and spun her around into his chest.

“I’ve thought about you over the years. What might have been.”

She frowned. “You never said anything. I’ve seen you at weddings and every time I’ve come home.” She shook her head in disbelief. She wanted to believe him; she just couldn’t bring herself to hope his declaration was true.

“I was an idiot. I stayed away for all of the wrong reasons.”

“What reasons?” Her brows dipped.

“Alexis would have kicked my ass if anything had gone wrong, but I’m done trying to please everyone else. So let me make my intentions clear this time. I plan to take you on a date when we’re done with this mess and not because of some stupid bet or because I view you as a woman who needs help. That’s far from how I see you. You’re beautiful; you’re smart; you’re stubborn, and you’re persistent, not to mention sexy as hell. You’ve done more than pique my interest, Scarlett, and I plan to explore the chemistry between us.” He lifted her hand to his chest. “Tell me you can feel it too.”

With every sentence he spoke, she was afraid to breathe, afraid that she might wake from this dream. Jackson Love had her in his grasp, and she was seconds away from throwing herself into his arms and screaming,
take me, take me now
.  The fabulous, sexy heroes she’d spent years reading about in romance books didn’t even compare to Jackson. He was strong and beautiful, and he was right. She did feel it. She always had.

“Okay, if you insist, you can take me out.” Her answer came out on a breath.

Jackson’s lips twitched as he slowly lowered his head. His hot breath lingered near her lips. “You won’t be sorry.”

His phone rang, and he paused. She had never felt his lips, never tasted him before he pulled away and answered the call. “This had better be important.”

“It is.” She could hear Reed answer.

“Hang on. There’s something I need to finish,” he said, pressing the phone into his shirt.

Jackson cupped Scarlett’s cheek and pressed a quick kiss to her lips before pulling away. “That’s fourteen years overdue, and that was just a taste of what you’ve got coming.”

Scarlett stood speechless as Jackson left the bathroom with the phone once again pressed to his ear. 

Chapter 5

“I didn’t interrupt you two…you know…did I?” Reed asked Jackson over the phone as Jackson walked into the office area and opened the cabinets containing the security feeds.

Jackson scanned the grounds and roads outside the gates. “Your timing sucks, but no, I haven’t seduced her…yet. Not that it’s any of your business.” 

“I knew it.” Reed laughed. “You better be careful, dude. She’s Alexis’ best friend, and you know how ticked she’ll be if you end up breaking Scarlett’s heart.”

“I backed off the first time because she didn’t trust my motives. I’m not that same guy who will back down now, no matter who asks. I assume there’s a reason for your call.”

“I’ve got bad news and good news. Which do you want first?”

“The bad,” Jackson answered.

“Your backup is going to take longer than expected, but I’m sure you can find a way to spend the time for an additional forty-eight hours.”

Forty-eight hours. That thought left him anxious about not having the extra protection, but excited that they would have more time to be alone. They were safe for now, and he knew plenty of ways to keep Scarlett busy.  “Why, what happened?”

“They’re working a time-sensitive situation they have to handle first.”

“And Landon and Avery agreed?” For all of the Loves, family came first. The fact that they’d delay helping Jackson and Scarlett meant it had to be something serious.

“You didn’t hear this from me, but it’s human trafficking, and Landon and Avery have to stop the shipment before it leaves the country. Luckily, the job is close to your location.”

“And the good news?” Jackson rubbed his hand through his hair as he left the office and headed toward the kitchen.

“Good news is I found out what the key opens.”

Jackson grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. If Reed had found what the key opened, Jackson might solve this mystery without needing help. “You’re serious?”

“When are you guys ever going to learn that I’m just that good?”

“Right, sorry I questioned your greatness; now get to the punch line. Where am I going?”

Scarlett took the bottle from his hand and took a long swig while leaning against the counter.

“I’m afraid you don’t have the right equipment. You’re going to need Scarlett, or you’ll have to wait until Avery gets there.”

“Where is it?”

“An all-female spa.”

Girlie things weren’t Jackson’s forte, but he’d make an exception to become familiar with the one place the key fit. He’d find a way into the establishment. “They have all-female spas? Can you tap into their security to see how hard it’s going to be to break in?”

Scarlett pulled the key out of her pocket and kissed it. “I know where the spa is. I can’t believe I didn’t recognize the key. I have an account there.”

“You do?”

She held the key up in the air. “It’s a key to a personal locker. It’s brilliant that she used that place. The male agents wouldn’t have access.”

“I’m putting you on speaker.” Jackson clicked the button and set the phone down on the table. “How did you figure it out, Reed?” 

“I didn’t.” He chuckled. “I took a screen shot when you held it up to the computer, and Avery mentioned that it looks like one from the spa on the Island.

“There’s a spa on Love?”

“Of course.” Scarlett chuckled.

“It turns out my wife is a genius. There’s only one all-women spa in town, and it’s in the business district downtown.”

Scarlett spun and headed down the hall. She lifted her fist in the air and pumped. “Leave it to the women.”

Jackson grabbed the phone and followed. “Where do you think you’re going?”

“To get my shoes.” She pointed toward the room. “I’m a girl, and I have a key. I can grab the file, and you can drive the getaway car.”

Reed let out a full belly laugh.

“No, you’re not,” Jackson growled. “Reed, I’m hanging up now.”

“Yeah, you try and tell your woman what she isn’t doing. She’s going to love that.”

“I’m not his woman,” Scarlett sang out and turned into the room.

Jackson disconnected the phone and walked into the master bedroom to find Scarlett slipping her feet into her shoes. “Scarlett.”

She glanced up at him as she tied the last lace. “I’m going, Jackson.”

“How are you going to get there?”

“You’re going to drive me.”

Jackson crossed his arms over his chest. “We’ll wait until Avery gets here. She’ll arrive in a few days.”

“A few days?” Scarlett stood and walked into the bathroom. She came out twirling her bra on her finger.

“They got delayed on a time-sensitive mission.” He closed the distance between them and stared into her eyes. “You can’t go. It’s too dangerous.”

Scarlett entwined her fingers together and smiled. “I’ve met with mob bosses, serial killers, and worse. I can handle a few pampered princesses and employees. You get me there in one piece and I’ll handle the rest.”

****

Jackson cursed beneath his breath as he drove down the highway. His mood was crap and his nerves strung tight. How had he let her talk him into doing this? She’d slipped off her shirt to put on her bra. One look at her breasts and how they pebbled from his gaze and his brain malfunctioned. His eyes transfixed, his hands itched to touch them. He would have agreed to anything if she’d stood naked in front of him.

This whole cloak-and-dagger game needed to end and fast. Jackson glanced up into the rearview mirror. The road behind them was free and clear, as was the road ahead. They were safe for the time being, but how long that would last was anyone’s guess. 

“What are you going to say when you go inside?” He glanced at her.

“I’m going to tell them that I left my stuff in the locker and wanted to return the key.”

“There’s only one problem. Wouldn’t you need to change back into the clothes after your spa appointment? You couldn’t have left them there unless you walked out naked, and I’m pretty sure they would have remembered that. I would have.” Her plans had some serious holes.

“What if I tell them I need a massage? I’ll have access to the locker area and can grab the stuff.”

Jackson nodded. That would work, in and out with little fuss and attention. “And if you encounter any problems, then what?”

“I leave, and we wait for Avery. You should park behind the building, just in case, and I’ll use the back exit closest to the locker room.”

Jackson reached over and grabbed her hand, entwining their fingers. “I still don’t like it.”

“The employees know me. I’ll be fine.”

That still didn’t ease his mind or his racing heart as they got closer to the business district. Traffic had picked up, and men and women in suits walked the streets and sat outside cafés eating lunch. They were too open, easy pickings if the wrong person noticed them. “In and out, right?”

Jackson pulled into the back parking lot and turned the car around for an easy exit. He shoved the gear into park. “I wish it was me going in, instead of you.”

“Quit worrying. In and out. I’ve got this.” Scarlett unbuckled her seatbelt, leaned across the seat, and kissed his lips. The bold move threw him off guard, giving her time to slip from the SUV. The little minx.

****

Scarlett kept her head down and quickened her step down the alleyway toward the entrance. Her heartbeat quickened as anxiety coiled through her body just from being out in the open. A killer with a gun could be nearby.
Act nonchalant and play the part. You are just a girl going to a spa. No one the wiser.
Her heartbeat slowed as she stepped into the spa and the door behind her closed. She was safe for now. The familiar scent of lavender drifted to her nose and the calming serene music filled her ears, easing her worry. A rock waterfall dripped nearby. The spa exuded peace and calm. Scarlett channeled her inner diva.

“Ms. Denton. It’s a pleasure to see you again.” Trisha, the blonde receptionist glanced down at her book and ran her finger down the list of names. “I don’t recall seeing your name in the appointment book.”

“I don’t have one.” Scarlett smiled and raised her brows. “I was hoping Ramona has an opening. I’ve had a week from hell and need her to work her magic on my muscles.”

“I’m sorry, but she’s booked the entire day.” 

“Don’t be silly,” Ms. Faircloth, the owner, said while walking out of her office. “Ms. Denton has priority here. Rearrange one of Ramona’s clients with another masseuse.

“I do?” Scarlett asked.

“Of course.” Ms. Faircloth gestured toward the hall.  “I’ll take you back personally.”

Okay, this was just too weird. Ms. Faircloth had never acknowledged Scarlett in the three years she’d been a client. “Ms. Faircloth, you must have me confused with someone else. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not complaining. I just…”

Ms. Faircloth lowered her voice. “You’re here for locker 519, aren’t you? Rosie and Mr. Salvatore said that you’d probably be the one showing up and I was to personally escort you to the locker room.”

“Really? When did they tell you that?”

“She called today,” Ms. Faircloth said. “If you’ll just give me the key, we’ll get you squared away.”

“She called?” Impossible unless the dead had learned to use phones or there was a medium nearby. Butterflies erupted in Scarlett’s stomach as her heart raced. No way was she handing over the key. She gazed frantically around the hallway, searching for an escape.

“Yes, dear?”

Scarlett slowed her step as the neared the restroom facilities. “Uh…I need to use the restroom.”

“Sure. I’ll wait.” Ms. Faircloth’s eyes narrowed and she smirked. The owner was on to Scarlett’s attempt to stall.

Scarlett lifted her hand to her stomach and groaned. “I might be awhile. I had a burrito for lunch.”

“I’ll be here.”

Of course she would. Her quick in and out was thwarted.

Scarlett glanced down the hallway at the people walking around. Ramona walked out of a room, her mouth parted, before she returned to the room.

Perfect. Scarlett’s hands trembled as she pushed into the bathroom and leaned back against the door. The bathroom was spacious. Expensive marble covered the floor. The sinks and stalls lacked anything Scarlett could use to get out. Her gaze went to the small window on the far wall. Ramona had told Scarlett once that the employees came into the bathroom to smoke on their breaks, and they’d crack the window and blow out their smoke so Ms. Faircloth wouldn’t figure it out. The window was too small to use for an escape.

Scarlett moved farther into the restroom, checking beneath the stalls for feet. She was alone. She needed a phone, and neither Jackson nor she had thought that far ahead. She needed a way to call him for help. “Freakin’ fantastic.”

Scarlett spun around, and her eyes darted around the room for anything she could use as a distraction. There was nothing. Scarlett glanced toward the window again, wishing she were athletic and petite. Sun glinted off an object sitting on the windowsill. She moved closer for a better look. Unlocking the window, she pushed it open. The breeze was refreshing but no more so than the lighter sitting on the window frame. A solution formed, and her heart lifted, as did her hope. She could get out of this. She was smart. A small fire would do the trick.

Scarlett grabbed the lighter just as the door behind her opened. Ramona walked into the bathroom. She was tall and graceful. Her braided red hair ran down her back. Ramona pushed open each stall door. “That was stupid coming here. You should have called me.”

Scarlett’s brows dipped as she tightened her fingers around the lighter.

“What were you going to do, burn the bathroom as a distraction?”

“Wha…How did you know?”

“Never mind that.” Ramona grabbed Scarlett’s wrist and pulled her toward the door. Scarlett struggled to remove Ramona’s fingers. A wave of apprehension coursed through Scarlett.

A shadow of annoyance crossed Ramona’s face. “Stop struggling. I’m here to help you.”

“Why and how do you know I need help?”

“That shootout at Salvatore’s killed my boyfriend, Johnny.”

“
Just-Call-Me-Johnn
y
?” Scarlett asked.

Raw hurt glittered in Ramona’s green eyes. “Salvatore tasked me to keep my eye out for you. He said that you’d be coming for the locker.”

A new and unexpected warmth for the mob boss surged through her. Ramona was an ally. Hope fluttered and deflated just as quickly. “Ms. Faircloth said the same thing, and she lied. How do I know I can trust you?”

“Salvatore told you he owed you a story. Did he not?”

Scarlett nodded.   

Ramona opened a small cabinet that Scarlett had overlooked and pulled out a robe. She tossed it to Scarlett. “Good, put this on over your clothes.”