Make Me Scream (10 page)

J
amie’s shriek immediately followed. What looked suspiciously like one of the bricks from the landscaping border lay amid the shards of glass in the living room floor.

Jackknifing to a sitting position, she scrambled for her nightshirt.

Devon rolled from the table. “What the hell?” He headed for the door.

“Devon!” Jamie, now on her feet, grabbed his boxers, waving them in his direction. “You’re naked!”

Relief washed through him. He wasn’t really a coward. As a sensible, educated adult, giving chase wasn’t the thing to do. Yet he’d felt compelled to do so. Thankfully, Jamie’s voice called a halt to his faulty line of thinking.

Watching his step in the candlelight, he walked back and took his boxers, stepping into them while he observed Jamie’s expression.

Clearly upset, she looked at him expectantly.

He heaved an inward sigh. Of course she was looking expectant. He was the guy. Guys did stuff like rescue damsels in distress, slay dragons, charge fortresses and all that jazz.

The problem with that thought was…it wasn’t technically his style. Yeah, that was the problem. He was more of a lover than a fighter.

Zipping his shorts, he shoved his feet into his flip-flops and headed toward the door. He could do macho, protective male. After all, in the minutes it had taken for him to get dressed, the guilty party had no doubt beat tracks and made a clean getaway. At Jamie’s furrowed brow and her gaze on his feet, he explained, “Don’t want to step on any glass.”

She nodded, evidently understanding, so he ran for the door. Okay, maybe
ran
is too strong of a verb. Walked briskly would be more definitive.

He flipped the locks and looked back. Maybe he puffed his chest a little, but he was risking life and limb. He needed to look buff.

“Stay here. Lock the door after me.” Good grief, did he really just talk an octave lower? How asinine was that?

Outside her door, hearing the lock turn, he released his breath, slumping his shoulders. What now?

Heavy footsteps sounded on the stairs.

Shit
! Maybe he should have waited to come out until he put on a shirt. It would have given the thrower more time to get away.

Todd rounded the corner, coming to an abrupt halt in front of Devon.

“Did I hear glass breaking?” Todd looked around and zeroed in on the jagged remains of Jamie’s window. “Is Jamie okay? I thought I heard her scream.”

Devon stepped in front of Todd, blocking his path to Jamie’s door. “She’s fine.” He glanced at Todd’s smooth, well-developed chest and wished again he’d pulled on his shirt before coming out of the apartment. “Someone tossed a brick through her front window and then took off.”

“Did she see who did it?” Todd took a step back, looking down the corridor between buildings. “Did anyone see which way he went? Maybe we can still catch up.”

“Good idea!” He nudged Todd in the direction of the side parking lot. “You go that way and let me know if you see anyone. I’ll check the other side of the complex.”

It almost worked. Todd even took a step. Then Jamie opened her door, looking hot and adorable, her robe tied tightly over her nightshirt.

“Did you see him?” she asked in a small voice.

“No. He was gone by the time I got out here.” Devon ran his hand through his hair and tried to be concerned more for Jamie than for the hot sex that would not happen.

“I just asked Dev if you saw anything.” Todd stepped closer to Jamie, causing Devon’s molars to ache. “Do you have any idea who would do this?”

Jamie’s gaze found Devon’s and held a second or two before she answered. “No, not really. I was, um, busy.”

Evidently satisfied with her answer, Todd turned and said, “I’ll go this way and check the laundry room and pool area while I’m over there. You go back toward your place and check the front visitor parking lot. You may also want to take a look down the boardwalk, in case he’s lurking around there.”

Devon nodded and started across the courtyard. Damn, he hoped whoever did it was long gone. He really, really didn’t like physical confrontation. Mainly because he had a low pain threshold, which was also embarrassing.

“Be careful!” Jamie’s voice echoed in the courtyard.

He grinned, feeling his chest expand. With Jamie, he felt brave, invincible.

“Not to worry,” came Todd’s deep reply before Devon could open his mouth.

Add stupid to the list of how he felt.

A cursory look around the complex and parking lots failed to yield anything. Thankfully.

He and Todd arrived at Jamie’s door about the same time.

She opened the door, fully dressed now, before either of them could knock.

“You okay?” Todd asked, once again beating Devon to it.

She nodded. “I thought I’d go see about buying something to board up the window.” She shivered, and Devon felt it in his groin.

“Hey, it’s not your responsibility. It’s the complex’s problem. Right, Dev?”

Damn. Todd was right. He hated when that happened.

“Tell you what,” Todd continued, clapping Devon on the back. “I’ve still got a while before I have to be at work. I’ll run upstairs and get my toolbox while you go pick up some plywood at the hardware store. We’ll meet back here and board up her window before I leave.” Devon tried not to wince when Todd clutched his trapezoid in a viselike grip. “Sound like a plan?”

“Y-yes,” he squeaked and then cleared his throat. “I mean, right. Yeah. Good plan.” An escape route dawned. “But I can’t haul much with my Mustang. And even if I could, I don’t have any way to cut the plywood. It was a good plan, though. Other than that.” He bent his neck and shook his head in what he hoped was an appropriate amount of disappointment. “Damn.” Okay, maybe he carried it a bit far, but it was in direct proportion to his relief. Woodworking, hammering and such weren’t exactly his thing either.

“No problem, we can take my truck,” Todd boomed right next to his ear. “I have some power tools in the back. I’m sure I have a saw and a nail gun.”

“Oh, I don’t want to put you out, make you late for work or anything. I’m sure I can manage.” Inspiration struck. “If not, Jamie can always bunk at my place tonight until I get the window fixed.”

“It’s no trouble.” Todd’s teeth flashed white in the darkness. “Matter of fact, here.” He dug in the pockets of jeans Devon would have sworn were painted on. “Take my key and stay at my place.” He tossed Jamie the key he removed from a key ring.

Where the hell did the key ring come from? There wasn’t even enough room for pockets.

“Oh, I really couldn’t…” Jamie began, shaking her head.

“Of course you can! The maid just came today, so it’s clean. Fresh sheets on the bed and everything. I won’t be home until early tomorrow morning, maybe later.”

Todd had a maid? Devon frowned at the dancer’s retreating back. Maybe he should take up exotic dancing. He looked at Todd’s tight butt and broad back and winced. Maybe not. Just getting in shape for it would probably kill him.

“T
hat should do it,” Todd’s voice boomed in Devon’s good ear, the other ear being temporarily—he hoped—deafened by the high-pitched whine of the power saw Todd had used to deftly cut the plywood he and Devon had bought at the hardware store.

“I’ll come back and patch the nail holes tomorrow morning.” Todd cast a reproachful look at Devon.

“Hey,” Devon protested, “I’ve never used a nail gun before. How was I to know how fast it shot the nails?”

Todd grinned and said in a low, conspiratorial voice, “That’s okay. It was worth it to hear you scream like a girl when they went flying into the walls.”

“I. Did. Not. Scream.” He unclenched his jaw and shrugged. “I was just surprised, that’s all.” He glanced toward the bedroom where Jamie was packing a bag. “I’m just glad no one got hurt.”

Todd grinned and winked. “There you go.” He raised his voice. “Jamie? I’m taking off. There’s beer and soda in the fridge and plenty of food. Make yourself at home.” He gave a two-fingered salute and clicked his tongue. “See you, sport.”

With that, he left.

Devon stood in the quiet living room listening to the silence. The boarded-up window muffled all sound from the courtyard.

“Did Todd leave already?” Jamie stood in the doorway, a small duffel bag in her right hand, the other gripping the back of the kitchen chair.

“Yeah,” he said, walking to pry her hand from the aged vinyl. “He said he’d see you tomorrow.”

Her gaze zeroed in on the plywood. “Thanks for boarding up my window. I’m probably perfectly safe to just stay here tonight.”

“But you have three other windows.” He shook his head. “I filed a police report before I called the insurance company, but I don’t think staying here would be a smart thing to do, considering what happened tonight.” Her skin felt warm and smooth beneath his fingertip when he tilted her chin to look into her eyes. “Unless you want to reconsider staying at Todd’s and come home with me? Talk Dirty To Me just sent a whole new box of toys. You could be my research assistant,” he said with a smile and a wink.

Lowering her mouth to his fingertip, she swirled her tongue around it and then placed a gentle kiss on the end. “I think it’s probably a better idea to just stay at Todd’s tonight.” A step brought her breasts against him. A tug on his shirt lowered his mouth for a light kiss. “It’s safer this way.” Kiss. “Not as much temptation,” she whispered against his lips before his mouth took hers.

He deepened the kiss, doing a full-body grind against her she returned with equal enthusiasm. But she was right. Sleeping together would not be the smart or safe thing to do at the moment. Besides, he’d never had a woman spend the night in his bed, and he wasn’t entirely comfortable with the idea now. Not yet, anyway. But the idea had a certain appeal, he conceded when she did a little shimmy against him. Mr. Happy was definitely up for it.

Reluctantly he broke the kiss and took a step back. “I guess you’re right. It’s better this way. C’mon. I’ll walk you up to Todd’s. Make sure you’re tucked in safe and sound for the night.”

She slipped her hand in his and followed him out of the apartment.

Todd’s place, being a second-floor unit, had a study in addition to a bedroom. Relief washed over Devon when he saw the twin-size sofa bed made up in the little room in anticipation of Jamie’s visit. Not that he didn’t trust Todd…well, you get the picture.

“Wow.” Jamie’s eyes were wide as she took in the apartment that resembled the others only in the fact that it was in the same complex and had the same basic floor plan. “It looks professionally decorated.” She ran her hand over the gleaming entry table next to the door, walking her fingers over three marble-looking balls in a big silvery shallow bowl resting on top.

Devon’s crotch tightened, watching her fingers trace the veins in the shining balls. Why couldn’t she just leave the damned balls alone?

“Look at the sofa!” She walked over to the deep red, overstuffed cushions and stroked the soft-looking fabric, tested the cushions with her fingertips.

“I think Todd plans for you to sleep in here,” he said, almost jerking her away from the opulent furnishings. “It probably sleeps like a torture rack, but beggars can’t be choosers, right?”

Dropping her duffel, she kicked off her sandals and crawled onto the suspiciously plush-looking mattress.

In his mind, she was naked, her pert little ass taunting him, making him twitch, ready to pounce on her. She rolled to her back. His mind saw her naked breasts jutting toward the ceiling. His mouth salivated.

“Devon? Are you okay?”

He blinked, and she was once again fully clothed. Damn.

“Hmmm? Oh, yeah. Fine. Just tired, I guess.” He glanced around the luxurious apartment, refusing to make comparisons. “If you don’t need anything else, I guess I’ll go on home and start writing the descriptions for the new line before I fall asleep.”

Propped up on one elbow, she rested her head in her hand. “How’s the book coming along?”

“It’s not. I’m sort of stuck right now. Plus, I have quite a bit of work to do for all the companies. Then there’s managing this place.” He shrugged.

“I’d be happy to read for you, maybe do a little brainstorming, if you’d like.”

“Thanks. I may take you up on that. But not right now.” He walked to the door. “Make sure you lock up.” The door was almost closed before he poked his head back in. “Would you like to have breakfast with me in the morning?” At her nod, he said, “About eight? Great. See you then.”

“What the hell’s going on?” Francyne stepped from the shadows.

Devon jumped and barely swallowed his surprised yelp. “Do you have to skulk in the shadows like that?”

“Who’s skulking? Petunia was helping fertilize the bushes. So. What happened here?” She gestured toward the boarded window and then fell into step with him.

“Some creep threw a patio brick through Jamie’s window tonight. Before you ask, no, we didn’t see him, and, yes, he got away.”

“What were you and Jamie doing during this time?” Francyne’s eyes twinkled behind her lenses.

“Nothing. We were just about to have some cake.”

Francyne shook her head, clearly disappointed. “Boy, talk about missed opportunity.” She clutched his arm. “What does Jamie have to do to get your attention, pumpkin? Parade around naked with a sign around her neck that says
TAKE ME
?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He stopped at his door and dug in his pocket for his key.

“Exactly my damn point! The girl is so hot for you, she’s practically drooling whenever she’s around you. How could you not notice?”

“Francyne, you’re exaggerating. Again. Jamie and I are just friends.” He stepped inside and flipped on the light. “If you want to wait a sec, I’ll get Killer and come with you.”

“Good idea, pumpkin.” She looked around and shivered. “After what went on tonight, I’d feel safer. Hurry on, now. Petunia is beginning to look desperate.”

Jamie woke with the sun streaming across her bed and stretched. The smell of coffee brought her completely awake.

She looked across the immaculate and empty living room. “Todd?” Quiet answered her.

Easing out of bed, she checked the securely locked door. “Todd?”

The plush carpet of the living room caressed her toes with its silky texture before it gave way to the hard, cold slate tile of the kitchen beneath her bare feet. Closer to the shiny black coffeemaker, she saw a bright yellow Post-it note.

 

Jamie—Hope you slept well. I got home late and had to leave again. Fresh fruit in the fridge. Later. T.

 

A glance at the pewter clock on the counter confirmed she had time to have a cup of coffee before showering and heading to Devon’s apartment.

“Don’t look at me like that,” Devon admonished Killer. “I’m not making a big deal. I just thought Jamie looked a little thin last night.” That would be when she was stretched out, naked, on the table in her apartment. “So I thought I’d make a bigger than usual breakfast for her. Don’t pout. I’ll put some in your dish, too.”

The feminine knock on his door could be only one person. “Okay, here she is.” He pointed a finger at his furry roommate. “I want you on your best behavior this morning, understand?”

Killer dropped to the floor and covered his eyes with his paws.

“Drama queen,” he muttered, reaching for the doorknob. “Wow. What a great way to start the day!” He perused Jamie’s petite frame, clad in another bright-patterned sundress with a short skirt. “Come in, please. I hope you’re hungry. I told Killer he was going overboard with the breakfast menu, but he insisted.”

They grinned at each other while he seated her.

“There’s a bowl of fresh fruit on the table,” he called from the kitchen. “Help yourself. I have to take the biscuits out of the oven and dish up the other stuff. Would you like some juice? I have V8 or orange.”

“Is the orange fresh squeezed?”

“What?” He walked back into the dining area and deposited two bowls and a bread basket on the table. “Ah, no. Sorry. Bottled.”

She smiled up at him. “Just kidding. You’re so organized, I thought I’d tease you a little. Bottled orange juice is fine.”

He lifted the lid on a warming plate. “We have three different kinds of eggs, along with sausage and bacon, biscuits and milk gravy.”

Before she could reach for anything, he began loading her plate. “Eat. You’re too skinny.”

“Gee, thanks.”

He waggled his eyebrows. “You need to keep up your strength.” He reached beneath the table and ran his hand up her thigh before giving her a little squeeze. “I like my women with curves.”

Her smile evaporated.

Panic seized him. “What? What did I say? Was it the crack about my women? Because there really haven’t been all that many, if that’s what’s bothering you.”

She shook her head and took a tiny swallow of juice and then licked her lips. “No. It’s just that, well, Fred always told me I had thunder thighs.”

“Yeah?” He made a big production of looking under the table, running his hands up and down her silky thighs. He straightened up and looked her in the eye. “Fred’s an idiot. Not to mention a scum-sucking dirtbag loser.”

“So true.”

He clicked the rim of his juice glass to hers. “To new beginnings.” Leaning closer, he swiped his tongue along the orange sweetness of her lip. “And possibilities.”

Jamie knew she had a sappy smile on her face as she sauntered along the boardwalk, but she couldn’t help it.

Breakfast with Devon had been so special. So right. Not to mention fun and sexy. A fresh wave of arousal swept over her as she thought of the product testing they’d done after breakfast. Whew. She didn’t know if it was Devon’s expertise or if she was experiencing hormone surges, but she just couldn’t get enough of him.

And although she most likely would be naked during most of their future dates, she realized that morning she needed more clothes.

Shirl looked up when Jamie walked through the door of
Play It Again, Ma’am
.

“Hey, girlfriend!” Shirl’s big smile revealed a smudge of tangerine lipstick on his/her front tooth. “Well, look at you. Don’t you just look like the cat that ate the canary.” Outrageous penciled eyebrows moved up and down. “Or was it something more interesting?”

Heat seared Jamie’s cheeks. Averting her eyes from Shirl’s knowing ones, she flipped through a rack of marked-down tank tops and shorts. “I need more clothes.”

Shirl’s chuckle vibrated the air. “Not if you play your cards right, sweetie.” She/he heaved a sigh. “Oh, fine. We just got a big shipment from an estate sale.” A long finger tipped with a bright orange, talonlike nail directed her to the back wall, where several boxes were stacked. Shirl glanced around the deserted store, and then said in a lowered voice, “I haven’t even inventoried any of it yet, if you know what I mean.”

“Not really.”

Shirl sighed again. “Since I haven’t inventoried it, I have no idea what is there…and what isn’t.” At her continued blank stare, he/she growled. “For cripes’ sake! Take whatever you want. Since there’s no inventory, no one will know if any are missing.”

“I couldn’t do that! It wouldn’t be right.”

“Doll, I’m going to tell you a little secret.” He leaned closer. “It doesn’t matter. I can let you have anything I want.” He glanced at the door and then back at her. “I own the store. Don’t spread it around.”

“But why—”

“My ex-wife. She bled me dry. All I had left was the store, and I was determined she wasn’t going to get that. So, after my ‘suicide,’ my sister Shirl inherited the store.”

“But I thought you were—”

“Shhh. This is our little secret, okay? I really do have a sister named Shirl, by the way. She hated the bitch I was married to almost as much as I did, so she didn’t mind me using her identity for a while. Now. Take the clothes. Wear them for your boyfriend in good health.”

“I don’t know what to say.” Jamie wiped a tear from her eye. Why was Shirl being so nice to her, a virtual stranger?

“How about ‘Thank you, Shirl’?”

“There are some killer shoes in the back that would look superb with that dress, doll,” Shirl said several minutes later when Jamie exited the dressing room. Shirl twirled his finger, indicating she should turn around. “You know, not many girls could wear that and not have their asses look big. On you, though, it looks perfect.”

Jamie glanced uneasily in the full-length mirror and resisted the urge to tug up on the plunging neckline and down on the short tight skirt of the lime-green raw-silk cocktail dress. “I’m not sure it’s me.”

“Do you think your guy will like seeing you in it?”

“Probably, but—”

“Does it make you feel sexy?”

Sexy didn’t begin to describe the way the dress made her feel. Lined with the softest silk imaginable, it gave her a full-body caress whenever she moved. She nodded.