Prey (BookStrand Publishing Romance) (2 page)

Jade’s normally low, husky voice climbed an octave. “So it’s a girl?”

“Now child, I didn’t say that.”

“Yes you did! I’m going to have a niece! Yippee!” She clapped her hands and did a little twist. “I feel like dancing. Chase isn’t on the floor. I think I’ll nab him.” She helped Ernestine into a chair located in an advantageous position to watch over everyone.

“Please excuse me, Aunt Ernestine,” she bowed, “but I think I’m gonna bust a move with my brother, the father to be.” She kissed Ernestine’s powdered cheek and walked away.

Chase greeted her with a special smile. Jade liked to think that look was the one he saved for her alone. It overflowed with love but contained equal parts admiration and wonder. He was always so gentle with her, as if he was afraid she might break. She, of course, knew she wouldn’t and took pride in the fact that she was tougher than she looked.

She looked up at her brother. The disparity in their heights was more than generous. Chase was 6’7” which was just fine for Reggie who topped out at 5’10”, but he was almost a foot and a half taller than Jade. When he was particularly happy, which Jade noted was just about every day lately, he fancied picking her up in his arms and carrying her around. For some reason she hadn’t yet fathomed, he didn’t like the idea of her walking anywhere when he could so easily carry her. When he learned of her desire to dance, he swept her up and walked to the dance floor. She accepted his exuberance with equanimity. He put her down in front of him and they danced like crazy for the next fifteen minutes. Their joy was infectious as Hank and Maggie joined them, prancing around and between them. They appeared to be dancing. Wedding guests watched, delighted by the spectacle.

Jade burst out laughing as once again she was nudged and thrown off balance by Hank. Shrugging she looked up at Chase. “Only in New Crescent do you find dogs who dance with you.”

As if understanding her words, Hank barked twice and appeared to smile.

Breathless, she finally staggered off the dance floor and collapsed in a chair. The dogs promptly found another couple to dance with. With tireless energy on this happiest of days, Chase moved away, promising Jade a glass of water. She looked down at her bright red silk dress. She was wrinkling it, but was far past caring. The formal ceremony was complete, the wedding pictures taken, this was the fun part and she planned on enjoying herself.

“I never knew it could be so difficult to get water at an open bar.” Chase handed a glass to her. “The bartender looked at me as if to say, ‘Hey dude, why not have a real drink, it’s free.’ I think I actually hurt his feelings when I wanted just plain water.”

Taking a deep drink, Jade pretended to feel sympathy. “The poor fellow, I’ll make it up to him after I drink this. I’ll order something exotic, so he can showcase his talents.”

Chase looked at her, and she could tell he was overflowing with emotion. That could only mean one thing. He wanted to bear hug her again. She gave him a quelling look, and he shrugged.

“Well then, I’m going to go where I’m appreciated.” His warm gaze zeroed in on his bride, and he was gone.

Sitting alone watching everyone celebrate made Jade happy. She was shy by nature and had a tendency to sit on the sidelines and watch the action. She liked it that way. Jade was never afraid of being alone. Not that she was ever truly alone. She always had company of another species. Today was no different. The music had slowed and walking off the dance floor by himself, Hank ambled over to Jade. She smiled at the big white beast serenely. This was a New Crescent wedding. Of course everyone brought their dogs. Jade had forgotten that fact and had left her own canine companion, Rags, behind. She regretted it and Hank, bless him, recognized her need for furry comfort.

He was massive, an incredible specimen, a Great Pyrenees. He belonged to Gillian Watson, Jade’s fellow bridesmaid. Gillian was engaged to Travis Sinclair, one of Chase’s closest friends.

Jade looked into the big dog’s eyes. As intelligent as any human, he blinked. He was happy, but ever vigilant. Jade knew that Gillian was nervous in crowds so she was happy to see that Hank kept a watchful eye on his mistress, despite the dancing. The tables of irresistible food were a great temptation to him, but he knew that sampling it uninvited would be impolite. And Hank was always polite.

Jade smiled and stroked his majestic head. She knew in her heart that Hank would readily give his life for Gillian. He’d proven that. In his short life, the dog had known want and neglect. Gillian was the one who rescued him from it and, in so doing, earned his lifelong loyalty. Jade scratched his favorite spot behind an ear and broke eye contact.

She could hear Sam and Michelle laughing on the dance floor. They danced well together. Big surprise. For a moment Jade regretted not bringing her own date then scolded herself for being foolish.

She bent and whispered in Hank’s ear. “I don’t know what I’m mooning about. I don’t know any guy who’d have come with me to this wedding anyway.” It didn’t embarrass her in the least to be seen talking to a dog. “I don’t understand what all the fuss is about. I’ve dated men, kissed them, even had sex with a few. What’s the big deal? Sex is okay, but to tell you the truth, it’s a bit anticlimactic, so to speak. Maybe I’m just not cut out for passion the way some women are.” It made perfect sense to her that she’d closed the door on romance and hadn’t yet found an occasion to open it again.

With narrowed eyes she looked deep into Hank’s opaque gaze. Distracted, he didn’t appear to be listening to her ramblings. She breathed a rueful sigh. Great, she’d bored even the dog.

Her laugh got caught in her throat when she saw confusion then concern in the dog’s eyes. He bid Jade farewell with a doggy nod and trotted over to Gillian, who touched him instinctively as if knowing he was there, knowing he would come to her.

“Whew. I tell you that man has stamina. Aren’t I the lucky one?” Michelle dropped on to a chair next to her. Jade offered her a sip of water, but she shook her head.

“Thanks, Sam’s bringing me something.” She stroked her hand down the length of her long thigh, stopping just above the knee and shifted to adjust her couture dress. “What are you doing sitting all alone? I know most of the guys here aren’t quite top drawer, but surely there’s someone you could dance with. I mean other than your brother, of course.” She smirked.

“There’s always me.” Sam leaned down, put a glass in Michelle’s hand and took Jade’s hand with his own. “How about it, Jade? Dance with me?”

She gave Michelle a quick look. Michelle smiled at her. In female speak that meant she didn’t mind Jade dancing with her man. On her feet, Jade followed Sam to the dance floor.

The disc jockey was playing one of those songs that forced a person to make a decision. Slow dance? Fast dance? Sam as usual took the lead. He pulled her into a casual embrace and moved to the music in perfect time. The music stopped and a genuine slow song started. Sam hugged her a little closer to him.

“That’s curious,” she thought, “this feels really nice
.
”

She tipped her face up and spoke her thoughts out loud, “This is nice.”

He smiled that irresistible crooked smile of his and met her green eyes with his brown ones. His eyes shifted from hers and moved to her lips. What he saw there must have pleased him because Jade watched his pupils dilate. Instinctively, she ran her tongue over her lips to moisten them. Sam blinked and looked away.

His voice was husky. “Reggie’s dancing with the disk jockey, so we may be here for a while.” He nodded toward the bride and her diminutive partner. “She has a thing for him, I swear.”

Jade giggled. “I think the feeling is mutual.” Peter Jabonowitz’s eyes were closed and positioned squarely in front of Reggie’s impressive breasts. Pure bliss defined the expression on his face.

Jade could feel the laugh start in Sam’s belly and make its way all the way up to escape from his mouth. Astonished, Jade realized she’d
felt
his amusement before having seen it or heard it. It was a pleasant sensation. She liked it and moved a little closer to him.

Give a man an inch and he takes a mile. Sam pulled her even closer still. She could feel his heart thump in his chest as it beat just a little faster than hers. It beat faster still when she shifted in his arms. She felt his quick indrawn breath and looked up at him, a question in her eyes. Jade blinked, his eyes looked dark and intense, but he said nothing. Instead, he put his hand on the back of her head and pressed it to the drumming beat of his heart. They danced on.

She wasn’t sure how long she’d spent in his arms when she caught sight of Michelle’s impatient body language. It had to come to an end. This was the last song. The final notes faded away all too quickly. Sam seemed prepared to dance the next and next, but Jade pulled away.

“Thanks for the dance, Sam. I think I’m ready for a drink.”

She lied, and she didn’t like to lie. She’d never been very good at it. So, feeling guilty, Jade avoided Sam’s eyes and hurried off the dance floor. Her cheeks felt warm. She could feel them flush and hurriedly made her way to the bathroom.

Inside the house, Jade looked up at the high ceiling in the grand entrance way. It was grand indeed, but it suited Reggie and Chase. They were kind of larger than life people. Only a house such as this could hold them.

Glancing over her shoulder she wondered, was the ghost here? Jade had heard the stories. Constance McCann still walked the property carrying her baby son. She was no longer a disturbed spirit caught between worlds, but rather a playful and meddlesome member of the family who liked to pop in at inopportune moments and make snide remarks. Jade hadn’t seen her yet. Constance wouldn’t appear to just anyone. She’d bonded with Reggie and smugly took credit for bringing Chase and Reggie together at last.

In a little voice, Jade offered, “Constance McCann? I hope you don’t mind if I use your bathroom.” No response. Jade shrugged and walked to the bathroom, closing the door behind her. She paused. The well lit mirror above the vanity showed her reflection. What she saw didn’t surprise her, a small boned, slightly exotic looking woman with almond shaped green eyes and very red cheeks looking back at her.

Jade shook her head. For the hundredth time she admonished herself, “Blushing is for blonds, so cut it out.”

When she’d doused the flames in her cheeks, she walked back out into the autumn sunshine. Travis Sinclair, one of Chase’s best friends was there to greet her.

He opened his arms wide and smiled at her, “Sorry, sweetheart, but I’m marrying another. Finally someone wants me. There’s only so much rejection I can stand. But never fear. My love for you lives on.”

She laughed and walked into his embrace. She sighed and rolled her eyes when he lifted her off the ground. “What is it with the men in this town and their need to pick me up?” The note of irritation in her voice was entirely affected.

Travis shrugged, completely unconcerned. “Ah, I think I can answer that one for you.” He put her down and looked at her in deadly seriousness.

“We really want to squeeze you, but you’re so delicate we’re afraid applying pressure will make your head pop off. So, we’re forced to settle for lifting you off the ground.” She scoffed at him, and he defended his position, “It’s true. You’re like the cutest puppy ever. I have to grit my teeth to keep from biting you.”

She narrowed her eyes with mock suspicion. “Well thanks for that…I think.”

Jade looked down and saw Travis’s dog Maggie. Their eyes connected and Jade smiled. “You’ve got a very loyal dog here, Travis...and not a bad dancer.” She used an index finger and poked him in the chest. “Make sure you deserve her.”

Travis shook his head. “Honey, I’m blessed. I don’t deserve half the things I’ve got.” He looked over at Gillian who met his glance with a smile. They shared a silent communication, and for a second, Jade felt de trop.

Jade pinched him in the arm. “Just do that every now and then to make sure you’re not dreaming.”

He grunted and aimed a pitiful look at her. Rubbing the skin she’d pinched, he whined pathetically, “But I bruise easily.”

She giggled at him. “Liar.”

His deep laughter joined hers. “Make my day and dance with me.”

She sent him a long suffering look and sighed. “Okay, if I have to.” He pulled her along behind him. This visit to the dance floor was so different from the one she’d shared with Sam. One after another, Reggie’s disk jockey played killer fast songs. Usually Travis was very graceful for a man his size, but when he hit the dance floor he appeared to forget how to use his limbs. He used them anyway, to everyone else’s amusement. Dancing with him was a gas. Breathless from the energetic rhythm and from the rib cracking laughter, Jade had to beg off after four consecutive songs.

Happily, she collapsed in her chair, but her joy was short lived when she felt a cool nose nudge her hand. Surprised, she looked down to see Maggie by her side. The dog’s heart was pounding. Jade could feel it. Cupping the dog’s muzzle in her hand Jade looked into her eyes. This wasn’t excitement. It was fear. Jade frowned and looked around, but could find nothing that would cause such a reaction in an otherwise perfectly calm dog. Concentrating hard, she tried to find out from Maggie where the feeling was coming from. Scent. The dog smelled something wrong, so wrong that it confused and frightened her. Maggie looked up helplessly.